Linux provides SSH (Secure Shell) tool which provides remote access to devices not physically present via terminal but most users prefer convenient applications with GUI (Graphical User Interfaces). There are many free and open-source remote desktop clients using different protocols available for Linux.
This article will describe the five top-rated remote desktop clients for Linux systems.
What are the 5 Best Remote Desktop Clients for Linux?
There can be many situations when control over a computer, device, or machine not physically present at a location is needed. Remote Desktop Clients come in handy in these situations. Some of the used cases of Remote desktop clients are:
- Network Administrators: To access devices for various network administration-related tasks, e.g., software installation, updates, etc.
- IT Support: Customer Support Departments at various companies access systems at customer’s premises troubleshooting, etc.
- Work from Home: Employees working from home might need some files stored at the workplace system(s).
- Travelers might need some files/documents from their home devices while they are traveling.
Let’s discuss the five most popular remote desktop clients for Linux which are listed as follows:
- Remmina
- TigerVNC
- Vinagre
- NoMachine
- X2Go
Remmina
Remmina is an open-source, easy-to-use, secure, free, and powerful remote desktop client for Linux and Unix-based systems available in 67 languages and supports 50+ distributions. It is designed to control a Windows system remotely by a Linux system. It supports various protocols that include RDP, SSH, HTTP/HTTPS, NX, SPICE, VNC, X2GO, XDMCP, and EXEC.
Remmina has a simplistic appearance and complicated usage. Remmina offers various features like configure resolution, resume connection, taking screenshots, etc. These features can further be extended by plug-ins. The pros and cons of Remmina are as follows:
Pros
- Multiple protocol support.
- Plugins to extend built-in features.
- Able to save connection profiles.
Cons
- Does not have its server.
- Only for Linux.
- Not easy for new users.
TigerVNC
TigerVNC is a free, open-source, cross-platform, fast, lightweight, and secure RDP client that allows users to connect to remote Windows, Linux, and MacOS systems. It supports multiple protocols that include VNC, RDP, and SSH. It allows remote file transfer without requiring the installation of any additional app. The pros and cons of TigerVNC are as follows:
Pros
- Dedicated server for Linux.
- Fast Performance.
Cons
- GUI feels dated.
Vinagre
Vinagre is a user-friendly Linux RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) client that is suitable for almost all Linux distributions. It supports multiple protocols that include SPICE, VNC, SSH, and RDP. Vinagre just requires IP and protocol to connect to a remote system. It supports multiple connections, i.e., users can connect to multiple remote systems simultaneously. Pros and cons of Vinagre are as follows:
Pros
- Multiple protocol support.
- User friendly.
- Allows multiple connections.
Cons
- Only for Linux.
NoMachine
NoMachine is a free, fast, secure, cross-platform RDP client that allows users to connect remote Windows, Linux, and MacOS systems. It supports multiple protocols that include RDP, SSH, Telnet, and VNC. NoMachine is very fast and provides high responsiveness. NoMachine is also supported on Embedded systems, i.e., on ARM Boards and Raspberry Pi. The pros and cons of NoMachine are as follows:
Pros
- Multiple protocol support.
- High speed
- Cross-platform (Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, Raspberry Pi, ARM boards)
Cons
- Not easy for new users.
X2Go
X2Go is an open-source, cross-platform, and lightweight Linux RDP client that allows users to connect remote Windows, Linux, and MacOS systems. It supports multiple protocols that include RDP, SSH, and VNC. It supports features like file transfer, printing, and audio. The remote system of X2Go is always a Linux machine, however, X2Go client can be on any platform. The pros and cons of X2Go are as follows:
Pros
- Multiple protocol support.
- Cross-platform clients.
Cons
- X2Go Server for only Linux systems.
Conclusion
The five most popular remote desktop clients for the Linux operating system are Remmina, TigerVNC, Vinagre, NoMachine, and X2Go. This article discussed the features, pros, and cons of the five most popular remote desktop clients for Linux, i.e., Remmina, TigerVNC, Vinagre, NoMachine, and X2Go. Some of these clients are only for Linux and some are cross-platform.
