Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

TightVNC VS Apple Remote Desktop

Compare TightVNC VS Apple Remote Desktop and see what are their differences

TightVNC logo TightVNC

TightVNC - VNC-Compatible Remote Control / Remote Desktop Software. Download TightVNCDownload TightVNC 1. 3. 10 - TightVNC Server - F. A. Read more about TightVNC.

Apple Remote Desktop logo Apple Remote Desktop

Apple Remote Desktop is the best way to manage the Mac computers on your network.
  • TightVNC Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-05-12
  • Apple Remote Desktop Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-07-09

TightVNC features and specs

  • Free and Open-Source
    TightVNC is freely available to download and use. Being open-source, it allows for customization and community-driven improvements.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    TightVNC supports multiple operating systems, including Windows and Unix-based systems, making it versatile across different environments.
  • Efficient Bandwidth Usage
    TightVNC is designed to operate efficiently even on low-bandwidth connections, providing a reasonably good remote desktop experience by compressing data.
  • Secure Connection
    TightVNC supports tunneling through Secure Shell (SSH) for encrypted communications, which enhances security during remote connections.
  • File Transfer Capability
    The software includes the ability to transfer files between the client and the server, adding a layer of convenience for users managing remote systems.
  • Active Development and Support
    TightVNC has a history of active development and support, with regular updates and community-driven enhancements.

Possible disadvantages of TightVNC

  • Complex Setup for Novices
    The initial setup of TightVNC can be complex for beginners, requiring a good understanding of network configurations and firewall settings.
  • Limited Advanced Features
    While TightVNC covers basic remote desktop functionalities, it lacks some of the advanced features found in commercial remote desktop solutions, such as integrated chat, multi-monitor support, and dynamic resolution adjustments.
  • Performance Lag
    Despite its efficient bandwidth usage, users may still experience performance lag, particularly with graphically intensive applications or over very slow networks.
  • No Native Mobile App
    TightVNC does not offer native mobile applications, limiting its use to desktop systems unless third-party mobile VNC clients are used.
  • Potential Security Risks
    While TightVNC supports secure connections through SSH, its default VNC protocol is not inherently secure against modern threats like brute force attacks and could be vulnerable if not properly configured.
  • Basic User Interface
    The user interface of TightVNC is relatively basic and may not be as user-friendly or visually appealing as some commercial alternatives.

Apple Remote Desktop features and specs

  • Efficient Management
    Allows administrators to manage multiple Mac systems efficiently with features such as screen sharing, file transfers, and software installations.
  • Software Distribution
    Enables the distribution and installation of software applications across multiple computers simultaneously, saving time and effort.
  • Remote Assistance
    Provides remote support capabilities, allowing IT departments to troubleshoot and resolve issues on client machines without physical presence.
  • System Monitoring
    Offers real-time monitoring of Mac computers, including usage statistics for CPU, memory, and network to maintain optimal performance.
  • Task Automation
    Supports task automation scripting, which simplifies repetitive tasks and enables scheduling for routine maintenance and updates.
  • Security Features
    Includes security features like encrypted data transfers and remote lock and wipe of devices to protect sensitive information.

Possible disadvantages of Apple Remote Desktop

  • Costly Licensing
    The software comes with a high licensing cost, which might be prohibitive for small businesses or individual users.
  • Mac-only Compatibility
    Apple Remote Desktop is designed exclusively for macOS, limiting its utility in heterogeneous environments that include Windows or Linux systems.
  • Complex Setup
    Initial setup and configuration can be complex and may require advanced knowledge of network and remote management to optimize use.
  • Resource Intensive
    The application can be resource-intensive, potentially impacting the performance of the host machine during extended remote management sessions.
  • Limited Support
    Support and updates are less frequent compared to some third-party remote desktop solutions, which may lead to delayed resolutions for issues.
  • Learning Curve
    It has a steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with remote management tools, requiring a significant amount of time to master its features.

Analysis of TightVNC

Overall verdict

  • TightVNC is generally considered a good choice for users looking for a free, open-source solution to remote desktop access. Its performance and feature set make it a reliable tool in many scenarios, especially for users who can benefit from its customizable aspects.

Why this product is good

  • TightVNC is widely appreciated for its ability to facilitate remote desktop access. It is known for its efficient performance, consuming minimal bandwidth, which makes it suitable for remote access over slow connections. It also offers cross-platform compatibility and supports a variety of operating systems, including Windows and Unix. Its open-source nature allows for customization and integration into various applications.

Recommended for

    TightVNC is recommended for IT professionals seeking a lightweight, open-source remote desktop solution, developers needing customizable remote access tools, and users working within environments that require minimal bandwidth usage. It is particularly suited for those who are comfortable with basic networking configurations.

Analysis of Apple Remote Desktop

Overall verdict

  • Overall, Apple Remote Desktop is a robust and reliable tool for those within the Apple ecosystem, offering an effective means of managing and troubleshooting remote systems. However, it may not be the best option for heterogeneous environments with multiple types of operating systems.

Why this product is good

  • Apple Remote Desktop is generally considered a good solution due to its seamless integration with macOS, allowing for easy remote management and support of Apple devices. It provides a comprehensive set of features including real-time screen sharing, file transfers, and automation capabilities. The application is particularly beneficial for IT administrators and support staff managing Apple devices within an organization.

Recommended for

    Apple Remote Desktop is best suited for IT professionals, system administrators, and support teams working primarily within an Apple-based environment. It's also useful for educational institutions and businesses where Macs are predominant, ensuring efficient device management and user support.

TightVNC videos

How to use TightVNC

More videos:

  • Review - vmOSX - Connect with TightVNC from Windows to Macintosh OS X

Apple Remote Desktop videos

Apple Remote Desktop Review

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to TightVNC and Apple Remote Desktop)
Remote Desktop
72 72%
28% 28
Remote PC Access
78 78%
22% 22
Remote Control
100 100%
0% 0
Group Chat & Notifications

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare TightVNC and Apple Remote Desktop

TightVNC Reviews

Best Linux remote desktop clients of 2022
However, TightVNC is the only software in this feature to use a Java viewer. It also uses a simple textbox interface similar to TigerVNC’s. You’ll have to manually enter the IP address of the remote VNC server since the client cannot detect VNC servers running on the network. Again, you can either connect with the default option or customise any of the available settings....
25 Best TeamViewer Alternative Software (Free/Paid) in 2021
TightVNC is an open-source Screen Sharing Software. It is one of the best apps like TeamViewer that allows you to see the desktop of a remote machine and control it with your local mouse and keyboard.
Source: www.guru99.com
10 Best Free Remote Desktop Tools You Should Know
VNC, or Virtual Network Computing, is a graphical desktop sharing system that utilizes the remote frame buffer protocol to control another computer remotely. TightVNC utilizes this system to provide a high-caliber, remote desktop monitoring service. Its ample support for multiple operating systems make this remote desktop tool quite popular among business users and IT...

Apple Remote Desktop Reviews

We have no reviews of Apple Remote Desktop yet.
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Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Apple Remote Desktop seems to be more popular. It has been mentiond 27 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

TightVNC mentions (0)

We have not tracked any mentions of TightVNC yet. Tracking of TightVNC recommendations started around Mar 2021.

Apple Remote Desktop mentions (27)

  • Thinking about switching teams from a Surface Book 2 (13.5"/i7/8/256) to an Air M1
    Nope. You can configure it with 16GB and up to 2TB SSD on apple.com. Source: about 4 years ago
  • Passing parameters as query string in URL using Alamofire 5?
    Swift AF.request("https://apple.com).responseData { response in // Do something with data. }. Source: about 4 years ago
  • Am I the only one who immediately thought about a mixed reality headset seeing this image?
    The WWDC image on the apple.com homepage shows a few random Memoji people..keep refreshing the page to see them. All of them are wearing glasses and one of them has a hearing aid that can be seen since he has short hair. I think this points to an accessibility update. Source: about 4 years ago
  • Stuck at Activation Lock, unable to figure out Apple ID?
    The error you are seeing in the image above is because as you said, she does not have an apple.com rather she has a gmail.com account that she set her Apple ID up on. That shouldn't matter, when I got my 5s years ago, I did the same thing, then later switched my Apple ID to apple.com account though that account is linked to my gmail.com account still. Source: about 4 years ago
  • Use connector to keep using webhost mail service, possible?
    You can specify as many servers as you want with the same MX priority. For example, just take a peek at the MX records of apple.com, blackberry.com, or boeing.com. And then, each of the FQDN's specified by MX could resolve to multiple A records / IP Addresses as well.... Ie microsoft.com... Source: about 4 years ago
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What are some alternatives?

When comparing TightVNC and Apple Remote Desktop, you can also consider the following products

TeamViewer - TeamViewer lets you establish a connection to any PC or server within just a few seconds.

AnyDesk - AnyDesk is the world's most comfortable remote desktop application. Access all your programs, documents and files from anywhere, without having to entrust your data to a cloud service.

join.me - Instant screen sharing. Instant Aha!

LogMeIn - LogMeIn gives you fast, easy remote access to your PC or Mac from your browser, desktop and mobile...

Remote Desktop Manager - Remote Desktop Manager is a remote connection and password management platform for IT pros trusted by more than 300 000 users in 130 countries.‎Add-ons - Remote Desktop .

Chrome Remote Desktop - The easy way to remotely connect with your home or work computer, or share your screen with others.