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) |
| Use Without an Account | Yes | No (Signup Required) |
| Platform Support | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi | Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chromebook, Raspberry Pi |
| Single App for Control/Share | Yes | No |
| Screen Share | Yes | Yes |
| File Transfer | Yes | Yes |
| Live Chat | Yes | Yes |
| Audio Support | Yes | Yes |
| Traffic Security | End-to-End Encryption | End-to-End Encryption |
| Secure Session Verification | Yes | No |
| 2FA Login | Yes | Yes |
| Unattended Access | Yes | Yes |
| Session Recording | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Restart | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Printing | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Wakeup (WOL) | Yes | Yes |
| Privacy Mode | Yes | Yes |
| Clipboard Sync | Yes | Yes |
| Direct Access | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Session Support | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-Monitor Support | Yes | Yes |
| Self-Hosting / On-Premise | Yes | Yes |
| Language Support | About 44 | About 5 |
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.