Sign in

Browse by category

More

Comparison · Remote desktop software

AnyDesk vs TigerVNC: which is better in 2026?

AnyDesk88.0#2 in best remote desktop softwareTigerVNC74.0#10 in best remote desktop software

AnyDesk ranks higher in our list of remote desktop software (#2 against #10, score 88.0 against 74.0).

How we rank Share

  • 88.0
    Editorial score
    74.0
  • 3
    Platforms
    3
  • Yes
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose AnyDesk if you want

Personal remote access and small IT rollouts on Windows.

A remote desktop and support app with a free version for personal use and MSI and Group Policy options for IT. Business use needs a paid license, and its listed platforms are Windows, Android and iOS.

Choose TigerVNC if you want

Open-source VNC access managed by administrators.

A free, open-source VNC server and viewer under GPL-2.0, packaged by major Linux distributions and available for Windows and macOS. It is software rather than a hosted service, so you set up network access yourself.

The main differences

  • Only TigerVNC runs on Linux.
  • Only TigerVNC runs on macOS.
  • Only AnyDesk runs on iOS.
  • Only AnyDesk runs on Android.
  • TigerVNC is open source; AnyDesk is not.

Side by side

AnyDeskTigerVNC
Score88.074.0
Rank in list#2 of 10#10 of 10
PriceFree plan, paid upgradesFree version for personal use; paid licenses for businessFree and open sourceFree and open source under GPL-2.0
Free to useYesYes
Open sourceNoYes
PlatformsWindowsAndroidiOSWindows, Android, iOSLinuxWindowsmacOSLinux, Windows, macOS
Made byAnyDesk Software GmbHNot stated
Best forPersonal remote access and small IT rollouts on WindowsOpen-source VNC access managed by administrators
Strengths
  • Free version for personal use
  • MSI and Group Policy deployment for IT
  • Free and open source under GPL-2.0
  • Packaged by major Linux distributions
Limits
  • Business use needs a paid license
  • Free version is limited to personal use
  • Software rather than a hosted service; you set up network access
  • Less guided than commercial remote desktop apps
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about AnyDesk vs TigerVNC

Is AnyDesk better than TigerVNC?
AnyDesk ranks higher in our list of remote desktop software (#2 against #10, score 88.0 against 74.0). AnyDesk is best for: personal remote access and small IT rollouts on Windows. TigerVNC is best for: open-source VNC access managed by administrators.
Which is cheaper, AnyDesk or TigerVNC?
AnyDesk: Free version for personal use; paid licenses for business. TigerVNC: Free and open source under GPL-2.0.
Do AnyDesk and TigerVNC run on the same platforms?
AnyDesk supports Windows, Android, iOS. TigerVNC supports Linux, Windows, macOS.

Choosing between the two

Learning Center
1:17Beginner · 4 min readHow to decide between two good optionsSettle a close call by sorting it by how hard it is to undo, setting a deadline, scoring the criteria as a tie-breaker and writing down why you chose.1:20Beginner · 6 min readHow to compare products fairly: what to keep in mindDefine the job, cap the must-haves, compare like with like, count total cost over one period and weigh the criteria. Includes a worked example.

Read more about AnyDesk and TigerVNC

All articles