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Switch from TightVNC

Switch from TightVNC: an encrypted session with no ports to forward

TightVNC is free and open source, but its own FAQ says that apart from the password, the traffic is sent unencrypted, that using it over the internet can be a security risk, and that reaching a PC from outside means forwarding ports 5900 and 5800 on your router.

RemoteAccessApp encrypts the whole session, end to end from the Windows app, and reaches your PCs through any router with no ports to forward. Free for 5 PCs, at home or at work.

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  • The whole session encrypted
  • No ports to forward
  • Browser and phone access

Fed up with TightVNC? Here's what changes

  • Traffic sent unencrypted

    With TightVNC: TightVNC's FAQ says that although it encrypts VNC passwords, the rest of the traffic is sent unencrypted, and recommends SSH tunneling if you need real security.

    With RemoteAccessApp: Every RemoteAccessApp session is encrypted, end to end from the Windows app, with no tunnel to set up.

  • Ports 5900 and 5800 on your router

    With TightVNC: To reach a PC from outside, TightVNC's FAQ says to enable port forwarding for ports 5900 and 5800.

    With RemoteAccessApp: PCs connect out to RemoteAccessApp, so nothing is opened on your router. There's no repeater to host either, as switching from UltraVNC explains.

  • No browser viewer today

    With TightVNC: TightVNC lists its Java viewer under historical products.

    With RemoteAccessApp: Open your PCs in any modern browser, phones included. That works from outside your home network too, which switching from Splashtop covers.

More reasons to switch

  • Consent built in

    The PC asks the person there first unless unattended access is on, and a banner shows during every session.

  • Chat and commands

    Chat with pictures and files, PowerShell or Command Prompt on a PC, and one command on many PCs, free.

  • Keep your VNC servers

    Save VNC hosts and open them in tabs, through an SSH tunnel if you like. RDP and VNC manager.

TightVNC vs RemoteAccessApp

TightVNC and RemoteAccessApp side by side, as of October 2026
Session encryptionTightVNCPassword only, per its FAQRemoteAccessAppEnd to end from the Windows app; encrypted, but not end to end, in a browser
Reach a PC from outside its networkTightVNCForward ports 5900 and 5800RemoteAccessAppYes: PCs connect out, no port forwarding or VPN
Connect from a web browserTightVNCJava viewer listed as historicalRemoteAccessAppYes, in the free plan, phones included
Consent prompt and bannerTightVNC Not listedRemoteAccessAppAllow prompt (unless unattended access is on) and a banner during every session
Chat with the person at the PCTightVNC Not listedRemoteAccessAppYes, with pictures and files
SSH terminal and SFTP/FTP file managerTightVNC Not listedRemoteAccessAppYes: terminal tabs, free

TightVNC facts are from its official website and documentation as of October 2026; products change. RemoteAccessApp facts are for the current version. * Not listed: we didn't find it on TightVNC's official site when we checked, which doesn't mean it can't be done.

Switch from TightVNC if

  • You reach PCs over the internet and want the whole session encrypted.
  • You'd rather not forward ports on your router.
  • You want to connect from a phone or any browser.
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Switch from TightVNC in 2 minutes

What carries over, what doesn't and tips for each kind of tool are in the switching guide.

  1. Step 1: Create a free RemoteAccessApp account

    Sign up with your email. No card is needed, and the free plan covers 5 PCs.

  2. Step 2: Install RemoteAccessApp on each PC you want to reach

    Download the installer, choose Set up this PC and sign in, or type the 6-digit setup code from Add a PC on your dashboard. It installs without administrator rights, next to TightVNC.

  3. Step 3: Turn on unattended access on your own PCs

    If nobody will be at a PC when you connect, switch on unattended access at that PC (right-click the RemoteAccessApp icon in the taskbar tray). How to do it safely.

  4. Step 4: Connect from the app or a browser

    Open the RemoteAccessApp Console on your own PC, or sign in at remoteaccessapp.com in any browser, and try each PC while you still have the old tool as a fallback.

  5. Step 5: Close ports 5900 and 5800

    Once every PC works through RemoteAccessApp, remove the port forwarding rules you added for VNC, so those ports aren't left open to the internet.

Questions, answered

TightVNC and other product names on this page are trademarks of their respective owners, used only to identify those products. RemoteAccessApp isn't affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by them. Facts about other products come from their official websites as of .

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