And is best remote desktop software like TeamViewer. Supported by Windows and Mac OS X, the tool is simple, easy-to-use and easy to set up that makes this tool a great fit for beginners and amateurs, beginning out on the Remote desktop application. The software consists of a server and client application for the Virtual Network Computing. I use remote access to manage a Mac mini at Mac mini colo and my Plex server at home. Accessing a Mac remotely allows you to run desktop applications, have access to a full web browser from iOS, and access files and programs that are only on that one machine. UltraVNC works a bit like Remote Utilities, where a server and viewer is installed on two PCs, and the viewer is used to control the server. Host Side When you install UltraVNC, you're asked if you wish to install the Server, Viewer, or both.

Virtual Network Computing (VNC) technology enables sharing a copy of one computer's screen display with another computer over a network connection. Also known as remote desktop sharing, VNC is typically used by people wanting to monitor or control a computer from a remote location rather than just accessing shared files.

The following free software packages provide VNC functionality. VNC software consists of a client user interface plus a server that manages connections to clients and sends desktop images. Some applications only support Windows PCs, while others are portable across different types of network devices.

VNC systems use network authentication to guard the connections initiated between clients and a server, but the remote desktop data subsequently sent over these connections is usually not encrypted. Those wanting to also protect the data can use free SSH utilities together with a VNC system.

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TightVNC

The TightVNC Server and Viewer use special data encoding techniques designed to better support lower-speed network connections. First released in 2001, the latest versions of TightVNC run on all modern flavors of Windows, and a Java version of the Viewer is also available.

What We Like

  • Free to download and install.

  • Very easy to learn and use.

  • Simple to configure on remote machines.

  • Small footprint (consumes little system resources).

What We Don't Like

  • Screen updates can lag at times.

  • Consumes more network resources than other VNC alternatives.

  • Application appearance is somewhat outdated.

  • Lacks advanced features offered by other VNC apps.

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TigerVNC

The creation of TigerVNC software was initiated by Red Hat with the goal of improving on TightVNC. TigerVNC development started from a snapshot of TightVNC code and has expanded support to include Linux and Mac as well as Windows, plus various performance and security enhancements.

What We Like

  • Works on all OS platforms.

  • Faster response than most other VNC alternatives.

  • Extensions available for advanced authentication and encryption.

  • Large online user community.

What We Don't Like

  • Advanced features may require a learning curve for new users.

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RealVNC Free Edition

The company RealVNC sells commercial versions of its VNC products (Personal Edition and Enterprise Edition) but also supplies this open-source Free Edition. This free client is not officially supported on Windows 7 or Vista PCs, but workaround procedures might allow it to function. RealVNC also sells (but not does provide a free version of) its VNC Viewer for iPhone and iPad on the Apple app store.

What We Like

  • Free to install and use.

  • Lightweight and fast.

  • Any VNC client can connect to a RealVNC server.

  • Available for multiple platforms.

What We Don't Like

  • May experience performance issues inside corporate networks.

  • Configuration is more advanced than other VNC alternatives.

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UltraVNC (uVNC) and ChunkVNC

Developed by a small team of volunteers, UltraVNC is an open source VNC system that works similarly to RealVNC but supports Windows 7 and Vista clients. A companion software package called ChunkVNC adds remote control functionality to the UltraVNC viewer.

What We Like

  • Free to download and use.

  • File transfers are fast and easy.

  • Includes a chat window to talk to remote users.

  • Ideal for advanced VNC users.

What We Don't Like

  • More complicated than other VNC alternatives.

  • Only available for Windows PCs.

  • Performance issues on busy networks.

  • Lacks multimonitor support.

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Remote

Chicken (of the VNC)

Based on an older software package called Chicken of the VNC, Chicken is an open source VNC client for Mac OS X. The Chicken package does not include any VNC server functionality, nor does the client run on any other operating system than Mac OS X. Chicken can be paired with various VNC servers including UltraVNC.

What We Like

  • Lightweight and fast.

  • Automatically discovers VNC servers on a network.

  • Strong encryption features.

  • Remote screen updates are very accurate.

What We Don't Like

  • Only available for Mac PCs.

  • Only includes a VNC client.

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Sql

JollysFastVNC

JollysFastVNC is a shareware VNC client for Mac created by software developer Patrick Stein. While the developer strongly encourages regular users to purchase a license, the software is free to try. JollysFastVNC is designed for speed (responsiveness) of remote desktop sessions and also integrates SSH tunneling support for security.

What We Like

  • Ultra-fast.

  • Supports many encryption protocols.

  • Supports full Retina display.

  • Intuitive window scaling.

What We Don't Like

  • No permanent free version available.

  • Only available for Mac PCs.

  • Does not support multiple monitors.

  • Complicated configuration for beginners.

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SmartCode VNC Web Access

SmartCode Solutions provides this hosted Web page demonstrating how a browser running their ViewerX client software can be used as a VNC client. The SmartCode ViewerX products are not free, but this demonstration client can be used freely from Windows PCs using an ActiveX-control enabled browser like Internet Explorer.

What We Like

  • Easy to configure and use.

  • Accurate screen updates.

  • Lots of extra features and integrations available.

  • Ideal for network administrators.

Terminal Server Client For Mac

What We Don't Like

  • Expensive for nonbusiness users.

  • Only available for Windows PCs.

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Mocha VNC Lite

Mochasoft provides both a full commercial (pay, not free) version and this free Lite version of its VNC client for Apple iPhone and iPad. Compared to the full version, Mocha VNC Lite lacks support for special key sequences (like Ctrl-Alt-Del) and some mouse functions (like right-click or click-and-drag). The company has tested this client with various VNC servers including RealVNC, TightVNC and UltraVNC.

What We Like

  • Available for both iOS and Android.

  • Can connect to servers running on various platforms.

  • Supports zooming as well as portrait or landscape modes.

  • Good performance and speed.

What We Don't Like

  • Has a five-minute session time limit.

  • No support for multimonitors.

  • Free version only supports standard keyboard keys.

  • Session traffic is unencrypted.

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EchoVNC

Echoagent Systems designed EchoVNC to be a 'firewall friendly' remote desktop package based on UltraVNC. However, the extensions in EchoVNC for improved firewall compatibility rely on a proxy server system called 'echoServer' that is a separate, commercial product.

What We Like

  • Client works with any VNC server.

  • Easy to configure regardless of firewall setup.

  • Very easy to set up.

  • VNC user and installation guides are available.

What We Don't Like

  • Only available for Windows PCs.

  • Only works with Windows or Mac VNC servers.

  • Disorganized, confusing user interface.

Active1 year, 7 months ago

I administer a number of Windows machines, and am trying to find a really good application to remote desktop in to them from my Mac. I've tried CoRD, and I really like its library approach to saved sessions (as opposed to Microsoft's file based approach), and tabbed sessions are great when working on a bunch of machines. Unfortunately, it's just too buggy for serious use, and given that it averages less than 2 releases a year, I have little hope that that will change. Microsoft's official client is very bare bones and doesn't support connecting on non-standard ports (which I need).

Is there a remote desktop client for Mac out there that's both fully featured and not buggy?

Edit: Apparently the Microsoft doc I read that states that the Microsoft RDC client can't be used on non-standard ports is out of date.

Pekka 웃
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Warren PenaWarren Pena
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15 Answers

Use RDC (Remote Desktop Connection Client for Mac 2)
This free download runs natively on both Intel-based and PowerPC-based Macs

Use One Mac, unlimited Windows.

Am1rr3zAAm1rr3zA
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New Microsoft Remote Desktop 10 supposed to be best RDP client for Mac.Works super smooth btw.

mtaylermtayler

Check out Royal TSX if you're after a full featured connections manager that can do RDP as well as other protocols like, VNC, SSH, Telnet, etc.

Disclaimer: I'm the developer of the mentioned product.

lemonmojolemonmojo

I use a program called CoRD.

It's worked well for me without fussing with any configuration files or properties.

It's been a while since I tried any alternatives, so I'll give RDC another try.I don't remember why I rejected it before.

kenorb
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Chris QuenelleChris Quenelle
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In my experienced opinion, CoRD and Jump Desktop are the best RDP clients for Mac. CoRD is more for those that know what they're doing - it's simple, stable, fast and reliable. Jump Desktop however is for those that are new to Remote Desktop Connections and want something that makes things easy. It's easily the slickest RDP client for Mac too and looks great. There's a useful extensive review of the best RDP clients for Mac here: http://machow2.com/rdp-for-mac/

GuestGuest

Reading this answer I learned about Royal TSX and after a few hours I'm happy with it.

In addition to RDP it has a terminal plugin for SSH/Telnet connections with X forwarding. Mac OS terminal can do the same, but connection documents are handy.

The terminal plugin also allows COM port use. I have not tested this but I hope that works OK because I have not found a good terminal program for plain COM port. I still use minicom.

Licensing terms are generous enough that in my case I can use it for free but I may consider purchasing to encourage the maintenance.

gatoAlfagatoAlfa

The best RDP client for OSX (whether free or not) is Thinomenon RDC. It supports audio, printing, scanning, and most importantly, RemoteApp/RAIL.

Alex
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jeremyjeremy

If you are willing to spend some money, there is LogMeIn, which I have used for my home Macs with great success. On the free side, we used to use 'Chicken of the VNC' but decided to go with Microsoft's official client for reasons unknown to me. Six of one half dozen of the other, if you ask me. Frankly, the VNC market is pretty banal.

Philip ReganPhilip Regan
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try Teamviewer I am not sure about the multiple tabs for easy switch never had a chance to test it. Also you can set it for lan incoming connection so you can connect via a lan rather than internet.You can create a free account and add all machines to it, So you can even see which system is on and connect with one click

Mac Home Server

Abhishek SalianAbhishek Salian

You may want to try iTAP.

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It seems it does support NLA per the specs. (I only tested TSG, which works fine).

If you come from CoRD, you will find the overall frame quite basic, but the emulation itself seems to work pretty well (I normally work in full screen mode and switch windows with the top menu).

PepPep
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Chrome Remote Desktop is cross-platform. 'Provide remote assistance to Windows, Mac and Linux users, or access your Windows (XP and above) and Mac (OS X 10.6 and above) desktops at any time, all from the Chrome browser on virtually any device, including Chromebooks.'

Used LogMeIn til they yanked free utility, Chrome RD works almost as well, but I can't reboot a computer without losing connection completely. It must then be reconnected locally - AHRRRG.

So, still looking for cross-plat solution, too.

jeijei

Since updating my iMac to El Capitan 10.11.4, CORD Version 0.5.7 (5701) is no longer crashing.

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I've been using it since Tiger. It began crashing intermittently with OSX Yosemite, then would always crash on quitting with El Capitan before 10.11.4, and often crash on changing screen resolution. After 2 days of use, I have no longer seen a crash with OSX 10.11.4.

ColinColin

Microsoft now has a beta for yet another new RDP client: Microsoft Remote Desktop for Mac v8.2.20

It still has a variety of problems, but it at least looks more like a MacOSX application.

wfaulkwfaulk

The best RDP client for Mac is Thinomenon.

I can even run .rdp files from remote apps and work only the application does not show the entire desktop

Allan
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Best Vpn Client For Mac

Salvador CabreraSalvador Cabrera
Am1rr3zA
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Pierre WateletPierre Watelet
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