MeshCentral vs ThinLinc

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.

ThinLinc centrally hosts Linux applications and desktops in a data center or cloud, then makes them available for remote access from Windows, macOS, Linux, or a web browser. Its server feature list includes high availability, fail-over, clustering, load balancing, multiple sessions per user, and single-application publishing. Authentication options include passwords, one-time passwords, public keys, smart cards, and Kerberos tickets. Traffic passes through SSH tunnels and TLS, with encrypted pixels sent to clients. ThinLinc includes TigerVNC, noVNC, OpenSSH, CUPS, and PulseAudio. The maker describes the software as suitable for demanding EDA and CAD workloads, including access from different locations. The server allows three concurrent graphical sessions by default; a separate free license file raises this to ten concurrent users. ThinLinc offers free time-limited evaluation licenses. Its free plan is listed at free, for 10 concurrent users. Standard is $122 a year per user and Premium is $168 a year per user; both are billed in advance for 12 months and cover 1–10 users.