RDPyon vs RustDesk: built-in Windows Remote Desktop or a cross-platform app

RustDesk is open source and runs on Windows, Mac, Linux and Android; you install it on the devices that start or receive sessions, and you can host your own server. RDPyon only does one job: it lets the Windows Remote Desktop client you already have connect to a Mac.

RDPyon and RustDesk side by side

RDPyonRustDesk
What you installRDPyon on the Mac onlyRustDesk app on each device you connect from or to
Windows sideBuilt-in Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc)RustDesk client
Mac permissionsScreen Recording & Accessibility (asked on first run)Accessibility & Screen Recording
Price$19 one-time (2 Macs)Free self-hosted community edition; Pro self-hosted from $11.88/mo billed yearly (1 user, 20 devices)
SourceClosedOpen source
NetworkSame network or VPNPublic relay or your own server

As of Oct 2026 (checked 2026-10-19), from https://rustdesk.com/docs/en/client/, https://rustdesk.com/docs/en/client/mac/, https://rustdesk.com/pricing.html.

Prices change — check the vendor's page.

When RustDesk is the better choice

You need free, open source, Linux/Android, connections across the internet, or many users. RDPyon needs the same network or a VPN, is closed source and only connects a Windows client to a Mac.

When RDPyon fits

Your team already lives in Windows Remote Desktop and you don't want a second remote tool on every PC.

Buy RDPyon — $19Download for macOS

See pricingSetup guideA Jump Desktop alternative

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