RealVNC Connect vs ISL Online: Which is Remote Access in 2025?

Winner

4.5

• RealVNC Connect
• RealVNC OEM Solutions
• Offline Licensing
• Remote Access
• Printing
• 7-day trial available
• Paid Plans from $29.75/month

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Runner Up

3.5

• Security
• Self Hosted
• Managed Private Cloud
• OEM and Integrations
• Administration
• Free trial available
• Paid Plans from $34.90/month

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Working remotely is becoming more common, and having the right tools for remote access is key.

But choosing between different remote desktop software can be a real headache.

You might be wondering, “Which one actually works best for me?”

Let’s compare RealVNC Connect vs ISL Online to help you choose the best option for your remote work needs.

Overview

We’ve tested both RealVNC Connect and ISL Online, evaluating their features, ease of use, security, and performance.

This hands-on experience has given us a clear picture of how each remote access solution performs in real-world scenarios.

4.5out of 5

Want robust, secure remote access for your business? Try it free and join the thousands!

Pricing: It has a free trial. Paid plan starts at $29.75/monthly.

Key Features:

• Cross-platform support
• End-to-end encryption
• Direct and cloud connectivity

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3.5out of 5

Ready to make the smart choice for remote desktop in 2025? Try ISL online & join thousands!

Pricing: It has a free trial. Paid plan starts at $34.90/monthly.

Key Features:

• On-premise deployment option
• Unlimited managed devices
• Advanced customization

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What is RealVNC Connect?

So, what exactly is RealVNC Connect?

It’s a remote access tool that lets you control a computer from anywhere.

Think of it like being right in front of the machine, even if you’re miles away.

Also, explore our favorite RealVNC Connect alternatives…

Our Take

Securely use RealVNC for remote desktop access! Want robust, secure remote access for your business? Try it now!. Download RealVNC now!

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Key Benefits

• Direct Access: Connect straight to your machines.
• Cross-Platform: Works on many devices.
• High Security: Encrypts your connections.
• Team Support: Helps many users at once.
• Flexible Licensing: Pay for what you need.

Pricing

VNC Connect has different plans.

• Premium: $29.75/month
• Plus: $16.50/month
• Essential: $8.25

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Pros

• Very secure connections.
• Works across many devices.
• Easy to set up.
• Good for tech experts.
• Reliable performance.

Cons

• Can be expensive.
• Interface feels old.
• Not for beginners.

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What is ISL Online?

Okay, let’s talk about ISL Online. It’s another strong contender in the remote access world.

This software helps you connect to and control computers, just like RealVNC.

It’s often praised for its flexibility, letting you choose how you deploy it.

Also, explore our favorite ISL Online alternatives…

Also, explore our favorite ISL Online alternatives…

Our Take

Securely use RealVNC for remote desktop access! Want robust, secure remote access for your business? Try it now!. Download RealVNC now!

Try ISL Online for free Read Full Review ISL Online alternatives

Key Benefits

• 100% On-Premise Option: You can host it on your own servers. This gives you full control.
• Unlimited Devices/Users: One license covers unlimited endpoints. This saves you money.
• Strong Security Features: It uses end-to-end encryption. Your data stays private.
• Custom Branding: You can add your company’s logo. It looks more professional.
• Live Chat Integration: Talk to customers while helping them.
• Wake On LAN: Turn on a computer remotely.
• Session Recording: Record sessions for training or review.

Pricing

ISL Online’s pricing is straightforward. They offer different plans:

• Standard: $34.90/month.
• Premium: $54.90/month
• Enterprise: $99.90/month
• Pay Per Use: $0.25/min

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Pros

• Unlimited connections with one license.
• Strong security keeps data safe.
• Self-hosting option is a big plus.
• Easy to set up and use.
• Good value for large teams.

Cons

• Interface can feel a bit old.
• Less global brand recognition.
• Fewer integrations than competitors.

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Feature Comparison

RealVNC Connect, the evolution of the Virtual Network Computing (VNC) protocol, is a great tool for simple, reliable remote access.

While ISL Online is a feature-rich remote desktop solution praised by support teams for its flexible licensing and deployment options.

1. Licensing Model and Cost Structure

The fundamental difference in pricing structure makes ISL Online potentially more cost-effective for high-volume support teams.

• ISL Online: Uses a concurrent-user model, which allows for unlimited users and unlimited devices to be managed. This unique features and pricing structure means IT teams can expand their resources without paying per remote computer or user account, offering excellent value.
• VNC Connect: Typically licenses based on the number of remote devices or concurrent sessions. It offers a free version and various plans, but the cost generally scales with the number of remote machines that require secure remote access.

2. Deployment Flexibility and Private Cloud

ISL Online provides a clearer, dedicated path for maximum security and compliance through on-premises hosting.

• ISL Online: Offers a highly flexible private cloud or Self-Hosted license, allowing organizations, especially those in regulated industries like health care, to install the server on their own network. This ensures all sensitive information and data remain within their network for maximum security.
• VNC Connect: Provides both a cloud service (VNC Cloud) and an On-Premise Management Console option. Its direct connection capability over a local network or an existing VPN also provides secure remote access without relying on the cloud connection.

3. On-Demand Remote Support (Ad-hoc)

Both solutions simplify the process for support teams to provide remote assistance to end users without requiring prior software installation.

• ISL Online: Uses a unique session code or session links for quick remote support. The remote user simply enters the code into the ISL Light client to receive support, making it extremely easy to start a remote session.
• VNC Connect: Features the On Demand Assist feature, which allows support teams to remotely connect to a person’s computer using a session code without the end user needing to install RealVNC Server, ensuring a fast support session.

4. Core Technology and Performance

RealVNC Connect’s technology is rooted in VNC, while ISL Online uses its own proprietary system for screen sharing and remote control.

• VNC Connect: Is the official remote desktop solution based on Virtual Network Computing. It provides reliable, secure remote access and low-latency connections, with the RealVNC Viewer app and RealVNC Server designed for stability across multiple operating systems.
• ISL Online: Offers high-quality remote control and screen sharing, which users often describe as seamless. Its focus is on providing a user friendly and feature-rich remote desktop solution to IT professionals.

5. Security and Two Factor Authentication

Both platforms prioritize security, but ISL Online often emphasizes its compliance and encryption specifics.

• ISL Online: Provides maximum security with end-to-end encryption (AES 256-bit and RSA 2048/4096-bit key exchange) and supports two factor authentication. Its compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO standards is a selling point for managing sensitive information.
• VNC Connect: Also offers secure remote access with end-to-end encryption, multi factor authentication, and granular control permissions. It is built on a secure-by-design approach, and features device authentication for added security.

6. Unattended Access and Management

The ability to maintain unattended remote computers is a key essential remote access feature for IT environments.

• ISL Online: Features ISL AlwaysOn for unattended machines. The solution allows technicians to install the client on remote computers to gain access and full control for maintenance tasks, often with administrator rights enabled by default.
• VNC Connect: Requires the RealVNC Server to be installed on the remote machine (remote computer) to enable unattended access. Its management console allows for centralized administration tools to manage user permissions and access to work computers.

7. Advanced Session Tools

Beyond basic screen sharing, both offer tools to enhance the support session and improve efficiency.

• ISL Online: Offers advanced features like administrative mode (for UAC prompts/admin rights), remote printing, remote sound, file manager (drag and drop file transfer), and multi monitor support.
• VNC Connect: Includes essential remote access features like transferring files, chat session, and remote printing. The VNC Viewer also allows users to highlight areas on the remote screen, which is useful for support teams and remote assistance.

8. Cross-Platform and Mobile Device Support

Both solutions offer extensive multi platform support for various operating systems and mobile devices.

• ISL Online: Provides robust cross platform support, enabling support teams to remotely connect to and from Windows, macOS, Linux, and mobile devices (Android and iOS devices), ensuring mobile support is comprehensive.
• VNC Connect: Also supports all major operating systems (windows macos linux) and offers the RealVNC Viewer app for mobile devices (Android and iOS), allowing users to remotely access their remote machine from nearly any remote location.

9. Administrative Control and Elevated Permissions

Gaining the necessary permissions to fix technical issues is a crucial feature for IT professionals.

• ISL Online: Provides an administrative mode (elevated permissions/admin rights) during a remote session to interact with UAC prompts and perform system changes, giving IT professionals full control over the remote user’s machine.
• VNC Connect: Allows the technician to gain access to system-level functions and UAC prompts when authenticated with the appropriate credentials, which is essential for remotely connecting to and installing software on windows devices.

What to Look for When Choosing Remote Access Software?

When picking your remote access tool, consider these key insights:

• Security Features: Always prioritize robust encryption and multi-factor authentication.
• Platform Compatibility: Ensure it works across all your devices (Windows, Mac, Linux, mobile).
• Performance & Latency: Look for smooth, low-lag connections, especially for demanding tasks.
• Pricing Model: Understand if it’s per device, per user, or concurrent sessions.
• Ease of Use: A simple, intuitive interface saves time and frustration.
• Support Options: Check for responsive customer service and helpful documentation.
• Specific Features: Do you need file transfer, session recording, or custom branding?
• Deployment Options: Cloud-based or on-premise (self-hosted) flexibility.
• Scalability: Can it grow with your team or business needs?

Final Verdict 

After comparing both, RealVNC Connect is our top pick for most users.

Why? Its setup is simpler, and VNC Connect offers really smooth performance for daily tasks.

It’s a reliable, secure way to connect from anywhere.

Our researchers use a mix of testing and verified user reviews to bring you selection and ranking information you can trust.

We may earn a referral fee when you visit a vendor’s site.

But our findings remain honest to help you choose the best.

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