You’re a sysadmin, developer, or just a curious tech enthusiast, finding the best RDP server for Linux can significantly improve your productivity and remote workflows. In this guide, we’ll explore the best RDP servers for Linux, compare their features, and help you choose the right one based on your needs — whether for personal access, enterprise-grade use, or headless server management.
What Is an RDP Server?
An RDP server enables a machine to accept incoming Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) connections. With it, users can connect remotely and interact with the Linux desktop or command-line interface as if they were sitting in front of the physical device.
While RDP is proprietary to Microsoft, Linux supports multiple open-source and third-party RDP-compatible servers, enabling full or partial desktop access across different operating systems.
Why Use an RDP Server on Linux?
Although SSH is the go-to for most Linux remote access, RDP servers offer some unique advantages:
- Graphical Interface: Dissimilar SSH, RDP takes steps to provide a full GUI for remote control.
- Cross-Platform Access: You can connect from Windows, Mac, or mobile devices.
- Multi-user Sessions: Some RDP servers support concurrent sessions for multiple users.
- Enhanced Usability: Ideal for desktop Linux environments where graphical access is preferred.
Great Criteria to Select the Best RDP Server for Linux
Earlier, diving into the top picks, consider these key factors:
| Feature | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Performance | Smooth experience without lag or graphical glitches |
| Security | Encryption, authentication options, and compatibility with firewalls |
| Ease of Setup | Simple configuration and maintenance |
| Compatibility | Works well with various Linux distributions & remote customer |
| Multi-session Support | Supports multiple users simultaneously (great for enterprise) |
| Cost | Open-source or commercial licensing |
Best RDP Servers for Linux
Let’s now explore the best RDP servers for Linux, starting with the most popular and widely supported solutions.
1. xrdp – Best Overall RDP Server for Linux
xrdp is the most widely used RDP server for Linux and is often considered the standard.
Features:
- Compatible with Microsoft Remote Desktop Client (mstsc)
- Supports encryption via TLS
- Seamless integration with personal desktop environments like GNOME, KDE, & Xfce
- Easy installation via package manager (apt, yum, etc.)
- Low resource consumption
Pros:
- Lightweight and reliable
- Native support for RDP protocol
- Work diagonally the main Linux distros (Ubuntu, Debian, CentOS, Fedora)
Cons:
- Limited multi-user session support
- Setup can be tricky for some desktop environments
Expert Tip:
If you’re running a headless Ubuntu server and want to RDP in with GUI, xrdp + Xfce is a minimal and highly stable combo.
2. TigerVNC + xrdp – Best for Hybrid RDP + VNC Setup
TigerVNC is a high-performance VNC server that works exceptionally well with xrdp.
Features:
- Accelerated graphical rendering
- Works well with RDP via xrdp backend
- Secure authentication options (with encryption)
- Best for use cases involving both RDP & VNC clients
Pros:
- Better performance than default xrdp backend
- More control over sessions and display settings
Cons:
- Requires more setup steps than standalone xrdp
- Slightly higher resource usage
Expert Tip:
For smoother graphics (especially with high-resolution monitors), use TigerVNC as the backend for xrdp. It eliminates flickering issues.
3. FreeRDP – Best for Developers and Custom Integrations
FreeRDP is an open-source implementation of the RDP protocol itself and is mostly used as a client, but it also offers server-side features through related tools.
Features:
- Cross-platform RDP support
- Can be embedded into custom applications
- Supports smart card redirection, USB forwarding, and more
Pros:
- Highly customizable for advanced use cases
- Active development and strong community
- Integrates with Wayland and X11
Cons:
- Not user-friendly for general users
- Requires coding or scripting knowledge for server use
Expert Tip:
Use FreeRDP if you’re building a custom RDP solution or want to integrate remote desktop into your own Linux-based software.
4. NoMachine – Best for High-Performance Remote Desktop
NoMachine offers a proprietary RDP solution with Remote Desktop -like capabilities, with high performance over lazy connections.
Features:
- High-definition video and audio streaming
- File transfer, session recording, and remote printing
- Multi-platform (Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS)
- 3D support and acceleration
Pros:
- Very fast even on low bandwidth
- Intuitive interface
- Free for personal use
Cons:
- Not fully open source
- Limited features in the free version
Expert Tip:
If you’re a creative or engineer working with Linux remotely and need fluid video or 3D support, NoMachine is ideal.
5. X2Go – Best for Secure Linux RDP-Like Access
X2Go is an open-source remote desktop software that provides a fast and secure remote desktop session using NX protocol, but supports RDP clients through plugins.
Features:
- Strong SSH-based encryption
- Works well on low bandwidth
- Remote sound and file sharing
- Client support for Windows, macOS, and Linux
Pros:
- More secure than vanilla RDP
- Supports suspended sessions (like remote hibernation)
- Excellent performance
Cons:
- Not a pure RDP server — requires custom client
- Some compatibility issues with certain desktop environments
Expert Tip:
Use X2Go for environments where security is critical, such as medical or legal RDP access to Linux desktops.
Bonus: RDP Hosting Providers for Linux Servers
If you don’t want to host your own RDP server, you can use cloud VPS or dedicated hosting with RDP pre-installed on Linux:
- Kamatera – Offers Linux VPS with xrdp pre-configured
- Linode or DigitalOcean – Manual setup with Ubuntu + xrdp
- Cloudzy – Known for RDP hosting on Linux for gaming and business
- Hetzner – Affordable EU-based servers with great performance
Look for a provider that gives you root access, SSD storage, and firewall protection.
Final Thoughts: Which Linux RDP Server Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Tool | Best For | Open Source | RDP Protocol Support | Ease of Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| xrdp | General use | ✅ Yes | ✅ Native | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| TigerVNC + xrdp | Performance | ✅ Yes | ✅ Hybrid | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| FreeRDP | Custom integration | ✅ Yes | ✅ Protocol-level | ⭐⭐ |
| NoMachine | High-performance GUI | ❌ No | 🚫 (uses its own protocol) | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| X2Go | Security-focused access | ✅ Yes | 🚫 (RDP via plugin) | ⭐⭐⭐ |
If you’re looking for the best all-around RDP server for Linux, xrdp is still the most stable and easy-to-deploy option. For users needing high performance, NoMachine is worth considering. For secure environments, X2Go is hard to beat.
FAQs
Can I use Windows RDP Client to connect to Linux?
Yes! If you install xrdp on your Linux machine, you can connect from Windows using the default Remote Desktop Connection (mstsc.exe).
Is RDP on Linux secure?
It depends on configuration. Always:
- Enable encryption (TLS)
- Restrict IP access via firewall
- Use strong passwords or SSH tunneling
Can multiple users connect via RDP to the same Linux machine?
Some servers like xrdp support multiple users with separate sessions, but you may need tweaks and licensing depending on the use case.
If you’d like help setting up xrdp or another RDP solution on your Linux system, feel free to request a step-by-step guide!
