Side by side
KRDC vs TermDesk
Both stand on remote connection manager software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Linux
Choose KRDC if you need a free Linux client for VNC, RDP, or SPICE sessions and value its connection discovery and RDP controls. Look elsewhere if you need full import of settings from .rdp files or a client for a platform other than Linux.
Visit KRDC Free plan LinuxMacWindows
TermDesk combines several remote access protocols with a local vault and integrations for MCP clients. It is free and runs across three desktop platforms, but currently requires running from source rather than using a prebuilt signed installer.
Visit TermDeskThe facts
| KRDC | TermDesk | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | apps.kde.org | termdesk.pro |
| On remote connection manager software | #16 of 29 | #20 of 29 |
KRDC: what it does well
- Free Linux app with VNC, RDP, and SPICE support.
- Works across client and server operating systems.
- Provides bookmarks, connection history, and local VNC discovery.
- RDP settings include security modes, proxy, and gateway options.
- Can read basic connection details from an .rdp file.
What to know first
- Requires Linux and a compatible remote desktop server.
- The remote server must be enabled, reachable, and allowed through its firewall.
- .rdp import does not cover every setting supported by other RDP clients.
TermDesk: what it does well
- Supports SSH, SFTP, VNC and RDP.
- Reads existing SSH configuration.
- Stores host data in a local SQLite vault.
- Supports operating-system keychain secret storage.
- MIT-licensed with no mandatory cloud account or telemetry.
What to know first
- Prebuilt signed installers are not yet available.
- Currently runs from source.
- MCP agent access requires approval and is off by default.
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