Freedom251 › Remote desktop software
FreeRDP
What FreeRDP is
FreeRDP is a free implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol, provided as a reusable library and client applications. It supports Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, along with file transfer and mobile apps. The project uses the Apache license. Linux documentation covers Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and OpenSUSE packages or builds, plus a stable Flatpak. Windows users can find nightly static wfreerdp builds for 32-bit and 64-bit systems, while macOS installation is documented through Homebrew or MacPorts. Release notes mention iOS client updates and an Android AAudio backend. FreeRDP links protocol references to Microsoft Open Specifications and describes Azure Virtual Desktop sessions using an RDPW file with ARM gateway or AAD security options. Security updates cover the 3.x stable and master branches. Community help includes Matrix, IRC, mailing lists, and GitHub discussions.
Who it suits
FreeRDP suits users and developers needing an Apache-licensed RDP implementation across desktop and mobile platforms. It also supports Azure Virtual Desktop scenarios and offers community or commercial support options.
What it does well
- Free Apache-licensed RDP implementation
- Runs on Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- Provides library and client applications
- Supports file transfer and mobile apps
- Security updates cover stable and development branches
What to know first
- Documentation wiki remains incomplete
- Some distributions may require building from source
- Windows documentation focuses on nightly builds
- No free trial is listed
Plans
| Plan | Billed and limits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| FreeRDP | Free implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol · Apache license | Free |
As freerdp.com lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.
Verdict
FreeRDP offers broad platform coverage through an open implementation, library, and clients. Installation paths and support channels are documented, but users may need source builds or additional help on some distributions.
Facts from FreeRDP's own pages
- Azure Virtual Desktop
- The project FAQ describes launching Azure Virtual Desktop sessions using an RDPW file with ARM gateway or AAD security options. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Commercial support
- The project says commercial support is offered by some individuals and companies, and names David Fort and Thincast Technologies. · freerdp.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Community help
- Users can seek help through Matrix, bridged IRC, the mailing list, or GitHub discussions. · freerdp.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Distribution coverage
- The FAQ says nightly builds are available for some distributions and users of other distributions may need to build from source. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Documentation limit
- The support page says the wiki is the most comprehensive documentation but is still incomplete. · freerdp.com, 12 Oct 2026
- File transfer
- Yes · freerdp.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Free plan
- Yes · freerdp.com, 20 Sept 2026
- License
- The project says FreeRDP is released under the Apache license. · freerdp.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Linux support
- The project documents Linux packages or builds for Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, and OpenSUSE, plus a stable Flatpak. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Mac support
- The project documents installing FreeRDP on Mac through Homebrew or MacPorts. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Mobile apps
- Yes · freerdp.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Mobile support
- The latest release notes mention iOS client updates and an Android AAudio backend. · freerdp.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Purpose
- FreeRDP is a free implementation of the Remote Desktop Protocol and provides a library and client applications. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- RDP interoperability
- The project links to Microsoft Open Specifications and maintains a reference documentation list for the protocol. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Security support
- The security policy lists the 3.x stable branch and master development branch as supported for security updates. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Supported platforms
- Linux,Windows,macOS,iOS,Android · freerdp.com, 20 Sept 2026
- Vulnerability reporting
- The project asks users not to report security vulnerabilities as public GitHub issues and accepts reports through GitHub advisories or encrypted email. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
- Windows support
- The project documents nightly static wfreerdp builds for 32-bit and 64-bit Windows. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Where FreeRDP stands on Freedom251
- Remote desktop software#46 of 135