The UltraVNC Insider’s Guide
Everything we know about UltraVNC in one document: what it costs, its grades, getting a refund, getting help and what else to look at. Read it here, or keep a copy.
UltraVNC
The Insider’s Guide
Free open-source VNC remote control for Windows computers
Every plan, grade, refund rule and rival among remote desktop apps, read from UltraVNC’s own pages.
Made by UltraVNC · checked Nov 12, 2026 · toolgpa.com
Contents
- 01WelcomeWhat it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
- 02What it costsEvery plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
- 03What it doesIts main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
- 04Where it standsIts grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
- 05The alternativesThe tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
- 06Quick answersThe questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
- 07About ToolGPAWho made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
ToolGPA put this guide together from UltraVNC’s own pages, its app-store listings and our grades. Every fact in it is on UltraVNC’s page too, where it is kept up to date. Checked Nov 12, 2026.
Part 01 · Overview
Welcome
What it is, who it suits, its grades and the ten things to know first
2.6
GPA, above 20 of the 35 other remote desktop apps we grade
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.
To get you started, here are 8 things to know about UltraVNC, taken from its own pages and our grades.
You set up the server, passwords and perhaps the repeater and the encryption plugin yourself.
- 1
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.
- 2
It is free
UltraVNC has no paid plan at all. Free for all uses, including commercial use, under the GNU General Public License.
- 3
It runs on Windows
Windows.
- 4
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.
- 5
File transfer and chat
The comparison table on the site lists file transfer and chat for UltraVNC and UltraVNC SC.
- 6
Single Click for support sessions
UltraVNC SC lets a customer start a session without installing software beforehand, which suits remote helpdesk work.
- 7
A 2.6 GPA, above 20 of 35
That is against the other remote desktop apps we grade, on value, the free plan, features, ease of use and platforms.
- 8
Keep it
UltraVNC is free, so making your own would save you nothing.
UltraVNC at a glance
- Pricing
- Free
- Free plan
- Yes
- Free trial
- None stated
- Runs on
- Windows
- Made by
- UltraVNC, since 2002
- Category
- Remote Desktop
- Our grade
- 2.6 GPA, good
The report card
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.
| Subject | Grade | Comment |
|---|---|---|
| Value for money | A | Free 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 | A | Free for everyone with no caps or time limit. The licence does not allow bundling it with non-GPL commercial software in one installer. |
| Features | C | Server 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 | C | No store rating on record. You set up the server, passwords and perhaps the repeater and the encryption plugin yourself. |
| Platforms and integrations | D | The supported-systems list names Windows versions, plus an embedded Java viewer for other systems. No phone apps or integrations are listed. |
An A is worth 4 points, a B 3, a C 2, a D 1 and an F nothing. The GPA is the average of the five.
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 it 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
Good to know
Good for
- Windows administrators who want a free VNC server and viewer
- Help desks and consultants that need free tools for commercial support work
- Anyone who wants an open-source option under the GPL
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.
Part 02 · Pricing
What it costs
Every plan, the free plan, ways to pay less and how prices have moved
Free
No paid plan at all
UltraVNC is free to use.
Free for all uses, commercial included, under the GPL, with no paid plans.
UltraVNC
$0
Free for all uses, including commercial, under the GNU General Public License. No paid plans.
The free plan
Free for all uses, including commercial use, under the GNU General Public License.
Read from uvnc.com on Nov 12, 2026.
Part 03 · Features
What it does
Its main features, where it runs, what it works with and who makes it
1
Place it runs: Windows
Free open-source VNC remote control for Windows computers. Here is what it does, as its own site describes it, and what it covers: open source, self-hostable, file sharing, remote desktop.
Server and viewer, file transfer, chat, Single Click support sessions and a repeater.
- 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.
Where it runs
- Windows
What it works with
Its own pages name no integrations.
UltraVNC is made by UltraVNC, and has been around since 2002.
Part 04 · Standing
Where it stands
Its grades against its category, and whether to keep it or make your own
20/35
Other remote desktop apps it is graded above
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
- AFree plan and trialAbove 29 of 35
- CFeaturesAbove 0 of 35
- CEase of useAbove 2 of 35
- DPlatforms and integrationsAbove 0 of 35
Price against what you get
Each dot is one of 29 remote desktop apps. Further left costs less; higher up scores better on features, ease of use and platforms. UltraVNC is the marked dot.
What paid plans start at, a month (each step along is roughly double) →
Keep it, or make your own?
Whether this is something you could build for yourself with an AI app builder, and what you would give up.
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.
Part 05 · Alternatives
The alternatives
The tools it is most often weighed against, side by side
TightVNC, RealVNC Connect, Radmin, Remote Utilities and Remmina
The 5 tools UltraVNC is most often weighed against, with where each one differs from it.
- 2.6GPA
TightVNC
Free plan · from $12/yr
Free VNC remote desktop for Windows, with paid Pro encryption.
- UltraVNC is self-hostable, according to its own site.
- UltraVNC also covers file sharing.
- 2.4GPA
RealVNC Connect
Free plan
Remote access from the makers of VNC, with end-to-end encryption.
- Only RealVNC Connect lists macOS, Linux, iOS and Android apps.
- UltraVNC is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
- RealVNC Connect is end-to-end encrypted, according to its own site.
- 2.4GPA
Radmin
Free trial · from $49 one-time
Windows remote control software sold as a one-time license per PC.
- UltraVNC has a free plan. Radmin does not, though it has a free trial.
- UltraVNC is open source and self-hostable, according to its own site.
- Radmin can be bought with a one-time purchase.
- 2.2GPA
Remote Utilities
Free plan
Remote administration tool with a self-hosted server option.
- Only Remote Utilities lists macOS, Linux, iOS and Android apps.
- UltraVNC is open source, according to its own site.
- UltraVNC also covers file sharing.
- 2.6GPA
Remmina
Free
Free Linux remote desktop client for RDP, VNC and SSH.
- Only UltraVNC lists a Windows app.
- Only Remmina lists a Linux app.
- UltraVNC is self-hostable, according to its own site.
Part 06 · Questions
Quick answers
The questions people ask about it, each answered in a line or two
11
Questions, each answered in a line or two
The short version of everything above, for when you only need the answer. Each one is told in full in its part of the guide.
Is UltraVNC free?
Yes. UltraVNC is free to use.
How much does UltraVNC cost?
UltraVNC lists one plan. UltraVNC: $0.
What platforms does UltraVNC work on?
UltraVNC is available on Windows.
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.
Who makes UltraVNC?
UltraVNC is made by a company of the same name. It dates from 2002.
What are the alternatives to UltraVNC?
The closest alternatives to UltraVNC in our directory are TightVNC, RealVNC Connect, Radmin, Remote Utilities and Remmina.
How does UltraVNC compare with other 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.
Is UltraVNC good value for money?
ToolGPA grades UltraVNC A for value for money. UltraVNC has no paid plan.
Could I make my own version of UltraVNC?
UltraVNC is free, so making your own would save you nothing. And it is not the kind of software a weekend replaces.
Where this guide comes from
The prices, plans, platforms and features were read from UltraVNC’s own pages on Nov 12, 2026, and the grades were given on Nov 12, 2026. 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.
Every tool we list gets five grades, A to F, each with its reason, and a GPA that averages them. How each is decided is at toolgpa.com/grades. This guide is ToolGPA’s own work; it is not made, paid for or approved by UltraVNC. Prices change, so check uvnc.com before you buy.
Part 07 · About
About ToolGPA
Who made this guide, what else is on the site, and how to cite it
5,038
Tools graded, in 95 categories
ToolGPA grades software the way a school report grades a pupil: five subjects, a letter for each with the reason written beside it, and a GPA that averages them. Prices, plans and platforms are read from each maker’s own pages and dated, so you always know how fresh a figure is.
Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. Every tool on the site has a guide like this one, free to download and pass on. It all lives at toolgpa.com.
5,038
tools graded
95
categories
739
price changes on record
579
apps priced in 12 countries
What else is on toolgpa.com
- UltraVNC, kept up to dateEverything in this guide, with prices and grades as they are todaytoolgpa.com/tools/ultravnc
- How grades are givenThe rules behind every letter and every GPAtoolgpa.com/grades
- Value chartsWhat each tool costs against what it scores, for every categorytoolgpa.com/charts
- CompareAny two tools side by side, plan by plantoolgpa.com/compare
- Price changesEvery price rise and cut on record, each with its sourcetoolgpa.com/price-changes
- Prices by countryWhat apps cost on the App Store in 12 countriestoolgpa.com/prices-by-country
- Pay lessEvery public discount: yearly billing, students, nonprofitstoolgpa.com/save
- Keep or makeWhich tools are worth paying for, and which you could build yourselftoolgpa.com/keep-or-make
Scan for the live page
Prices and grades as they are today
Quoting this guide?
Please name ToolGPA and link to the live page, so readers can check the figures for themselves:
ToolGPA, "UltraVNC: The Insider's Guide", checked Nov 12, 2026. https://toolgpa.com/tools/ultravnc
Know someone choosing between remote desktop apps?
Send them this guide: toolgpa.com/tools/ultravnc/guide
ToolGPA elsewhere: youtube.com/@toolgpa
See our other guides
The best-graded remote desktop apps after UltraVNC, each with an Insider's Guide of its own.
- Remote Desktop Insider's GuideEvery one of the 36 remote desktop apps we grade, compared
- Chrome Remote Desktop Insider's GuideGoogle's free remote access to your own computers from a browser3.2 GPA
- Jump Desktop Insider's GuideRemote desktop with one-time app licences and a per-user team plan3.2 GPA
- Moonlight Insider's GuideOpen-source client for streaming PC games to other devices3.0 GPA
Choosing software? Every tool graded, every price dated.
Compare tools at toolgpa.com ›Everything in this guide is ToolGPA’s own summary of what UltraVNC’s pages, its app-store listings and public reviews said on the dates shown. Grades are our judgement under the rules at toolgpa.com/grades. Every grade, review and ranking on ToolGPA is our own judgement. No company can pay for a grade or change one. UltraVNC is a trademark of its owner, and this guide is not made, paid for or approved by UltraVNC. Prices and plans change: check uvnc.com before you buy.