Auffi vs RustDesk
Auffi and RustDesk are both free, open-source (AGPL-3.0)
and privacy-friendly — the key difference is the helper:
with Auffi they just open auffi.app in a
browser and type a 9-digit code — no installation, no
account. With RustDesk an app runs on both sides. Auffi
is focused on simple, browser-based screen sharing; RustDesk
offers broader platform and mobile support.
Comparison table
| Feature | Auffi | RustDesk |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free (private & commercial) | Free (private & commercial) |
| License / open source | AGPL-3.0, open source | AGPL-3.0, open source |
| Self-hostable | Yes (Docker Compose) | Yes (own relay server) |
| Installation (person helping) | None — browser only | App on both sides |
| Account needed (ad-hoc) | No | No (ID + password) |
| Encryption | End-to-end, DTLS-SRTP (WebRTC) | End-to-end (NaCl) |
| Server location (public service) | Germany (Frankfurt) | Public default relay not necessarily EU |
| Platforms (sharer/client) | Windows, Linux (macOS coming) | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Mobile support | No | Yes |
As of June 2026
When Auffi is the better choice
- The person helping should not install anything — a browser is all they need.
- You want an EU/German service out-of-the-box without running your own server.
- Simple, browser-based operation matters to you (9-digit code, no account).
When RustDesk is the better choice
- An app on both sides is acceptable to you.
- You need maximum platform and mobile coverage (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS).
- You want to run your own relay server and already have the infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Auffi and RustDesk?
Both are free, open source (AGPL-3.0) and self-hostable. The key difference is the helper: with Auffi they just open a browser and type a code — no install. With RustDesk an app runs on both sides.
Is RustDesk or Auffi better for self-hosting?
Both are fully self-hostable. RustDesk ships its own relay/signal server you can run yourself; Auffi runs entirely via Docker Compose including signaling and TURN. If an app on both sides is fine, RustDesk is a great fit; if the helper should only need a browser, choose Auffi.
Does Auffi or RustDesk need an account?
For ad-hoc help Auffi needs no account — a 9-digit code is enough. RustDesk also needs no account for direct access, just the remote ID and password.
Which tool is more GDPR-friendly?
Both can be run GDPR-compliant because they are self-hostable. Auffi's public service runs in Germany (Frankfurt) and stores no clear-text IPs; with RustDesk it depends on which relay you use — the public default server is not necessarily in the EU.
Are Auffi and RustDesk really free for commercial use too?
Yes. Both are AGPL-3.0 and free for commercial use with no license fee — unlike TeamViewer or AnyDesk.
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