RealVNC vs HopToDesk
RealVNC specializes in remote access and control solutions for desktops and servers, the company was founded in 2002 by the original developers of VNC (Virtual Network Computing), a remote access technology that enables users to view and control remote devices over a network. The company has since expanded its product line to include secure remote access, virtual desktop infrastructure, and device management solutions for businesses and individuals.
Where HopToDesk fits
RealVNC is built on the VNC protocol and priced per device or per user. HopToDesk gives you the remote session free, with no account needed to connect, and puts the paid value in the Dashboard where devices, tickets, reports and teams are managed together.
RealVNC and HopToDesk side by side
| Feature | HopToDesk | RealVNC |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Free | Starts at US$8.75/month, billed annually (US$105/year) |
| Technicians Included | Unlimited on Pro and Business | 1 to 5 connections, unlimited on Enterprise |
| Use Without an Account | Yes | Not offered |
| Platforms and setup | ||
| Platform Support | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi |
| Mobile Technician App | Yes | Yes |
| Web Browser Access | Yes | On-premises Management Console only |
| Single App for Control/Share | Yes | Not offered |
| Language Support | About 44 | About 5 |
| Mass Deployment (MSI, GPO, Intune) | YesBusiness plan | YesEnterprise plan |
| Self-Hosting / On-Premise | Yes | Yes |
| Connecting | ||
| Connect with an ID and Password | Yes | Not offered |
| Unattended Access | Yes | Yes |
| Access Without Port Forwarding | Yes | Yes |
| Direct Access | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Wakeup (WOL) | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Session Support | Yes | Yes |
| In a session | ||
| Screen Share | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Monitor Support | Yes | Yes |
| File Transfer | Yes | Yes |
| Clipboard Sync | Yes | Yes |
| Live Chat | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Support | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Printing | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Terminal | Yes | Not offered |
| Remote Restart | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Session Recording | Yes | Yes |
| Security | ||
| Traffic Security | End-to-End Encryption | End-to-End Encryption |
| Secure Session Verification | Yes | Not offered |
| 2FA Login | Yes | Yes |
| SSO Login | Yes | YesEnterprise plan |
| Business tools | ||
| Custom-Branded Clients | Yes | YesEnterprise plan |
| Built-in Help Desk & Ticketing | YesAll plans | Not offered |
| Device Monitoring & Alerts | Yes | Not offered |
| Session Reports & Audit Trail | Yes | Yes |
| Session Notes & Billable Flag | Yes | Not offered |
| AI Agent Support (MCP) | Yes | Not offered |
RealVNC plan details verified 5 August 2026 against RealVNC pricing. Vendors change packaging, so check current terms before deciding.
What the Dashboard adds
The HopToDesk client is free. The Dashboard is the paid tier, and it turns remote access into a managed platform, from your first three devices free to 500 and beyond on the Business plan.
Switching from RealVNC
- Install the free client on your existing VNC-managed machines. It runs portable for testing.
- Create a free Dashboard account and add three devices to see how monitoring and session history look.
- Deploy the rest with your usual tooling, or with a custom-branded build.
- Move the team over with roles, invites and SSO.
On the Business plan you can also import the device list exported from your current tool. Each imported group becomes a deployment with its own enroll link, and the Dashboard checks off each machine as it enrolls, so you always know what is left to move. Read the migration guide
Common questions
Do I need to open firewall ports?
No. HopToDesk connects through its own network with NAT traversal, so there is no port forwarding to configure.
Is the connection encrypted?
Yes. Traffic is end-to-end encrypted by default.
Can I run it on my own infrastructure?
Yes. Self-hosting on-premises or on Cloudflare Workers is free and documented.
Try it on your own devices
Install the client, add a few devices and see how it handles your estate before you move anything across.
Managing devices for clients? HopToDesk for MSPs covers multi-tenant separation, per-tenant branding and volume pricing.