AnyDesk is the default, not an obligation. Here’s an overview of other remote tools that work on a Mac mini — what fits when, and where the limits are.
Picking a tool
| Tool | Strength | Weakness | Use case |
|---|---|---|---|
| AnyDesk | ready to use immediately, cross-platform | license for commercial use | default, mixed setups |
| Apple Screen Sharing | macOS-native, free | best Mac-to-Mac | Mac-to-Mac workflow |
| SSH | secure, scriptable | no desktop | headless / CI/CD |
| RustDesk | open source, self-hosting possible | less mature | GDPR-conscious, self-hosted |
| Jump Desktop | great UX on iPad | commercial | iPad as Mac controller |
| Splashtop | good performance | license | streaming, gaming |
| Microsoft Remote Desktop | good for Mac → Windows | poor the other way round | if you normally use Windows |
| TeamViewer | widespread | stricter licensing than AnyDesk | if your clients use TeamViewer |
| Parsec | extremely low latency | more gaming-focused | special use cases |
RustDesk — open-source AnyDesk alternative
RustDesk is an open-source remote desktop, similar to AnyDesk in how it’s operated.
Pros
- Free and open source
- Self-hosted server possible (you run your own relay server instead of the RustDesk cloud)
- Cross-platform: Mac, Win, Linux, iOS, Android, web
Cons
- Somewhat less mature than AnyDesk
- Performance sometimes fluctuates
- Self-hosted: extra server maintenance
Setup on the Mac mini
- On the Mac (via AnyDesk): rustdesk.com → Mac installer
- Open RustDesk → note the ID
- Set a password
- On your computer: RustDesk client → enter ID + password
With a self-hosted server (for the privacy-conscious): enter the server address in both clients.
On request, we can set up a RustDesk relay server on our own hardware at one of our German locations — a ticket is all it takes.
Jump Desktop — best UX on iPad
Jump Desktop is commercial (~€30 one-time) and one of the best options on iPad for controlling a Mac.
Pros
- Apple Pencil support for precise Mac control
- Touch gestures optimized for iPad
- Multiple protocols: VNC, RDP, SSH, its own “Fluid” protocol
- Very stable
Setup
- Jump Desktop from the App Store / Mac App Store
- On the Mac: install Jump Desktop Connect (server component, free)
- On the iPad: Jump Desktop app, connect to the Mac (Apple-ID-based)
Ideal if you frequently want to reach the Mac from an iPad on the go.
Splashtop — good performance, high resolution
Splashtop is a commercial product focused on smooth streaming.
Pros
- Very good image quality with enough bandwidth
- Audio transmission
- Gaming-capable
Cons
- Licensing: Splashtop Personal is free for non-commercial use, commercial from ~€50/year
- Privacy: servers in the USA
Setup
- Create a Splashtop account
- On the Mac: install Splashtop Streamer
- On your computer: Splashtop Business / Personal app
- Log in → the Mac appears in the list
Microsoft Remote Desktop for Mac
Now called the Windows App. It exists primarily to control Windows machines from a Mac.
The other way round (Mac from a Windows PC) — Microsoft Remote Desktop doesn’t work directly, because Macs don’t speak the RDP protocol.
Workaround: VNC clients on the Windows PC, then use Apple Screen Sharing on the Mac.
TeamViewer
Well known, but commercial use gets expensive fast (Business from ~€25/month).
Setup is analogous to AnyDesk: ID + password, cloud-based.
Makes sense if your clients use TeamViewer — otherwise AnyDesk or Apple Screen Sharing.
Parsec — lowest latency
Parsec was originally built for cloud gaming and works very well for remote desktop with high performance demands.
Pros
- Latency under 10 ms under optimal conditions
- 60+ FPS streaming
- Audio transmission
Cons
- Limited support on macOS
- More for gaming workflows than office work
- Commercial with a free tier
Recommendation: only for special applications (real-time audio, gaming-like workflows).
Combining multiple tools
Best practice for pros:
- AnyDesk (or RustDesk) as primary access for cross-platform use
- Apple Screen Sharing as a Mac-to-Mac backup
- SSH for scripts and headless workflows
- Jump Desktop for iPad mobility (if relevant)
Three or four tools in parallel — not unusual among power users.
What we recommend
Based on our experience with Mac mini Hosting customers:
“I just want to hop onto the Mac quickly”
→ AnyDesk (the default, you’re in right away).
”I mainly use macOS and work on it every day”
→ Apple Screen Sharing for Mac-to-Mac, SSH for terminal tasks.
”I want open source, no cloud service”
→ RustDesk self-hosted + SSH.
”I want an iPad workflow”
→ Jump Desktop + Apple Screen Sharing.
”I only do CI/CD”
→ SSH only, no desktop access needed.
Performance comparison
Subjectively tested with DSL 100/40 Mbit/s, 1080p Mac resolution:
| Tool | Latency | Image quality | Subjective |
|---|---|---|---|
| Apple Screen Sharing (Mac-to-Mac) | 30 ms | very good | very smooth |
| AnyDesk | 35 ms | good | smooth |
| Splashtop | 25 ms | very good | very smooth |
| Parsec | 15 ms | excellent | barely distinguishable from local |
| RustDesk | 40 ms | medium | slightly sluggish |
| Jump Desktop (Fluid) | 30 ms | good | smooth |
| TeamViewer | 50 ms | medium | a bit sluggish |
Values vary a lot with your internet connection and the Mac’s resolution.
Typical pitfalls when switching tools
Multiple remote tools in parallel — performance issues
Every active remote tool costs CPU/RAM on the Mac. On an M1 with 8 GB: three or four tools at once is already noticeable.
Solution: disable the ones you don’t use. Check the auto-start setting.
Security conflicts
Some remote tools want extensive macOS permissions (Accessibility, Screen Recording, etc.).
When switching: review permissions, remove old tools completely (including in the Privacy settings).
Default port conflicts
VNC-based tools often use port 5900. Two VNC tools running at once: conflict.
Solution: Apple Screen Sharing on port 5900, other VNC tools on a custom port.
Frequently asked questions
Which tool is GDPR-compliant? RustDesk self-hosted with us in Germany. Apple Screen Sharing runs as a direct connection to your Mac, no cloud intermediary at all — used over an SSH tunnel or VPN, it’s uncritical from a privacy standpoint. AnyDesk offers German server options. Others: read the privacy policy.
Which tool for Mac-to-Linux access? Not Apple Screen Sharing — that’s Mac-to-Mac only. RustDesk or TigerVNC work cross-platform.
Registering multiple tools — a security risk? More tools = more attack surface. Recommendation: 2–3 tools maximum, all with a strong password + 2FA.
Which tool for mobile use on the train? On a shaky connection: SSH (the most robust). Mosh as an alternative. AnyDesk tolerates disconnects moderately well, RustDesk worse.
Can I use Apple Screen Sharing AND AnyDesk in parallel? Yes. Both run independently, no conflict.
SSH is too text-based for me — anything similar with a GUI? SSH + tmux + text-based tools (vim, nvim, htop) are the power-user standard. If you want a GUI: AnyDesk.
How important is GDPR with remote tools? Relevant for business use with personal data. For a pure build server: less critical. When in doubt: read the provider’s data processing agreement.
AnyDesk vs. another tool — what’s worth the money? AnyDesk Solo: ~€15/month. TeamViewer: similar. Splashtop: cheaper. RustDesk: free. Choose by feature needs, not primarily by price.
What’s next
First login with AnyDesk
What you get after ordering your Mac mini and how the first AnyDesk session works. A default setup that works right away.
Configuring AnyDesk in depth
Set up AnyDesk on the Mac so it works securely and reliably as a permanent connection. Unattended access, 2FA, security settings.
Enabling and using Apple Screen Sharing (VNC)
macOS' built-in remote desktop. When AnyDesk isn't the right fit: enable Screen Sharing, connect from Mac/iPad/Windows, performance tuning.
SSH and headless workflows
Controlling your Mac via SSH: public-key auth, tmux sessions, Xcode builds from the command line, GitHub Actions runners. When you don't need a desktop.