MeshCentral
meshcentral.com
What it is
MeshCentral is an open-source, self-hosted web application for remote management of computers. From a browser, users can reach managed systems’ desktops and terminals, and download, upload, rename, or organize their files. Support sessions can include text chat and, when WebRTC is available, video chat. Administration tools include Wake-on-LAN, remote power management, TCP and UDP port forwarding, and activity logs. Multiple users and tenants can work with separate permissions across device groups. With Intel AMT, supported computers can be powered on remotely, accessed at BIOS level, and managed while their operating system is unavailable. MeshCentral supports Windows, Linux, macOS, FreeBSD, Android, and web browsers, with file transfer, session recording, and mobile apps. Installation uses Node.js and npm; the default database is NeDB, while MongoDB is suggested for advanced users. Security options listed include two-factor authentication, FIDO2 hardware keys, TLS 1.3, and optional database record encryption. It can retrieve configuration and secrets from HashiCorp Vault. The project uses the Apache 2.0 license and offers a free plan.
Spec sheet
- Purpose
- MeshCentral is an open-source, self-hosted web site for remote device management.Read 8 Oct 2026 · meshcentral.com
- Platforms
- The server and management agent run on Windows, Linux, macOS, and FreeBSD; Android agent downloads are also listed.Read 8 Oct 2026 · meshcentral.com
- Deployment
- Installation uses Node.js and npm, and the default setup uses the built-in NeDB database; MongoDB is suggested for advanced users.Read 8 Oct 2026 · meshcentral.com
- Free plan
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · meshcentral.com
- Mobile apps
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · meshcentral.com
- Security
- The security features page lists two-factor authentication, FIDO2 hardware keys, TLS 1.3, and optional database record encryption.Read 8 Oct 2026 · meshcentral.com
- License
- The project is licensed under Apache 2.0.Read 8 Oct 2026 · docs.meshcentral.com
- Access mode
- bothRead 20 Sep 2026 · meshcentral.com
- Capacity
- The installation page says a Raspberry Pi or AWS t3.nano instance can manage up to a few hundred devices.Read 8 Oct 2026 · meshcentral.com
- Device management
- Features include Wake-on-LAN, remote power management, TCP and UDP port forwarding, and activity logs.Read 8 Oct 2026 · meshcentral.com
- File management
- Users can remotely download, upload, rename, and organize files on managed systems.Read 8 Oct 2026 · meshcentral.com
- File transfer
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · meshcentral.com
- Intel AMT
- Intel AMT support can enable remote power-on, BIOS access, and management when the operating system is unavailable.Read 8 Oct 2026 · meshcentral.com
- Multi-user
- The product supports multiple users and multitenancy, with different permissions on device groups.Read 8 Oct 2026 · meshcentral.com
- Remote access
- It provides browser-based remote desktop and terminal access to managed computers.Read 8 Oct 2026 · meshcentral.com
- Secrets integration
- MeshCentral can retrieve configuration settings and secrets from HashiCorp Vault.Read 8 Oct 2026 · meshcentral.com
- Session recording
- YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · meshcentral.com
- Support and community
- The documentation directs users to file issues on GitHub and describes monthly community meetings.Read 8 Oct 2026 · github.com
- Support sessions
- Remote support sessions can include text chat and, when WebRTC is available, video chat.Read 8 Oct 2026 · meshcentral.com
- Supported platforms
- Windows,Linux,macOS,FreeBSD,Android,web browserRead 20 Sep 2026 · meshcentral.com
Plans and prices
Strong points and limits
Strong points
- Browser-based desktop and terminal access
- File transfer and session recording
- Multi-user permissions and multitenancy
- Intel AMT remote power-on and BIOS access
- Free, self-hosted plan
Limits
- Installation requires Node.js and npm
- Video chat depends on WebRTC availability
- MongoDB is suggested for advanced users
Who it suits
MeshCentral suits organizations that want to host their own remote device management service across desktop and mobile systems. Its multi-user permissions and Intel AMT support may be useful for teams managing grouped devices or systems whose operating systems are unavailable.
Verdict
MeshCentral combines remote access, device administration, and support-session tools in a self-hosted package. Its free plan and broad system support are notable, though deployment requires setting up the software and database.
Where Specifiction places it
- Remote desktop software#26 of 1358.7
- Remote support tools#10 of 478.7
- Remote Monitoring and Management Software#9 of 398.4
- Unattended Remote Access Software#7 of 298.4
- Remote Desktop Access Software#7 of 288.4
- Remote Support Software#15 of 498.4