A RustDesk Alternative for Mac and iPhone
Written by the people who make Peering, so read it knowing that. Researched from each product's own pages, 2026.
What RustDesk does well
It is open source, supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android, carries sound, files and clipboard, and its server can be run on your own hardware at no cost. If you want that control, or you need Linux and Windows machines in the same list, it is a strong choice.
What it asks of you
The server is yours to run, update and keep reachable. Using the public servers avoids that but ties you to a service you do not control, which is why people search for it when a connection stops working. Mac permissions also need setting by hand: Screen Recording and Accessibility for the host.
The lighter route for a Mac
Peering removes the server and the account. You install the Mac app, confirm a six-digit code from your iPhone once, and after that the two find each other wherever they are: directly when the network allows, otherwise through a relay that cannot read the session. It controls Macs only, which is the trade.
Common questions
What is a good alternative to RustDesk for Mac?
For a Mac and an iPhone with nothing to host, Peering. For other platforms, Jump Desktop, Screens or Chrome Remote Desktop.
RustDesk is not connecting. What can I do?
If you use the public servers, an outage or a blocked network can stop a session. Check RustDesk's status, try another network, and confirm the Mac has Screen Recording and Accessibility permission. Self-hosting your own server removes the shared dependency but adds one you maintain.
Is RustDesk free?
Yes, when you host the server yourself. A hosted Pro version with team features is paid.