rdesktop vs UltraVNC

rdesktop — rdesktop is an open source remote desktop client that allows users to connect to computers running Microsoft Windows RDP services. It provides functionality similar to Microsoft's own Remote Desktop C

UltraVNC — UltraVNC is an open-source, cross-platform remote desktop software that allows users to remotely control computers over a network. It uses the RFB protocol to transmit graphics and input between compu

rdesktop offers Remote desktop client for Microsoft Windows systems using RDP, Supports RDP 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 6.0, 6.1, 7.0, 7.1 and 8.0 protocols, Supports connecting to Windows Terminal Server and Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8 / 10 desktops, Supports NTLM and Kerberos authentication, Supports NLA security, while UltraVNC provides Remote desktop control, File transfer, Text chat, View-only mode, Multi-monitor support.

rdesktop stands out for Free and open source, Cross-platform - works on Linux, macOS, Unix and other systems, Lightweight and fast; UltraVNC is known for Free and open source, Cross-platform, Lightweight.

Feature	rdesktop	UltraVNC
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Remote Work & Education	Remote Work & Education
Pricing	Open Source	Open Source

Product Overview

rdesktop

Description: rdesktop is an open source remote desktop client that allows users to connect to computers running Microsoft Windows RDP services. It provides functionality similar to Microsoft's own Remote Desktop Connection client.

UltraVNC

Description: UltraVNC is an open-source, cross-platform remote desktop software that allows users to remotely control computers over a network. It uses the RFB protocol to transmit graphics and input between computers.

Key Features Comparison

rdesktop Features

• Remote desktop client for Microsoft Windows systems using RDP
• Supports RDP 5.0, 5.1, 5.2, 6.0, 6.1, 7.0, 7.1 and 8.0 protocols
• Supports connecting to Windows Terminal Server and Windows XP / Vista / 7 / 8 / 10 desktops
• Supports NTLM and Kerberos authentication
• Supports NLA security
• Supports TLS encryption
• Supports clipboard synchronization
• Supports file transfer between client and server
• Supports connecting to multiple sessions simultaneously
• Supports changing screen resolution on the fly
• Supports connecting through SSH tunnels and SOCKS proxies

UltraVNC Features

• Remote desktop control
• File transfer
• Text chat
• View-only mode
• Multi-monitor support
• Encryption
• Authentication
• Plugin architecture

Pros & Cons Analysis

rdesktop

Pros

• Free and open source
• Cross-platform - works on Linux, macOS, Unix and other systems
• Lightweight and fast
• Supports advanced RDP features
• Actively developed and maintained

Cons

• User interface is basic and lacks some polish
• File transfer can be slow compared to other clients
• Does not support audio redirection
• Lacks support for some advanced features like collaboration

UltraVNC

Pros

• Free and open source
• Cross-platform
• Lightweight
• Easy to use
• Secure encryption
• Active development

Cons

• Limited features compared to paid options
• Can be difficult to set up
• No mobile client
• No web access
• Lacks some enterprise features

Pricing Comparison

rdesktop

• Open Source

UltraVNC

• Open Source