TightVNC

Lightweight VNC server and viewer for local network remote control.

FreeOpen sourceWindowsLinux
Official websitetightvnc.com

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MajorGeeksmajorgeeks.com

Run by third parties, not by GlavSoft. Prefer the official page above when it works.

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About TightVNC

TightVNC provides a VNC server and viewer for Windows and a Java viewer that runs anywhere, using efficient encodings so it stays usable on slow links. It is aimed at straightforward remote control on a network you control rather than relayed internet sessions.

Strengths

  • Very light on resources, with a Java viewer that runs from any browser host
  • Simple, dependable remote control on a local network

Limitations

  • No relay service; you must reach the machine yourself over the network
  • VNC authentication is weak and needs to be tunnelled over SSH or a VPN

Details

Pricing
FreeFree and open source under the GPL. A commercial licence is sold for redistribution.
License
GPL-2.0
Developer
GlavSoft
Platforms
Windows, Linux
How it runs
Downloadable app
Best suited for
Lightweight VNC server and viewer for local network remote control
Categories
Remote desktop
Last verified
Added
Provenance
Selected from the TechWalrus Resource Hub (System Utilities); facts checked against the developer's own pages, 2 sources on file.

Alternatives to TightVNC

Compare all

Software that can replace TightVNC for an important use case, and what changes if you switch.

  • TigerVNC

    A fast, cross-platform VNC client and server built for real work, including 3D and video over the wire.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    TigerVNC is a GPL-2.0 VNC client and server that adds macOS support, TLS encryption and extended authentication, with performance aimed at 3D and video workloads.

  • TurboVNC

    A VNC server and viewer tuned for image-heavy work, so 3D applications and video stay usable over a network.

    FreeOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinux

    TurboVNC keeps the GPL-2.0 VNC model and adds macOS and ARM64 builds plus tuning for image-heavy and 3D applications, at the cost of more involved setup.

  • RealVNC Connect

    Commercial VNC remote access tool with a free Lite plan for personal use.

    FreemiumProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS

    RealVNC Connect is closed-source commercial VNC with cloud connectivity instead of direct network access, covering mobile too, but its free Lite plan is capped at three devices.

  • RustDesk

    An open-source remote desktop tool you can point at your own relay server instead of somebody else’s cloud.

    FreemiumOpen sourceWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidSelf-hosted

    RustDesk replaces direct VNC with an AGPL-3.0 tool that uses relay servers you can host yourself, adding macOS and Android clients and a self-hosted web client.

  • NoMachine

    High-performance remote desktop with audio, video and file transfer.

    PaidProprietaryWindowsmacOSLinuxAndroidiOS

    NoMachine is paid and closed source but adds audio, printing, file transfer, multi-monitor support and clients for macOS, Android and iOS.

  • KasmVNC

    Access a Linux desktop through a web browser.

    FreeOpen sourceLinuxSelf-hostedWeb

    KasmVNC delivers a Linux desktop to a web browser without a viewer app, but it is Linux only and rejects traditional VNC viewer clients.

  • UltraVNC

    Free, GPL-licensed VNC server and viewer for controlling Windows computers over a network or the internet.

    FreeOpen sourceWindows

    UltraVNC is a GPL VNC server and viewer for Windows only, adding file transfer, chat and repeater tools, though encryption needs a plugin.

Similar software

Related functionality, not necessarily a direct replacement.

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