FreeRDP/FreeRDP
FreeFreeRDP is a free remote desktop protocol library and clients
FreeFree tier
About FreeRDP/FreeRDP
FreeRDP is a free implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) released under the Apache 2.0 license. It provides a library and client applications for accessing remote desktops, supporting multiple platforms including Android, Linux (via X11, SDL, and Wayland clients), and Windows. The project is actively maintained with over 24,500 commits and 88 releases, offering a robust and flexible solution for remote desktop connectivity.
Key Features
Free implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) under Apache 2.0 license
Multi-platform client support: X11, SDL, Wayland, Android, and more
Library (libfreerdp) for integrating RDP into custom applications
Active development with over 24,500 commits and 88 releases
Comprehensive documentation including wiki, API docs, and FAQ
Open source community with Matrix, IRC, and mailing list support
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Free and open source with permissive Apache license
- Cross-platform support covering major operating systems
- Active open-source community with frequent releases
- Well-documented with APIs, wiki, and FAQ
- Supports multiple display backends (X11, SDL, Wayland, Android)
Cons
- May require compilation and technical setup for some platforms
- Less user-friendly than commercial remote desktop solutions
- Some features may lag behind Microsoft's proprietary RDP stack
Best For
Remote desktop access from Linux to Windows machinesBuilding custom RDP clients or embedding RDP into other softwareRemote administration and support across heterogeneous environmentsIntegrating remote desktop capabilities into embedded or mobile systemsEducational and research purposes for understanding the RDP protocol
FAQ
What is FreeRDP?
FreeRDP is a free implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) released under the Apache 2.0 license. It includes a library and client applications for remote desktop access.
What platforms does FreeRDP support?
FreeRDP supports Android, Linux (X11, SDL, Wayland clients), and Windows. It is written primarily in C with support for various display backends.
How can I compile FreeRDP?
Compilation instructions are available on the project wiki at https://github.com/FreeRDP/FreeRDP/wiki/Compilation
Where can I get help or report issues?
Issues can be reported on the GitHub issue tracker. Community support is available via Matrix (#FreeRDP:matrix.org), IRC (#freerdp @ irc.oftc.net), and the mailing list.
What license is FreeRDP released under?
FreeRDP is released under the Apache 2.0 license.