NoMachine vs HopToDesk
NoMachine is remote desktop software built on its own NX protocol. It is known for smooth, high-quality sessions and strong Linux support, from a single computer up to Linux servers shared by many users. NoMachine 10, released in July 2026, discontinued the free edition: connecting to a computer now needs a paid Personal Edition, and reaching it from outside your own network needs a separate NoMachine Network subscription.
Where HopToDesk fits
NoMachine is at its best on fast local networks and on Linux servers where each user gets a virtual desktop of their own, and it can forward USB devices, which HopToDesk does not do. If you used the free edition to reach your own computers, HopToDesk still does that for free, including from outside your network with no port forwarding and no extra subscription. The Dashboard then adds live device status, a built-in help desk and team management.
NoMachine and HopToDesk side by side
| Feature | HopToDesk | NoMachine |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free | Personal Edition starts at US$24.50/year per computer; the free edition ended with NoMachine 10 in July 2026 |
| Use Without an Account | Yes | YesFor direct connections; NoMachine Network needs an account |
| Access Without Port Forwarding | YesIncluded free | Needs a NoMachine Network subscription, from US$8.50/month |
| Platform Support | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi | Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi, plus Android and iOS apps to connect from |
| Web Browser Access | Yes | Enterprise Desktop and server products only |
| Single App for Control/Share | Yes | Yes |
| Screen Share | Yes | Yes |
| File Transfer | Yes | Yes |
| Live Chat | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Support | Yes | Yes |
| Traffic Security | End-to-End Encryption | TLS 1.2 with AES-128-GCM |
| Secure Session Verification | Yes | YesDesktop owner can be asked to accept |
| 2FA Login | Yes | Yes |
| Unattended Access | Yes | Yes |
| Session Recording | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Terminal | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Restart | Yes | Not offered |
| Remote Printing | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Wakeup (WOL) | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Clipboard Sync | Yes | Yes |
| Direct Access | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Session Support | Yes | One desktop connection at a time on Personal Edition |
| Multi-Monitor Support | Yes | Yes |
| Self-Hosting / On-Premise | Yes | Yes |
| Custom-Branded Clients | Yes | Not offered |
| AI Agent Support (MCP) | Yes | Not offered |
| Built-in Help Desk & Ticketing | YesIncluded on all plans, with a customer portal, email intake and assignment | Not offered |
| Device Monitoring & Alerts | Yes | Not offered |
| Session Reports & Audit Trail | YesSession history, connection durations, audit trail, CSV export | Server logs only |
| Session Notes & Billable Flag | Yes | Not offered |
| Language Support | About 44 | About 8 |
NoMachine plan details verified 17 September 2026 against NoMachine pricing. Vendors change packaging, so check current terms before deciding.
What the Dashboard adds
The HopToDesk client is free. The Dashboard is the paid tier, and it turns remote access into a managed platform, from your first three devices free to 500 and beyond on the Business plan.
Switching from NoMachine
- Install the free client on the machines you support. Portable mode means no commitment to test it.
- Start a free Dashboard account, add three devices, and check the monitoring and ticket views against your own machines.
- Deploy at scale with GPO, Intune, SCCM, Jamf or Ansible, or with a branded client.
- Add your team, set roles, and connect SSO from the Dashboard.
On the Business plan you can also import the device list exported from your current tool. Each imported group becomes a deployment with its own enroll link, and the Dashboard checks off each machine as it enrolls, so you always know what is left to move. Read the migration guide
Common questions
Do I need to open firewall ports?
No. HopToDesk connects through its own network with NAT traversal, so there is no port forwarding to configure.
Is there a free tier?
Yes. The client is free for personal and business use, and the Dashboard free plan covers three devices with no time limit.
Can I run it on my own infrastructure?
Yes. Self-hosting on-premises or on Cloudflare Workers is free and documented.
Try it on your own devices
Install the client, add a few devices and see how it handles your estate before you move anything across.
Managing devices for clients? HopToDesk for MSPs covers multi-tenant separation, per-tenant branding and volume pricing.