Buzz
The iPad is a fantastic tool for remote desktop access, but with so many VNC apps out there, many can be quite expensive. Fortunately, we've done the legwork to help you find the best options to suit your needs.
We've gotten plenty of requests for remote desktop comparisons on the iPad, so we've taken the time to review and highlight the top picks in three categories. While there are many remote desktop solutions, VNC stands out due to its strong support and popularity across major platforms. This makes it a universally accessible choice. That's why we're focusing solely on VNC apps and not considering alternatives like RDP, running a proprietary server, or using intermediary websites. If those are what you're after, you're in the wrong place. But if you're all in on VNC, you're in the right spot!
Top Choice: Screens
Screens is an amazing VNC client that genuinely exceeded my expectations. I never imagined I'd be this impressed with a VNC app, but it really does the job well. Screens simplifies the process of discovering and connecting to new machines via VNC. It scans your local network and presents you with a list of available devices. Select one, and it automatically fills in all the details, except for your password. You can choose to save the password for future easy connections or leave it blank and enter it manually each time you connect.
Once you're connected, the fun begins. Screens provides a set of convenient buttons at the bottom of your iPad screen for easy access. At the top, you can expand to a full-sized keyboard or switch to helpful shortcut buttons for tasks like minimizing windows, copying, pasting, and other actions that save you time. What sets Screens apart, though, is its multitouch gesture support. My favorite is the two-finger scroll, but it also supports gestures like Exposé for even more ease of use.
The main downside to Screens is its price—$15 (soon to rise to $25). While it's not the priciest VNC app available, it is certainly on the more expensive side. However, for a top-tier performer with a sleek interface, the price is well justified.
Best Free Option: Mocha VNC Lite
(Click to enlarge.)
We've mentioned Mocha VNC Lite several times as a solid free VNC choice for iPad, and now here’s the official rundown. While it’s a no-cost option, it doesn't offer much in terms of setup assistance, and I struggled to figure out how to enter commands. Its interface is also fairly unattractive. That said, it works well enough. You can connect to your computer via VNC, click, point, and type. It may not have a lot of extra features, but it gets the job done. If you're just using VNC casually, Mocha VNC Lite should be sufficient.
The Prize for the Most Features: iTeleport Jaadu VNC
If Screens doesn't provide the abundance of features you're seeking in an iPad VNC app, iTeleport Jaadu VNC might be just what you need. At $25, it's not exactly cheap, but it offers a wealth of functionality. It connects to your remote devices over VNC, but there's much more on offer. The latest version includes support for Bluetooth keyboards and VGA output. Like Screens, iTeleport gives you a range of shortcuts, but also adds additional security features. The main downside is its control system, which, while not difficult, isn't as intuitive as Screens. However, if you're after a VNC client loaded with features, iTeleport is your go-to choice.
UPDATE!!
Just a day after this was published, a free trial of iTeleport was released. If you want to try iTeleport without paying the $25 upfront, you can test it out via a trial and then purchase it in-app if you decide it's right for you.
That’s all for now! Enjoy your remote desktop experience!
