Best RDP Server for Linux: A Comprehensive Guide


Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) is a powerful tool that allows users to connect to another computer over a network connection, offering full control over the remote system as if they were sitting right in front of it. While RDP is commonly associated with Windows environments, Linux users also have several reliable options when it comes to setting up and using RDP servers.

In this article, we explore the best RDP servers for Linux, comparing their features, performance, compatibility, and ease of use to help you make an informed choice.

Why Use RDP on Linux?

While SSH is a go-to for remote command-line access in Linux, RDP offers a graphical interface, making it ideal for tasks that require a full desktop experience. Developers, system administrators, and even casual users benefit from RDP in the following ways:

  • Full GUI access to Linux desktop

  • Remote support and troubleshooting

  • Running desktop applications remotely

  • Managing Linux servers with graphical tools

Criteria for Choosing the Best RDP Server for Linux

When evaluating RDP servers for Linux, several key criteria should be considered:

  • Compatibility with Windows RDP clients

  • Ease of installation and configuration

  • Security features (encryption, authentication)

  • Performance and resource usage

  • Desktop environment support (GNOME, KDE, Xfce, etc.)

  • Open-source availability and community support

Top RDP Servers for Linux

1. xrdp

xrdp is one of the most popular and widely used RDP servers for Linux. It provides a fully functional remote desktop that is compatible with the native Windows RDP client (mstsc), making it ideal for mixed-OS environments.

Features:

  • Supports standard RDP clients (no need for third-party software on the client side)

  • Works with various desktop environments (Xfce, KDE, GNOME, etc.)

  • Lightweight and easy to install

  • Open-source

Pros:

  • Compatible with Windows RDP client

  • Good performance on lightweight desktop environments

  • Actively maintained

Cons:

  • Slightly more complex to configure with GNOME and other modern desktop environments

  • Default session management can be tricky

Best For: Users needing a quick, Windows-compatible RDP solution on Linux.

2. TigerVNC with xrdp Backend

While TigerVNC is technically a VNC server, when combined with xrdp as a backend, it can provide a robust and secure RDP experience on Linux.

Features:

  • High-performance VNC server with RDP support via xrdp

  • Provides a session-per-user model

  • Supports TLS encryption

  • Configurable to start specific desktop environments

Pros:

  • Fast and responsive

  • Secure with SSL support

  • Works well in enterprise environments

Cons:

  • Requires configuration of both xrdp and TigerVNC

  • More complex setup

Best For: Power users and enterprise setups needing advanced configuration.

3. FreeRDP (xfreerdp)

FreeRDP is more of a client, but also includes server capabilities and tools for embedding RDP into applications. It’s highly flexible and extensible, often used as a backend in many other RDP solutions.

Features:

  • Modular design

  • Supports clipboard, audio redirection, and printer support

  • Used in third-party apps for embedding RDP

Pros:

  • Actively developed

  • Supports a wide range of RDP features

  • Great compatibility

Cons:

  • Not straightforward for standalone server setup

  • Better used in combination with other tools

Best For: Developers or projects needing RDP capabilities in embedded systems or custom applications.

4. Vino (for GNOME)

Vino is GNOME’s built-in VNC server that allows remote desktop sharing. Although it doesn’t directly support RDP, it can be combined with tools like xrdp to enable RDP access to GNOME desktops.

Features:

  • Simple to use and integrate into GNOME settings

  • Easy sharing of desktop over the network

  • Password-based access

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface

  • Good integration with GNOME

  • Minimal setup for desktop sharing

Cons:

  • VNC-based (needs RDP wrapper like xrdp for full RDP)

  • Limited configuration options

Best For: Casual users and GNOME desktop environments.

5. Remmina + xrdp

Though Remmina is a client, it’s often used with xrdp or FreeRDP for full RDP support. It’s not a server but part of a common remote desktop workflow on Linux.

If your Linux setup is the client rather than the server, Remmina can pair with xrdp servers on other machines for an excellent RDP experience.

Installation Guide for xrdp on Ubuntu (Example)

Here’s a quick guide to setting up xrdp on Ubuntu:

bash
sudo apt update
sudo apt install xrdp -y
sudo systemctl enable xrdp
sudo systemctl start xrdp

If you’re using Xfce (recommended for low resource usage):

bash
sudo apt install xfce4 xfce4-goodies -y
echo "startxfce4" > ~/.xsession
sudo systemctl restart xrdp

Now, connect via your Windows RDP client using your Linux machine’s IP address.

Security Considerations

When setting up RDP on Linux, keep security in mind:

  • Use strong passwords for all user accounts.

  • Configure a firewall to limit RDP access (e.g., UFW, firewalld).

  • Tunnel RDP over SSH for encryption.

  • Use fail2ban to prevent brute-force attacks.

  • Enable TLS encryption in xrdp for secure connections.

Conclusion: Which RDP Server is Best for You?

The best RDP server for Linux depends largely on your use case:

Use CaseRecommended RDP Server
Simple, Windows-compatible setupxrdp
High-performance and customizableTigerVNC + xrdp
Embedded or advanced useFreeRDP
GNOME desktop sharingVino + xrdp
Lightweight environmentsxrdp with Xfce

For most users, xrdp remains the best starting point due to its ease of use, Windows compatibility, and wide community support. Combining xrdp with TigerVNC offers better performance and flexibility for more advanced or enterprise-level needs.

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