If you were to use a computer that is not physically available, how would you proceed? Here’s where technology can help. Numerous programs and protocols allow for remote access to a computer or server. Two of these remote access techniques are RDP and VNC. The key question is what the main VNC vs RDP difference is in 2025.
The RDP vs VNC debate frequently comes up when discussing remote desktop technologies. It might not be easy to choose between these two well-liked tools, which are at the forefront of remote access technology.
For contemporary enterprises, remote desktop capabilities are essential for anything from accessing important files to providing real-time help to colleagues. But choosing the best option requires knowing the main distinctions between remote desktop vs VNC.
Keep reading and exploring to learn which one to choose in 2025: VNC or RDP.
Table of Contents
RDP vs VNC: Understanding Both Technologies
Before we get into the remote desktop vs VNC comparison, let’s define VNC and RDP together to have a basic idea about both remote technologies.
What is RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol)?
The Remote Desktop Protocol or RDP for short, is a proprietary Microsoft protocol. Users can utilize remote desktop technology to operate a distant computer graphically. Through various profiles, RDP, which frequently exists for 1:1 use, enables several distant computers to share a primary computer’s resources.
Users may operate the remote computer as if they were seated in front of it, thanks to RDP’s graphical user interface. RDP is often utilized in Windows settings and offers a variety of functions, including remote audio, printer sharing, and file transfer.
How does it work?
RDP uses a dedicated network channel and TCP/IP to send keystrokes and mouse movements from the user’s device to the distant computer. The network port that this channel uses is 3389. The user has a smooth experience as their desktop appears on the machine they connect to.
IT managers frequently use RDP to view data, launch programs, and carry out administrative duties on distant workstations or servers.
This is how it usually operates if you compare VNC vs RDP:
- Using an RDP client, the user starts an RDP session.
- Typically, the client uses port 3389 to establish a connection with the distant computer’s RDP server.
- The remote computer receives the user’s keyboard and mouse input.
- The user’s client receives screen updates from the distant machine.
What is Virtual Network Computing VNC?
Virtual Network Computing, or VNC for short, is a graphical desktop sharing technology that enables remote computer control. On the VNC server, the primary user may simultaneously observe and interact. It is platform-independent and pixel-based. This implies that VNC apps work on a variety of platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, and Raspberry Pi. They have no trouble sharing a desktop between machines running various operating systems.
For instance, if you are a technical customer support agent and need to help a client install software, you may use VNC to connect to their computer. You may lead them through the procedure step-by-step while installing the application because you will have access to their desktop. VNC is compatible with all systems.
How does it work?
VNC distributes graphical screen updates and keyboard and mouse activities from one machine to another. Stated differently, it transmits the framebuffer—the picture that appears on the screen—from the server to the client.
This is how it usually operates:
- The user connects to the distant computer’s VNC server by launching a VNC client.
- The client receives screen updates from the server.
- The client communicates with the server via keyboard and mouse.
Also Read: Remote Desktop Services: A Beginner’s Guide To Streamlining Your Work
VNC vs RDP: Key Differences
Here are the key differences between VNC vs RDP so you can select the best one in 2025.
Platform Compatibility
Because of its cross-platform compatibility, VNC enables devices running Raspberry Pi, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux and Windows to share displays and keyboards. In contrast, RDP is proprietary and limited to a single operating system. Because of this, RDP is not the most suitable remote desktop option and is somewhat restricted.
The software you select for a remote desktop application will probably need to work on a variety of hardware & operating systems, such as Mac computers, Linux and iOS devices, mobile phones, PCs, and Raspberry Pi boards, if you want it to be widely used.
Security Issues
The particular implementation and other parameters determine VNC security:
- Inconsistent encryption. Sessions are vulnerable to possible interception of authentication since not all VNC implementations offer robust encryption.
- Certain VNC versions have weak password encryption, which makes it possible for attackers to intercept credentials.
On the other hand, RDP is not always secure, even if it is convenient. To guarantee data integrity and stop unwanted access, more precautions are necessary.
- RDP may be susceptible to brute-force assaults because of its default settings, which permit weak passwords.
- RDP employs encryption, but for security to be guaranteed, it must be configured correctly.
Also Read: Best RDP Provider: How To Choose The Right One For Your Business Needs
Platforms Supported
Every Windows computer has RPD pre-installed as a Windows original. Additionally, it only functions on Windows-based server-side devices. Client-side applications that support RDP on Linux, Mac, iOS, and Android, however, are not available for use.
On the other hand of VNC vs RDP, VNC is platform-independent and cross-platform compatible. There are VNC applications for a number of operating systems, and using them to connect to different machines on different platforms running different operating systems is not restricted.
Performance Comparison
No matter where a Windows PC is physically located, you may connect to it and utilize it remotely via RDP. It is quick and simple to use. Because of this, it serves to connect to virtual private servers, which allow several users to access and utilize the same physical server’s resources and data independently.
In contrast, VNC serves to share a desktop with two or more users; therefore, when it comes to speed, it can become sluggish and have bugs or latency problems, particularly when there are more than two accounts linked.
User Experience
Screen sharing is not done on RDP. Logging into the remote computer and setting up a virtual desktop session lets users share the resources of the same machine. With features like device redirection and remote audio, this offers a seamless experience.
On the other hand, VNC is a screen-sharing application that enables users to take over the remote machine while the session is in progress. VNC is more appropriate for use cases like troubleshooting since it lacks RDP’s sophisticated functionality, despite its emphasis on compatibility and simplicity.
Use Cases
VNC is a screen-sharing platform that enables the remote computer to take control when comparing VNC vs RDP in terms of use cases. VNC is an excellent option for remote customer service and instructional demos, as everyone shares a single screen. The customer can illustrate their problem to the support professional, or the mentor can walk students through the steps.
However, RDP is not a screen-sharing platform; rather, it is a resource-sharing platform. One user establishes a connection with another device, such as a network server or computer. When comparing VNC and RDP, it’s important to keep in mind that their goals are different.
Speed And Functionality
VNC is slower than RDP because, as was previously said, it is a pixel-based protocol, meaning that data is conveyed over the network in what is basically an image exchange. It is important to note, nevertheless, that this also facilitates cross-platform sharing when comparing RDP vs VNC.
However, because RDP works with the underlying graphic layout, it is far more effective because the data is compressed. You can use RDP to enter a computer and create a desktop session, which allows you to share the machine’s resources with other remote users using various profiles.
Price
Most Windows operating systems, beginning with Windows XP, come with RDP as a built-in functionality. Therefore, using RDP on Windows computers comes at no extra cost. There will be a fee if you require the RDS license for more than two continuous RDP connections. RDS CALs come in a broad range of prices. Depending on the seller, a five-pack of Windows Server 2022 RDS user CALs might cost anywhere between $480 and $1000. Check out Temok’s RDP services in India.
The open-source “TightVNC” implementation of VNC, while comparing VNC vs RDP, is publicly accessible under an open-source license. This implies that there are no licensing fees associated with using TightVNC. Commercial VNC implementations like RealVNC and UltraVNC are also available; they could provide more functionality and support choices. Pricing structures for these commercial implementations frequently differ depending on the software edition or version, concurrent connections, and user count. Subscription plans and one-time licensing payments are two possible pricing options.
What Are Some Alternatives to VNC vs RDP?
You might wish to think about the following remote alternatives in place of VNC and RDP:
TeamViewer
TeamViewer R’s free edition is a dependable and quick program for hosting 3D meetings, editing files, and remotely connecting to any device. You must choose TeamViewer’s premium edition (beginning at $24.90) to take advantage of its remote printing and security upgrades. It is commonly known that TeamViewer has partnerships with more than 100 of the top Android OEMs.
NoMachine
NoMachine uses NX technology to create the remote connection and is free with no advertisements. It is a great tool for remote file transfers, live audio and video streaming, and session recording, and it is available on all major platforms.
AnyDesk
Another well-liked and easily available solution for cross-platform remote computer access is AnyDesk. Another name for AnyDesk is a rival to TeamViewer. AnyDesk is safe and uses the RSA 2048 asymmetric encryption technique to keep an eye on connections.
Conclusion
Your unique demands, including operating system integration, performance, security, usability, extra features, and money, will determine whether you choose VNC or RDP. Examining these aspects in the context of your specific use case and testing or trial runs with both methods will help you decide which one best suits your needs. This blog mostly compares VNC vs RDP in the hopes of assisting you in selecting the most effective remote access method. It all depends on the purpose for which you want remote access.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Does Remote Desktop Use VNC?
Although remote desktop software can use VNC as an option, remote desktop software usually does not use it since the two protocols are distinct.
What’s Faster Than RDP?
Because of its targeted low-latency streaming, Parsec is typically thought to be quicker than RDP, particularly for high-performance jobs like gaming.
What Is An RDP Used For?
A network protocol called Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP), created by Microsoft, enables a user to connect to and manage a distant computer virtually, much like if they were seated in front of it.
What Is The Difference Between VNC And XRDP?
For quicker, isolated sessions, XRDP takes advantage of RDP. VNC is slower, but it works on all systems and reflects the screen.