LiteManager vs UltraVNC (2026): which should you pick?
As of Nov 13, 2026, LiteManager grades higher than UltraVNC: 3.2 against 2.6 out of 4.0.
Checked Nov 12, 2026 and Nov 13, 2026 · graded Nov 12, 2026 and Nov 13, 2026 by ToolGPA
LiteManager grades higher on features and platforms. They get the same grade on value for money, the free plan and ease of use.
Price, platforms and features side by side. The table says where each price was read and when.
LiteManager
Remote desktop software with a free edition and lifetime licenses
Free plan · from $10 one-time
Which one is for you
Pick LiteManager if
- Fits if you manage up to 30 computers and want the free edition
- Makes sense if you want a one-time licence and not a subscription
Look elsewhere if
- Skip it if you need to control more than 30 computers on a budget, because each one then needs a $10 licence
- Watch out: the site says antivirus programs may flag it as potentially unsafe, since it gives unattended access
- Watch out: the buy page says no refund is given because there is a 30-day trial
- Tight if you pay by card, as prices go through payment links and convert at the current ruble rate
Pick UltraVNC if
- Fits if you want free remote control of Windows machines and are fine with setting it up
- Works for support staff who want a Single Click session for the person they are helping
Look elsewhere if
- Skip it if you want encryption built in, because it comes from a plugin
- Not for you if you use a Mac or Linux server, as the server runs on Windows
- Too light for managed fleets, since support is a forum and GitHub
- Watch out: the project is run by a team of two
- Watch out: the GPL stops you bundling UltraVNC with non-GPL commercial software in one installer
How we grade them
| 3.2GPALiteManagerVery good | 2.6GPAUltraVNCGood | |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | AFree for up to 30 computers, and the paid licence is $10 per computer once, against a category middle of $8.33 a month. A year of the middle price pays for ten licences. | AFree for all uses, commercial included, under the GPL, with no paid plans. A program anyone can download counts as free and substantial. |
| Free plan and trial | AThe free edition covers up to 30 computers for individuals and companies, with no session time or speed limits. Few people will reach that cap. | AFree for everyone with no caps or time limit. The licence does not allow bundling it with non-GPL commercial software in one installer. |
| Features | BRemote control, connect by ID, QuickSupport, a portable edition, a network map with inventory and two-factor sign-in cover the core of remote desktop work. | CServer and viewer, file transfer, chat, Single Click support sessions and a repeater. Encryption comes from a plugin and the listing names no hosted option, so it does the job with gaps. |
| Ease of use | CNo store rating on record. A Server module goes on each controlled computer and a Viewer on yours, so there is some setup. | CNo store rating on record. You set up the server, passwords and perhaps the repeater and the encryption plugin yourself. |
| Platforms and integrations | BWindows, macOS, Linux, iPhone and Android are listed. No web version and no integrations or API are listed. | DThe supported-systems list names Windows versions, plus an embedded Java viewer for other systems. No phone apps or integrations are listed. |
| Best for | remote desktop control with a free edition | free open-source VNC support sessions on Windows |
The GPA is the average of the five grades: an A is 4 points, an F is none. The full reasons are on each tool's page: LiteManager and UltraVNC. How we grade
Where they differ
- LiteManager can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- UltraVNC is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
In commonFree planWindowsFile sharingRemote desktop
At a glance
| LiteManager | UltraVNC | |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free plan | Free |
| Starts at | $10 per controlled computer, one-time license | Free |
| Free plan | Free edition for individuals and companies that controls up to 30 computers, with no session time or speed limits. | Free for all uses, including commercial use, under the GNU General Public License. |
| Free trial | 30-day trial period, mentioned in the buy page refund note. | None listed |
| macOS | ||
| Windows | ||
| Linux | ||
| iOS | ||
| Android | ||
| Made by | LiteManagerTeam | UltraVNC |
| Price read from | litemanager.com | uvnc.com |
| Checked | Nov 13, 2026 | Nov 12, 2026 |
Worth knowing
LiteManager
- The Server module must be licensed on each controlled computer, so the Pro price grows with the number of machines.
- The site says antivirus programs may flag LiteManager as a potentially unsafe program because it gives unattended access.
- Prices are paid through payment links, and the buy page says amounts convert at the current ruble exchange rate.
- The buy page says no refund is given because the product has a 30-day trial.
UltraVNC
- The server runs on Windows; the supported-systems list names Windows versions only, plus an embedded Java viewer for other systems with Java.
- Encryption is a plugin for the main UltraVNC product, and the default password is 8 characters.
- The GPL does not allow bundling UltraVNC with non-GPL commercial software in one installer; PcHelpWare and uvnc2me can be bundled.
- The project is run by a team of two people and support is through the forum and GitHub.
Key features
LiteManager
- Remote desktop control
- Controls the desktop of a remote computer in real time, with access to its file system, processes and services.
- Connect by ID
- Reaches computers without a public IP address by an ID the user chooses, or through your own ID server (NoIP).
- QuickSupport
- A module for instant support that runs without installation or administrator rights on the user's Windows PC.
- Portable edition
- Runs from a USB stick without installing anything, with the full feature set the vendor lists.
- Network map and inventory
- Built-in tools for drawing a network map and collecting technical data about computers.
- Two-factor authentication
- Version 5.2 adds an emailed code on the LM Server, sent through your own SMTP server.
UltraVNC
- VNC server and viewer
- Follows the RFB protocol, so most other VNC programs can talk to it. A server must run on the shared computer and a viewer on the one that connects.
- File transfer and chat
- The comparison table on the site lists file transfer and chat for UltraVNC and UltraVNC SC.
- Single Click for support sessions
- UltraVNC SC lets a customer start a session without installing software beforehand, which suits remote helpdesk work.
- Repeater for NAT-to-NAT links
- When both computers are behind NAT routers, a separate Repeater application relays the connection.
- Encryption by plugin
- The comparison table lists encryption as a plugin for UltraVNC, with a longer password or a predefined key available through it.
- Related tools
- The project also publishes PcHelpWare, uvnc2me, a mirror driver, a screen recorder and an Extend Display tool.
Plans
LiteManager
Free$0
Controls up to 30 computers at once, for individuals and companies; more computers need a license key.
Pro license$10
per controlled computer, one-time license
Perpetual key with free upgrades. Volume rates are $9 from 50, $8 from 100 and $7 from 300 licenses.
HelpDesk license$300
per active channel, one-time license
For support providers: priced by simultaneous contacts, with servers and viewers not counted toward the price.
UltraVNC
UltraVNC$0
Free for all uses, including commercial, under the GNU General Public License. No paid plans.
Ways to pay less
LiteManager
- Other savings
Volume discounts on Pro licenses
The per-license price falls from $10 to $9 at 50 licenses, $8 at 100 and $7 at 300, with an unlimited license listed at $5,000.
UltraVNC
No public discounts listed.
Common questions
Which is cheaper, LiteManager or UltraVNC?
As of Nov 13, 2026, LiteManager starts at $10 per controlled computer, one-time license, and UltraVNC is free.
Which has a free plan, LiteManager or UltraVNC?
As of Nov 13, 2026, both LiteManager and UltraVNC have a free plan.
Which platforms do LiteManager and UltraVNC run on?
As of Nov 13, 2026, only LiteManager lists macOS, Linux, iOS and Android apps. Both list a Windows app. A platform missing from a listing is one its maker's pages did not mention.
More comparisons
How this page was made
- The verdict at the top follows a fixed rule. When both tools are in the same category and either is in our top three for it, the verdict follows that ranking: the higher-placed tool is our pick. The top three weigh who each tool suits as well as its grades, so a pick can go against the GPA. Otherwise the page does not pick one and says which grades higher: the higher GPA first; on a tie, the one with a free plan, then the one that starts cheaper in dollars a month, counted the same way for both; if they are still level, what the choice depends on.
- The grades are our own, from each tool’s review or report card. The GPA is their average.
- Prices, plans and platforms come from each tool’s listing. The table above says where each price was read and when.
- The differences and the answers to the questions are worked out from those listings.