RealVNC Viewer: Remote Desktop Reviews

I wasn’t expecting too much from RealVNCViewer because it’s free and because I figured that it was probably more a gimmick than a productivity tool. Boy was I wrong. I try to install this directly onto a vpn, that didn’t work, so I installed in on my home computer and now I have access to both my computer and my full VPN from the home computer desktop, from my phone. I just made my phone 100 times more powerful. I can actually do anything now on the go, if I really have to. It’s unbelievable! And the controls work well; never had an issue with the keyboard, the gestures like tap and hold to move objects work well, and the mouse tool works well. Not sure about some of the negative reviews, but RealVNCViewer has changed my life, my view of my phone, and the things I can get done. I have now recommended RealVNCViewer to several people, some just couldn’t believe a phone could do that. And it’s free!! I am using an iPhone X by the way. No issues. Thank you devs for RealVNCViewer.

There’s been a huge bug in this for a while, and it took me a while to be able to reproduce it. If you connect to a Mac (OS 11.4 although it’s been there for a few versions). Full screen app mode on a Mac works by assigning a desktop to RealVNCViewer , many full screen apps = many desktops. VncViewer locks out when switching between desktops. Steps to reproduce, open any two applications, TextEdit and Safari would be an example, but it doesn’t matter as long as they support full screen app mode, then just click from one app to the other using the icon on the bottom bar, it freezes and then you need to reconnect, it also happens when opening an application that was previously closed in full screen mode. Same problem, it’s switching to another desktop.

I tried it out and it was working well but it was a little frustrating to have a perfectly fine mouse paired with my iPad and having to resort to using my fingers to move the cursor like some sort of a caveman. Also, my desktop has two monitors which resulted it an unpleasant experience where my entire screen would move if I moved the mouse. However I resolved that last issue by just turning off one of the screens entirely. It would be nice to have a feature to switch between the screens in the future though. Overall, I can tell why people would find RealVNCViewer useful, but to me it just seems too simple for what it could be. I’d rather wait for a better version or an update. I only see myself using this in an emergency where I forgot to submit a project that’s only saved on my computer which is too rare to be worth the $40 a year and it frustrates me because I want it to be good and I want to have access to my high end PC anywhere I go but it’s just not comfortable enough to use.

I've been looking for a remote desktop client to use on my iPad to control my Windows 10 PC. So far, this is the only one where the keyboard actually works correctly--ie ALL the keys work, not just the letters, and this applies to ALL applications, not just select ones (not even Microsoft's own RD client does this). This applies to both the magnetic type cover and a third-party Bluetooth keyboard I have. My only gripes are how it handles mouse input from iPad. I'm using a third-party bluetooth mouse, for the record, not an Apple one (those are nasty).

1. "Mouse mode" doesn't work. My mouse is not read at all unless it's left on touchscreen mode. Counterintuitive... 2. Scroll wheel doesn't work at all. 3. In "touchscreen mode", you are forced to look at the ugly grey circle Apple adds as a mouse cursor which isn't perfectly in-line with the actual cursor on Windows 10 (which is invisible in this mode), so it can be kind of annoying if you're trying to click on something with precision.

Update again on February 19:
With combination of latest VNC update (3.4.0) and iOS 11.2.5, RealVNCViewer crashing issue seems to be resolved.

Thanks again to the great support and software from RealVNC!
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Updated February 19:

The update just pushed out today (3.4.0) definitely made an attempt at dealing with app crashes on iPad Pro 10.5" using smart keyboard.

Most of the time, the single quote and double quote work just fine.

However, the pesky app crash still occurs, but much less often.

I tried playing with all of the keyboard settings, both for physical and logical keyboard, on iOS settings pages without complete success.

I will update my support request with this latest feedback...

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I saw the developer response to the sudden crash when using the quote or double quote key on the iPad Pro hardware keyboard (not bluetooth).

I tried the workaround by turning off auto punctuation, but RealVNCViewer . still is crashing.

At least I know what key causes it now, but this is extremely frustrating.

I have been using Real VNC products pretty much from the very beginning, and have always been impressed with the quality of the products.

Please push out a fix for this ASAP and I will add a star back to this review.

I have VNC server installed on a home computer that I access media from outside of the home. This works really well if I need to remote into my computer to fix something or move a folder around. I also have VNC viewer installed on my main computer and use that to access my home server computer instead of going down to the basement. The software is actually really easy to use, I don’t really know a lot about networking and things like that and I was able to figure it out. If you had a little keyboard and mouse connected to your phone you can get a lot done remotely, I just use the touch screen controls because I’m normally in and out, and they were great and are intuitive.

Used this for a few months using just my fingers to operate it. Clumsy - but useable interface with your fingers. I wouldn’t want to work all day like this - but I could get all my tasks done remotely this way. Slower than if I had a keyboard and mouse - but it got the job done.

I wanted to make it faster to use so I went out and bought a $200 Bluetooth keyboard and mouse for my iPad (which works GREAT on the iPad, BTW)

But, That just made RealVNCViewer WORSE

To scroll the screen (I have multiple monitors on my Windows remote computer) you have to hold the mouse button down as you move past the edge of the iPad screen. And even then, it scrolls very slowly. Worse, because you have to hold the button down as you move the mouse - you are now dragging and selecting stuff on the remote computer all the time.

Also - there is no right click. Really??? This is a standard Windows UI feature that many Windows apps (in my case just about all) depend on. Most apps have menu hotkeys to work around this - but not for everything.

I’m constantly having to reach up and use my fingers to operate the remote computer using RealVNCViewer.

So - if you think RealVNCViewer will work with a mouse on your iOS device - don’t waste your time. Or you’ll find yourself like me....wasting too much time just trying to control your remote computer.

I have tried many types of Remote Viewers and overall they were the same when connected to the same network. However, when away from my office or even in another state is where VNC Viewer separates itself from others. It can connect flawlessly within seconds with an intuitive UI/UX layout. I still can’t believe it’s a free version, which many long time users would gladly pay for it. It’s hands down the best utility app in my arsenal. Daily/Weekly usage allows me to be productive no matter where I am at, especially when needing to use a laptop web browser for full functionality. Keep up the great work!!! Loyal long term user that suggests anyone looking for the best Viewer to get RealVNCViewer.

As the title says, it works greater than when it's actually working. However, it has the annoying habit of timing out a connection but no way to set the time out value. So if you have to switch to another app, if you don't return to VNC Viewer almost immediately, you get logged out, not only from RealVNCViewer , but the entire remote user account as well, forcing you to first find the machine again, reconnect to that machine, then log into the user account. All the while the display on the actual remote machine has switched to the login page.
This makes some uses... problematic.
In addition, the UI begins to bog down after about thrity minutes. The cursor, initially synced exactly between the two devices, begins to lag, often by seconds, making use very difficult.

I rarely write feedbacks about an app except it is very good or bad. Luckily, RealVNCViewer is the one I like very much. I was using Teamviewer to monitor some computers in my lab but I used it occasionally. But Teamsviewer now is not free at all, it asks me to buy a lot of time and restricts the time I can take a look at my devices. I would like to buy it but the price is high for a student like me. That was why I found out RealVNCViewer. It is really really nice. The way it works is a little bit different from Teamsviewer but it is worth to use it. I am happy with RealVNCViewer and strongly recommend if you are looking for an alternative of your old remote program. Thank the team for developing RealVNCViewer. I appreciate it.

I’ve been using this for a few months now, and I only recently discovered the fact that iPadOS will allow me to connect my bluetooth Logitech mouse. I know that the next iPadOS build will support mice, so it would be awesome if the VNC team were able to support direct input from the mouse via the iPad to directly control the mouse in VNC Viewer, with the correct right/left click functionality.

Currently, the mouse left click functions like your finger, and right click opens the accessibility menu. It would be cool to be able to customize all the mouse buttons so that VNC Viewer has unique controls.

Hey, a pi enthousiast and software dev here.

I installed this client in order to program mi pi from my iPad Pro, and while it does work, it has some major flaws which force me to reccomend a better but overpriced client. There is no mouse support, and you must use the extremely clunky and poorly designed touch system with your mouse, and it doesn’t allow you to use functions such as zooming out or right clicking when using one. The performance is lackluster and can be much better when using something like tight vnc on pc or screen on iOS.

I reccomend buying Screens if you want all those flaws fixed, from my experience its the best vnc client for iOS but it is horrendously overpriced at 20$

I’ve been using another large company app for years, but their prices have skyrocketed and I only need it now and then to connect to check certain personal files or documents or to show people how to do something! Installed it today following the steps and was able to connect to my desktop from my phone literally in about five minutes! Then I was able install on my other computer too! I haven’t tried it out in the world with normal cell reception data but on Wi-Fi, it’s smooth and no staggering mouse cursor etc. Best all it’s free for personal use! AAA+++

Sometimes it says that the server isn't currently listening for connections. But it usually works if you exit and try again in like 10-15 minutes. Other than that, RealVNCViewer is great (and free!). I'm only using this to monitor 2 Windows 10 OS computers from my mac. But this is definitely a service that I would subscribe to when the time comes. I mean just look at the fact that the developer actually responds to reviews. At least for me, it really shows that RealVNC cares about the customer and their experience.

You need to sign up with VNC, and that's easy and free. Works very well for what I need to use it for, which is random laptop check ups, file updating, & web design.

Connects quickly and has a pretty intuitive interface. Not the best graphically, but I don't need that to be upscale & pixel perfect. Very smooth scrolling--impressive. Hit or miss on clicking, especially on the edges of the screen. I have an iPhone SE with a small screen, so that is likely why.

And here we have a fully functional & free Remote Desktop app. Thank you! Works exactly as I imagined it would.

Sometimes, what I’m viewing on my phone will freeze and I’ll have to close RealVNCViewer and reopen it and connect. Also, if your desktop is in portrait mode rather than landscape, it will not come through. For some reason, that just doesn’t work. But, other than that, it’s great. I use use it everyday, quite a lot in fact. My office is upstairs but often I need access to my computer downstairs so rather than carry it around I just remotely access my computer with my iPhone. It’s much easier to work on google sheets or excel with RealVNCViewer than their own iPhone apps.

I was originally using Chrome Remote Desktop, as I was too stupid to use X11VNC. I have Arch Linux as my host, and as it being arch every Xfvb update would break Chrome Remote Desktop. I eventually gave up trying to fix this, and decided to finally go the VNC route. I was not disappointed. Before, CRD wouldn’t even register my ARROW KEYS. Now, in addition to the extra keyboard (a feature I will forever treasure) I have the full functionality of my computer at my fingertips. It is a game changer.

10/10 Would 100% recommend

I really like RealVNCViewer. Not a single flaw. (Not that I've found anyway). One suggestion that I would give is to use 3D Touch on the devices that have it so you don't have to lift your finger every time you click. I find myself sometimes pressing down instead of lifting and tapping because I'm so used to my laptop trackpad.

Another suggestion is to forward audio from the server to the client. Other than that, five out of five stars.

I have spent hours following many tutorials …I say I am a beginner but I do know the basics.
Ok…I figured it out…there needs to me more clarity on download page. One can be led to assume they are proceeding with the proper download and never realize the difference between the viewer download and the server. And the password issue again is just another example of lack of clarity. I can not justify giving this five stars as of right now. Part of an application is rated on the ability to instal.
I look forward to testing RealVNCViewer out more and possibly revisiting this review.

Devs removed the toolbar to stay at the bottom of the screen. Occasionally pops up if I try to swipe up. Only appears when first connecting. Therefore I have to restart RealVNCViewer for it to appear again. Will gladly change this rating/review if the option is added to the settings or reimplemented or if I am missing something please let me know.

EDIT:

Thank you guys ! I feel dumb for not noticing the pin feature but the response is much appreciated !

This application is still one that I use heavily while traveling to manage servers at home for work.

This application is still crashing with the iPad Pro with the ‘ key (either ‘ or “). The update that I thought fixed this worked for about a week, then it started crashing again. I’ve tried uninstalling RealVNCViewer and reinstalling, and I’ve gone as far as factory-resetting my iPad Pro and trying again. It still crashes RealVNCViewer completely with that keystroke.

Back to 1/5 unfortunately until this is fixed. It was acknowledged to be a problem by the developers a very long time ago, but no definitive mention when it will be fixed.

Best Remote Desktop access app I’ve found after an extensive search and testing. And it is at a price I can easily justify for something I don’t use often. But when I need it, it is a lifesaver!
Works better, less laggy, fewer drops than TeamViewer.
Setup may or may not have been convoluted... I don’t really remember that phase at this point. Once it was up and though, it has been smooth sailing. It just does what it promises, efficiently. 👍👍

It does everything I need it to flawlessly. I use it multiple times daily to remotely control my home theater pc. Works through a vpn even! Highly recommend.

I love that you get 5 computers on your team for free. I hope the devs don't get greedy and end up charge more for them.

As RealVNCViewer stands now, sometimes it will glitch and loop through trying to connect, but to fix that just turn on medium quality instead of "auto" and it fixes it.

Not going to lie, RealVNCViewer and the control it provides has saved me more time at work than I ever thought possible. I can set my renders to start before I get into work so I can have them finished by the time my commute ends. It help in live projection as well so I can turn all my projector on and warmed up before I even step foot in the venue. 5 across the board for ease of use, yet complex enough to deliver what is needed. And great support as well

I used another App for years. However since 3 months they insisted I am a commercial user (i have a total of 3!!! computers, of which 2 are video servers i use the remote control for). I switched to VNC and have never regretted it. App works great, VNC offers free use for privat non commercial users AND clearly outlines the limits of this privat use. Connections are fluid even remote access over Internet, not only in the local WLAN. Perfectly happy and strongly recommend RealVNCViewer .

I have been using another desktop remote for years and been struggling with connectivity. This product is dependable and communicates accurate with my remote desktop. For years, the other product would duplicate, delete or make my life miserable when I was traveling and needed access to my computer at home. I have not yet tested it from abroad, but I so far it has made my access much easier here in the US.

RealVNCViewer is absolutely wonderful. It’s the best way to control a desktop computer from my phone. Setup is super easy.
Only possible room for improvement would be fixing the slight lag but I imagine that with the current infrastructure around RealVNCViewer , we will have to wait. I also predict that when that infrastructure does improve, this dev will be one of the first to optimize and create an amazing experience for the user at a fair price.

I am able to access my devices from anywhere in the country (no doubt anywhere in the world). Most of my use is iOS to PC and Linux Raspberry Pi. Sometimes it is a challenge to use a phone as the viewer, but only from a screen size perspective. The only time I ever had any trouble was when I was running out of date server software and as soon as I fixed that, well, my problem went away!

Have your desktop computer with you at all times. Running a Windows or MacOS computer is even better with an iPad Pro. Its literally like having a full desktop on your iPad.

Complete mouse control including click and drag as well as scroll wheel is available as is a full keyboard with all the extended keys you'd expect on a real keyboard.

If you want to access your computer from an outside network, like over an LTE connection you'll need to open up and forward some ports on you home or office router or preferably, for more security, use a VPN. Once properly configured, you'll be able connect to and control your personal computer(s) from anywhere in the world over any network.

Highly recommended.