Auffi vs AnyDesk
Auffi is a free, open-source (AGPL-3.0) and
GDPR-compliant alternative to AnyDesk for ad-hoc
screen sharing and remote support. The person helping just opens
auffi.app in a browser and types in a 9-digit code —
no installation, no account. The servers are in
Germany, every stream is end-to-end encrypted with DTLS-SRTP, and
Auffi can be fully self-hosted. AnyDesk is a German company with a
very fast, cross-platform client — but proprietary, and every session
needs the AnyDesk software on both ends.
Comparison table
| Feature | Auffi | AnyDesk |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (private & commercial) | Free for private use only; commercial is paid |
| License / open source | AGPL-3.0, open source & auditable | Proprietary, closed source |
| Server location | Germany (IONOS Frankfurt) | German company (Stuttgart), global server infrastructure |
| Self-hostable | Yes (Docker Compose, free) | On-premises appliance for enterprise only (paid) |
| Installation (person helping) | None — browser only | AnyDesk app or portable EXE needed |
| Account needed (ad-hoc) | No | No (connect via AnyDesk-ID + confirmation) |
| Encryption | End-to-end, DTLS-SRTP (WebRTC) | TLS 1.2, AES-256 (RSA-2048 key exchange) |
| Trackers / telemetry | None; cookieless opt-in stats | Telemetry present |
| Unattended access | Yes (paired devices) | Yes, very mature |
| Platforms (sharer) | Windows, Linux (macOS coming) | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android & more |
| Performance | Solid (WebRTC encoder) | Very high (DeskRT codec, low latency) |
| Feature scope | Focus: screen + remote control + file | Broad (address book, session recording, mobile) |
As of: June 2026
When Auffi is the better choice
- The person helping should not install anything — a browser is enough.
- You care about open source, EU/German hosting and free self-hosting — for example in a professional context with GDPR obligations.
- You use remote support commercially and don't want to pay.
- You want to self-host the solution and control it completely.
When AnyDesk (still) has the edge
- You need maximum performance for graphics-intensive remote work (DeskRT codec, very low latency).
- You need very broad platform support including iOS/Android and mobile devices.
- You need enterprise features like an address book, session recording or mass deployment.
Auffi at a glance
- 9-digit connection code, valid for 10 minutes, burned server-side after 5 failed attempts.
- WebRTC P2P with DTLS-SRTP — video, mouse and files flow directly between the devices; TURN fallback when the direct connection is blocked.
- The sharer actively confirms every connection (no silent joining in).
- AGPL-3.0, source code and releases on GitHub.
Frequently asked questions
Is Auffi a free alternative to AnyDesk?
Yes. Auffi is completely free and open source under AGPL-3.0 — including commercial use, with no limit. AnyDesk is only free for private use; commercial use requires a paid license.
Does the person helping need to install AnyDesk or anything else?
Not with Auffi: the person helping just opens auffi.app in a browser and types in a 9-digit code. AnyDesk requires the AnyDesk software on both ends (installed or portable EXE) — with Auffi, only the person sharing their own screen downloads the small sharer.
Where are the servers, and is Auffi GDPR-compliant?
Auffi's servers are in Germany (IONOS Frankfurt), with no IPs in plaintext, no trackers and no logging of content — and fully self-hostable thanks to the AGPL. AnyDesk is a German company (Stuttgart), but it is proprietary and runs a global server infrastructure.
Can Auffi fully replace AnyDesk?
For ad-hoc screen-sharing help and remote control, yes. For maximum performance on graphics-intensive work, very broad platform support (iOS/Android) and enterprise features, AnyDesk remains stronger — Auffi deliberately doesn't cover that.
How secure is the connection with Auffi?
Every stream is end-to-end encrypted with DTLS-SRTP (WebRTC). The code expires after 10 minutes and is burned server-side after 5 failed attempts. The server only brokers the connection setup — video, mouse and files flow directly between the devices (peer-to-peer).
Try it now
Share your screen — enter a code & connect · Download the sharer · Auffi vs TeamViewer