Remote desktop software has become essential whether you are supporting a family member’s PC, working from home, or managing servers. SoftsCR carries AnyDesk vs RustDesk, the latest versions of two of the most downloaded remote desktop tools for Windows in 2026. They are both free to download, but they work very differently. This guide tells you exactly which one fits your situation.
AnyDesk 9.6.12: Speed and Simplicity for Everyday Use
AnyDesk is built around one thing: fast, responsive remote connections. Its DeskRT codec is engineered for low-latency video transmission, making it feel much snappier than older remote desktop tools even on a modest internet connection. Setup takes under two minutes. Install it, share your 9-digit AnyDesk ID with whoever needs to connect, and you are done. It supports file transfer, clipboard sync, and session recording. AnyDesk 9.6.12 is available for free download on SoftsCR for Windows.
RustDesk: The Open-Source Alternative with Self-Hosting
RustDesk is fully open-source and offers something AnyDesk does not at the free tier: the ability to host your own relay server. For businesses or privacy-conscious users who do not want their remote sessions passing through a third-party server, RustDesk’s self-hosting option is a meaningful advantage. It supports encrypted connections, file transfer, and cross-platform use. RustDesk is available as a free Windows download on SoftsCR.
Feature Comparison at a Glance
The table below compares both tools on the criteria that matter most to Windows users in 2026:
| Feature | AnyDesk 9.6.12 vs RustDesk |
| Licence model | AnyDesk: Freemium | RustDesk: Fully open-source |
| Self-hosting | AnyDesk: No (free tier) | RustDesk: Yes — run your own server |
| Install size | AnyDesk: 7.7 MB | RustDesk: 23 MB |
| Setup difficulty | AnyDesk: Very easy | RustDesk: Easy (harder to self-host) |
| Encryption | Both: AES-256 end-to-end |
| Available on SoftsCR | Both — free Windows download |
Which One Is Right for You?
Choose AnyDesk from SoftsCR if you want the easiest, fastest setup for personal use or supporting non-technical family members. It connects in seconds, and the interface is simple enough for anyone to use. Choose RustDesk from SoftsCR if you run a small business, manage multiple machines, or have privacy concerns about data passing through commercial servers. Self-hosting your own RustDesk relay is straightforward with basic server knowledge.
TeamViewer Alternative for Mac Users
If you are a Mac user looking for remote desktop software, TeamViewer for MacOS is available on SoftsCR’s Mac section. It offers a polished macOS experience with the same cross-platform connection capabilities as AnyDesk and RustDesk. All three are available to download for free from SoftsCR.
Security: What Both Tools Get Right
Both AnyDesk and RustDesk use AES-256 encryption for all connections. Neither stores your session data permanently. AnyDesk adds an access control list and two-factor authentication at the account level. RustDesk’s self-hosting model means your session data never touches a third-party server. For business use where data privacy matters, RustDesk’s architecture is the more defensible choice. Explore exclusive categories and get your desired results.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is AnyDesk completely free for personal use?
Yes. AnyDesk’s free tier covers personal, non-commercial use with no time limits. For business use, a paid licence is required.
Q: Does RustDesk work without self-hosting?
Yes. RustDesk works out of the box using its public relay servers, just like AnyDesk. Self-hosting is optional for users who want extra privacy.
Q: Which remote desktop tool is faster: AnyDesk or RustDesk?
AnyDesk is generally faster on the default public infrastructure. RustDesk performance depends more on your self-hosted server’s location and specifications.
Q: Where can I download both tools?
Both AnyDesk 9.6.12 and RustDesk are available as free Windows downloads on SoftsCR’s Windows software section.