RemminaLinux
vs
RealVNCWindows
Remmina as a Linux alternative to RealVNC
Updated
Our verdict
Remmina can replace RealVNC for most users who need VNC access from a Linux desktop. It supports VNC, RDP, SSH, and X2Go, and offers tabbed connections, saved profiles, clipboard sharing, and file transfer. It is ideal for Linux sysadmins, home users, or mixed‑platform teams who already use Linux for remote work. However, it does not include a VNC server component, so it cannot replace RealVNC’s server side for headless machines.
- License
- GPL-2.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.4.43 (February 20, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both use the VNC protocol for remote desktop access
- Both support secure authentication over SSL/TLS or SSH
- Both allow remote control of a desktop session
- Both provide cross‑platform connectivity
What is different
- Remmina is a client only; RealVNC offers both client and server
- Remmina lacks a built‑in VNC server for headless setups
- RealVNC provides dedicated server software with advanced security and licensing options
- Remmina’s VNC implementation relies on libvncclient, which may differ in performance
- RealVNC offers a commercial support channel and enterprise features
Opening your RealVNC files
Remmina does not import RealVNC configuration files (.vnc or .vncconfig). To migrate, you must manually recreate the connection profile in Remmina’s GUI or edit the .remmina file format. Exporting from RealVNC is not supported; you would need to note the address, port, and credentials and set them up in Remmina.
Switching from RealVNC to Remmina, step by step
- 1. Open Remmina and click the + button to create a new connection
- 2. Select VNC as the protocol and enter the host IP/hostname and port
- 3. Save credentials in the profile or use the password field
- 4. Test the connection, then add any additional settings (fullscreen, scaling)
- 5. Repeat for each RealVNC connection you use
- 6. Delete or archive the old RealVNC shortcuts after confirming all work
Key features of Remmina
- Supports RDP, VNC, SSH, and X2Go protocols
- Tabbed interface for managing multiple connections
- Connection profiles with saved settings and credentials
- Support for external plugins to extend functionality
- Clipboard sharing and file transfer between local and remote machines
- Fullscreen and multi-monitor support
- Keyboard shortcut mapping across sessions
- Integrated SSH tunneling for secure RDP/VNC
How to install Remmina on Linux
flatpak install flathub org.remmina.Remminasudo apt install remminasudo apt install remminasudo dnf install remminasudo pacman -S remminasudo zypper install remminaFrequently asked questions
Does Remmina support headless VNC servers?
Remmina is only a client; you need a separate VNC server such as TigerVNC or x11vnc on the headless machine.
Can I use Remmina to connect to a Windows RDP session?
Yes, Remmina supports RDP natively, so you can connect to Windows machines without RealVNC.
Is there a way to share files with RealVNC servers using Remmina?
Remmina can transfer files over SSH or via its VNC plugin if the server supports file transfer extensions, but it does not use RealVNC’s proprietary file‑transfer protocol.
3 other alternatives to RealVNC
TigerVNC ViewerTigerVNC Viewer is a GPL‑licensed client for connecting to remote VNC desktops on Linux.Open sourceFreeFlatpakTigerVNC Viewer vs RealVNCx11vncA VNC server for X11 that lets you control your Linux desktop remotely from any VNC client.Open sourceFreex11vnc vs RealVNCGNOME Remote DesktopGNOME Remote Desktop is a built-in VNC server for Linux that allows remote access to your graphical session…Open sourceFreeGNOME Remote Desktop vs RealVNC