TigerVNC

Free plan LinuxMacSelf-hostedWindows

What TigerVNC is

TigerVNC is a free, GPL-licensed VNC client and server for launching and using graphical applications on remote machines. Its cross-platform vncviewer connects to VNC servers on Windows or Unix/Linux and supports clipboard transfer, full-screen mode, remote resizing, shared sessions, and multiple security types. Downloads include Linux binaries, Windows installers, a universal Mac binary, source code, and packages for some distributions. Unix and Linux distributions provide Xvnc, x0vncserver, and w0vncserver for controlling X and Wayland desktops. The project describes performance for 3D and video applications, with extensions for advanced authentication and TLS encryption. Xvnc defaults to TLSVnc and VncAuth and can restrict access by machine, password file, or desktop-user approval. The Windows package includes winvnc, which the project marks unmaintained and potentially nonfunctional. TigerVNC has no mobile app. Support, discussion, and bug reports use its user forum mailing list.

Who it suits

TigerVNC suits people needing remote graphical access across Windows, macOS, Linux, or self-hosted systems. It is also relevant to users who need VNC security controls and shared sessions.

What it does well

Free GPL-licensed client and server
Runs on Windows, macOS, and Linux
Supports clipboard and remote resizing
Offers TLS and advanced authentication extensions
Includes Unix and Linux server components

What to know first

No mobile apps
Windows winvnc may be nonfunctional
Windows winvnc is marked unmaintained

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
TigerVNC	GPL-licensed VNC client and server	Free

As tigervnc.org lists them, read 12 Oct 2026. The maker's own page has the final word.

Verdict

TigerVNC provides a cross-platform VNC viewer and server with desktop interaction features and configurable security. Linux and macOS users get maintained platform options, while the Windows server caveat deserves attention before deployment.

Facts from TigerVNC's own pages

Access mode: both · tigervnc.org, 20 Sept 2026
Client: The cross-platform vncviewer connects to VNC servers on Windows or Unix/Linux and lets users interact with the remote desktop. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Downloads: The project provides Linux binaries, Windows installers, a universal Mac binary, source code, and packages for some distributions. · tigervnc.org, 12 Oct 2026
Encryption and authentication: TigerVNC provides extensions for advanced authentication methods and TLS encryption. · tigervnc.org, 12 Oct 2026
Free plan: Yes · tigervnc.org, 20 Sept 2026
Mobile apps: No · tigervnc.org, 20 Sept 2026
Performance: The project says it provides performance for running 3D and video applications. · tigervnc.org, 12 Oct 2026
Purpose: TigerVNC is a platform-neutral VNC client/server for launching and interacting with graphical applications on remote machines. · tigervnc.org, 12 Oct 2026
Recent security fix: The 1.16.2 release announcement says it is a second attempt at a bug fix for a security issue in x0vncserver. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Server access controls: Xvnc can be configured to accept connections only from the same machine, use a password file, or prompt the desktop user to accept connections. · tigervnc.org, 12 Oct 2026
Server security settings: Xvnc defaults to TLSVnc and VncAuth security types and can temporarily reject connections from hosts that repeatedly fail authentication. · tigervnc.org, 12 Oct 2026
Support: TigerVNC directs users to its user forum mailing list for support, general discussion, and bug reports. · tigervnc.org, 12 Oct 2026
Supported platforms: Windows,macOS,Linux · tigervnc.org, 20 Sept 2026
Unix and Linux servers: The Unix/Linux distribution includes Xvnc, x0vncserver, and w0vncserver for controlling X and Wayland desktops. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026
Viewer features: The viewer supports clipboard transfer, full-screen mode, remote resizing, shared sessions, and multiple security types. · tigervnc.org, 12 Oct 2026
Windows server status: The Windows distribution includes winvnc, which the project marks as unmaintained and potentially nonfunctional. · github.com, 12 Oct 2026