Side by side
Parsec vs X2Go
Both stand on remote desktop software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan AndroidAPILinux+4
Parsec combines remote computer access and sharing with gaming-focused controls. Check the license terms before commercial use, and note that paid plans are billed per user per month annually.
Visit Parsec
Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hosted+2
X2Go combines reconnectable remote desktops with sound, sharing, SSH transport, and application-level launching. Its free model and broad client listings make it suitable when the server setup matches its Linux-focused design.
Visit X2GoThe facts
| Parsec | X2Go | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | No | Not published |
| Runs on | Android, API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Individuals (Warp): $8.33 per user a month | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 6 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | X2Go |
| Website | parsec.app | wiki.x2go.org |
| On remote desktop software | #43 of 135 | #47 of 135 |
Parsec: what it does well
- Supports Windows, macOS, Ubuntu Linux, Android, and web.
- Designed for 60FPS UHD gaming with low latency.
- Shared links can grant observation or control.
- Native peer-to-peer traffic uses end-to-end encryption.
- Teams supports SAML 2.0 single sign-on.
What to know first
- Personal Use and Individuals are non-commercial licenses.
- Commercial use requires Teams or Enterprise.
- Guest Access costs $25 per invitation.
- No volume discounts are offered.
X2Go: what it does well
- Works over low- or high-bandwidth connections
- Sessions can be resumed from another client
- SSH tunneling protects session traffic
- Supports file and printer sharing
- Can proxy RDP connections to Windows
What to know first
- Desktop compatibility varies by environment and version
- Sessions depend on the server computer’s resources
- Primarily designed around X2Go Server on Linux