vs MeshCentral

MeshCentral is open-source multi-OS access. Desk is Windows + required E2E.

MeshCentral is open-source software for self-hosted remote management and desktop access across many OS targets. Secure Desk is a commercial self-hosted product that runs on an open-source stack you operate: Windows endpoints only, browser console only, and encryption that cannot be turned off.

Free Starter: self-hosted remote support on a relay you run — 1 operator, 1 concurrent session, 3 enrolled Windows devices. Same end-to-end encryption as paid tiers.

Hub prices: Starter $0 · Team $249/yr · Business $499/yr.

Honest comparison

MeshCentral is open-source and aimed at broad device coverage (agents on multiple OS families) with remote desktop and management features in one project.
Secure Desk does not claim multi-OS Access clients. Shipping endpoints are Windows; operators use a browser. Secure Desk runs on an open-source stack on a Linux relay you host (you bring the OS and services).
Desk requires E2E (requireE2e), 6-digit SAS, ECDH, AES-256-GCM. Endpoints dial out; relay still needs 80/443. Access ≠ RDP/RDS.
Not a drop-in for every MeshCentral multi-OS fleet without the Windows-only caveat. Built with open-source components on infrastructure you control.

Guardrails (short)

Not a remote Explorer. Sign-in/lock yes; UAC/CAD no.
fps ceiling 15 / 12 / 8, not 60. Control gate; attended defaults off.
You run a self-hosted relay on infrastructure you control. No hosted multi-tenant Desk cloud.
Web VDI = same pipe — not AVD/Citrix/Omnissa. AI = reach agent desktops only; Desk does not run agents.

Self-hosted remote support · vs RustDesk · vs Apache Guacamole · Get started · Download · Get a free license.