An AnyDesk alternative in your browser
AnyDesk is fast and familiar. GaiaDesk works the same way, a desk address and a code, but the side you connect from needs nothing installed: any modern browser is the controller.
- Connect from
- Any modern browser, a phone, or the GaiaDesk desktop app
- Host on
- macOS, Windows and Linux
- Encryption
- End to end, peer to peer; a relay passes along traffic it cannot read
- Price
- Free for personal use; Pro $12 a seat a month, billed monthly
GaiaDesk vs AnyDesk.
What each one is, based on GaiaDesk's own documentation and AnyDesk's public product information. Check AnyDesk's site for its current plans.
| Feature | GaiaDesk | AnyDesk |
|---|---|---|
| Controller | A browser tab, the desktop app or a phone browser | The AnyDesk app, installed or run on the controlling device |
| Hosts | macOS, Windows, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux, plus mobile and other platforms |
| Free for personal use | Yes | Yes |
| Unattended access on the free plan | Yes | See AnyDesk's plans |
| Peer-to-peer, end-to-end encrypted sessions | Yes | Encrypted sessions (TLS); see AnyDesk's security page |
| Command line and MCP server for scripts and AI agents | Yes | Has a command-line interface for deployment and scripting |
| Sessions on a LAN with no internet | Yes | See AnyDesk's documentation |
| Self-hosting | Enterprise option | On-premises offering for enterprises |
| Billing | Monthly per seat, cancel anytime | See AnyDesk's pricing page |
AnyDesk is a trademark of AnyDesk Software GmbH. GaiaDesk is not affiliated with it. Competitor details change; if something here is out of date, write to support@gaiadesk.net.
Which one fits.
AnyDesk may suit you better if
- You support many platforms beyond desktop computers, such as mobile, Chrome OS or embedded devices, as hosts.
- You already run its on-premises appliance and your processes are built around it.
- Everyone on your team already has the app installed and you never connect from a borrowed computer.
GaiaDesk is the better pick if
- You want to connect from any browser, including a locked-down work laptop or a phone, without installing anything.
- You want unattended access to your own computers on a free plan.
- You script your machines or let an AI agent work on them: the gaiadesk CLI and MCP server run commands, copy files and open shells.
- You want monthly per-seat billing with no annual contract.
Switching from AnyDesk.
Read next: Getting started · Unattended access · Connecting · The CLI for agents
Install the host on each computer you reach
Download GaiaDesk for macOS, Windows or Linux and sign in. It runs beside AnyDesk, so you can switch one machine at a time.
Set an unattended password on your own machines
Settings → Unattended access. With it you connect with no prompt, after a reboot and with the app closed (turn on the background service).
Connect from a browser tab
Open gaiadesk.net/app on any computer or phone, enter the 9-digit address and the code or password. Nothing to install on that side.
Bring the team over
On Team, invite people, set roles and share the address book. Once everyone is connecting through GaiaDesk, uninstall AnyDesk.
AnyDesk alternative questions.
- Is GaiaDesk a good AnyDesk alternative?
- If you want to connect from a browser without installing anything on the controlling side, yes. Hosts run on macOS, Windows and Linux, sessions are peer to peer and encrypted end to end, and unattended access is included on the free plan.
- Is GaiaDesk free like AnyDesk?
- For personal use, yes, and that includes unattended access, 5 saved devices and one session at a time. Work use needs Pro ($12 a seat a month) or Team ($28).
- Can I keep AnyDesk installed while I try GaiaDesk?
- Yes. They do not interfere with each other. Install the GaiaDesk host next to it and move machines over at your own pace.
- Does the person I help need to install anything?
- The computer being controlled runs the GaiaDesk host app. The person connecting only needs a browser. Both sign in to a GaiaDesk account, which is free.
- How do I import my AnyDesk address book?
- There is no automatic import. Install GaiaDesk on each machine and sign in with your account: your own machines then appear in your device list by themselves. On Team, the shared address book holds the rest.