Alternatives · Remote Desktop
TigerVNC alternatives
As of Nov 13, 2026, the highest-graded TigerVNC alternative is TightVNC (2.6 GPA). It's also the best free one.
TigerVNC compared with 5 alternatives: TightVNC, UltraVNC, RealVNC Connect, Remmina and NoMachine.
TigerVNC is free to use. 4 of the 5 alternatives are free or have a free plan. One more offers a free trial.
Listings checked up to Nov 13, 2026 · Where the facts come from
At a glance
| Tool | Price | Free plan | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| TigerVNCThis tool | Free | Free | macOS, Windows, Linux |
| TightVNC | Free plan · from $12/yr | Yes | Windows |
| UltraVNC | Free | Free | Windows |
| RealVNC Connect | Free plan | Yes | macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Remmina | Free | Free | Linux |
| NoMachine | Free trial · from $24.50/yr | Trial only | Web, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Android |
Price against what you get
TigerVNC has no paid plan and scores 1.7 out of 4 on features, ease of use and platforms. None of the 4 alternatives on this chart both scores higher and starts lower.
NoMachine scores higher without starting lower.
Features, ease of use and platforms, averaged
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
- The best score at each price
- Has a free plan
- No free plan
How each one differs from TigerVNC
TightVNC
Free VNC remote desktop for Windows, with paid Pro encryption
- TightVNC starts at $12 per year per user license (Pro); $1 / month, billed once a year.
- TightVNC lists no Linux and macOS apps, which TigerVNC has.
Suits: Windows users who want a free VNC server and viewer
UltraVNC
Free open-source VNC remote control for Windows computers
- UltraVNC is free.
- UltraVNC lists no Linux and macOS apps, which TigerVNC has.
- UltraVNC is self-hostable, according to its own site.
- UltraVNC also covers file sharing.
Suits: Windows administrators who want a free VNC server and viewer
RealVNC Connect
Remote access from the makers of VNC, with end-to-end encryption
- RealVNC Connect also lists iOS and Android apps.
- RealVNC Connect is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
Suits: Reaching your own Windows, Mac or Linux computers from a phone or tablet
Remmina
Free Linux remote desktop client for RDP, VNC and SSH
- Remmina is free.
- Remmina lists no Windows and macOS apps, which TigerVNC has.
Suits: Linux desktop users who connect to Windows machines over RDP
NoMachine
Self-hosted remote desktop sold as yearly server subscriptions
- NoMachine starts at $24.50 per year (Personal Edition, one computer).
- NoMachine has no free plan, only a free trial, unlike TigerVNC.
- NoMachine also lists a web app and iOS and Android apps.
- NoMachine is self-hostable, according to its own site.
Suits: Reaching your own home or office computer over your own network
Limits worth knowing in TigerVNC
- Support is through mailing lists and a wiki; no paid support is offered on the site.
- No iOS or Android apps are listed on the project's pages.
- The man pages describe the Unix programs, and the site says they are only mostly relevant to the Windows ones.
Common questions
What are the alternatives to TigerVNC?
The alternatives to TigerVNC in this directory are TightVNC, UltraVNC, RealVNC Connect, Remmina and NoMachine. Each one has a side-by-side comparison with TigerVNC.
Is there a free alternative to TigerVNC?
Yes. UltraVNC and Remmina are free to use. TightVNC and RealVNC Connect have a free plan alongside paid ones.
Which TigerVNC alternatives work on Android?
The TigerVNC listing does not include an Android app. RealVNC Connect and NoMachine list one.
Which TigerVNC alternatives work on iOS?
The TigerVNC listing does not include an iOS app. RealVNC Connect and NoMachine list one.
When were these prices checked?
Each listing shows its own date. On this page they run from Oct 18, 2026 to Nov 13, 2026. Vendors change prices without notice, so confirm on their site before you buy.