TightVNC

Free plan AndroidiPhoneLinuxMacWindows

What TightVNC is

TightVNC is free, open-source remote desktop software for connecting to and controlling another computer over a network. It supports Windows, Linux/Unix/X11, macOS, iOS, and Android, with file transfer and mobile apps. Typical uses include remote administration in Windows, Unix, and mixed environments, distance learning, and remote customer support. Desktop scaling and Tight encoding are available, with optional JPEG compression and adjustable compression and image quality. Servers can set separate passwords for full control and read-only access, determining whether keyboard and mouse input is allowed. TightVNC uses the standard RFB protocol, so its viewer can connect to standard VNC servers and compatible viewers can connect to TightVNC servers. The Unix viewer can tunnel through a locally installed SSH or OpenSSH client. VNC passwords are encrypted, but other traffic is unencrypted; SSH tunneling is recommended on untrusted networks. Windows version 2.8.90 installers are listed for 32-bit and 64-bit systems.

Who it suits

It suits people who need free remote administration, support, learning, or computer access across desktop and mobile platforms. Organizations integrating the software into proprietary products need its commercial licensing option.

What it does well

Free GPL plan
Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android support
File transfer and mobile apps
Separate full-control and read-only passwords
RFB compatibility and SSH tunneling

What to know first

Non-password traffic is unencrypted
Commercial integration requires a paid license
Free users lack commercial technical support
Windows release requires Windows XP or later

Plans

Plan	Billed and limits	Price
GNU GPL TightVNC	Free to use under GPL · closed-source integration requires a commercial license	Free
Commercial source code license for TightVNC Server 2.x for Windows	One-time payment: €12,000; the PDF also lists payment in two parts: €6,500 initial payment + €6,000 one year later · Perpetual, non-exclusive source code license · Windows Server 2.x	€12,000, paid once

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

Verdict

TightVNC covers remote control across major desktop and mobile platforms, with file transfer and configurable access. Users on untrusted networks should use SSH tunneling, and proprietary integrations require commercial licensing.

Facts from TightVNC's own pages

Access controls: The server supports separate full-control and read-only passwords, with keyboard and mouse access depending on the password used. · tightvnc.com, 12 Oct 2026
Access mode: both · tightvnc.com, 20 Sept 2026
Commercial integration: The maker offers commercial licensing for integrating TightVNC into proprietary software; the GPL license does not permit linking it with proprietary software under the stated terms. · tightvnc.com, 12 Oct 2026
Company attribution: The introduction identifies TightVNC as a project maintained by Constantin Kaplinsky, with other individuals and companies participating in development, testing, and support. · tightvnc.com, 12 Oct 2026
Current download: The download page lists TightVNC for Windows 2.8.90 in 32-bit and 64-bit installers and says it runs on Windows XP and later. · tightvnc.com, 12 Oct 2026
Display and encoding: The product supports remote desktop scaling and Tight encoding with optional JPEG compression and configurable compression and image quality. · tightvnc.com, 12 Oct 2026
File transfer: Windows versions support uploading files to the remote server and downloading files from it. · tightvnc.com, 12 Oct 2026
Free plan: Yes · tightvnc.com, 20 Sept 2026
Legacy platforms: The download page lists legacy TightVNC 1.3.10 files for Unix/Linux and a Java viewer, alongside Windows downloads. · tightvnc.com, 12 Oct 2026
Mobile apps: Yes · tightvnc.com, 20 Sept 2026
Purpose: TightVNC is free and open-source remote desktop software for accessing and controlling another computer over a network. · tightvnc.com, 12 Oct 2026
Remote administration: The maker describes its uses as remote control and administration in Windows, Unix, and mixed network environments, as well as distance learning and remote customer support. · tightvnc.com, 12 Oct 2026
Security: The FAQ says VNC passwords are encrypted, but other traffic is sent unencrypted, and recommends SSH tunneling for connections from untrusted networks. · tightvnc.com, 12 Oct 2026
Security update: The maker's October 5, 2026 announcement says TightVNC for Windows 2.8.89 and 2.8.90 address Viewer security issues and recommends upgrading to 2.8.90. · tightvnc.com, 12 Oct 2026
SSH integration: The Unix viewer can automatically tunnel connections through a locally installed SSH or OpenSSH client. · tightvnc.com, 12 Oct 2026
Support: Commercial technical support is included for commercial licensees, while free GPL copies do not receive commercial technical support; the maker points free users to FAQs and mailing lists. · tightvnc.com, 12 Oct 2026
Supported platforms: Windows; Linux/Unix/X11; macOS; iOS; Android · tightvnc.com, 20 Sept 2026
VNC compatibility: TightVNC is compatible with the standard RFB protocol, so its viewer can be used with standard VNC servers and vice versa. · tightvnc.com, 12 Oct 2026