Remote desktop software allows users to access and control computers from anywhere, making it an essential tool for IT professionals, businesses, and individuals who need remote access.
Open-source remote desktop solutions have gained popularity recently. Many users are drawn to these tools because they provide a free alternative to commercial remote desktop software.
However, open-source remote desktop solutions come with several limitations that can impact security, performance, and usability. Businesses and professionals requiring reliable, secure, and high-performance remote access may find these tools lacking in key areas.
In this blog, we’ll explore the drawbacks of open-source remote desktop software and discuss why Splashtop is a superior alternative for seamless and secure remote access.
What is Open-Source Remote Desktop Software?
Open-source remote desktop software is a remote access tool whose source code is publicly available for modification and distribution. Unlike proprietary remote desktop solutions, which are developed and maintained by commercial companies, open-source alternatives are often managed by a community of developers.
These tools enable users to remotely connect to and control another computer over a network. Some well-known open-source remote desktop solutions include TigerVNC, xrdp, RustDesk, and Apache Guacamole.
Limitations of Open-Source Remote Desktop Solutions
Open-source remote desktop software comes with several limitations that can impact security, performance, and usability. These challenges make it less suitable for businesses, IT professionals, and users who require reliable remote access.
1. Security Concerns and Vulnerabilities
One of the biggest risks of using open-source remote desktop software is security. Many open-source tools lack enterprise-grade encryption and authentication mechanisms, making them more vulnerable to cyber threats. Since these solutions rely on community-driven development, security patches and updates may be slow, leaving systems exposed to vulnerabilities.
Additionally, without proper oversight, malicious code or backdoors could be introduced into the software.
2. Performance and Reliability Issues
Open-source remote desktop solutions often struggle with performance, especially in high-bandwidth scenarios. Users may experience lag, latency, and poor video quality, making them unsuitable for tasks that require smooth, real-time interaction.
Unlike commercial solutions, which have dedicated infrastructure for optimized performance, open-source alternatives rely on user-hosted servers, which can result in unstable connections and inconsistent performance.
3. Limited Cross-Platform Compatibility and Features
Many open-source remote desktop tools lack full cross-platform support, making it difficult to seamlessly connect between different operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Additionally, essential remote access features such as multi-monitor support, remote printing, file transfer, and USB redirection are often missing or require complex manual configurations.
4. Lack of Professional Support and Updates
Since open-source software is community-driven, users must rely on forums, documentation, and volunteer support rather than a dedicated customer service team. This can be problematic for businesses and IT teams that need fast, reliable assistance.
Additionally, updates and patches are not always guaranteed, and some projects may become abandoned, leaving users with outdated and unsupported software.
Best Alternatives to Open-Source Remote Desktop Software
Given the security risks, performance issues, and lack of support associated with open-source remote desktop solutions, many businesses and professionals turn to more reliable alternatives. While proprietary remote desktop software requires a subscription or license fee, it often provides significant advantages in terms of security, stability, and ease of use.
These tools offer enterprise-grade encryption, dedicated customer support, and high-performance remote access capabilities. Unlike open-source options, they undergo rigorous security testing and frequent updates to protect against cyber threats.
When choosing an alternative, users should consider key factors such as security protocols, cross-platform compatibility, performance, and available features. Splashtop stands out as a top choice due to its combination of strong security, seamless connectivity, and cost-effectiveness.
Why Choose Splashtop Over Open-Source Remote Desktop Solutions?
Splashtop provides a professional-grade remote access solution with enterprise-level security, smooth performance, and a rich feature set tailored for businesses and IT professionals.
1. Enterprise-Grade Security and Compliance
Security is a major concern when using open-source remote desktop solutions, as they often lack the robust encryption and authentication protocols necessary to protect remote connections. Splashtop addresses these concerns with:
256-bit AES encryption to safeguard data transmissions
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for enhanced access control
Single sign-on (SSO) integration for enterprise environments
Advanced security features such as device authentication and session logging
With these protections in place, businesses can confidently use remote access without worrying about vulnerabilities commonly found in open-source alternatives.
2. Superior Performance and Stability
Open-source remote desktop tools often suffer from lag, unstable connections, and poor video quality, especially when accessing high-resolution displays or performing real-time tasks. Splashtop delivers a smooth and responsive experience with:
High-definition remote access with minimal latency
Optimized performance for both low-bandwidth and high-bandwidth environments
Reliable infrastructure that ensures stable and uninterrupted connections
These performance advantages make Splashtop ideal for IT management, remote work, and even demanding tasks such as remote video editing and graphic design.
3. Comprehensive Feature Set
Many open-source remote desktop tools lack essential features that professionals and businesses need. Splashtop provides:
Cross-platform access for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android
Multi-monitor support for enhanced productivity
File transfer and remote printing for seamless workflow integration
USB device redirection to use peripherals remotely
These features allow users to work more efficiently and productively compared to open-source options that require additional configurations or third-party add-ons.
4. Dedicated Support and Continuous Updates
Unlike open-source software, which relies on community support, Splashtop provides:
24/7 customer support for troubleshooting and assistance
Regular software updates to ensure compatibility with new operating systems and security standards
A user-friendly interface that simplifies remote access for both IT professionals and general users
With professional support and ongoing improvements, Splashtop ensures that users always have a secure and reliable remote access experience.
Get Started with Splashtop – The Best Alternative to Open-Source Remote Desktop Tools
Making the switch from open-source remote desktop software to a secure, high-performance solution like Splashtop is simple. Whether you're an IT professional, business owner, or remote worker, Splashtop provides an easy-to-use remote access platform with enterprise-grade security and top-tier performance.
How to Get Started with Splashtop:
Sign Up for a Free Trial – Visit the Splashtop website and start a free trial to explore the features firsthand.
Download and Install the Splashtop App – Install Splashtop on the computers and devices you want to access remotely.
Set Up Secure Remote Access – Enable security settings such as multi-factor authentication and device authentication for added protection.
Enjoy Seamless Remote Access – Instantly connect to your remote devices with high-performance streaming, file transfer, remote printing, and multi-monitor support.
With Splashtop, you no longer have to compromise on security, performance, or reliability. Try it today and experience the difference compared to open-source remote desktop tools.
