RemminaLinux
vs
UltraVNCWindows
Remmina as a Linux alternative to UltraVNC
Updated
Our verdict
Remmina is a solid Linux alternative for most UltraVNC use‑cases. It can connect to any standard VNC server, including UltraVNC, and adds built‑in SSH tunnelling for encryption. For occasional remote support or personal remote‑desktop work it offers a simple UI, clipboard sync and multi‑monitor handling. Power users who rely on UltraVNC‑specific extensions (e.g., custom authentication plugins or proprietary file‑transfer protocol) will miss those features, but for the core tasks Remmina works well.
- License
- GPL-2.0+
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 1.4.43 (February 20, 2026)
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both act as VNC clients to view and control remote desktops
- Support for multi‑monitor and fullscreen scaling
- Clipboard sharing between local and remote machines
- Ability to transfer files (Remmina via built‑in SFTP/SSH tunnel, UltraVNC via its own file‑transfer channel)
- Can be run from the system tray for quick access
What is different
- Remmina relies on SSH tunnelling for encryption; UltraVNC has its own built‑in encryption options
- UltraVNC includes a Windows‑only server component; Remmina is client‑only on Linux
- UltraVNC offers proprietary plugins (e.g., video driver capture) that Remmina does not support
- Remmina’s file transfer uses SFTP/SSH, not the UltraVNC proprietary file‑transfer protocol
- UltraVNC can run as a Windows service for unattended access; Remmina has no server side on Linux
Opening your UltraVNC files
Remmina does not understand UltraVNC's .uvnc configuration files directly. You can manually recreate the connection settings in Remmina, but there is no automated import or export tool. If you have saved passwords or custom plugins in UltraVNC, those will need to be re‑configured in Remmina.
Switching from UltraVNC to Remmina, step by step
- Install Remmina from your distro repository or via Flathub.
- Create a new VNC connection profile and enter the UltraVNC server's address and port.
- Enable "Use SSH tunnel" and provide the remote machine's SSH credentials for encryption.
- Set the desired screen resolution, multi‑monitor mode, and clipboard options.
- Test the connection; adjust scaling or keyboard shortcuts as needed.
- Save the profile for future use and optionally add it to your desktop's quick‑launch bar.
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
Can Remmina replace UltraVNC's server component on Linux?
No. Remmina is a client only; you would need a separate VNC server such as TigerVNC or x11vnc on Linux.
Is the file‑transfer feature compatible with UltraVNC's proprietary protocol?
Remmina uses SFTP/SSH for file transfer, so it works with any SSH‑enabled host but not with UltraVNC's native file‑transfer channel.
How do I secure a VNC session without UltraVNC's built‑in encryption?
Enable the built‑in SSH tunnelling option in Remmina; it encrypts the VNC traffic end‑to‑end.
4 other alternatives to UltraVNC
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VinagreVinagre is a GNOME remote‑desktop viewer for VNC, RDP, SSH and SPICE, now discontinued.Open sourceFreeDiscontinuedVinagre vs UltraVNC