TL;DR
Screens vs RustDesk: For most Mac users in 2026, RustDesk is the better choice for Remote desktop because it is free and open source, so you can inspect, self-host, and trust the code. Both install with a single Homebrew command, so the switching cost is low. Choose Screens instead if vnc support is your priority.
Which is better: Screens or RustDesk?
RustDesk is the top pick for most Mac users looking at Remote desktop — it is free and open-source and installs in one Homebrew command. Screens is the stronger choice if you prefer its Remote desktop ecosystem. Both are worth trying.
Screens vs RustDesk
Which is the better Remote desktop for Mac in 2026?
We compared Screens and RustDesk across 6 key factors including price, open-source status, and community adoption. Read our full breakdown below.
Screens
Beautiful VNC client for Mac
RustDesk
Open source remote desktop software
Visual Comparison
RustDesk
RustDesk — Official Website
Our Verdict
For most Mac users in 2026, RustDesk is the better choice for Remote desktop because it is free and open source, so you can inspect, self-host, and trust the code. Both install with a single Homebrew command, so the switching cost is low. Choose Screens instead if vnc support is your priority.
Feature Comparison
| Feature | Screens | RustDesk |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Paid | Free |
| Open Source | No | Yes |
| Replaces | — | TeamViewer/AnyDesk |
| Best for | vnc, remote desktop, screen sharing | remote desktop, screen sharing, vnc |
| Install | brew install --cask screens | brew install --cask rustdesk |
| Category | System Utilities | System Utilities |
Quick Install
brew install --cask screensbrew install --cask rustdeskLearn More
In-Depth Overview
What is Screens?
Screens 5 is Edovia's remote desktop client for macOS and iOS. It is built around VNC for reaching Macs, Windows PCs and Linux boxes, with helpers that cover RDP style workflows when needed. The app is native to macOS, with Catalyst and AppKit pieces that make it feel like an Apple app. Trackpad gestures work. So do Touch Bar and Shortcuts, and a menu bar helper keeps quick connections a click away. Curtain Mode locks the remote Mac display while you work. Clipboard sync is secure, drag and drop moves files, and Screens Connect is a small helper that keeps your Mac reachable without manual port forwarding. In 2026 Screens 5 charges for cloud relay and sync. Individual is $3.59 per month or $35.99 per year, which works out to about two months free. Teams is $29.99 per month or $59.99 per year. The old Screens 4 perpetual licences are deprecated, but upgrade discounts still apply for existing owners. The app is notarized, native on Apple Silicon, and tested on Tahoe 26.x.
What is RustDesk?
RustDesk is a free and open source remote desktop app written in Rust. People use it as a self hosted replacement for TeamViewer and AnyDesk. It runs on macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android. Encryption is end to end using NaCl, and there is no vendor cloud you have to use. The client and server code lives on GitHub at rustdesk/rustdesk. The community edition is free forever. RustDesk Pro adds a web console, user management and relay orchestration for teams that want managed self hosting. On macOS the app is notarized. It runs through Rosetta where needed and has native builds where available. Like any remote tool on Tahoe 26.x, it asks for Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions. Pricing in 2026 is simple. Personal and self hosted community use costs nothing. Pro self hosted plans start around $9.90 per month for Individual and $19.90 for Basic when billed annually, about $118.80 and $238.80 per year. Higher tiers cover larger device counts. Many people just run the open source relay and rendezvous server in Docker and pay no subscription at all.
Detailed Feature Comparison
Protocol and ecosystem focus
HighVNC first with deep macOS integration. It discovers Macs over Bonjour, handles file transfer and clipboard sync cleanly, and uses Screens Connect for NAT traversal. Best when the machine you are reaching is a Mac.
A RustDesk protocol built in Rust with a relay and rendezvous design. It controls Mac, Windows or Linux from any platform, including phones, without needing Bonjour.
Verdict: Screens is the polished VNC choice for Mac to Mac. RustDesk is the universal option for any platform.
Ease of setup and NAT traversal
HighScreens Connect handles dynamic IP and port forwarding for Mac hosts. Without it, VNC needs manual port forwarding or a VPN. The subscription relay makes it easier for non technical users.
No manual port forwarding. The public relay works out of the box, and a self hosted relay and rendezvous server runs with one Docker command. You connect with an ID, just like TeamViewer.
Verdict: RustDesk is simpler for non Mac targets and for anyone who wants self hosted relay without a subscription.
Design and macOS feel
HighGenuinely Mac native. Translucent sidebars, trackpad gestures, Touch Bar, Shortcuts and Curtain Mode. It feels like Apple built it. The best looking remote experience on macOS.
Functional cross platform interface built with Rust and Flutter. It works well on macOS but feels generic, with utilitarian controls and plain settings screens.
Verdict: Screens wins on Mac polish by a clear margin.
File transfer and clipboard
MediumDrag and drop file transfer between Macs, secure clipboard sync, and Curtain Mode for private sessions. File transfer is oriented around Mac to Mac.
File manager mode, file transfer during a session, clipboard sync and TCP tunnelling. Transfer works across platforms, not just between Macs.
Verdict: Screens is more elegant Mac-to-Mac; RustDesk is more versatile cross-platform.
Security and privacy
HighVNC encrypted through SSH tunnelling or Screens Connect relay with Edovia infrastructure. Privacy respecting and notarized, with an App Store variant available. Convenience relay still depends on Edovia cloud.
End to end encrypted with NaCl, with relay and rendezvous servers you can self host so traffic never touches a vendor cloud. Open source and auditable, no account required.
Verdict: RustDesk offers the stronger privacy story with self hosted, auditable encryption.
Performance and battery
MediumVNC with adaptive quality. Smooth on Apple Silicon over a local network and decent over relay. VNC can feel less fluid than RustDesk custom codec on congested links.
Custom Rust codec tuned for low latency. It copes well with high latency links and relay fallback, and stays efficient on Apple Silicon.
Verdict: RustDesk often feels snappier on poor connections thanks to its modern codec.
Pricing
HighIndividual $3.59 per month or $35.99 per year, about $2.99 effective monthly. Teams $29.99 per month or $59.99 per year. Screens 4 one time licences are deprecated, with upgrade discounts for existing owners. Screens Connect helper is free but relay needs a subscription.
Client free forever. Self hosted open source relay costs nothing. Pro self hosted from about $9.90 per month Individual ($118.80 per year) and $19.90 per month Basic ($238.80 per year). Many users pay $0 by self hosting the open source server in Docker.
Verdict: RustDesk wins on price. It is effectively free for personal and self hosted use, compared with about $36 per year for Screens relay.
Platform breadth
MediummacOS and iOS are first class. It controls Windows and Linux over VNC but the experience is Mac centric. There is no Android client.
macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android and a web client. One app controls any device from any device. The widest coverage in this comparison.
Verdict: For mixed environments RustDesk breadth is unmatched.
Who Should Choose Which?
1The Mac-centric freelancer with two Macs
Curtain Mode, Bonjour discovery and drag-and-drop between Macs make Screens the most delightful daily driver for Mac-to-Mac control.
2The IT manager supporting Windows, Mac and Linux
One free, self-hostable tool covers every OS from one interface without per-tech licensing.
3The privacy-first startup
Self-host the relay in Docker, keep traffic off vendor infrastructure, and audit the source , impossible with pure VNC relay subscriptions.
4The designer who values Mac aesthetics
If the tool lives in your Dock daily, Screens's native feel and gesture support justify the small annual subscription.
5The budget-conscious family
Free for personal use across macOS, Windows, iOS and Android beats a per-year subscription for occasional help sessions.
Migration Guide
Screens → Rustdesk
Install RustDesk on each Mac from rustdesk.com or brew install --cask rustdesk, grant Screen Recording and Accessibility permissions, and note each device's ID. For privacy, deploy the OSS relay/rendezvous in Docker on a VPS and point clients to your server. Recreate Screens groups as RustDesk address book entries.
Rustdesk → Screens
Install Screens 5 from edovia.com, install Screens Connect on each Mac you host, sign into your Edovia account to enable relay, and add each Mac via Bonjour or VNC address. Curtain Mode and file transfer work Mac-to-Mac without extra Docker infrastructure.
Pro Tips
Keep only one remote helper active at a time to avoid permission conflicts. Always enable two-factor on the remote and use strong VNC passwords or RustDesk's key-based access.
Final Verdict
Tie
Winner
Runner-up
In August 2026 the choice is straightforward. Pay a small yearly subscription for the most pleasant Mac native VNC client, or pay nothing for a free, self hosted remote desktop you can audit and host yourself. Screens 5 wins when your setup is mostly Macs and Curtain Mode, Bonjour and drag and drop polish matter enough to justify $35.99 per year. RustDesk wins when your fleet mixes operating systems, when privacy and self hosting are non negotiable, or when free forever matters most. Many Mac users keep both. Screens for daily Mac to Mac control and RustDesk for occasional help sessions and cross platform fleets.
Bottom Line: Mac native polish and Curtain Mode points to Screens. Free, self hosted and cross platform points to RustDesk.
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Frequently Asked Questions
About the Author
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Expert Insights
For Mac-to-Mac daily control where Curtain Mode and drag-and-drop file transfers improve flow, Screens repays its small subscription in tactile quality.
For cross-platform support or when you must keep remote traffic off vendor infrastructure, self-hosting RustDesk's OSS relay in Docker eliminates subscription cost and satisfies privacy reviews.
Sources & References
Key Verified Facts
- Screens 5 pricing is $3.59 per month / $35.99 per year for Individuals, $29.99 per month / $59.99 per year for Teams; Screens 4 perpetual is deprecated.[screens-pricing, screens-upgrade]
- RustDesk is free and open source with Pro self-hosted plans around $9.90 per month Individual and $19.90 Basic, with OSS self-host at $0 via Docker.[rustdesk-pricing, rustdesk-techjockey]
- Screens is VNC-first Mac-native; RustDesk uses a custom Rust protocol with relay/rendezvous architecture.[screens-macstories, rustdesk-github]
- Both apps are notarized and work on Apple Silicon and macOS Tahoe 26.x.[screens-macstories, rustdesk-github]
- 1Edovia - Screens 5 Pricing FAQ
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
"Individual $3.59 per month / $35.99 per year, Teams $29.99 per month / $59.99 per year."
- 2Edovia - Upgrading to Screens 5 from Screens 4
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
"Screens 4 deprecated, Screens 5 subscription model."
- 3MacStories - Screens 5 Review
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
"Review noting redesign, file transfer and new business model for Screens 5."
- 4
- 5
- 6TechJockey - RustDesk Pricing
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
"Individual $9.90 per month billed annually $118.80, Basic $19.90 per month $238.80."
- 7Slashdot - RustDesk Reviews
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
"Third-party pricing and review context for RustDesk self-hosted tiers."