Awacino vs RustDesk: open-source remote desktop vs network access
In short
RustDesk is an open-source remote desktop app that you can run with your own relay server. Awacino is a closed-source app that gives your device a real address in the remote network, so you use your own tools and reach every device there. Choose RustDesk if you want open source and self-hosting for screen control; choose Awacino if you want the whole network without running any server or opening ports.
Last checked: Nov 8, 2026
Side by side
| RustDesk | Awacino | |
|---|---|---|
| How it connects | Direct when possible, otherwise through a public or your own self-hosted relay | Direct device to device, end-to-end encrypted; Awacino's servers only introduce the devices |
| What you install | The RustDesk app on every computer you want to control | Awacino on your device and on one device in the network you want to reach |
| Router changes | None for the client; a self-hosted server needs open ports | None: no port forwarding, no public IP address, no DynDNS |
| Behind CGNAT / DS-Lite | Works | Works |
| Devices without an app (NAS, printer, PLC) | No - only computers that run RustDesk | Reachable at their usual address through your SituIP |
| Your own tools (RDP, VNC, SSH) | No - RustDesk's own viewer | Yes, any tool, unchanged |
| Guest access | RustDesk ID and password | A Beam-in code, switched off with one tap |
| Licence model | Free and open source; paid plans for a managed or pro server | Slots: devices and active Beam-in codes, never people; free for 2 devices for private use |
| Open source | Yes (AGPL-3.0) | No |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | iPhone, iPad, Mac, Android, Windows, Linux; Raspberry Pi, NAS and servers with the Unattended Client |
Typical setups; details vary by plan and version.
When RustDesk is the better choice
- You require open-source software.
- You want to run the whole service on your own server.
- You only need to control screens, not reach other devices.
When Awacino is the better choice
- You don't want to run, update and expose your own server.
- You need NAS, printers, routers and servers, not just screens.
- You want to keep using RDP, VNC or SSH.
Questions people ask
Is Awacino open source like RustDesk?
No. RustDesk is open source; Awacino is not. If open source is a requirement, RustDesk is the better fit.
Do I need my own server with Awacino?
No. There is nothing to host: both devices connect outwards and then directly to each other.
Does Awacino work behind CGNAT?
Yes. Both devices connect outwards and then talk to each other directly, so you need no public IP address and no port forwarding - also behind CGNAT, DS-Lite and on mobile networks.
Can I use RDP, VNC or SSH with Awacino?
Yes. Your device gets a SituIP, a real address in the remote network, so the Remote Desktop, VNC and SSH tools built into Windows, macOS and Linux work unchanged.
Is Awacino free?
Private use is free for 2 devices. Commercial use is licensed by slots - devices and active Beam-in codes, never people - from a few devices to large fleets and MSPs with many customer networks.
Is Awacino open source?
No. Awacino is closed-source software by ImageNotion UG, Germany. Connections are direct and end-to-end encrypted; Awacino's servers never carry your data.
Awacino in action
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