Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Chrome Remote Desktop VS Guacamole

Compare Chrome Remote Desktop VS Guacamole and see what are their differences

Chrome Remote Desktop logo Chrome Remote Desktop

The easy way to remotely connect with your home or work computer, or share your screen with others.

Guacamole logo Guacamole

Access your computers from anywhere. Because the Guacamole client is an HTML5 web application, use of your computers is not tied to any one device or location. As long as you have access to a web browser, you have access to your machines.
  • Chrome Remote Desktop Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-26
  • Guacamole Landing page
    Landing page //
    2018-09-29

Chrome Remote Desktop features and specs

  • Ease of Use
    Chrome Remote Desktop offers a straightforward setup and user-friendly interface, making it accessible even for individuals with minimal technical expertise.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    The service supports multiple platforms including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, allowing for convenient access regardless of the device being used.
  • Cost
    It is a free service, making it an economical choice for users requiring remote desktop access without investing in premium software.
  • Security
    The service uses Google's robust security protocols, including SSH and SSL, ensuring that connections are encrypted and secure.
  • Integration with Google Services
    Seamless integration with other Google services such as Gmail and Google Drive can enhance productivity and user experience.

Possible disadvantages of Chrome Remote Desktop

  • Limited Features
    Compared to other remote desktop solutions, Chrome Remote Desktop lacks advanced features such as file transfer, remote printing, and screen sharing with annotations.
  • Internet Dependency
    A stable internet connection is essential for effective use. Performance may degrade with slower connections, making it less reliable in areas with poor internet service.
  • No Multi-Monitor Support
    The service does not natively support multiple monitors, which can be a significant limitation for users who rely on multi-screen setups.
  • Limited Customization
    The application has limited customization options, making it less adaptable to specific user or business requirements compared to more flexible solutions.
  • Google Account Requirement
    A Google account is mandatory for using the service, which may be a drawback for individuals or organizations that prefer not to use Google services.

Guacamole features and specs

  • Clientless
    Guacamole is clientless, meaning users don't need to install any specialized software on their local machines; access is purely web-based via an HTML5 browser.
  • Multi-Protocol Support
    Supports multiple protocols including RDP, VNC and SSH, providing flexibility to connect to various types of remote machines.
  • Open Source
    Being an open-source project under the Apache License, it allows for customization, transparency, and community-driven support.
  • Security
    By using a central gateway for remote access, Guacamole reduces the direct exposure of remote machines to the internet, enhancing security.
  • Scalability
    Can be scaled to handle large numbers of simultaneous connections, making it suitable for both small installations and large enterprise environments.
  • Cross-Platform
    As long as you have a modern web browser, you can access Guacamole from any operating system including Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile platforms.

Possible disadvantages of Guacamole

  • Setup Complexity
    Initial setup and configuration can be complex and time-consuming, requiring familiarity with server environments and networking.
  • Performance Overhead
    Additional latency and potential performance overhead can occur due to the intermediary nature of the Guacamole server.
  • Limited Native Features
    While it supports multiple protocols, it may not offer all the native features available in dedicated client software for those protocols.
  • Third-Party Dependencies
    Relies on third-party libraries and software components, which might require additional monitoring and updates.
  • Resource Consumption
    Running a Guacamole server requires substantial system resources, especially for larger-scale deployments.
  • Community Support
    While being open-source is an advantage, support can be limited to community forums and documentation, which might not suffice for critical enterprise needs.

Chrome Remote Desktop videos

How To Set Up Chrome Remote Desktop to WFH

More videos:

  • Review - Review - Free Chrome Remote Desktop - It is amazing!
  • Review - Access Your Desktop Remotely With Google Chrome Remote Desktop

Guacamole videos

access EVERYTHING from your web browser!! (Linux and Windows Desktop, SSH) // Guacamole Install

More videos:

  • Review - Chipotle Guacamole Vs. Homemade Chipotle Guacamole

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Chrome Remote Desktop and Guacamole)
Remote Desktop
62 62%
38% 38
Remote PC Access
63 63%
37% 37
Remote Control
65 65%
35% 35
Group Chat & Notifications

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Chrome Remote Desktop and Guacamole

Chrome Remote Desktop Reviews

Top 10 Android Remote Access Tools
Microsoft Remote Desktop is very similar to Chrome Remote Desktop and provides the functionality necessary to access remote Windows computers. Since this software was developed by Microsoft, it is compatible with all of the company’s applications and versions of the Windows OS. Users who need to simply connect to distant Windows systems may find this to be the best free...
14 Best TeamViewer Alternatives of 2022
Chrome Remote Desktop is not really a proper remote access terminal. It is just a browser extension enabling remote connection. This means that it is a browser-based tool, making it platform-independent.
25 Best TeamViewer Alternative Software (Free/Paid) in 2021
Remote desktop software needs to be installed on both the client as well as server-side. It uses Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) to connect to Windows systems. Once installed, it captures inputs like mouse and keyboard from the client’s computer and sends them to the server computer. This way, the client can use and manage the server-side computer from a remote location. It...
Source: www.guru99.com
Best remote desktop software of 2021: Paid and free choices for businesses
Chrome Remote Desktop is a free remote access program that’s available on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It's extremely limited when compared to some of the paid options on this list, but it’s the best free software we’ve come across and is a great option for personal use.
10 Best Free Remote Desktop Tools You Should Know
Remote desktop tools and features have been around for years. Most such tools and features were built with IT administrators and managers in mind – they make it easy for IT support personnel to access connected computers via a ‘master’ computer. But with the increasing popularity of smartphones and tablets, the average user also feels the need to access their home or work PC...

Guacamole Reviews

We have no reviews of Guacamole yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Guacamole might be a bit more popular than Chrome Remote Desktop. We know about 137 links to it since March 2021 and only 94 links to Chrome Remote Desktop. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Chrome Remote Desktop mentions (94)

  • Has anyone successfully used your Chromebook just to remote to your regular pc when traveling?
    This works pretty well with Chrome Remote Desktop. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Show HN: Another way to use an old tablet as an extra screen
    When I had to work on my desktop but had to watch some educational videos on the side I just used https://remotedesktop.google.com/. - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • ChromeOS is Linux with Google’s desktop environment
    They do, but for the googlers I know it's just as a thin client for their remote desktop software (https://remotedesktop.google.com/). - Source: Hacker News / over 1 year ago
  • Is it possible to run remote Access sofrwares via steamdeck?
    I use ipvanish on steamdeck for pirating movies and shows. I also use google https://remotedesktop.google.com/ to control my work computer without having to to go through windows l2tp vpn or cisco anyconnect. You just need a a browser plugin on the pc you want to control called Chrome Remote Desktop. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Remote control of a Chromebook to give someone support?
    I help my mom all the time. She just bring up https://remotedesktop.google.com/ and then select the option to get help to generate a code. You just need to use chrome browser on another machine and enter the code. You should get a pop up asking for permission. Once approved you should be able to remotely control the Chromebook. Source: almost 2 years ago
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Guacamole mentions (137)

  • Looking for a way to remote in to K's of raspberry pi's...
    Remote access for 10 people / end user access = Apache guacamole https://guacamole.apache.org/ - centralises access and audit and levels of access - MFA - HTML5 so all the enduser needs is a modern OS. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Start your server remotely
    I use wakeonlan for all of my machines, and configure Guacamole to push the WOL packet, delay 30-300 seconds (depending on machine) and then give me a terminal session to the server. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Looking for a way to remote in to K's of raspberry pi's...
    Setup Guacamole. It handles SSH, VNC, and RDP via HTML5. Works fine with LDAP or even Active Directory authentication. Apache Guacamole - https://guacamole.apache.org/ I think you can preload a database with connections also so you could likely automate most of this away. Source: over 1 year ago
  • List of your reverse proxied services
    Guacamole - To access Windows hosts via RDP. Source: over 1 year ago
  • Virtual display on Linux
    Use a vnc/rdp tool with a web interface (like https://guacamole.apache.org/) to access your remote host. Source: over 1 year ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Chrome Remote Desktop and Guacamole, you can also consider the following products

TeamViewer - TeamViewer lets you establish a connection to any PC or server within just a few seconds.

AnyDesk - AnyDesk is the world's most comfortable remote desktop application. Access all your programs, documents and files from anywhere, without having to entrust your data to a cloud service.

TightVNC - TightVNC - VNC-Compatible Remote Control / Remote Desktop Software. Download TightVNCDownload TightVNC 1. 3. 10 - TightVNC Server - F. A. Read more about TightVNC.

Remmina - Remmina is a remote desktop client written in GTK+, aiming to be useful for system administrators and travellers, who need to work with lots of remote computers in front of either large monitors or tiny netbooks.

LogMeIn - LogMeIn gives you fast, easy remote access to your PC or Mac from your browser, desktop and mobile...

Rustdesk - Discover RustDesk, The best open source remote desktop software. It is an alternative of TeamViewer and AnyDesk. You have full control of your data, no concern of security.