Effective and Free Alternative to RustDesk
HelpWire stands as a decent alternative to RustDesk, offering all the essential features, simplified setup and usage, all while being completely free.
- Free-to-use
- Simple-to-use
- Great for businesses of any scale

HelpWire vs. RustDesk: A Brief Comparison
Have a look at a comparison chart highlighting the features and functions of both HelpWire and RustDesk.
HelpWire
|
RustDesk
Free
Individual
Basic
Customized
| ||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Price per Month | |||||
Price per Month | Free for personal and business use | Free for personal and business use | $9.90 per month | $19.90 per month |
$1 for each additional user $0.1 for each additional device |
User restrictions | |||||
User restrictions | No limits | No limits | 1 Licensed user | 10 Licensed users | 100 Licensed users |
Supported platforms | |||||
Supported platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android |
Multi-monitor view | |||||
Multi-monitor view | |||||
Multiple workstations control per user | |||||
Multiple workstations control per user | Unlimited | Unlimited | max 20 | max 100 | max 1500 |
Team Management | |||||
Team Management | |||||
Client Management | |||||
Client Management | |||||
Chat and collaboration | |||||
Chat and collaboration | Chat | Chat, VoIP | Chat, VoIP | Chat, VoIP | Chat, VoIP |
File transfer | |||||
File transfer | |||||
Remote desktop sessions at a time | |||||
Remote desktop sessions at a time | 1 | 1 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Session recording | |||||
Session recording | |||||
Customization | |||||
Customization | |||||
Mobile support | |||||
Mobile support | |||||
Screen sharing | |||||
Screen sharing |
HelpWire Features
When comparing remote support solutions to RustDesk, HelpWire shines as a top choice, especially for small businesses. Its Key features include fast and stable connectivity, high remote desktop performance, and robust security protocols.
Key features
Key features

File Exchange
Smoothly transfer files from the operator’s system to the remote desktop window using the usual copy-and-paste functionality.

Client Management
Amplify your remote client management by creating detailed client profiles, accessing crucial device information, and annotating remote support sessions—all conveniently from your web account.

Team Management
Seamlessly establish, organize, and disband support teams, manage a shared pool of clients, and collaborate as a team with integrated team management tools to resolve issues, delivering excellent remote assistance.

Easy Session Start
Initiate remote sessions by providing your clients with the remote desktop connection link, eliminating the requirement for intricate ID or password inputs.

Robust Security
Is HelpWire secure? With its trusted Auth0 authentication, AES-256 encryption, secure AWS data centers, and firewall-compatible connections, both operators and clients can feel confident during remote desktop sessions.
Remote Support for Various Situations

IT Support
Improve your remote support productivity with HelpWire, a free remote desktop solution for freelancers to solve system setup and software installation issues, among other tasks.

Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
HelpWire’s remote support for POS systems is an ideal option for businesses to streamline remote assistance, reduce costs and elevate customer service levels.

Managed Service Providers
Managed service providers can rely on HelpWire, a remote support software for MSPs, to deliver fast and secure support to IT infrastructures and user systems.
Users Share Their HelpWire Experience
5.0
Based on 49 customers' reviews
Version
2.1, 7 Aug, 2024
Compatibility
macOS, Windows, Linux
Price
Free
Check out what our customers are saying about HelpWire! Here are real reviews from various trusted sources.
My experience with HelpWire has been fantastic! The remote control process is incredibly smooth.
I appreciate HelpWire for its ease of use and comprehensive remote support tools all in one place.
HelpWire streamlines the remote support, allowing me to manage multiple clients efficiently, which improved overall service quality and client satisfaction.
The swift setup process and zero- configuration requirement for starting remote support sessions are what I appreciate most about HelpWire. It's remarkable how quickly I can connect with clients and start troubleshooting without any hassle.
It was handy for the odd occasion that someone needs a hand with their computer while I am not nearby. It was very reliable and able to see the other's screen to provide directions.
HelpWire software has been an invaluable asset for streamlining our customer support processes.
The experience is fantastic with a very smooth remote session experience. The optimised performance and smart connectivity feature ensures a seamless remote session with zero-lag.
I've never been more satisfied with the service quality of a remote desktop application in my entire freelancing career. Considering the fact that it's a free remote desktop support solution, HelpWire is really worth a shot!
How could I not like HelpWire! It ticks all the boxes for a great remote desktop/support service, and best of all, it's free. Real good, and worth more than a try.
The interface is straightforward, so I can quickly connect to clients' devices and start troubleshooting without jumping through hoops. Plus, the performance is rock solid-no lag or sudden disconnections, which is crucial when I'm in the middle of solving a client's issue.
I appreciate Helpwire for its user-friendly interface and efficient problem-solving capabilities. It's designed to streamline the troubleshooting process, making it easier for people to find solutions to their technical issues quickly.
HelpWire really stands out for me because it's free and works seamlessly on both Mac and PC. I love how easy it is to get started. Basically, I can send a dedicated link to my colleague or client to initiate a remote session right away. The software is super fast and easy to use.
The Operator Dashboard is easy to use and you can start up a support session in seconds. The fact that it keeps the chat with the customer as well as logs of connections is a nice touch.
Big fan of the reconnection functionality and stability I've seen
Remote connectivity interface is easy to use. Switching between native and remote screen is trouble free.
Your software worked just as well as Teamviewer. One thing works better and that is on the client side where they simply just have to grant me access. They don't have to provide me a one use password in order for me to connect.
First time using it. It's a bit confusing to set up. But once you get it it running, it is good.
This program is easy to use for both admins and clients and has excellent customer service.
Simplicity of use, in particular on the client side that simply require to click on a link and give the required permissions. But the best feature, IMHO, is the ability to share the clients with other team members... and all of this for free! THANK YOU for this amazing app!!
Simple app on client end makes helping them later super easy.
I love that it's free, easy to use and works super. I have an elderly blind man that I help and can't wait for the unattended access feature.
It's easy to use and I didn't expect there to be a software as good as this one.
Absolutely Amazing Product for attended Access for individual operators or small teams! And you do not even have to pay!! There are so much remote access solutions, you have to pay tons of money and don't even provide the bare minimum. HelpWire Team, you're doing great! Looking forward to what you will bring in the future.
I was able to help a client by transferring files from my machine to theirs.
FAQ
RustDesk is open-source software. However, it operates more as a freemium service, as certain features like access control, web console, address book, etc. require payment.
RustDesk was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Singapore. While there is no direct evidence of ties to China, the company's legal address has been a topic of discussion within the community, leading to concerns about transparency.
There are a good number of free remote desktops aside from RustDesk that you can use. Some of these include Chrome Remote Desktop, and HelpWire, among others.