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Comparison · Remote desktop software

NoMachine vs TigerVNC: which is better in 2026?

NoMachine83.5#4 in best remote desktop softwareTigerVNC74.0#6 in best remote desktop software

NoMachine ranks higher in our list of remote desktop software (#4 against #6, score 83.5 against 74.0).

  • 83.5
    Editorial score
    74.0
  • 3
    Platforms
    3
  • No
    Free to use
    Yes
  • No
    Open source
    Yes

Which should you choose?

Choose NoMachine if you want

Fast direct desktop access on Windows, macOS and Linux.

A fast remote desktop app for Windows, macOS and Linux, with terminal access in recent releases. Its free edition ended with version 10, so the Personal Edition and Network subscription are paid, and a 7-day trial is available.

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

  • TigerVNC is open source; NoMachine is not.
  • TigerVNC can be used for free; NoMachine requires payment.

Side by side

NoMachineTigerVNC
Score83.574.0
Rank in list#4 of 6#6 of 6
PricePaidPaid Personal Edition; Network subscription; 7-day trialFree and open sourceFree and open source under GPL-2.0
Free to useNoYes
Open sourceNoYes
PlatformsWindowsmacOSLinuxWindows, macOS, LinuxLinuxWindowsmacOSLinux, Windows, macOS
Made byNot statedNot stated
Best forFast direct desktop access on Windows, macOS and LinuxOpen-source VNC access managed by administrators
Strengths
  • Fast connections to Windows, Mac and Linux
  • Terminal access added in recent releases
  • Free and open source under GPL-2.0
  • Packaged by major Linux distributions
Limits
  • Free edition discontinued from version 10
  • Network subscription priced by concurrent connections
  • Software rather than a hosted service; you set up network access
  • Less guided than commercial remote desktop apps
LinksVisit site Visit site

Questions about NoMachine vs TigerVNC

Is NoMachine better than TigerVNC?
NoMachine ranks higher in our list of remote desktop software (#4 against #6, score 83.5 against 74.0). NoMachine is best for: fast direct desktop access on Windows, macOS and Linux. TigerVNC is best for: open-source VNC access managed by administrators.
Which is cheaper, NoMachine or TigerVNC?
NoMachine: Paid Personal Edition; Network subscription; 7-day trial. TigerVNC: Free and open source under GPL-2.0.
Do NoMachine and TigerVNC run on the same platforms?
NoMachine supports Windows, macOS, Linux. TigerVNC supports Linux, Windows, macOS.