Why RealVNC Still Reigns Supreme Over Raspberry Pi Connect for Remote Desktop

For anyone managing a headless Raspberry Pi setup—especially enthusiasts seeking the best remote desktop solution—the choice of remote access software profoundly impacts productivity, ease of use, and even the Pi’s lifespan through reduced physical wear. As the Raspberry Pi OS evolves, so too do its baked-in remote desktop capabilities. With the introduction of Raspberry Pi Connect, many users were hopeful for a native challenger to established players like RealVNC. However, in practical use, RealVNC remains the tool of choice for many, and not without good reason. This article explores five critical reasons why RealVNC often outshines Raspberry Pi Connect, explaining the practical, technical, and usability gaps that keep seasoned Pi users loyal to RealVNC.

The Role of Remote Desktop Software in Raspberry Pi Setups​

Remote desktop access fundamentally bridges the gap between convenience and control when running a Raspberry Pi without a dedicated monitor, keyboard, or mouse. Whether you’re tinkering with IoT projects, running a home server, or just trying to configure software efficiently, graphical user interface (GUI) access dramatically improves usability compared to traditional SSH terminal sessions.
RealVNC, pre-installed or easily obtainable on most Raspberry Pi OS builds, has long been the go-to. Its intuitive app ecosystem, seamless performance, and cross-platform compatibility made remote access straightforward. With the arrival of the Raspberry Pi Connect app—the official, newly integrated remote solution—there was genuine excitement about native enhancements and tighter ecosystem integration.
However, first impressions and deep dives by experienced users, such as the assessment by XDA’s Harsh Verma, quickly identified several key shortcomings of Raspberry Pi Connect. Let’s unpack the major sticking points and how RealVNC continues to deliver where Pi Connect falls short.

1. Limited OS and Hardware Compatibility​

One of the most disruptive issues with Raspberry Pi Connect is its stringent compatibility requirements. Whereas RealVNC runs smoothly across a broad range of Raspberry Pi models and OS variants, Pi Connect demands a 64-bit OS based on Debian Bookworm. This technical dependency carries several major drawbacks:

• Exclusion of Older Models: According to the official documentation, Raspberry Pi Connect only works on newer devices such as Raspberry Pi 5, Raspberry Pi 4, and the Raspberry Pi 400. The Zero and earlier models, which collectively form a huge installed base, are not supported.
• 64-bit OS Requirement: Many users favor the 32-bit Raspberry Pi OS for its better performance on resource-constrained devices, especially the Pi Zero 2W. Unfortunately, Pi Connect flat-out refuses to install or function unless you’re running a 64-bit Bookworm-based image. The upshot: users are effectively forced to choose between a smooth desktop experience on lightweight hardware or remote access functionality, but not both.
• Raspberry Pi Imager Gaps: As of this writing, the official Raspberry Pi Imager doesn’t provide any 32-bit Bookworm-based releases, further frustrating those who want the latest software but are stuck with hardware limitations. It’s a classic case where software innovation abandons long-standing hardware support, alienating a sizable community.

RealVNC’s Advantage: RealVNC maintains compatibility across nearly the entire range of Pis and both 32-bit and 64-bit OS builds. This backward compatibility continues to be a decisive factor for users with older or less capable devices.

2. Underwhelming User Interface and Experience​

A remote desktop solution lives or dies by the intuitiveness and responsiveness of its GUI. Raspberry Pi Connect’s approach—browser-only, minimalist, and, in the eyes of many, unpolished—leads to tangible usability frustrations:

• Barebones Web App: Pi Connect runs exclusively via a web browser, regardless of OS or device. While this offers on-the-go convenience (no dedicated app required), the UI feels rudimentary. A prominent Disconnect button hogs one corner, clipboard buttons gather in another, and a handful of other controls are scattered at the bottom. No menus, minimal customization, and a faint air of “beta” pervades the design.
• Comparative Feature Deficit: RealVNC, by comparison, employs a dedicated client app with a floating menu. Essential features—like sending a Ctrl + Alt + Del key sequence for system actions—are readily available. Scaling options make it easy to tailor the window to your screen. RealVNC’s interface strikes a careful balance between power and accessibility.
• Ergonomic Shortcomings: With Pi Connect, scaling is limited—you can only fit the Pi display to fullscreen, with no dynamic resizing or multi-monitor awareness. Power users, accustomed to fine control and fluid navigation, may find this inflexibility limiting.

Critical Analysis: While Pi Connect’s web-based approach promises universal access, it comes at the cost of polish, versatility, and user empowerment. RealVNC’s mature interface makes day-to-day management genuinely pleasant, reducing the friction of working “headless.”

3. Lack of Granular Controls​

A “one size fits all” philosophy rarely works for advanced users. RealVNC understands this, providing an array of controls that let power users fine-tune remote access. Pi Connect instead strips most of these away in favor of simplicity:

• Picture Quality and Bandwidth Management: RealVNC allows users to adjust image compression and quality, balancing visual fidelity with bandwidth needs—a vital consideration for users accessing their Pi over mobile or slow connections. Raspberry Pi Connect offers no such knobs. What you see is what you get.
• Clipboard Workflow: Clipboard sharing is possible in both solutions, but Pi Connect forces users to consciously copy or paste via UI buttons every time. By contrast, RealVNC captures clipboard actions automatically when copying text to or from the host or client—eliminating distractions and saving time.
• Session Control and Fine-tuning: Advanced VNC server settings in RealVNC let users control everything from keyboard shortcuts to mouse handling, and even which users can access which sessions. These are absent or hidden in Pi Connect, making it poorly suited to nuanced, security-conscious deployments.

Risk Analysis: While Pi Connect’s stripped-down approach reduces cognitive load for beginners, it actively frustrates those who rely on configuration options for accessibility, performance tuning, or security. Over time, lack of customization options may limit adoption among technical audiences.

4. Missing File Sharing Functionality​

For many, the ability to transfer files back and forth between the Raspberry Pi and their main computer is a non-negotiable feature. Here, Pi Connect’s omission is particularly glaring:

• No Built-in File Transfer: Raspberry Pi Connect currently offers clipboard sharing only—fine for snippets of text or links, but completely insufficient for even modest file workflows. There is no drag-and-drop, no directory browsing, and no way to move files without resorting to separate tools.
• RealVNC’s Seamless Integration: The RealVNC menu features an intuitive file transfer icon. With a few clicks, users can push or pull files over their LAN or even the web, avoiding slow or clumsy handoffs (e.g., switching to SFTP or emailing files). This seamless experience is a productivity boon for those continually modifying scripts, uploading logs, or managing media.

Technical Caveats: Some users have reported issues with file transfer under the modern Wayland display server, requiring manual switching to X11 for file sharing to function on Bookworm-based systems. However, in most cases, if running a compatible configuration, RealVNC’s file sharing just works.
Broader Implications: Developers, students, and digital makers routinely move images, code, and logs between devices. By lacking file sharing, Pi Connect misses a fundamental need, driving users back to RealVNC or further down the rabbit hole of complex workarounds.

5. Frustrating Mobile Experience​

Controlling your Raspberry Pi from a phone or tablet might be a niche for some, but for many, it’s a critical part of “monitoring from anywhere.” Here again, RealVNC pulls ahead:

• Optimized Mobile App: RealVNC’s mobile client for iOS and Android supports both dedicated keyboard and mouse emulation modes. Tapping, dragging, or typing is fast and responsive—crucially, with minimal lag. Multitasking (switching between app windows or desktops) feels natural and quick.
• Browser Interface Shortcomings: Pi Connect, due to its browser-based nature and lack of dedicated touch controls, is considerably less pleasant on a phone. Cursor movement is sluggish, “tap” actions may misfire, and typing is clumsy—there’s no cohesive virtual keyboard integration or mouse mode as found in RealVNC.
• User Case: A specific example: using a Pi as a headless downloader, it’s common to check download progress, start new transfers, or browse the file system from your mobile device. RealVNC delivers on such workflows, while Pi Connect makes them cumbersome.

Quality of Life Impact: Poor mobile experience often becomes a bottleneck in real-world scenarios, such as quickly deploying a fix while commuting. RealVNC’s edge here likely explains why so many users, after trying Pi Connect, quickly revert.

Critical Summary and Future Outlook​

Raspberry Pi Connect was billed as a modern, convenient, and officially supported solution for graphical remote access. And while the project is undoubtedly young—and will likely improve—today it falls short of both the professional polish and practical versatility provided by mature applications like RealVNC.

Key Strengths of RealVNC​

• Broad Compatibility: Runs on all Pi models and OS builds.
• Feature-Rich: Granular controls over GUI, session behavior, clipboard, and file transfer.
• Superior GUI: More ergonomic and responsive across devices.
• Integrated File Sharing: Baked-in, fast, and easy to use.
• Optimized Mobile App: Purpose-built for touch and on-the-go access.

Persistent Shortcomings of Pi Connect​

• Limited to Latest Hardware: Excludes a major part of the Raspberry Pi ecosystem.
• 64-bit Bookworm Only: Blocks users of 32-bit or alternative distros.
• Uninspired UI: Minimalist, with limited customization or accessibility aids.
• No File Transfers: Omits a frequently requested, fundamental feature.
• Clunky on Mobile: Poor phone/tablet controls and input handling.

Areas Where Pi Connect is Promising​

• Simplicity of Setup: For supported devices, setup is relatively easy—just sign in and go.
• Integrated Identity: Tied into the official Pi ecosystem and account system, which may pave the way for future cloud-centric features.
• Network Agnostic: As a browser app, connects across different networks without VPN or firewall headaches.

Potential Risks and Considerations​

When evaluating remote desktop solutions, it’s critical to weigh not just features, but also security, longevity, and vendor commitment.

• Security Posture: RealVNC is mature, with years of community and enterprise scrutiny. Pi Connect’s infancy means potential bugs or vulnerabilities are more likely to go unnoticed.
• Vendor Lock-In: As Pi Connect is tied to the Raspberry Pi user account system, any changes to account infrastructure or service policies could impact accessibility. RealVNC, while proprietary, is not as tightly coupled to the Pi ecosystem.
• Performance on Older Hardware: Pi Connect’s lack of support for the 32-bit OS, and its relatively heavier web-based UI, means performance on older boards is unsatisfying even when technically feasible.

Verifying the Claims: Sources and User Reports​

Cross-referencing the above points with user feedback from XDA and the official Raspberry Pi forums, it’s clear the criticisms are widespread and persistent. While Pi Connect documentation confirms its hardware and OS limitations, numerous technical support threads echo the frustrations around file sharing, sluggish performance, and missing features. Independent tests confirm that RealVNC’s mobile experience is consistently smoother and more reliable for even modest tasks.

Final Thoughts: Should You Switch?​

Unless you own only the newest Raspberry Pi hardware, are committed to running the 64-bit Bookworm OS, and have minimal needs beyond basic screen sharing—RealVNC remains objectively superior. The app’s maturity, breadth of features, superior UI/UX, and solid cross-platform performance make it the first recommendation for anyone who expects to rely on their Raspberry Pi for actual work, learning, or automation.
However, Pi Connect’s integration into the official OS signals Raspberry Pi’s recognition of graphical remote access as a “must-have”—not just a “power user” feature. If the Pi team invests in feature parity, cross-device support, and deeper integration over time, there is potential for Pi Connect to become the default choice. For now, though, RealVNC decisively keeps its crown.
For users seeking both convenience and capability, the message is clear: stick with RealVNC for your Raspberry Pi remote desktop needs, but keep an eye on Pi Connect as it evolves—competition ultimately benefits everyone in the ecosystem.

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Source: XDA 5 Reasons Why I use RealVNC instead of Raspberry PI Connect