Self-Host-RustDesk-Private-Alternative-to-TeamViewer
If you’ve used AnyDesk or TeamViewer, you know how helpful remote desktop tools are. But many users—especially freelancers, small business owners, or VPS admins—are starting to ask:
“Is there a free, secure, and private alternative?”
Yes, there is. It’s called RustDesk.
RustDesk is a free and open-source remote desktop software that works just like AnyDesk or TeamViewer, but with one major advantage: you can self-host it. That means you control your data, not some big tech company.
Whether you’re an IT support person, managing multiple servers, or just helping your family with tech issues, RustDesk is a solid choice—especially if you care about privacy, simplicity, and cost.
RustDesk isn’t just for developers. Here are a few real-world examples:
Here’s a quick look at how RustDesk compares:
Feature | RustDesk | AnyDesk | TeamViewer |
---|---|---|---|
Price | Free (Open Source) | Free (limited) / Paid | Free (personal) / Paid |
Self-Hosting Option | ✅ Yes | ❌ No | ❌ No |
Peer-to-Peer Connection | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
File Transfer | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Works on Windows/Linux/macOS | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Mobile App (iOS/Android) | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Privacy Control | ✅ Full (Self-hosted) | ❌ Server-based | ❌ Server-based |
Branding Options | ✅ Customizable (DIY) | ✅ (Enterprise plan) | ✅ (Enterprise plan) |
If you just want a quick remote session—say, to help a friend—you don’t need to set up a server.
Here’s how:
Simple, fast, and no setup required.
But for maximum privacy and speed, we recommend self-hosting. Let’s walk through it.
If you have a VPS (like from Hetzner or Contabo), you can host RustDesk’s backend server (called hbbs
and hbbr
) yourself.
Here’s a beginner-friendly guide.
rustdesk.yourdomain.com
)Connect to your VPS via SSH, then run:
bash <(wget -qO- https://get.docker.com)
Then install Docker Compose:
sudo apt install docker-compose -y
rustdesk.yourdomain.com
to your VPS IP.Create a folder and a file:
mkdir -p ~/rustdesk && cd ~/rustdesk
nano compose.yml
Paste this content:
services:
hbbs:
container_name: hbbs
image: docker.io/rustdesk/rustdesk-server-pro:latest
command: hbbs
volumes:
- ./data:/root
network_mode: "host"
depends_on:
- hbbr
restart: unless-stopped
hbbr:
container_name: hbbr
image: docker.io/rustdesk/rustdesk-server-pro:latest
command: hbbr
volumes:
- ./data:/root
network_mode: "host"
restart: unless-stopped
Start the server using:
sudo docker compose up -d
Check it’s working:
sudo docker compose logs -f
You should see both hbbs
and hbbr
running without errors.
rustdesk.yourdomain.com
).21115-21119
(TCP + UDP)Allow them in your VPS firewall:
sudo ufw allow 21115:21119/tcp
sudo ufw allow 21116/udp
If you want to secure your RustDesk server with HTTPS (SSL), the easiest way is to use Nginx Proxy Manager. This helps you:
https://rustdesk.yourdomain.com
Need help setting it up?
Check out my full step-by-step guide here
Pro tip: With SSL in place, your remote desktop traffic stays encrypted and secure — especially important if you’re accessing it over the internet.
Optional: Set up a key-pair authentication in RustDesk for enhanced access control.
network_mode: "host"
is set in your compose.yml
.docker compose logs -f
).RustDesk is a game-changer for anyone who wants full control over their remote desktop solution—without paying monthly fees.
Whether you’re running a blog, helping family with tech support, or managing servers, RustDesk gives you the freedom, privacy, and power that tools like AnyDesk and TeamViewer often charge for.
And the best part? It’s open-source and easy to self-host, even if you’re a beginner.
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