RustDesk Remote Desktop vs Open Authenticator by Skyost
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
RustDesk Remote Desktop
This open-source application provides remote desktop access and control. It functions as an alternative to commercial remote access software, allowing users to manage their computers from a distance. Note that it only supports controlling other devices, not screen sharing or being controlled itself.
- Open-source remote desktop
- Remote access and control
- TeamViewer alternative
- Self-hosting capability
- Cross-platform support
- Low input lag
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An open-source remote desktop application. The open source TeamViewer alternative. Source code: https://github.com/rustdesk/rustdesk Doc: https://rustdesk.com/docs Please be reminded that this app only has the ability to control, and it does not have the functionality of being controlled or screen sharing. WARNING: YOU MAY BE BEING SCAMMED! If you are on the phone with someone you DON'T know AND TRUST who has asked you to install RustDesk, do not install and hang up immediately. They are likely a scammer trying to steal your money or other private information.
Open Authenticator by Skyost
This app generates Time-Based One-Time Passwords (TOTPs) to enhance online account security through two-factor authentication. It offers cross-platform syncing, a self-hostable backend, and an intuitive interface for managing your security codes.
- Generates Time-Based One-Time Passwords (TOTPs)
- Enhances online account security with 2FA
- Cross-platform token syncing
- Self-hostable backend option
- Fast and easy-to-use interface
- Open-source and free for local use
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PROTECT YOUR ONLINE ACCOUNTS WITH OPEN AUTHENTICATOR Open Authenticator generates Time-Based One-Time Passwords (TOTPs), which serve as the second factor in the 2FA process. These temporary codes are valid for a short period of time and are used alongside your password to verify your identity when logging into your accounts. This significantly enhances the security of your online accounts and protects them from unauthorized access. KEY FEATURES - Open-Source & Free to use : Our commitment to transparency and security means our app is open-source and will always remain free for local use. If it doesn't cost anything for us, then it shouldn't cost anything for you ! - Cross-Platform Compatibility : Seamlessly sync your TOTP tokens across all your devices, whether you're using iOS, macOS or another platform. - Self-Hostable Backend : You can host the backend on your own server. Your data, your choice. - A lovely crafted app : Open Authenticator has been designed to be fast and easy to use. Quickly find all your TOTPs and copy them directly from the main page ! IN SUMMARY, WHY OPEN AUTHENTICATOR ? Here are the reasons why you should download Open Authenticator : - Enhanced Security : Protect your online accounts from unauthorized access with strong 2FA. - User-Friendly Interface : Intuitive design makes it easy to add, manage, and organize your TOTP tokens. - Continuous Improvement : We're dedicated to delivering the best user experience and regularly update our app with new features and improvements. LINKS - Check it out on Github : https://github.com/openauthenticator-app/openauthenticator - Visit our website : https://openauthenticator.app LEGAL - Privacy policy : https://openauthenticator.app/privacy-policy - Terms of service : https://openauthenticator.app/terms-of-service
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: RustDesk Remote Desktop at 59% against Open Authenticator by Skyost's 0%. RustDesk Remote Desktop also leads on in-app purchases (none vs 2) and ratings volume (99 vs 12). Open Authenticator by Skyost's advantage is rating (4.6 vs 3.9) and update cadence (fortnightly vs every 6 weeks). On price, ads, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Open Authenticator by Skyost sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $0.99 per month. RustDesk Remote Desktop asks for nothing beyond the download.
Open Authenticator by Skyost holds the better App Store score, 4.6 against 3.9. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: RustDesk Remote Desktop has 99 ratings behind it against 12, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews complicate that: 59% of RustDesk Remote Desktop's written reviews are positive against 0% of Open Authenticator by Skyost's, so the app with the better star average is not the one people write more warmly about.
RustDesk Remote Desktop ships an update every 6 weeks, Open Authenticator by Skyost fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on November 3, 2026 and October 30, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | RustDesk Remote Desktop | Open Authenticator by Skyost |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 3.9 (99 ratings) | 4.6 (12 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 58.8% of reviews — better | 0.0% of reviews |
| Number of ratings | 99 — better | 12 |
| Update frequency | Every 6 weeks | Fortnightly — better |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free — better | Free with in-app purchases |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad, iPod | iPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac — better |
| Requires iOS | 15.0 | 15.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 69 MB | 56 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Purslane Limited | Hugo Delaunay |
Customer experience
RustDesk Remote Desktop
Open Authenticator by Skyost
Bugs and requests
RustDesk Remote Desktop
Reported bugs
38 issues- Recent update broke iPad mouse alignment
- No image displayed from PC (black screen)
- Remember Password function doesn't work
- Black screen when remoting into Raspberry Pi Linux server (Wayland)
- Keyboard issues when remoting from iPhone to PC
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- Cannot control Mac
- iPad app fails to connect or shows key mismatch error
- App crashes or becomes unresponsive
- Connection issues over mobile data network
- Session closes after a short period
- Key presses duplicated or not registered with external keyboard
- Settings/Preferences not preserved
- iOS language icon covers toolbar collapse icon
- Previous direct IP sessions not saved
- Enter key does not work in address bar
- Copy/Paste broken
- Latest update deleted saved connections
- App not responding after update
- Connection Error, Operation not permitted (error 1) on iOS
- Mouse overflows monitor content, preventing clicks on edges
- Double-clicking behavior in touch mouse/pad options
- App launches but window vanishes on old iPads
- Crash on app startup (v1.2.7, iOS 12.2)
- Cannot paste remote ID by holding text input
- iOS client attempting to control Android results in frozen interface
- Cannot control Windows PC typing from iPhone
- Version 1.2.7 has issues on iPad (cannot launch)
- Address book empty on Pro version
- Arrow keys do not function like a desktop keyboard
- Phone heats up during use
- Mouse pointer on desktop and iPad not lined up
- Flakey behavior with keyboard and trackpad on iPad
- Scaling displays issues on iPad
- Key mismatch error with iPad app
- Virtual machine control issues (keyboard repeats or fails to register)
- Mobile network connection issues
- Cannot connect over mobile data network
- UI icon not centered
Requested features
13 requests- Add option to view and modify USB drives in file transfer mode
- Improve mouse and keyboard control configurability
- Allow Apple Pencil to function as a mouse
- Support iPhone remote control of each other
- Add option to automatically switch display/monitor to follow remote window focus
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- Sync remote ID list by iCloud
- Improve Wayland support
- Add option to change two-finger gesture behavior (scroll vs. move canvas)
- Center remote screen when zooming
- Remap controls for mouse actions
- Integrate arrow keys with device keyboard
- Support iPhone to Android control
- Support Windows remote typing from iPhone
Open Authenticator by Skyost
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
RustDesk Remote Desktop
No in-app purchases
Open Authenticator by Skyost
- Contributor Plan: Monthly$0.991 Month
- Contributor Plan: Annual$9.991 Year
Questions
Is RustDesk Remote Desktop free?
Is Open Authenticator by Skyost free?
Which has better reviews, RustDesk Remote Desktop or Open Authenticator by Skyost?
Do RustDesk Remote Desktop or Open Authenticator by Skyost have ads?
Which is updated more often, RustDesk Remote Desktop or Open Authenticator by Skyost?
Other comparisons
