Compare software

TigerVNCTightVNC
Free

Free and open source, with no paid edition.

 Free

Free and open source under the GPL. A commercial licence is sold for redistribution.

Windows, macOS, Linux Windows, Linux
  • Performance aimed at 3D and video workloads, not just a remote text editor
  • TLS encryption and extended authentication on top of the plain VNC protocol
  • Very light on resources, with a Java viewer that runs from any browser host
  • Simple, dependable remote control on a local network
  • VNC has no built-in file transfer, audio or printing; it is a screen and input protocol
  • Security depends on configuring TLS and authentication correctly, which is on you
  • 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
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: GPL-2.0 License: GPL-2.0
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Needs internet Not stated if it works offline

Checked September 20, 2026

Checked September 22, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.