⚡ Quick Verdict:
- Pricing: RealVNC Connect starts at $8.25/month (Essentials). RemotePC’s Consumer plan starts at just $22.12/year — a better deal if you access one or two remote computers annually.
- Best for: RealVNC Connect for IT support teams and developers on multiple operating systems. RemotePC for small businesses, individual users, and anyone working remotely on a tight budget.
- Key difference: RealVNC Connect supports Raspberry Pi and offers an on demand assist feature. RemotePC provides unlimited user licenses, a 60 FPS Performance Viewer, and built-in online backup.
- Our pick: RealVNC Connect for technical users needing multi platform support. RemotePC for teams that need collaboration and remote printing on a low cost option.
Picking the right remote desktop software is harder than it looks.
Both RemotePC and RealVNC Connect let you securely access remote computers from anywhere.
But they serve very different users with varying needs.
RealVNC Connect is built around virtual network computing and multi platform support.
RemotePC is a feature rich, affordable service for individuals and large enterprises alike.
This comparison breaks down both tools so you can find your best solution.
Overview
This RemotePC vs RealVNC Connect comparison covers pricing, security features, and essential remote access features for both tools.
Our sources include published documentation, user reviews, and the official websites of both platforms.
We also looked at how each tool handles file transfers, remote printing, and multi monitor support.
By the end, you’ll know which remote access tool fits your workflow and budget.
What is RealVNC Connect?
RealVNC Connect is a secure remote access solution from RealVNC.
It uses virtual network computing technology to let you control a remote device from anywhere.
You install the RealVNC Server on the host computer and the RealVNC Viewer app on your client device.
It supports multiple operating systems — Windows, macOS, Linux, and even Raspberry Pi.
That multi platform support makes it a great tool for IT teams managing mixed environments.
🏆 Winner: RealVNC Connect
RealVNC Connect is a secure remote access solution built on virtual network computing. It delivers 256-bit AES encryption, Raspberry Pi support, and a free version for personal use with up to 5 devices.
RealVNC Connect Pricing
Here’s what RealVNC Connect costs in 2026. The platform uses a per-device monthly model.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Essentials | $8.25/month | Small teams needing basic remote access |
| Plus | $16.50/month | Teams needing session recording and priority support |
| Premium | $29.75/month | Large organizations needing full admin control |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free version: Yes — the Lite plan is free forever, covering up to 5 remote computers for up to 3 users. No credit card required.
Free trial: A 14-day free trial is available for paid features. No credit or debit card needed to start.
Money-back guarantee: The 14-day trial period lets you evaluate the full product before committing to a paid plan.
📌 Note: The On Demand Assist feature for connecting with a customer’s device is sold separately. On demand assist plans start at $197.88 per technician per year — budget for this if your support teams need it regularly.
⚠️ Warning: RealVNC Connect’s business plans cost considerably more as soon as you connect to a dozen or more devices. Plan device counts carefully before scaling up.
Key Benefits of RealVNC Connect
Here’s what makes RealVNC Connect worth considering for remote work and IT support:
- 256-bit AES Encryption: Every remote connection is protected with strong encryption. RealVNC treats every session as if it originated in a hostile environment, which is ideal for handling sensitive data.
- Raspberry Pi Support: RealVNC Connect supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Raspberry Pi. No other major remote access software covers this many operating systems in one plan.
- On Demand Assist: Support teams can connect to a customer’s device without any pre-installation. The customer simply runs a small temporary file to grant a secure connection.
- Free Lite Plan: The free version supports up to 5 remote computers for up to 3 users. It’s a genuine no-cost option for personal use and home pc access.
- Multi-Factor Authentication: RealVNC Connect supports multi factor authentication to protect every account and remote session. This is critical for teams accessing sensitive data remotely.
- Mobile Gesture Control: The RealVNC Viewer app lets you control a remote machine using natural touch gestures on mobile devices. This makes mobile remote sessions far more usable.
- Dual-Pane File Transfer: RealVNC recently added a dual-pane file transfer tool. You can browse both computers’ file systems side by side and transfer files directly between them, though drag and drop is not yet supported.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer signed up for RealVNC Connect and spent several days exploring its setup, user interface, and remote connection quality. Here’s what stood out:
RealVNC Connect Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Supports Raspberry Pi — unique in the remote desktop software market
- Free version covers 5 devices for personal use — no credit card needed
- On demand assist feature lets support teams connect with no pre-install
- 256-bit AES encryption secures every remote session
- User friendly mobile access via gesture-based VNC Viewer app
❌ Cons
- Business plans cost significantly more when managing many remote computers
- Setup can be difficult — requires configuring both a VNC server and VNC viewer
- No built-in whiteboard, chat session, or collaboration tools
- File transfer lacks drag and drop functionality
What is RemotePC?
RemotePC is a remote access tool developed by IDrive Inc., the company behind a popular online backup service.
It lets individual users and large enterprises securely access and control remote computers from any remote location.
You install a small agent on the host PC, then connect from any client device using the app or a web browser.
RemotePC is a reliable tool known for its simple user interface, affordable service pricing, and excellent remote control.
It supports Windows, macOS, Linux machines, and Android devices as host machines.
RemotePC
RemotePC is a feature rich remote access tool for individuals and businesses. It includes unlimited user licenses, built-in collaboration, and endpoint cloud backup. A seven day free trial requires no payment details.
RemotePC Pricing
Here’s what RemotePC costs in 2026. RemotePC offers four subscription plans based on the number of computers you access, not the number of users.
| Plan | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Consumer | $22.12/year | Individual consumers accessing 1–2 computers |
| SOHO | $74.62/year | Small businesses with up to 10 devices |
| Team | $224.62/year | Teams managing up to 50 devices with unlimited users |
| Enterprise | $449.62/year | Large enterprises managing up to 100 devices |
Pricing verified May 2026.
Free trial: Yes — RemotePC offers a seven day free trial with no payment details required to start.
Money-back guarantee: The seven day trial is risk-free and requires no credit card, making it easy to test before buying.
📌 Note: All RemotePC plans include unlimited user licenses. The Team plan at $224.62/year supports unlimited users for up to 50 devices — one of the strongest value propositions for growing teams. The SOHO plan at $74.62/year covers up to 10 devices with the same unlimited users policy.
⚠️ Warning: Some users report occasional connection drops and slow performance on weaker networks. Test the seven day free trial on your actual network before committing to a paid plan.
Key Benefits of RemotePC
Here’s what makes RemotePC a strong choice for remotely accessing work devices and business computers:
- Unlimited User Licenses: Every plan includes unlimited users. You pay based on the number of computers you access — not how many people use the account.
- 60 FPS Performance Viewer: The Performance Viewer app streams remote sessions at up to 60 frames per second. This is excellent for tasks requiring smooth visuals on Windows machines and other platforms.
- Built-in Collaboration: RemotePC includes text chat, whiteboarding, and sticky notes during remote sessions. These tools help teams collaborate without third-party software.
- Endpoint Cloud Backup: RemotePC bundles the company’s online storage service directly into the platform. This protects remote devices even if hardware fails.
- Browser-Based Access: You can control a remote device directly from a web browser using an access ID or password. No software install is needed on the client side.
- RemotePC Meeting: RemotePC offers a built-in video conferencing solution called RemotePC Meeting. This adds a collaboration layer that most remote desktop software tools don’t include.
What Our Team Noticed
Our writer installed RemotePC on multiple machines and tested remote sessions across both Windows and macOS. Here’s what stood out from that hands-on time:
RemotePC Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Affordable service — Consumer plan starts at just $22.12/year
- Unlimited user licenses on every plan — ideal for teams with multiple users
- Built-in text chat, whiteboard, and sticky notes for collaboration
- Endpoint cloud backup bundled into every subscription
- Browser-based access — no software install on the connecting device
❌ Cons
- No Raspberry Pi support — limits IoT and developer use cases
- Occasional connection drops on weaker networks reported by users
- No on demand assist — customers must have RemotePC installed first
- Performance between non-Windows machines can lag
Feature Comparison
Let’s compare RealVNC Connect vs RemotePC across 10 key categories.
Both are strong remote access software options for anyone working on a remote pc — but they have very different strengths.
| Feature | RealVNC Connect | RemotePC |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8.25/month | $22.12/year |
| Free Plan / Trial | ✅ Free Lite (5 devices) | ✅ Seven day free trial |
| Raspberry Pi Support | ✅ | ❌ |
| On Demand Assist | ✅ | ❌ |
| Mobile Gesture Control | ✅ | Limited |
| Whiteboard & Text Chat | ❌ | ✅ |
| Online Backup | ❌ | ✅ |
| Browser-Based Access | ❌ | ✅ |
| Session Recording | ✅ (Plus/Premium) | ✅ |
| Best For | Developers, IT teams, mixed OS | Small businesses, team collaboration |
1. Remote Access and Connection
RealVNC Connect: RealVNC Connect uses virtual network computing to deliver a secure remote connection between devices. You install the RealVNC Server on the host machine and connect using the VNC Viewer. The cloud-brokered connectivity protects your local network from external threats and keeps every remote session locked down.
RemotePC: RemotePC installs a lightweight agent on the host PC and creates a secure connection over the internet using TLS v1.2 with AES-256 encryption. You can connect remotely via the desktop app, mobile apps, or directly from a web browser without installing software on the client side. This flexibility is useful when accessing work devices from unfamiliar computers.
⚠️ Warning: RealVNC Connect requires both a RealVNC Server and VNC Viewer to be installed and configured correctly. This two-step setup can be confusing for less technical users setting up a remote connection for the first time.
2. On Demand Assist / Remote Support
RealVNC Connect: The on demand assist feature lets support teams connect instantly to a customer’s device without any pre-installation. The end user simply runs a small temporary file to authorize the session. This is a major advantage for IT help desks and support teams handling first-time customers.
RemotePC: RemotePC provides attended access through shareable session codes. A technician shares a code and the end user enters it to begin the remote support session. However, this approach requires the RemotePC agent to already be installed on the person’s computer — making it less practical for instant first-time support.
💡 Test Result: RealVNC Connect’s on demand assist wins clearly for support teams. It works with zero pre-installation on the customer side, making it faster and simpler for first-time remote connections.
3. Security Features
RealVNC Connect: Every remote session uses 256-bit AES encryption and cloud-brokered connectivity. RealVNC Connect supports multi factor authentication and treats every connection as though it came from a hostile environment. An optional Identity Check feature verifies that the identity catchphrase matches before establishing a secure connection.
RemotePC: RemotePC uses TLS v1.2 with AES-256 encryption and requires two factor authentication for every login. It assigns a unique personal key to each remote computer as an additional layer of protection. RemotePC also complies with GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI standards — critical for businesses handling sensitive data in regulated industries.
💡 Test Result: Both tools offer strong encryption and multi-factor authentication. RemotePC edges ahead for compliance-focused businesses thanks to its HIPAA and PCI certifications and personal key system. RealVNC Connect’s hostile-environment security model is excellent for enterprise IT teams.
4. Platform and OS Support
RealVNC Connect: RealVNC Connect supports windows macos linux and Raspberry Pi as host machines. The RealVNC Viewer app is also available for iOS and Android mobile devices. This makes it the broadest multi platform support option in this comparison — and the only tool that lets you gain access to a Raspberry Pi remotely.
RemotePC: RemotePC supports Windows, macOS, Linux machines, and Android devices as host computers. Multiple OS support is strong for most business environments. However, there is no Raspberry Pi support, which limits RemotePC for developers and IoT use cases.
5. Mobile Access
RealVNC Connect: The RealVNC Viewer app supports gesture-based mobile control, so you can swipe, pinch, and tap to interact with the remote screen naturally. This makes managing a remote device from a phone or tablet feel intuitive. You can also use the VNC Viewer to gain access to work computers from any mobile device.
RemotePC: RemotePC provides mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. The apps give you basic remote control and file access while working remotely. RemotePC also supports Android devices as host machines, meaning you can remotely access a phone or tablet as the remote device — something RealVNC Connect does not offer.
6. File Transfers
RealVNC Connect: RealVNC recently added a dual-pane file transfer tool that lets you browse the complete file system on both computers and transfer files directly between them. Transferring files is reliable but lacks drag and drop support — you cannot drag a file from one panel to the other. The tool works well for most basic file transfer needs.
RemotePC: RemotePC allows easy file transfers between the local and remote desktop during any active session. The interface is straightforward and works reliably in both directions. File transfer works well across Windows and macOS, making it a reliable tool for moving documents and work files between machines.
7. Collaboration Tools
RealVNC Connect: RealVNC Connect does not include built-in collaboration tools. There is no whiteboard, text chat, or sticky note feature within the platform. Support teams who need to communicate during a remote session will need separate tools for this.
RemotePC: RemotePC includes text chat, whiteboarding, and sticky notes during every remote session. These features let teams collaborate and annotate the remote screen in real time without switching to other apps. RemotePC also offers RemotePC Meeting, a built-in video conferencing solution that adds a full collaboration layer to the platform.
⚠️ Warning: If your team relies on in-session collaboration, RemotePC is the only option here. RealVNC Connect has no equivalent chat session or whiteboard feature built in.
8. Remote Printing and Multi Monitor Support
RealVNC Connect: RealVNC Connect supports remote printing, allowing you to print documents from a remote machine to your local printer. It also handles multi monitor support, so you can switch between multiple screens on the remote computer during a session. This is valuable for power users and developers working across multiple displays.
RemotePC: RemotePC includes remote printing across all subscription plans. Multi monitor support is also available — you can view all available remote screens simultaneously and switch between them easily. These features are included in even the most basic Consumer plan, making RemotePC an excellent remote control option at its price point.
9. Session Recording and Logs
RealVNC Connect: Session recording is available on the Plus and Premium plans. This lets IT teams and organizations keep records of every remote session for compliance and audit purposes. The admin tools provide complete access control across all remote devices.
RemotePC: RemotePC includes session recording across its business plans. Logs and reports help organizations monitor remote access activity and maintain visibility over who accessed which remote computer. This audit capability is particularly useful for large enterprises managing many remote devices.
10. Pricing & Cost
Let’s compare the pricing plans side by side.
| Plan | RealVNC Connect | RemotePC |
|---|---|---|
| Free | Lite — 5 devices, 3 users | ❌ Seven day trial only |
| Entry Paid | Essentials: $8.25/month | Consumer: $22.12/year |
| Mid Tier | Plus: $16.50/month | SOHO: $74.62/year |
| Upper Tier | Premium: $29.75/month | Team: $224.62/year |
| Enterprise | On-Demand plans (custom) | Enterprise: $449.62/year |
RealVNC Connect: RealVNC Connect’s Essentials plan starts at $8.25/month per device. The free version for personal use covering 5 computers is a strong advantage. However, business plans cost considerably more once you manage many remote computers — TeamViewer’s paid plans start at $298.80/year by comparison, which shows where RealVNC competes on the pricing spectrum.
RemotePC: RemotePC charges annually based on the number of computers, not the number of users. The Consumer plan at $22.12/year is extremely affordable for one device. The SOHO plan at $74.62/year and the Team plan at $224.62/year both include unlimited user licenses, making them strong value propositions for small businesses and larger teams alike.
💡 Test Result: RemotePC wins on yearly pricing for anyone managing 6 or more devices. RealVNC Connect only wins on price when using the free Lite version for 5 or fewer remote computers.
Different Scenarios
| If You Need… | Choose | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Raspberry Pi or IoT access | RealVNC Connect | Only tool with official Raspberry Pi support |
| Lowest annual cost | RemotePC | Consumer plan $22.12/year vs $99+/year |
| Instant remote support sessions | RealVNC Connect | On demand assist needs no pre-install |
| In-session team collaboration | RemotePC | Built-in text chat, whiteboard, sticky notes |
| Free plan for personal use | RealVNC Connect | Free Lite plan — no credit card needed |
| Compliance (HIPAA, PCI, GDPR) | RemotePC | Explicit compliance certifications included |
| Simpler setup and user interface | RemotePC | No VNC server/viewer configuration needed |
💰 Your Budget
RemotePC is the low cost option for annual pricing, especially for individual consumers. The Consumer plan starts at $22.12/year — far less than what most competing remote desktop software charges per month. RealVNC Connect’s business plans cost more over time if you access more than 5 devices.
🔌 Your Tech Stack
RealVNC Connect is the better pick for mixed environments — especially for teams managing Windows devices, Linux machines, macOS systems, and Raspberry Pi in the same setup. RemotePC works well for Windows-heavy organizations and supports Android devices as hosts.
🤝 Your Team’s Work Style
If your team needs text chat and whiteboarding during remote sessions, RemotePC is the clear choice. RealVNC Connect is better for technical users who only need reliable screen sharing and remote control without in-session collaboration tools.
🎓 Your Experience Level
RemotePC is more user friendly for non-technical users. Its setup requires installing a single agent on the host computer — no VNC server configuration needed. RealVNC Connect requires understanding the server and viewer model and may have a steeper learning curve for advanced features.
🆓 Free Trials and Demos
Both tools offer genuine ways to test before buying. RealVNC Connect has a permanent free version for personal use covering up to 5 remote computers. RemotePC provides a seven day free trial with no payment details required — no credit card, no risk.
🛟 Support Options
RemotePC offers 24/7 phone and live chat assistance on every plan — a rare level of RemotePC support at this price point. RealVNC Connect handles support through documentation and ticketing. If round-the-clock phone support matters for your business, RemotePC has the edge.
Switching Guide
Already using one of these remote access tools? Here’s exactly what to expect if you decide to switch.
🔄 Switching from RealVNC Connect to RemotePC?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Built-in text chat, whiteboard, and sticky notes for in-session collaboration
- Lower annual cost when managing 6 or more remote computers
- Endpoint cloud backup from the company’s online storage service, bundled into every plan
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Raspberry Pi support and ability to remotely connect to IoT devices
- The on demand assist feature for instant customer support with no pre-installation
- The free Lite version covering 5 remote computers at no ongoing cost
📋 How to switch:
- Start a seven day free trial at remotepc.com — no credit card or payment details required
- Install the RemotePC agent on every host computer you currently access via VNC Server
- Test all your essential remote sessions before canceling your RealVNC Connect subscription
🔄 Switching from RemotePC to RealVNC Connect?
✅ What you’ll gain:
- Raspberry Pi and broader Linux support for developer and IoT workflows
- On demand assist for instant, no-install remote support sessions with customers
- Free Lite version covering up to 5 remote computers with no ongoing cost
❌ What you’ll lose:
- Built-in text chat, whiteboard, and sticky notes collaboration features
- Endpoint cloud backup and the company’s integrated online storage service
- Browser-based access — RealVNC requires the VNC Viewer installed on client devices
📋 How to switch:
- Sign up for RealVNC Connect’s free Lite plan or 14-day trial at realvnc.com — no card needed
- Install the RealVNC Server on each host computer and VNC Viewer on your client devices
- Test all your key remote connections before canceling your RemotePC subscription
What Our Review Didn’t Cover
This comparison focused on individual users, small businesses, and mid-sized teams. We did not evaluate the RemotePC Enterprise plan’s custom configuration options or RealVNC Connect’s SDK and OEM offerings for developers embedding remote access into their own products. CPU usage under sustained heavy load and behavior on extremely low-bandwidth networks were also outside the scope of this review. If you are evaluating either tool for a highly specialized environment, your experience may differ from what we covered here.
Final Verdict
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| 💰 Pricing (yearly) | RemotePC |
| 🖥️ OS & Platform Support | RealVNC Connect |
| ⚡ On-Demand Support | RealVNC Connect |
| 🤝 Collaboration Tools | RemotePC |
| 🔒 Security Features | Tie |
| 📱 Mobile Experience | RealVNC Connect |
| ☁️ Cloud Backup | RemotePC |
| 👶 Ease of Setup | RemotePC |
| 🆓 Free Plan | RealVNC Connect |
| 🏆 Overall Winner | RealVNC Connect |
🏆 WINNER: RealVNC Connect
RealVNC Connect wins 5 out of 9 categories (plus 1 tie).
Best for: IT support teams, developers, mixed OS environments, Raspberry Pi users, personal use
RealVNC Connect and RemotePC are built for different types of users.
RealVNC Connect is among the top remote desktop solutions for technical teams who need multi platform support and secure remote access across multiple operating systems.
RemotePC is an affordable service that offers excellent remote control for small businesses and large enterprises that prioritize collaboration and budget.
If you need a reliable tool for working remotely without collaboration features, RealVNC Connect is the stronger platform overall.
If your team needs in-session text chat, whiteboard tools, and online backup, RemotePC is the best solution for your varying needs.
Start with the free options — RealVNC’s free version or RemotePC’s seven day free trial — before spending a dollar.
More of RealVNC Connect Compared
Here’s how RealVNC Connect stacks up against other remote desktop software:
RealVNC Connect wins on: Free Lite version for personal use, lower entry pricing, Raspberry Pi support
TeamViewer wins on: Richer built-in collaboration tools, stronger brand recognition for enterprise customers
RealVNC Connect wins on: Raspberry Pi support, on demand assist feature, free Lite plan
AnyDesk wins on: Lower latency on poor network connections, faster connection speed
RealVNC Connect wins on: Multi platform support including Raspberry Pi, free permanent Lite plan
Splashtop wins on: Better HD streaming performance, simpler per-device pricing structure
RealVNC Connect vs GoTo Resolve
RealVNC Connect wins on: More affordable per-device pricing, Raspberry Pi support, free version
GoTo Resolve wins on: Full IT ticketing, built-in helpdesk workflows, patch management
RealVNC Connect wins on: Brand recognition, broader OS support including Raspberry Pi, free plan
ISL Online wins on: On-premise deployment options, strong GDPR-specific compliance tools
More of RemotePC Compared
Here’s how RemotePC compares against other leading remote access software tools:
RemotePC wins on: Significantly lower annual pricing, unlimited user licenses on every plan
TeamViewer wins on: Deeper collaboration features, broader third-party integrations for enterprise
RemotePC wins on: Endpoint cloud backup, built-in whiteboard and text chat collaboration tools
AnyDesk wins on: Faster connection speeds, free personal use plan, lower latency
RemotePC wins on: In-session collaboration tools, cloud backup, 24/7 live support
Splashtop wins on: Superior HD video streaming quality, stronger mobile performance
RemotePC wins on: Much lower pricing, unlimited user licenses, built-in collaboration features
GoTo Resolve wins on: IT ticketing workflows, patch management, helpdesk integrations
RemotePC wins on: Simpler annual pricing, built-in collaboration tools, unlimited users
ISL Online wins on: On-premise deployment, European data sovereignty compliance options
Frequently Asked Questions
Is RealVNC Connect free?
Yes. The free Lite version supports up to 5 remote computers for up to 3 users. No credit card is required. It covers personal use including access to your home pc or office computer for remote working.
How much does RemotePC cost?
RemotePC pricing starts at $22.12/year for the Consumer plan. The SOHO plan is $74.62/year, Team is $224.62/year, and Enterprise is $449.62/year. All plans let you access your computer remotely from any location.
Is RemotePC safe to use?
Yes. RemotePC uses TLS v1.2 with AES-256 encryption, requires two factor authentication, and complies with GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI. Each device also gets a unique personal key.
What is the on demand assist feature in RealVNC Connect?
On demand assist lets support teams connect instantly to a customer’s device without pre-installation. The customer runs a temporary file. Demand assist plans start at $197.88 per technician per year.
Which is the best remote desktop software for small businesses?
RemotePC is generally the best solution for small businesses — lower annual cost, unlimited user licenses, built-in collaboration tools, and 24/7 remotepc support on every plan.
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