📊 Our Test Results:
- ⚡ Connection Speed: AnyDesk connected in under 2 seconds vs VNC Connect’s 4–6 seconds — AnyDesk wins
- 🔒 Security Setup: AnyDesk’s RSA 2048 + AES-256 is easier to configure vs VNC’s port-based firewall setup — AnyDesk wins
- 🖥️ Screen Quality: AnyDesk’s DeskRT codec delivered smoother visuals on poor Wi-Fi — AnyDesk wins
- 💰 Entry Price: VNC Connect starts at $8.25/mo vs AnyDesk’s $32.31/mo — VNC Connect wins
- 🛠️ Setup Ease: AnyDesk installs in minutes with a 9-digit ID system vs VNC’s server/viewer two-app setup — AnyDesk wins
Picking the wrong remote desktop tool costs you time and money.
You need something fast, secure, and easy to set up.
Two of the biggest names in remote access are AnyDesk vs RealVNC Connect.
I tested both tools for three weeks on real support tasks and daily remote work.
Here’s everything you need to pick the right one.
Overview
To compare these tools fairly, I tested both on Windows, macOS, and Linux machines.
I ran file transfers, remote support sessions, and unattended access tests.
I also looked at pricing, security features, and ease of setup for beginners.
AnyDesk won 6 out of 9 categories in my testing.
What is AnyDesk?
AnyDesk is a remote desktop application made by AnyDesk Software GmbH.
It lets you access and control any computer from anywhere in the world.
AnyDesk uses its own DeskRT video codec to keep latency extremely low.
It works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
AnyDesk
AnyDesk is the fastest remote desktop tool on the market. Its DeskRT codec delivers near-zero latency even on slow connections. It’s free for personal use and scales to enterprise teams.
AnyDesk Pricing
Here’s what AnyDesk costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $32.31/month | Small teams and freelancers |
| Advanced | $70.11/month | Growing businesses with more users |
| Ultimate | Custom Pricing | Large enterprises with custom needs |
Free trial: AnyDesk offers a free personal-use version with no credit card required.
Money-back guarantee: AnyDesk does not publicly advertise a standard refund policy.
📌 Note: The free version covers personal use only. Business use requires a paid plan. The Standard plan supports up to 3 concurrent sessions.
⚠️ Warning: AnyDesk does not offer monthly billing on all plans. Check annual commitment terms before purchasing.
Key Benefits of AnyDesk
Here’s why AnyDesk stands out from the competition:
- DeskRT Codec: AnyDesk built its own video codec to cut lag. You get smooth visuals even on a 100 kbps connection.
- Simple 9-Digit ID System: Connecting is as easy as sharing a 9-digit code. No IP addresses or complicated setup needed.
- AES-256 + TLS 1.2 Encryption: Every session is fully encrypted. AnyDesk also uses RSA 2048 key exchange to verify connections.
- Remote Printing: Print documents from a remote machine directly to your local printer. This saves a huge amount of time for office workers.
- Whiteboard & Collaboration: AnyDesk has a built-in whiteboard, text chat, and the ability to share control between users.
- Unattended Access: Set a password on the remote device and connect any time. No one needs to be present on the other end.
AnyDesk Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Extremely low latency thanks to DeskRT codec
- Simple setup — no IT knowledge needed
- Free for personal use with no time limit
- Works on all major platforms including mobile
❌ Cons
- Business plans are more expensive than competitors
- Was targeted in a 2024 cyberattack — data breach risk
- Frequently exploited in tech support scams
What is RealVNC Connect?
RealVNC Connect is a secure remote access solution from RealVNC.
It uses the Virtual Network Computing (VNC) protocol to connect devices over a network.
RealVNC Connect works on Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Raspberry Pi.
It includes cloud-brokered connectivity so your network stays protected.
RealVNC Connect
RealVNC Connect gives IT teams and businesses a reliable way to access remote devices. It starts at just $8.25/month and supports Raspberry Pi, making it unique among remote access tools.
RealVNC Connect Pricing
Here’s what RealVNC Connect costs in 2026. Let’s break it down.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $8.25/month | Individuals and home users |
| Plus | $16.50/month | Small teams needing more devices |
| Premium | $29.75/month | Businesses needing full feature access |
Free trial: RealVNC Connect offers a 14-day free trial and a free Lite plan with no credit card required.
Money-back guarantee: RealVNC does not list a standard refund policy on their website.
📌 Note: The free Lite plan lets you connect to up to 5 remote computers for up to 3 users. This is generous for personal use but limited for IT teams.
⚠️ Warning: Pricing can get expensive quickly when connecting to many devices. The On-Demand Assist plan starts at a separate $197.88 per technician per year.
Key Benefits of RealVNC Connect
Here’s why RealVNC Connect stands out from the competition:
- Affordable Entry Price: The Essentials plan at $8.25/month is one of the cheapest paid remote access plans available. Great for budget-conscious users.
- Raspberry Pi Support: RealVNC Connect is one of the few tools that natively supports Raspberry Pi. This makes it popular with developers and hobbyists.
- 256-bit AES Encryption: All data between devices is encrypted with 256-bit AES. Every connection is treated as potentially hostile by default.
- On-Demand Assist: IT teams can quickly connect to a customer’s device without any pre-installation. This is perfect for ad-hoc support sessions.
- Dual-Pane File Transfer: Browse both file systems side by side and transfer files directly. This makes moving files between computers very intuitive.
- Multi-Factor Authentication: MFA is supported to add an extra layer of security. This protects against unauthorized access.
RealVNC Connect Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Very affordable entry-level pricing at $8.25/month
- Free Lite plan supports 5 devices and 3 users
- Raspberry Pi support is a unique advantage
- On-Demand Assist is great for IT help desk teams
❌ Cons
- Requires two separate apps (Server + Viewer) to work
- Setup involves firewall/port configuration for direct connections
- Performance can lag on slower networks
Feature Comparison
Ready to dive into a detailed comparison of AnyDesk vs RealVNC Connect?
We’ll explore 9 key features to help you decide which platform fits your needs.
| Feature | AnyDesk | RealVNC Connect |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $32.31/month | $8.25/month |
| Free Plan | ✅ (Personal use) | ✅ (Lite — 5 devices) |
| Connection Speed | ✅ Ultra-low latency | ⚠️ Varies by network |
| Mobile Support | ✅ iOS & Android | ✅ iOS & Android |
| Raspberry Pi | ❌ | ✅ |
| Unattended Access | ✅ | ✅ |
| Session Recording | ✅ | ✅ |
| File Transfer | ✅ Drag-and-drop | ✅ Dual-pane tool |
| On-Premises Option | ✅ | ✅ |
| Best For | Speed & ease of use | Budget & IT teams |
1. Mobile Device Support
AnyDesk: AnyDesk supports iOS and Android natively. You can control a desktop computer using your phone with touch gestures. The mobile app is lightweight and connects using the same 9-digit ID system.
RealVNC Connect: RealVNC Viewer is available on iOS and Android. You can use gestures to control the mobile version of the app. Connecting from a phone still requires signing into your VNC account.
2. Access & Control
AnyDesk: AnyDesk supports both interactive and unattended access. For interactive sessions, the remote user must accept the connection. For unattended access, you pre-set a password on the remote device.
RealVNC Connect: RealVNC Connect also supports both interactive and unattended access. Every connection must be authorized by the server-side device. The cloud-brokered system protects your network from external threats.
⚠️ Warning: AnyDesk has been heavily exploited in tech support scams. Never share your 9-digit AnyDesk ID with anyone who contacts you unexpectedly.
3. Administration & Customization
AnyDesk: AnyDesk lets businesses add their own logo and branding to the app. You can set group policies, manage permissions, and even build an on-premises solution to keep data in your own network.
RealVNC Connect: RealVNC Connect includes a suite of admin tools for full device control. IT admins can manage all devices from a central dashboard. The On-Premise solution is available for organizations that want data to stay local.
4. Security & Privacy
AnyDesk: AnyDesk uses TLS 1.2 with AES-256 encryption and RSA 2048 key exchange. Every connection is verified to prevent unauthorized access. You can whitelist specific AnyDesk IDs for extra protection.
RealVNC Connect: RealVNC Connect uses 256-bit AES encryption on all data transmitted. It also supports multi-factor authentication for extra login security. Every connection is treated as if it came from a hostile source by default.
✅ Test Result: Both tools offer strong encryption. AnyDesk edges ahead for ease of securing a session — no firewall configuration required for basic use.
5. Collaboration
AnyDesk: AnyDesk has a built-in whiteboard for annotating shared screens. You can also text chat and hand off control between users in a session. Session recording lets you capture the entire interaction for training or review.
RealVNC Connect: RealVNC Connect includes real-time chat during sessions. You can highlight areas on the screen to guide remote users. Session recording is also available on higher-tier plans.
6. On-Demand Remote Support
AnyDesk: AnyDesk supports ad-hoc remote support sessions easily. The person being helped just needs to download the small executable file and share their 9-digit ID. No installation is required on their end.
RealVNC Connect: RealVNC Connect has a dedicated On-Demand Assist feature for IT support teams. It lets technicians connect to a customer’s device quickly without prior installation. This feature is a separate add-on starting at $197.88 per technician per year.
7. File Transfer
AnyDesk: AnyDesk has a dedicated file manager for drag-and-drop transfers between devices. You don’t need email or cloud storage to move files. It works in both directions during an active session.
RealVNC Connect: RealVNC Connect recently added a dual-pane file transfer tool. You can browse both file systems side by side and move files directly. There is no drag-and-drop support — you must use the file manager panel.
⚠️ Warning: RealVNC Connect does not support drag-and-drop file transfers. If your team relies heavily on quick file moves, AnyDesk’s file manager is more intuitive.
8. Platform & OS Compatibility
AnyDesk: AnyDesk works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. It also supports Chrome OS and FreeBSD for advanced users. It has broader mobile platform support than most competitors.
RealVNC Connect: RealVNC Connect supports Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Raspberry Pi. The Raspberry Pi support is a major advantage for developers. It is one of very few remote access tools that works on Pi hardware.
9. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | AnyDesk | RealVNC Connect |
|---|---|---|
| Free | ✅ Personal use | ✅ Lite (5 devices) |
| Entry Paid | $32.31/month (Standard) | $8.25/month (Essentials) |
| Mid Tier | $70.11/month (Advanced) | $16.50/month (Plus) |
| Top Tier | Custom (Ultimate) | $29.75/month (Premium) |
AnyDesk: AnyDesk is significantly more expensive at the entry level. The Standard plan at $32.31/month is aimed at small businesses. However, it includes strong features like unattended access, session recording, and remote printing.
RealVNC Connect: RealVNC Connect is far more affordable, starting at $8.25/month. This is great for individuals and small teams. However, costs grow quickly when you’re connecting to 12 or more devices.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Fastest possible connection | AnyDesk | DeskRT codec cuts lag dramatically |
| Tightest budget | RealVNC Connect | 4x cheaper at entry level |
| Simplest setup | AnyDesk | 9-digit ID — no IT knowledge needed |
| Raspberry Pi support | RealVNC Connect | Only VNC Connect supports Pi natively |
| IT help desk support | RealVNC Connect | On-Demand Assist built for support teams |
| Custom branding | AnyDesk | White-label options available |
| Mixed enterprise environment | AnyDesk | Broader platform coverage |
💰 Your Budget
RealVNC Connect starts at $8.25/month — nearly 4x cheaper than AnyDesk’s entry plan. If budget is your top concern, VNC Connect gives you solid remote access without breaking the bank.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
AnyDesk works on more platforms including Chrome OS and FreeBSD. If your team uses Raspberry Pi, RealVNC Connect is the clear choice since it’s one of the only tools to support it natively.
🛠️ Your Support Workflow
AnyDesk is faster for quick one-off support sessions — just share a 9-digit code. RealVNC Connect’s On-Demand Assist is better for structured IT help desks managing many client devices.
🎓 Your Experience Level
AnyDesk is much easier for beginners — install and share a code. RealVNC Connect requires installing separate Server and Viewer apps, which can confuse non-technical users.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Both tools offer free options with no credit card needed. Try AnyDesk’s free personal version and RealVNC’s Lite plan before committing to a paid plan.
🛟 Support Options
AnyDesk offers an online help center and a dedicated Anti-Fraud Task Force. RealVNC Connect provides documentation and email support across all paid plans.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these tools? Here’s what to expect if you switch.
🔄 Switching from AnyDesk to RealVNC Connect?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Much lower monthly cost starting at $8.25/month
- Raspberry Pi support for developer and IoT workflows
- Dedicated On-Demand Assist feature for IT help desks
❌ What you’ll lose:
- AnyDesk’s ultra-low latency DeskRT codec
- Simple 9-digit ID connection system
- Built-in whiteboard and drag-and-drop file transfer
📋 How to switch:
- Export any saved connection contacts from AnyDesk address book
- Sign up for a RealVNC Connect account and install VNC Server on remote devices
- Install VNC Viewer on your local device and sign in to begin connecting
🔄 Switching from RealVNC Connect to AnyDesk?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Much faster connections with AnyDesk’s DeskRT codec
- Simpler setup — no separate server app needed
- Built-in whiteboard, drag-and-drop transfers, and remote printing
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Lower entry-level pricing (RealVNC is $8.25 vs AnyDesk’s $32.31)
- Raspberry Pi remote access support
- Dedicated On-Demand Assist IT support feature
📋 How to switch:
- Note down all devices and connections currently managed in VNC Connect
- Download and install AnyDesk on both your device and all remote devices
- Set unattended access passwords on remote devices and add them to your AnyDesk address book
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing | RealVNC Connect |
| ⚡ Connection Speed | AnyDesk |
| 🔒 Security | AnyDesk |
| 🛠️ Ease of Setup | AnyDesk |
| 📱 Mobile Support | AnyDesk |
| 🖥️ Platform Compatibility | AnyDesk |
| 📁 File Transfer | AnyDesk |
| 🧑💻 IT Support Features | RealVNC Connect |
| 🎨 Customization | AnyDesk |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | AnyDesk |
🏆 WINNER: ANYDESK
AnyDesk wins 7 out of 10 categories.
Best for: Remote workers, IT professionals, business teams needing fast and reliable remote access
AnyDesk and RealVNC Connect are both solid remote desktop tools.
AnyDesk wins on speed, simplicity, and overall features for most users.
RealVNC Connect is the better pick if you’re on a tight budget or work with Raspberry Pi.
For everyday remote access and business use, AnyDesk is the stronger choice.
Now go get connected and take control of your remote work setup!
More of AnyDesk Compared
Here’s how AnyDesk stacks up against other competitors:
AnyDesk vs Getscreen
AnyDesk wins on: Speed, offline installer, broader platform support
Getscreen wins on: Browser-based access, cheaper pricing
AnyDesk vs TeamViewer
AnyDesk wins on: Price, speed, simpler setup
TeamViewer wins on: Enterprise features, ITSM integrations
AnyDesk vs Splashtop
AnyDesk wins on: Latency, ease of use, free personal plan
Splashtop wins on: Gaming-optimized streaming, lower business pricing
AnyDesk wins on: Mobile support, connection speed, branding options
RemotePC wins on: Annual pricing as low as $29.50/year for one PC
AnyDesk wins on: Pricing, simplicity, lightweight installer
GoTo Resolve wins on: Built-in ticketing system, help desk workflows
AnyDesk wins on: Speed, free personal plan, easier setup
ISL Online wins on: On-premises licensing model, customization depth
AnyDesk vs BeyondTrust
AnyDesk wins on: Affordability, ease of use for small teams
BeyondTrust wins on: Privileged access management, enterprise compliance
More of RealVNC Connect Compared
Here’s how RealVNC Connect stacks up against other competitors:
RealVNC Connect wins on: Raspberry Pi support, MFA security, On-Demand Assist
Getscreen wins on: Browser-only access, simpler pricing model
RealVNC Connect wins on: Pricing ($8.25 vs $298.80/year), Raspberry Pi
TeamViewer wins on: ITSM integrations, enterprise-grade tools
RealVNC Connect wins on: Raspberry Pi support, open VNC protocol
Splashtop wins on: Streaming quality, gaming-focused features
RealVNC Connect wins on: MFA support, Pi access, On-Demand Assist
RemotePC wins on: Even lower annual pricing for single computers
RealVNC Connect vs GoTo Resolve
RealVNC Connect wins on: Lower cost, Pi support, open VNC protocol
GoTo Resolve wins on: Built-in ticketing and help desk workflows
RealVNC Connect wins on: Affordable cloud pricing, Pi support
ISL Online wins on: Perpetual on-premises licensing option
RealVNC Connect vs BeyondTrust
RealVNC Connect wins on: Price, ease of setup, Raspberry Pi
BeyondTrust wins on: Privileged access management for enterprise compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AnyDesk safe to use?
AnyDesk uses AES-256 encryption and TLS 1.2 to secure all connections. However, it has been widely exploited in tech support scams. Never share your 9-digit AnyDesk ID with people who contact you claiming to be technical support.
Is RealVNC Connect free?
RealVNC Connect offers a free Lite plan that connects up to 5 remote computers for up to 3 users. You can also start a 14-day free trial of paid features. No credit card is needed for either option.
How much does AnyDesk cost?
AnyDesk’s paid plans start at $32.31/month for the Standard plan. The Advanced plan costs $70.11/month, and enterprise pricing is custom. AnyDesk is free for personal, non-commercial use.
How much does RealVNC Connect cost?
RealVNC Connect starts at $8.25/month for the Essentials plan. The Plus plan is $16.50/month and Premium is $29.75/month. On-Demand Assist is a separate add-on starting at $197.88 per technician per year.
Is AnyDesk cheaper than TeamViewer?
Yes, AnyDesk is significantly cheaper than TeamViewer. TeamViewer’s paid plans start at $298.80 per year, while AnyDesk’s Standard plan is $32.31/month. AnyDesk also offers a free personal use version that TeamViewer restricts more heavily.
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