x11vnc

At a glance

• Editor score
  5.4 / 10
• Pricing
  Free plan
• Best for
  Unix administrators needing secure X11 access
• Free plan
  Yes
• Paid from
  Free
• Access mode
  Both
• Founded
  2002
• Facts checked
  20 Sep 2026

• Where it wins

  • Free, open-source server with no paid tier
  • TLS, 2048-bit RSA, Unix account and password authentication
  • File transfer, SSH tunneling, IPv6, scaling, and persistent listening

• Where it doesn't

  • Currently unmaintained and seeking a new maintainer
  • Limited management features for broader administration needs
  • No mobile support; focused on Unix/X11 and macOS environments

Our verdict on x11vnc

x11vnc is an open-source, self-hosted VNC server for remotely viewing and interacting with real X displays attached to physical monitors, keyboards, and mice. It is aimed primarily at Unix/X11 administrators, while also supporting macOS Aqua/Quartz and embedded Linux variants. The software supports both attended desktop sharing and persistent listening for multiple connections, making it suited to direct access to existing graphical sessions rather than a hosted remote-support workflow.

Security and connection flexibility are central to its feature set. x11vnc supports SSL/TLS encryption, 2048-bit RSA authentication, Unix account and password authentication, and SSH tunneling. It can provide VNC access alongside HTTP/HTTPS access, advertise services through Zeroconf, and handle IPv6 connections. Server-side screen scaling is available, while TightVNC and UltraVNC file-transfer support adds a practical way to move files during a remote session. These capabilities give Unix-focused teams several ways to fit access into an existing self-hosted environment.

The trade-off is a narrow operational focus. x11vnc is distributed as a command-line/server application, not as a hosted service, and its management features are limited. The project is currently unmaintained and seeking a new maintainer; its latest listed release is 0.9.17. Organizations that need real-display control on Unix/X11 and can manage a self-hosted server should consider it, particularly when open-source licensing, encryption, tunneling, and file transfer matter. Teams seeking mobile access, broader management tooling, or an actively maintained hosted remote-support product should choose an alternative.

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x11vnc pricing

x11vnc fact sheet

Alternatives to x11vnc

• StarDeskA remote desktop app: reach your own Windows PC or Mac from Windows, macOS, Android or iOS.9.7
• TeamViewer RemoteA mature remote support platform with broad coverage, integrations, and AI features.9.4
• SplashtopA paid remote-access suite with low entry pricing, broad platforms, and deep integrations.9.2

See all x11vnc alternatives →

Featured on iTechGuides

x11vnc is listed in our Remote Desktop Software directory. Add the badge to your site — it links back to this page.

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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

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Last updated 7 Oct 2026 · How we research and update