TigerVNC

High-performance open-source VNC server and viewer for Linux, Windows and macOS.

Verified facts: 3 of 3
Alternatives ranked: 5
Approved reviews: 0
Visits sent from here: 0

About TigerVNC

TigerVNC is an actively maintained, open-source implementation of VNC that focuses on performance, aiming to make even 3D and video applications usable over a remote connection. It is the default VNC server on many Linux distributions, including Fedora, Red Hat Enterprise Linux and SUSE, where it is often used to give users virtual desktop sessions on servers. The project ships self-contained Linux binaries, Windows installers and a universal Mac build of its viewer, and source code under the GPL-2.0. TLS encryption and several authentication methods are supported. Like other plain VNC tools, it has no cloud relay or account system, so you reach machines over your own network, an SSH tunnel or a VPN. It is free for any use and suits Linux admins, universities and anyone who needs a dependable standards-based VNC stack rather than a consumer support app.

Best for: Linux admins who need a dependable, standards-based VNC server and viewer.

What works

Free, actively maintained and open-source
Packaged by major Linux distributions
Viewer available for Linux, Windows and Mac

Why people leave

No relay service, so remote access needs a VPN or tunnel
Configuration is command-line heavy
No mobile apps

Top TigerVNC alternatives

See all 5

1
xrdp
Lets Linux machines accept connections from standard RDP clients instead of VNC.
66.5
2
NoMachine
Faster NX protocol with easier internet connectivity.
62.6
3
X2Go
Open-source Linux remote desktop tuned for low-bandwidth links.
59.6
4
Remmina
A friendlier Linux client that also speaks RDP and SSH.
55.3
5
RealVNC Connect
Commercial VNC with cloud brokering and vendor support.
46.7

Why people left TigerVNC

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TigerVNC: common questions

Is TigerVNC free?

Yes. TigerVNC is free, open-source software.

Is TigerVNC open source?

Yes. The source code is on GitHub at TigerVNC/tigervnc.

What platforms does TigerVNC run on?

TigerVNC is available for Linux, Windows and macOS.

What are the best alternatives to TigerVNC?

The highest-ranked TigerVNC alternatives right now are xrdp, NoMachine and X2Go. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 5 TigerVNC alternatives

TigerVNC facts

3 of 3 verified

License: GPL-2.0; Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab); “License: GPL-2.0 (GNU General Public License v2.0).”
Builds: Linux binaries, Windows installers, universal Mac binary; Checked Oct 25, 2026tigervnc.org(opens source in a new tab); “Besides the source code we also provide self-contained binaries for Linux, installers for Windows and a universal binary for Macs.”
Distro packages: Shipped by Fedora and other distributions; Checked Oct 25, 2026tigervnc.org(opens source in a new tab); “TigerVNC is also provided with many distributions, such as Fedora”