Splashtop

Best Self Hosted Alternatives to Splashtop

A curated collection of the 2 best self hosted alternatives to Splashtop.

Splashtop is a SaaS provider of secure, high-performance remote access and remote support solutions, enabling remote desktop control, screen sharing, file transfer, and IT support for businesses, MSPs, and individual users across devices.

Alternatives List

#1
MeshCentral

MeshCentral

Web-based remote management server for computers and IoT devices with remote desktop/terminal, file transfer, user/device groups, and auditing.

MeshCentral screenshot

MeshCentral is a web-based remote device management (RMM) and remote access platform that you host yourself. It provides a centralized server for enrolling devices and securely administering them through a browser, including interactive remote control and automation.

Key Features

  • Browser-based remote desktop/control for Windows, macOS, and Linux (agent-based)
  • Remote terminal/command execution and background device management actions
  • File transfer and file system browsing between admin and managed endpoints
  • Device inventory and status (hardware/software info, connectivity, last seen, etc.)
  • Multi-user management with roles, groups, and device “meshes” (organization)
  • Built-in relay for connectivity across NAT/firewalls; supports LAN discovery modes
  • Two-factor authentication options and detailed event/audit logging
  • Extensible via plugins/modules and integrates with Intel AMT for out-of-band management (where available)

Use Cases

  • Helpdesk/IT support for remote troubleshooting and user assistance
  • Managing fleets of servers, kiosks, lab PCs, or distributed endpoints
  • Remote administration of compatible Intel AMT/vPro devices for out-of-band access

Limitations and Considerations

  • Some advanced RMM functions (patching, AV/EDR, ticketing) are not a core focus compared to full commercial RMM suites
  • Intel AMT features depend on specific hardware/firmware support and correct network provisioning

MeshCentral is well-suited for teams that need a single, web-accessible console to enroll devices and perform secure remote support and administration. Its agent-based approach and optional AMT support make it flexible for both standard endpoint management and certain out-of-band scenarios.

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#2
Apache Guacamole

Apache Guacamole

Web-based remote access gateway that provides clientless RDP, VNC, and SSH sessions via a browser, with centralized authentication and connection management.

Apache Guacamole screenshot

Apache Guacamole is a clientless remote desktop gateway that provides access to machines over standard protocols like RDP, VNC, and SSH directly from a web browser. It centralizes connection management and authentication, allowing users to reach remote desktops and terminals without installing native client software.

Key Features

  • Browser-based access (“clientless”): no plugins or local clients required
  • Supports RDP, VNC, and SSH through the guacd proxy/daemon
  • Central connection management (organize, share, and control access to connections)
  • Multiple authentication options via extensions (e.g., LDAP/Active Directory, RADIUS, SSO options)
  • Database-backed configuration (commonly MySQL/MariaDB or PostgreSQL via the web app)
  • Session features typically expected of remote access portals: clipboard integration, file transfer (protocol/extension dependent), and in-session controls
  • Auditing/visibility features via logs and extension ecosystem (deployment dependent)

Use Cases

  • Provide a secure, browser-based jump host for admins to reach servers/desktops
  • Offer helpdesk/IT remote access to internal machines without distributing VPN/RDP clients
  • Enable BYOD access to lab/VDI resources through a controlled web portal

Limitations and Considerations

  • Some capabilities (SSO methods, advanced auditing, storage integrations) depend on installing/configuring specific extensions and external identity systems
  • Performance/UX is workload- and network-dependent (especially for graphics-heavy desktops), and tuning (RDP settings, compression) may be required

Guacamole is widely used as a remote access gateway because it is protocol-focused, browser-native, and extensible through an established server/webapp architecture. It fits organizations needing centralized, controlled remote access while keeping endpoints lightweight.

3.7kstars
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Why choose an open source alternative?

  • •Data ownership: Keep your data on your own servers
  • •No vendor lock-in: Freedom to switch or modify at any time
  • •Cost savings: Reduce or eliminate subscription fees
  • •Transparency: Audit the code and know exactly what's running