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rdesktop vs TeamViewer

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs.

rdesktop icon
rdesktop
TeamViewer icon
TeamViewer

rdesktop vs TeamViewer: The Verdict

Last updated: May 2026 · Comparison by Sugggest Editorial Team

Feature rdesktop TeamViewer
Sugggest Score
Category Remote Work & Education Remote Work & Education
Pricing Open Source

Product Overview

rdesktop
rdesktop

Description: rdesktop is an open source remote desktop client that allows users to connect to computers running Microsoft Windows RDP services. It provides functionality similar to Microsoft's own Remote Desktop Connection client.

Type: software

Pricing: Open Source

TeamViewer
TeamViewer

Description: TeamViewer is a popular remote desktop software that allows users to access and control computers or mobile devices remotely over the internet. It facilitates remote support and online meetings with features like screen sharing, file transfer, and more.

Type: software

Key Features Comparison

rdesktop
rdesktop Features
  • Remote desktop client for Microsoft Windows systems using RDP
  • Supports RDP 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 6.0, 6.1, 7.0, 7.1 and 8.0 protocols
  • Supports connecting to Windows Terminal Server and Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8 / 10 desktops
  • Supports NTLM and Kerberos authentication
  • Supports NLA security
  • Supports TLS encryption
  • Supports clipboard synchronization
  • Supports file transfer between client and server
  • Supports connecting to multiple sessions simultaneously
  • Supports changing screen resolution on the fly
  • Supports connecting through SSH tunnels and SOCKS proxies
TeamViewer
TeamViewer Features
  • Remote desktop access
  • File transfer
  • Screen sharing
  • Online meetings
  • Remote printing
  • VPN access
  • Remote device control

Pros & Cons Analysis

rdesktop
rdesktop
Pros
  • Free and open source
  • Cross-platform - works on Linux, macOS, Unix and other systems
  • Lightweight and fast
  • Supports advanced RDP features
  • Actively developed and maintained
Cons
  • User interface is basic and lacks some polish
  • File transfer can be slow compared to other clients
  • Does not support audio redirection
  • Lacks support for some advanced features like collaboration
TeamViewer
TeamViewer
Pros
  • Easy to use interface
  • Cross-platform support
  • Secure encrypted connections
  • Free for personal use
  • No need to configure router or firewall settings
  • Mobile app available
Cons
  • Free version lacks some features
  • Can be expensive for business use
  • Requires installation on all devices
  • Session recording not available in free version
  • Free users limited to only 1 active session

Pricing Comparison

rdesktop
rdesktop
  • Open Source
TeamViewer
TeamViewer
  • Not listed

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