UltraVNC review (2026): is it any good?
Free open-source VNC remote control for Windows computers
UltraVNC report card
Good · out of 4.0 · graded Nov 12, 2026
Best for free open-source VNC support sessions on Windows
UltraVNC is a free, open-source VNC server and viewer for Windows with file transfer, chat and a repeater for support sessions. Encryption is a plugin, the default password is 8 characters, and it is a two-person project that runs on Windows only.
Who UltraVNC is for
- 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
Who UltraVNC is not for
- 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
Why UltraVNC gets a 2.6
Five grades, each with its reason. The GPA is their average: an A is 4 points, an F is none.
- AValue for moneyFree for all uses, commercial included, under the GPL, with no paid plans. A program anyone can download counts as free and substantial.
- AFree plan and trialFree for everyone with no caps or time limit. The licence does not allow bundling it with non-GPL commercial software in one installer.
- CFeaturesServer 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.
- CEase of useNo store rating on record. You set up the server, passwords and perhaps the repeater and the encryption plugin yourself.
- DPlatforms and integrationsThe supported-systems list names Windows versions, plus an embedded Java viewer for other systems. No phone apps or integrations are listed.
What these grades rest on. Graded from this listing, whose facts were read from UltraVNC's own pages on 12 November 2026. Not based on using the product, and shorter than our full reviews. How we review and grade.
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<a href="https://toolgpa.com/tools/ultravnc#review"><img src="https://toolgpa.com/badge/ultravnc.svg" alt="UltraVNC: 2.6 GPA on ToolGPA" width="196" height="56"></a>Where UltraVNC stands among remote desktop apps
UltraVNC's GPA of 2.6 is higher than 20 of the 35 other remote desktop apps we grade, and level with 7.
It stands best on free plan and trial (A, above 29 of 35) and worst on platforms and integrations (D, above 0).
UltraVNC has no paid plan.
On features, ease of use and platforms it scores 1.7 out of 4. Nothing scores higher for less, though at least one tool matches that score at a lower price.
Each grade against the category
Every bar is all 36 remote desktop apps we grade, cut by the letter each got. UltraVNC’s own letter is outlined.
- AValue for moneyAbove 26 of 35, level with 9
- AFree plan and trialAbove 29 of 35, level with 6
- CFeaturesAbove 0 of 35, level with 24
- CEase of useAbove 2 of 35, level with 19
- DPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 35, level with 5
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 29 remote desktop apps. Further left costs less, and higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. Point at a dot to see which tool it is.
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
Keep UltraVNC, or make your own?
Keep it
UltraVNC is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces.
What you could not
- A fast, secure link to another computer through any network.
- Storing and serving files for other people.
- A real app for Windows. Something home-made would be a web page.
What this rests on. UltraVNC’s listing: what it does, where it runs, what it plugs into and what it costs. It is a judgement about the kind of software this is. We have not built a replacement for it, and making your own means looking after it too. How we decide, and every tool’s verdict.
What is UltraVNC?
UltraVNC is a free VNC program that shows another computer's screen on your own and lets you control it with your mouse and keyboard. A server runs on the shared Windows PC and a viewer connects to it, and add-ons cover the Repeater, a Single Click helper for support sessions and a mirror driver. The vendor says it is free for all uses, including commercial use.
Worth knowing
- 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
- 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.
UltraVNC pricing
As of Nov 12, 2026, UltraVNC is free to use.
- Starts at
- Free
- Free plan
- Free for all uses, including commercial use, under the GNU General Public License.
- Free trial
- None listed
| Plan | Price | What you get |
|---|---|---|
| UltraVNC | $0 | Free for all uses, including commercial, under the GNU General Public License. No paid plans. |
Read from uvnc.com on Nov 12, 2026. Prices change, so confirm with UltraVNC before you buy.
UltraVNC alternatives
- UltraVNC vs TightVNC
Free plan · from $12/yr
- UltraVNC vs RealVNC Connect
Free plan
- UltraVNC vs Radmin
Free trial · from $49 one-time
- UltraVNC vs Remote Utilities
Free plan
Common questions
Does UltraVNC have an Android app?
No Android app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 12, 2026. UltraVNC is listed for Windows.
Does UltraVNC have an iPhone app?
No iPhone app was listed when its pages were read on Nov 12, 2026. UltraVNC is listed for Windows.
Is UltraVNC open source?
Yes. UltraVNC is open source, according to its own site. It can also be run on a server of your own.
Sources for this page
The prices, plans, platforms and features above were read from these pages on Nov 12, 2026.