Free Alternative to RealVNC
Switch to HelpWire, an effective RealVNC alternative, and enjoy fast remote desktop access for PCs, Macs, and Linux systems while immediately reducing costs.
- Free-to-use
- Simple-to-use
- Great for businesses of any scale
HelpWire vs. RealVNC: Quick Comparison
Brief overview of the features and pricing models available with both RealVNC and HelpWire.
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HelpWire
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RealVNC
Lite
Essentials
Plus
Premium
Enterprise
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price per Month | ||||||
| Price per Month | Free for personal and business use | Free for personal use only | $8.25 per month | $16.50 per month | $29.75 per month | custom |
| User restrictions | ||||||
| User restrictions | No restrictions | Single user / 1 active connection maximum | Single user / includes 1 active connection | Unlimited users / includes 1 active connection / expandable up to 3 connections | Unlimited users / includes 1 active connection / expandable up to 5 connections | Unlimited users / unlimited active connections |
| Supported platforms | ||||||
| Supported platforms | Windows, Mac, Linux | Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi | Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi | Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi | Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi | Windows, Mac, Linux, Raspberry Pi, iOS, Android |
| Multi-monitor view | ||||||
| Multi-monitor view | ||||||
| Unattended access | ||||||
| Unattended access | Unlimited | 3 Devices | 3 Devices | 50 Devices | 150 Devices | 150+ Devices |
| On-demand access | ||||||
| On-demand access | ||||||
| Client Management | ||||||
| Client Management | ||||||
| Chat collaboration | ||||||
| Chat collaboration | ||||||
| File transfer | ||||||
| File transfer | ||||||
| Remote printing | ||||||
| Remote printing | ||||||
| Session recording | ||||||
| Session recording | ||||||
| Customization | ||||||
| Customization | ||||||
| Mobile support | ||||||
| Mobile support | ||||||
| Remote desktop sessions at a time | ||||||
| Remote desktop sessions at a time | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Unlimited |
HelpWire Features
Explore HelpWire’s key features as a RealVNC alternative and discover how it can improve user experience and remote access performance.
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File Exchange
Effortlessly transfer files between the local and remote session windows using straightforward copy-and-paste actions.
Client Management
Enjoy effortless remote client management with HelpWire’s web-based tools, enabling you to create and manage client profiles, view connected devices, and track support session notes—all from a single platform.
Team Management
Boost your remote support efficiency with HelpWire’s team management tools. Assign tasks, create and organize support teams, manage a shared client base, and collaborate to reach your objectives seamlessly.
Built-In Chat
HelpWire’s real-time support chat feature allows multiple operators to collaborate and gain valuable insights into client issues, enabling faster and more effective resolutions.
Easy Session Start
With HelpWire, starting remote sessions is a breeze—just send a unique connection URL to clients, no need for session IDs or passwords.
Robust Security
HelpWire protects the security and confidentiality of your data with robust security features, including secure TLS/SSL channels, and full AES-256 encryption.
Remote Support for Various Situations
Accountants
HelpWire provides a secure remote desktop for accountants, enabling professionals to access client data, manage financial software, and resolve issues from anywhere—without compromising accuracy or compliance.
Growing Businesses
HelpWire is an effective remote support software for small and medium businesses, designed to manage costs and streamline remote workflows.
System Administrators
HelpWire’s advanced remote administrative access tools empower sysadmins to maintain reliable operation of remote computer systems and networks.
Users Talk about HelpWire Experience
5.0
Based on 209 customers' reviews
Version
2.2, 4 Feb, 2026
Compatibility
macOS, Windows, Linux
Price
Free
Here are some of the public HelpWire reviews by our customers, from different sources:
I got a gatvol of teamviewer and its issues and moved over to HelpWire and I'm blown away.
Fast, effective and doesn't drain my computer's resources.
It works really well props to the devs.
My experience with HelpWire has been fantastic! The remote control process is incredibly smooth.
I appreciate HelpWire for its ease of use and comprehensive remote support tools all in one place.
HelpWire streamlines the remote support, allowing me to manage multiple clients efficiently, which improved overall service quality and client satisfaction.
The fact that I can easily segregate my clients and have a full history of my connection to them is amazing. I like the fact that I can send a link to them and then talk them through what to do when they receive it (many are elderly and techo-illiterate). The emails and link are professional and give them reassurance. I like unattended access for those clients that need that extra layer of help. Love this app.
The swift setup process and zero- configuration requirement for starting remote support sessions are what I appreciate most about HelpWire. It's remarkable how quickly I can connect with clients and start troubleshooting without any hassle.
Very good and free alternative to TV. Easy to use and nice concept. No annoying disconnections and forcing to buy premiumbussiness subscription or smth like that.
As a long-time TeamViewer user for personal projects and helping family, I grew increasingly frustrated with its frequent disconnections and persistent "commercial use" warnings. I decided to search for an alternative and found Helpwire. I am incredibly impressed. Helpwire provides a stable, reliable connection without any of the interruptions I faced before. The setup is simple, and it just works.
Its a great tool for remote support. It doesn't have the bells and whistles of its commercial rivals, but ask yourself how often do you need that stuff ? If you want to help someone out on a PC issue, or connect to a server for some admin this is perfect.
HelpWire software has been an invaluable asset for streamlining our customer support processes.
Probably the best free remote access app. I like seamless remote desktop experience and copy/paste functionality, reliability, and the fact it is free to use.
The experience is fantastic with a very smooth remote session experience. The optimised performance and smart connectivity feature ensures a seamless remote session with zero-lag.
It was handy for the odd occasion that someone needs a hand with their computer while I am not nearby. It was very reliable and able to see the other's screen to provide directions.
Absolutely Brilliant. Having worked on a whole bunch of other remote support software, from solarwinds dameware to anydesk and teamviewer, vnc viewer and the like, I have never had the joy I am having with Helpwire.
I've never been more satisfied with the service quality of a remote desktop application in my entire freelancing career. Considering the fact that it's a free remote desktop support solution, HelpWire is really worth a shot!
The interface is straightforward, so I can quickly connect to clients' devices and start troubleshooting without jumping through hoops. Plus, the performance is rock solid-no lag or sudden disconnections, which is crucial when I'm in the middle of solving a client's issue.
I appreciate Helpwire for its user-friendly interface and efficient problem-solving capabilities. It's designed to streamline the troubleshooting process, making it easier for people to find solutions to their technical issues quickly.
HelpWire really stands out for me because it's free and works seamlessly on both Mac and PC. I love how easy it is to get started. Basically, I can send a dedicated link to my colleague or client to initiate a remote session right away. The software is super fast and easy to use.
The Operator Dashboard is easy to use and you can start up a support session in seconds. The fact that it keeps the chat with the customer as well as logs of connections is a nice touch.
For nearly ten years I relied on another tool that recently became unusable, and HelpWire has stepped in as the perfect replacement.
How could I not like HelpWire! It ticks all the boxes for a great remote desktop/support service, and best of all, it's free. Real good, and worth more than a try.
Martin Lentz
Email Review
Your software worked just as well as Teamviewer. One thing works better and that is on the client side where they simply just have to grant me access. They don't have to provide me a one use password in order for me to connect.
Luca Albanese
Email Review
Simplicity of use, in particular on the client side that simply require to click on a link and give the required permissions. But the best feature, IMHO, is the ability to share the clients with other team members... and all of this for free! THANK YOU for this amazing app!!
Wilkin Miguel Julio Mercado
Email Review
It's easy to use and I didn't expect there to be a software as good as this one.
Michael Guggenbichler
Email Review
Absolutely Amazing Product for attended Access for individual operators or small teams! And you do not even have to pay!! There are so much remote access solutions, you have to pay tons of money and don't even provide the bare minimum. HelpWire Team, you're doing great! Looking forward to what you will bring in the future.
FAQ
RealVNC provides a free "Lite" version for non-commercial use, though it has notable limitations. Full access to key features is available only during a 14-day paid plan trial.
Yes, RealVNC is considered safe. It uses full end-to-end encryption with Perfect Forward Secrecy, meaning sessions cannot be intercepted or decrypted—either during or after transmission. Remote sessions are protected with AES-GCM 128 or 256-bit encryption, and all web API calls use at least TLS 1.2.
Among the many free alternatives to RealVNC, HelpWire stands out for its secure connections, practical feature set, and clean, user-friendly interface.