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Apache Guacamole

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What Apache Guacamole is

Apache Guacamole is a clientless remote desktop gateway for reaching desktops through a web browser. It supports VNC, RDP and SSH; after installation on a server, users can connect without browser plugins or separate client software. The desktops may be hosted in the cloud. The free and open-source software is licensed under Apache License, Version 2.0, and its listed plan costs nothing. It supports web browsers, mobile phones and tablets, with file transfer and session recording. Native and Docker deployment methods are documented, and core APIs are available for integration into open-source or proprietary applications. Authentication extensions cover Active Directory or LDAP, multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, smart cards and certificates, vault secrets, and RADIUS. The manual recommends SSL/TLS protection for user connections and a mechanism to deter brute-force attacks. SSH and SFTP identity checks are not enabled by default, but can be configured. Community support runs through public mailing lists that require subscription before posting.

Who it suits

It suits people who need browser access to remote desktops over VNC, RDP or SSH, including teams integrating remote access into an application. It is also relevant to deployments needing documented authentication extensions or self-hosted installation options.

What it does well

  • Free and open source under Apache License, Version 2.0
  • No browser plugins or client software required
  • Supports file transfer and session recording
  • Offers native and Docker installation methods
  • Authentication extensions include MFA and single sign-on

What to know first

  • SSH and SFTP identity verification is off by default
  • Mailing-list users must subscribe before posting
  • Manual recommends configuring SSL/TLS and brute-force protection

Plans

PlanBilled and limitsPrice
Apache GuacamoleFree and open source · Apache License, Version 2.0Free

As guacamole.apache.org lists them, read 7 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Getting started

  1. Visit the Apache Guacamole website.
  2. Choose a documented native or Docker installation method and install Guacamole on a server.
  3. Open Guacamole in a web browser, or use a mobile phone or tablet.
  4. Configure SSH or SFTP host identity verification with known-hosts data or connection parameters if needed.
  5. Subscribe to a public mailing list before posting a support question.

Verdict

Apache Guacamole provides browser-based access to remote desktops with support for three connection protocols and several authentication extensions. Plan for server installation and configure the recommended protections, including SSH or SFTP identity checks where needed.

Questions

How much does Apache Guacamole cost?

The listed plan is free.

Is Apache Guacamole open source?

Yes. It is licensed under Apache License, Version 2.0.

Which protocols does Guacamole support?

It supports VNC, RDP, and SSH.

Can I use it on mobile devices?

The listed supported platforms include mobile phones and tablets, as well as web browsers.

Does it support file transfer and session recording?

Yes, both are listed as supported.

How can Guacamole be integrated into an application?

It provides documented core APIs for integration into open-source or proprietary applications.

Facts from Apache Guacamole's own pages

Access mode
both · guacamole.apache.org, 20 Sept 2026
Authentication integrations
The manual lists extensions for Active Directory or LDAP, multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, smart cards and certificates, vault secrets, and RADIUS. · guacamole.apache.org, 7 Oct 2026
Browser access
After Guacamole is installed on a server, users can access desktops through a web browser without plugins or client software. · guacamole.apache.org, 7 Oct 2026
Cloud desktops
Desktops accessed through Guacamole can be hosted in the cloud rather than physically present. · guacamole.apache.org, 7 Oct 2026
Commercial support
The project lists third-party commercial support providers and says the Apache Software Foundation does not endorse or vet them. · guacamole.apache.org, 7 Oct 2026
Community support
The project's primary support channel is its public mailing lists, which require users to subscribe before posting. · guacamole.apache.org, 7 Oct 2026
Current release
The release page identifies version 1.6.0, dated 2025-06-22, as the current release. · guacamole.apache.org, 7 Oct 2026
Deployment
The project documents native and Docker installation methods. · guacamole.apache.org, 7 Oct 2026
File transfer
File transfer is supported for VNC, RDP, and SSH when the underlying protocol supports it and the feature is enabled. · guacamole.apache.org, 7 Oct 2026
Free plan
Yes · guacamole.apache.org, 20 Sept 2026
Integration API
Guacamole provides documented core APIs that can be integrated into open source or proprietary applications. · guacamole.apache.org, 7 Oct 2026
Licensing
The project describes the software as free and open source and licenses it under Apache License, Version 2.0. · guacamole.apache.org, 7 Oct 2026
Purpose
Apache Guacamole is a clientless remote desktop gateway that supports protocols including VNC, RDP, and SSH. · guacamole.apache.org, 7 Oct 2026
Security guidance
The manual recommends encrypting communication between users and Guacamole with SSL/TLS and using a mechanism to prevent brute-force attacks. · guacamole.apache.org, 7 Oct 2026
Session recording
Yes · guacamole.apache.org, 20 Sept 2026
SSH host verification
SSH and SFTP server identity verification is not performed by default, but can be configured using known-hosts data or connection parameters. · guacamole.apache.org, 7 Oct 2026
Supported platforms
web browsers,mobile phones,tablets · guacamole.apache.org, 20 Sept 2026

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