Apache Guacamole vs Conduit
Apache Guacamole
guacamole.apache.orgConduit
conduitdesktop.comSide by side
| Figure | Apache Guacamole | Conduit |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $10/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| macOS | — | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 1 | 3 |
| Spec score · Remote Connection Manager Software | 8.2 (#7) | 8.6 (#4) |
| Purpose | Apache Guacamole is a clientless remote desktop gateway that supports protocols including VNC, RDP, and SSH. | Conduit is a cross-platform remote connection manager that unifies SSH terminals, RDP desktops, VNC sessions, and web tools in one tabbed workspace. |
Plans
In their own words
Apache Guacamole
Apache Guacamole has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Conduit
Conduit is a remote connection manager that brings SSH terminals, RDP desktops, VNC sessions, and web tools into a tabbed workspace. It includes a native MCP server with tools for terminal, RDP, VNC, web, credential, and vault operations. Conduit can launch Claude Code, Codex, Grok Build, Cursor Agent, OpenClaw, Gemini CLI, GitHub Copilot, and OpenCode; other MCP-compatible clients can connect. AI inference is not paid for or proxied by Conduit, so an agent runs under the user's provider subscription.
Connection entries and credentials are stored in a local SQLite vault encrypted with AES-256. Encryption keys are derived locally from the master password and are not transmitted to Conduit servers, including for cloud backups. MCP calls use local sockets or named pipes, redact secrets, apply per-tool rate limits, log activity, and require one-off approval for credential reads. Free accounts and local-mode installs are capped at 50 MCP tool calls per day. The free plan includes unlimited connections; Pro is free for 30 days, then costs $10 a month. Desktop versions are available for macOS, Windows, and Linux, with iPhone and iPad companion apps.