ConnectWise Control (ScreenConnect)

Best Self Hosted Alternatives to ConnectWise Control (ScreenConnect)

A curated collection of the 4 best self hosted alternatives to ConnectWise Control (ScreenConnect).

ConnectWise Control (formerly ScreenConnect) is a remote access and support SaaS platform that lets IT teams and MSPs securely connect to, manage, and troubleshoot remote computers and servers, offering unattended access, file transfer, session recording, and collaboration.

Alternatives List

#1
MeshCentral

MeshCentral

Web-based remote management server for computers and IoT devices with remote desktop/terminal, file transfer, user/device groups, and auditing.

MeshCentral screenshot

MeshCentral is a web-based remote device management (RMM) and remote access platform that you host yourself. It provides a centralized server for enrolling devices and securely administering them through a browser, including interactive remote control and automation.

Key Features

  • Browser-based remote desktop/control for Windows, macOS, and Linux (agent-based)
  • Remote terminal/command execution and background device management actions
  • File transfer and file system browsing between admin and managed endpoints
  • Device inventory and status (hardware/software info, connectivity, last seen, etc.)
  • Multi-user management with roles, groups, and device “meshes” (organization)
  • Built-in relay for connectivity across NAT/firewalls; supports LAN discovery modes
  • Two-factor authentication options and detailed event/audit logging
  • Extensible via plugins/modules and integrates with Intel AMT for out-of-band management (where available)

Use Cases

  • Helpdesk/IT support for remote troubleshooting and user assistance
  • Managing fleets of servers, kiosks, lab PCs, or distributed endpoints
  • Remote administration of compatible Intel AMT/vPro devices for out-of-band access

Limitations and Considerations

  • Some advanced RMM functions (patching, AV/EDR, ticketing) are not a core focus compared to full commercial RMM suites
  • Intel AMT features depend on specific hardware/firmware support and correct network provisioning

MeshCentral is well-suited for teams that need a single, web-accessible console to enroll devices and perform secure remote support and administration. Its agent-based approach and optional AMT support make it flexible for both standard endpoint management and certain out-of-band scenarios.

5.9kstars
776forks
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#2
UpSnap

UpSnap

Self-hosted Wake-on-LAN dashboard to wake, shutdown, reboot, and monitor devices, with groups, scheduled tasks, and user access control.

UpSnap screenshot

UpSnap is a self-hosted web application for managing devices on your network with Wake-on-LAN and remote power actions. It provides an inventory-style UI to organize machines, trigger actions, and automate common “power on/off” routines for homelabs and small offices.

Key Features:

  • Wake-on-LAN (WOL) to power on devices by MAC address
  • Remote actions for supported hosts (e.g., shutdown/reboot via configured methods)
  • Device organization with groups/tags and searchable list views
  • Scheduling/automation for recurring power tasks (e.g., start lab machines before work)
  • User management and authentication with role-based access control (RBAC)
  • API support for integrating wake/power actions into scripts and automations
  • Docker-based deployment with persistent storage for configuration

Use Cases:

  • Power up a homelab cluster or NAS on demand from a phone/desktop
  • Automate “office hours” startup/shutdown schedules for lab/SMB devices
  • Provide a shared dashboard for family/team members to start allowed machines

Limitations and Considerations:

  • Remote shutdown/reboot capabilities depend on host OS configuration and the enabled control methods; WOL requires compatible hardware and network setup (BIOS/UEFI, NIC, VLAN/broadcast).

UpSnap fits teams that want a simple, centralized web UI for WOL and basic power orchestration without standing up a full monitoring or configuration-management stack. It is particularly useful in homelabs and small networks where device lifecycle (on/off) control is a frequent task.

4.6kstars
165forks
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#3
Apache Guacamole

Apache Guacamole

Web-based remote access gateway that provides clientless RDP, VNC, and SSH sessions via a browser, with centralized authentication and connection management.

Apache Guacamole screenshot

Apache Guacamole is a clientless remote desktop gateway that provides access to machines over standard protocols like RDP, VNC, and SSH directly from a web browser. It centralizes connection management and authentication, allowing users to reach remote desktops and terminals without installing native client software.

Key Features

  • Browser-based access (“clientless”): no plugins or local clients required
  • Supports RDP, VNC, and SSH through the guacd proxy/daemon
  • Central connection management (organize, share, and control access to connections)
  • Multiple authentication options via extensions (e.g., LDAP/Active Directory, RADIUS, SSO options)
  • Database-backed configuration (commonly MySQL/MariaDB or PostgreSQL via the web app)
  • Session features typically expected of remote access portals: clipboard integration, file transfer (protocol/extension dependent), and in-session controls
  • Auditing/visibility features via logs and extension ecosystem (deployment dependent)

Use Cases

  • Provide a secure, browser-based jump host for admins to reach servers/desktops
  • Offer helpdesk/IT remote access to internal machines without distributing VPN/RDP clients
  • Enable BYOD access to lab/VDI resources through a controlled web portal

Limitations and Considerations

  • Some capabilities (SSO methods, advanced auditing, storage integrations) depend on installing/configuring specific extensions and external identity systems
  • Performance/UX is workload- and network-dependent (especially for graphics-heavy desktops), and tuning (RDP settings, compression) may be required

Guacamole is widely used as a remote access gateway because it is protocol-focused, browser-native, and extensible through an established server/webapp architecture. It fits organizations needing centralized, controlled remote access while keeping endpoints lightweight.

3.7kstars
731forks
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#4
ShellHub

ShellHub

ShellHub is a self-hosted SSH access gateway for managing and auditing remote access to servers and IoT devices with RBAC, device inventory, and session visibility.

ShellHub screenshot

ShellHub is a centralized SSH access gateway and device management platform designed to control, simplify, and audit remote access to servers and IoT/edge devices. It provides a web-based control plane where devices enroll and users connect through controlled, policy-based access.

Key Features

  • Device onboarding and inventory with identification and metadata
  • SSH access brokerage (gateway) to enrolled devices without exposing them directly
  • Web interface to manage devices, users, and access policies
  • Role-based access control (RBAC) for organizing and restricting access
  • Session visibility/auditing capabilities (connection and access tracking)
  • Multi-device fleet management oriented to IoT/edge environments

Use Cases

  • Centralize SSH access to production servers with controlled entry points
  • Manage remote access to IoT/edge fleets (industrial gateways, kiosks, routers)
  • Provide auditable operator/vendor access to customer or branch devices

Limitations and Considerations

  • Feature depth and enterprise controls can vary by edition/version; verify required auditing/recording needs in the current release.

ShellHub fits teams that want a single place to enroll devices and broker SSH access with governance controls. It’s especially useful where devices are distributed, behind NAT, or otherwise difficult to access directly, and where access control and traceability matter.

1.9kstars
169forks
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Why choose an open source alternative?

  • •Data ownership: Keep your data on your own servers
  • •No vendor lock-in: Freedom to switch or modify at any time
  • •Cost savings: Reduce or eliminate subscription fees
  • •Transparency: Audit the code and know exactly what's running