ThinLinc vs ToDesk

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.

ToDesk is remote-control software for individuals, teams, and enterprises, with uses that include remote work, gaming, collaboration, and technical support. It supports connections across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS; the company also says it can connect with HarmonyOS. Access is available through apps and the web, and mobile apps are listed. Its file transfer center supports batch transfers between PC and mobile systems, along with drag and drop, clipboard copying, and transfer-record management. Session recording is also listed. The free Personal plan is for individual use and allows up to 100 devices, at a maximum of 1080P and 30 frames per second. A separate free team plan provides tools to create and manage a team, its members, device groups, and devices. Paid plans include options for teams and enterprises as well as individual use. Enterprise features include connections to company AD, Feishu, and WeCom accounts, bulk user import, and private deployment on a local server with data stored on the enterprise’s own server.