Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan) vs. RealVNC Connect

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
RDCMan
Score 7.1 out of 10
N/A
RDCMan, or Remote Desktop Connection Manager from Microsoft, is a utility for managing multiple remote desktop connections. Once shut down due to a vulnerability in version 2.7, RDCMan is now updated and part of the Sysinternals family of tools. The 2.8 release fixes CVE-2020-0765, the XML parsing vulnerability. As of May, 2025, RDCMan is in version 3.1.
$0
RealVNC Connect
Score 7.2 out of 10
N/A
RealVNC® Connect is a secure remote access solution from RealVNC. It can be used to connect to a remote device anywhere in the world to view its desktop in real-time and take control as though sitting in front of it.
$99
per year (one concurrent session)
Pricing
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)RealVNC Connect
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
Essentials
$8.25
per month (billed annually) per concurrent session
Plus
$16.50
per month (billed annually) per concurrent session (add up to 3)
Premium
$29.75
per month (billed annually) per concurrent session (add up to 5)
Enterprise
Custom
per year
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
RDCManRealVNC Connect
Free Trial
NoYes
Free/Freemium Version
YesYes
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional DetailsPlans work on a Per Concurrent Session basis. Each plan gives access to a bundled number of devices, but limits apply to the amount of devices that can be connected at any given time. The Premium plan includes On-Demand Assist, a useful tool for providing just-in-time remote support to end-users without them needing RealVNC Connect installed on their device.
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)RealVNC Connect
Considered Both Products
RDCMan
Chose Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)
Like with everything IT, we have many tools in the tool box. Sometimes you can use different tools to do the same job. It can often depend on the user and experience of the situation. Many things have it's pro's and cons. But the main thing is that you fix the issue and the …
RealVNC Connect
Chose RealVNC Connect
With so many things tech-related we have many options and ways to accomplish the same thing. I think one of the important things to remember is the companies track record and support record for their users. In our experience, VNC Connect has been able to be competitive in all …
Features
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)RealVNC Connect
Remote Administration
Comparison of Remote Administration features of Product A and Product B
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)
6.4
6 Ratings
22% below category average
RealVNC Connect
7.4
32 Ratings
8% below category average
Screen sharing7.04 Ratings9.328 Ratings
File transfer5.36 Ratings8.015 Ratings
Instant message1.02 Ratings6.719 Ratings
Secure remote access with Smart Card authentication5.03 Ratings7.05 Ratings
Access to sleeping/powered-off computers9.03 Ratings6.09 Ratings
Over-the-Internet remote session7.55 Ratings9.030 Ratings
Initiate remote control from mobile5.04 Ratings8.719 Ratings
Remote management of servers & workstations9.36 Ratings4.76 Ratings
Remote Active Directory® management7.34 Ratings00 Ratings
Centralized management dashboard8.03 Ratings7.716 Ratings
Session record5.03 Ratings8.02 Ratings
Annotations4.03 Ratings5.36 Ratings
Monitoring and Alerts7.74 Ratings7.03 Ratings
Multi-platform remote control8.04 Ratings9.011 Ratings
Best Alternatives
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)RealVNC Connect
Small Businesses
Getscreen.me
Getscreen.me
Score 9.7 out of 10
Getscreen.me
Getscreen.me
Score 9.7 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Remote Desktop Manager
Remote Desktop Manager
Score 9.4 out of 10
Remote Desktop Manager
Remote Desktop Manager
Score 9.4 out of 10
Enterprises
Remote Desktop Manager
Remote Desktop Manager
Score 9.4 out of 10
Remote Desktop Manager
Remote Desktop Manager
Score 9.4 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)RealVNC Connect
Likelihood to Recommend
8.0
(6 ratings)
8.3
(38 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
8.0
(8 ratings)
Usability
7.7
(3 ratings)
8.0
(4 ratings)
Support Rating
8.3
(2 ratings)
8.0
(2 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
7.0
(2 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
8.0
(2 ratings)
User Testimonials
Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan)RealVNC Connect
Likelihood to Recommend
Microsoft
As a IT specialist we have some servers we need acces to. I like to use Remote Desktop Connection Manager because it feel like you are on the computer. Is feel very trusted. Some colleagues use the Azure remote desktop version but I always recommend the windows integrated option. We also have our primary business application running on a server so they use a remote desktop connection too to log on to the server.
Read full review
RealVNC
It is very easy to use if the remote device is already set up to receive connections, so if you are setting up devices before deploying them, it is a great tool to have. It is well-suited to use when shadowing users or using it as a teaching tool. There are other products that are better if you are trying to help someone on a one-use basis.
Read full review
Pros
Microsoft
  • I can see previews of all the machines working at the same time.
  • Having all password in one place.
  • Organization of devices based on purpose, configuration, etc.
Read full review
RealVNC
  • VNC Connect does an excellent job in remotely connecting to a computer through either your local area network or even another computer on the internet. As long as the VNC Connect services is installed and the client is running in the background.
  • VNC Connect provides password protection to prevent unauthorized users from attempting to remotely access your computer. There's an option to have a separate password to remotely view vs view & access a computer. You can even add an additional level of security by turning on the feature to require Windows login credentials.
  • VNC Connect provides an additional set of controls after a remote connection has been established with another computer. You can have special keystrokes like Ctrl+Alt+Del sent as a command sequence to the other computer as well as access more than a single screen when in use at the remote computer location.
Read full review
Cons
Microsoft
  • When trying to connect to a server/machine, and it doesn't connect, there is a "Disconnected" message that is displayed in the thumbnail. There is no information beyond this that explains why the server/machine did/could not connect. It would be helpful to the IT Administrator to know this information, even if Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan) kept a log somewhere where this information can be analyzed.
  • There doesn't seem to be an option for connecting to a server that is usually only able to be accessed from a jump server. This will not connect if the server is set up as a server/machine within RDCman. This would be a beneficial feature to have within RDCman. Maybe one of the missing options is to be able to set this in the prospects for the jump server (within the Microsoft Remote Desktop Connection Manager (RDCMan) window).
Read full review
RealVNC
  • Its a pretty straight forward product - I would like to see more tools with a "wow" factor.
  • Panel colors are blah - I would like more eye-catching colors.
  • A more consistent look with all platforms - like Mac & PC.
Read full review
Likelihood to Renew
Microsoft
No answers on this topic
RealVNC
VNC is a solid product for the price. It simply works and its reliable across different platforms. Some products state they work well in the Mac environment but don't deliver. This one does what it says. Connections are reliable, but of course, this depends on internet connections. The product works well over wireless connections as well. It delivers on what a remote tool should deliver on. My technicians are happy with the product and customers appreciate the ease of use when letting us connect to their systems. Some also appreciate the remote support while they are multi-task.
Read full review
Usability
Microsoft
As alluded to in previous responses it is a very functional tool. It allows me to do my job quickly and efficiently every single day. There are little to no issues using the connection on a day to day basis. It handles everything you need from a remote connection perspective.
Read full review
RealVNC
It's a niche product and in that niche they try to cater to as many use cases as they can. Other as a TCO aspect i don't see many use cases where you can't use this product as the one tool for all remote session use cases in your company
Read full review
Support Rating
Microsoft
Plenty of information and support online, and with many things it's pretty straight forward for the average tech to navigate and work with. But with most things online you're not the only person that's had the issue before, and using a search engine you should be able to figure it out.
Read full review
RealVNC
VNC Connect is a reliable product that has been around for a long time. It is reasonably priced and works well in the Mac & PC environment. When you have a small team that supports many users we need tools that we can rely upon and that will get the job done on the first try. Many customers appreciate the quick assistance and can multi-task while our team works on their computer issues remotely. From a customer service point of view, this tool gives us transparency and efficient effectiveness.
Read full review
Online Training
Microsoft
No answers on this topic
RealVNC
The training is very informative, quick and to the point. All of the details one would need are present so the user doesn't have to go searching for additional information just to use the application. The layout of the training was also neat and concise, some of the other training sessions for other companies I've done in the past were confusing and not well thought out, this one is much more superior
Read full review
Implementation Rating
Microsoft
No answers on this topic
RealVNC
No problem at all, love the product.
Read full review
Alternatives Considered
Microsoft
RDCMan outshines TeamViewer in every possible way. It’s fast, more reliable, and easier to use. I have had frequent crashes and issues when using TeamViewer, while none with RDCMan. Screen responsiveness also seems much better with RDCMan versus TeamViewer. I would often experience lag issues when using TeamViewer.
Read full review
RealVNC
VNC is light and sleek with the quick setup, was impressed with the quick setup despite poor Internet connection outdoor. TeamViewer is good, but the pricing is not as good as VNC. Both do the basic job, but VNC still outperform TeamViewer in terms of performance and ease of use.
Read full review
Return on Investment
Microsoft
  • its less time consuming for IT engineers because they have everything on one please
  • less FTE for the tasks
  • Lack of MFA option
Read full review
RealVNC
  • I have just used the software for about 1 month and so far so god. I am saving time whenever I can access my client's computers from my desk as opposed to having to leave my office to go to their offices. Saves me time and the client money.
Read full review
ScreenShots

RDCMan Screenshots

Screenshot of a view of RDCMan 2.22Screenshot of a view of RDCMan 2.22Screenshot of a view of RDCMan 2.81

RealVNC Connect Screenshots

Screenshot of the Device List in the Connect v8 desktop appScreenshot of On-Demand Assist, which can be used to start a remote support session using a single-use code.