Transition to RealVNC Lite: How to Keep Using RealVNC for Free

RealVNC, a well-regarded remote control software based on the VNC protocol—a standard for remote connections in Linux and Unix systems—has announced significant changes to its subscription plans in 2023. The company revealed that the free version of RealVNC, known as the RealVNC Home subscription, will be phased out. As of now, all four subscription tiers provided on the official website will require payment.

According to the announcement, the free Home subscription will be discontinued on June 17, 2024. Users must switch their subscription before this date to avoid disruption in service. The starting price for the official subscription plans is $3.69 per device per month, a cost that may be prohibitive for users who have been utilizing the free Home version.

However, RealVNC has introduced a Lite version, which remains free of charge. This version allows users to link up to 3 devices under one account and is not intended for commercial use. For most users, the Lite version should suffice for their needs.

For those currently using RealVNC, it's advisable to transition to the Lite version soon. This switch will ensure that your account remains active and connected, allowing you to continue using the service for free without needing to opt into a paid subscription.

Here's the notification from RealVNC:

Home subscription on the 17th June 2024.

Retiring our Home plan

Almost a year ago, we revamped our subscription options by launching a wider range of tiered plans designed to better cater to more users. In line with these changes, and to maintain a cohesive set of plan options, we are retiring our Home plan on 17th June 2024

For users interested in continuing with RealVNC for free, the Lite version can be found here: https://www.realvnc.com/en/connect/plan/lite/