Alternatives to UltraVNC
Free, GPL-licensed VNC server and viewer for controlling Windows computers over a network or the internet. The listings below can replace it for an important use case. Each note says what changes if you switch.
The original
UltraVNC
Free, GPL-licensed VNC server and viewer for controlling Windows computers over a network or the internet.
Replacements
Listings that take over the same core job as UltraVNC.
TigerVNC
A fast, cross-platform VNC client and server built for real work, including 3D and video over the wire.
TigerVNC is a GPL-2.0 VNC client and server for Windows, macOS and Linux with TLS encryption, but no built-in file transfer or chat.
TightVNC
Lightweight VNC server and viewer for local network remote control.
TightVNC is a lightweight GPL-2.0 VNC server and viewer for Windows and Linux on local networks, without UltraVNC's repeater and single-click support tools.
RealVNC Connect
Commercial VNC remote access tool with a free Lite plan for personal use.
RealVNC Connect is commercial VNC software with cloud connectivity and mobile clients, and its free Lite plan is limited to three devices for personal use.
TurboVNC
A VNC server and viewer tuned for image-heavy work, so 3D applications and video stay usable over a network.
TurboVNC is a GPL-2.0 VNC server and viewer tuned for 3D and image-heavy work on Windows, macOS and Linux, aimed at workstations rather than support.
RustDesk
An open-source remote desktop tool you can point at your own relay server instead of somebody else’s cloud.
RustDesk is AGPL-3.0 remote desktop software with its own protocol and self-hosted relay servers, adding macOS, Linux and Android clients instead of standard VNC.
Also worth comparing
These listings name UltraVNC as their own alternative, so the relationship runs both ways.
LiteManager
Remote administration and remote desktop software with a free edition for up to 30 computers.
UltraVNC is a free GPL VNC server and viewer for Windows with file transfer, chat and a repeater, but encryption needs a plugin and it has no classroom features.
Radmin
Windows remote control software for IT staff supporting and administering computers on a network.
UltraVNC is a free GPL VNC server and viewer for Windows with file transfer and a repeater, though encryption needs a plugin.
Similar software
Related functionality, not a direct replacement.
noVNC
An open-source VNC client that runs in a web browser using HTML5 WebSockets and Canvas.
Remmina
The standard Linux remote desktop client, with plugins for RDP, VNC, SSH, SPICE and X2Go behind one connection list.
AVNC
Open-source VNC client for Android with configurable gestures, virtual keys and a built-in SSH tunnel.
bVNC
Open-source VNC client for Android, part of a suite that also covers RDP, SPICE and oVirt.
Krfb
A KDE desktop sharing server that lets another person view or control your session through VNC.
AeroAdmin
Portable remote desktop tool for Windows that connects over the internet without installation or configuration.
