x11vnc as a Linux alternative to UltraVNC
Updated
Our verdict
x11vnc is a solid replacement for the server side of UltraVNC if you are moving from Windows to Linux. It handles the core job of exposing your X11 desktop to VNC clients reliably. However, it is not a drop-in swap for the entire UltraVNC suite. While it serves the desktop well, it lacks the integrated client, file transfer tools, and polished GUI configuration that UltraVNC provides. It is best suited for users who need a lightweight, scriptable VNC server on Linux and are willing to use a separate client like TigerVNC or RealVNC Viewer for the connection side.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 0.9.17
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Both implement the standard VNC protocol for remote desktop access
- Both support password authentication for basic security
- Both can run as background services or daemons
- Both allow multiple clients to connect simultaneously
What is different
- x11vnc is a server-only tool; UltraVNC includes a full-featured client
- x11vnc lacks built-in file transfer capabilities present in UltraVNC
- x11vnc configuration is primarily command-line based, whereas UltraVNC has a GUI
- x11vnc does not natively handle multi-monitor scaling as intuitively as UltraVNC
Opening your UltraVNC files
x11vnc does not use the same configuration file format as UltraVNC. There is no direct import mechanism for UltraVNC settings. You will need to manually recreate your server settings, such as port numbers and password hashes, using x11vnc command-line arguments or its own configuration file. No proprietary data files are involved in the VNC protocol itself, so no data migration is required for the screen sharing functionality.
Switching from UltraVNC to x11vnc, step by step
- Install x11vnc via your distribution's package manager
- Generate a VNC password using the vncpasswd utility
- Configure x11vnc to start on boot using a systemd service or init script
- Update firewall rules to allow incoming VNC traffic on port 5900
- Test the connection using a standalone VNC client on another machine
Key features of x11vnc
- Supports standard VNC protocol version 3.8
- Can share the existing X display or create a new virtual one
- Configurable via command-line arguments or config files
- Supports password authentication and TLS encryption
- Low resource usage suitable for older hardware
- Works with most X11-based desktop environments
- Can be run as a service for persistent access
- Supports multiple clients connecting simultaneously
How to install x11vnc on Linux
sudo apt install x11vncsudo apt install x11vncsudo dnf install x11vncsudo pacman -S x11vncsudo zypper install x11vncFrequently asked questions
Can I use the UltraVNC client to connect to x11vnc?
Yes, because both use the standard VNC protocol. Any standard VNC client, including UltraVNC, can connect to an x11vnc server.
Does x11vnc support encryption out of the box?
It supports TLS encryption, but it is not enabled by default. You must configure certificates and command-line flags to enable secure connections.
Is x11vnc suitable for occasional remote support?
It is functional but less user-friendly for occasional users than UltraVNC. You will need to know basic command-line usage or set up a simple script to launch it.
4 other alternatives to UltraVNC
TigerVNC ViewerTigerVNC Viewer is a GPL‑licensed client for connecting to remote VNC desktops on Linux.Open sourceFreeFlatpakTigerVNC Viewer vs UltraVNC
RemminaRemmina is a Linux remote desktop client supporting RDP, VNC, SSH, and X2Go for connecting to remote systems…Open sourceFreeFlatpakRemmina vs UltraVNC
KRDCKRDC is a KDE remote desktop client that connects to Windows or Linux machines via RDP or VNC.Open sourceFreeFlatpakKRDC vs UltraVNC
VinagreVinagre is a GNOME remote‑desktop viewer for VNC, RDP, SSH and SPICE, now discontinued.Open sourceFreeDiscontinuedVinagre vs UltraVNC