Remote Desktop Access – Overview of my favourite client-server combinations 2025

The following combinations have worked best for me:

Remote
 Desktops
Windows DesktopMac DesktopLinux Desktop Intel-/AMD-basedLinux Desktop
ARM64 / aarch64
Clients
Windows ClientWindows RDP (builtin)RustDeskThinLinc*RustDesk
Mac ClientWindows AppRustDeskThinLinc*RustDesk
Linux ClientRustDeskRustDeskThinLinc*RustDesk
iOS/iPad ClientWindows AppRustDesk**
(via Windows App)
RustDesk**
(via Windows App)
RustDesk**
(via Windows App)
Android Client
(untested)
Remote Desktop AppRustDeskRustDeskRustDesk

* on high-resolution/Retina displays: use this workaround
** currently on TestFlight only

If you’d like to enable external access to resources in your homelab or in your cloud environment, please don’t forget to choose a reasonably secure setup: