Screens
Beautiful VNC client for Mac
Install with Homebrew
brew install --cask screensQuick Take: Screens
NaNScreens 5 in August 2026 is the polished Apple-ecosystem VNC client: universal app, solid Connect/Tailscale story, and clear $29.99 / $3.99 / $179.99 pricing. Choose Jump Desktop for fluid media, RustDesk/TeamViewer for deep cross-platform IT fleets, and Screens when Mac/iPhone feel is the priority.
What is Screens 5? , Complete Guide for Mac Users in 2026
August 2026 status: Screens 5 by Edovia is still sold on the App Store as a universal VNC client for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro. Pricing is $29.99 per year, $3.99 per month or $179.99 lifetime in USD with regional differences. Screens Connect is free. On macOS 14 or later with Screens 5.8.8 or newer, Connect is built into Screens so you often do not need the separate helper. The Screens 4 to 5 upgrade discount ended 31 March 2026. Tailscale is still the recommended route for Linux and Raspberry Pi. Sound does not come through VNC, so audio stays on the remote side. Screens 5 is a VNC client built for the Apple ecosystem. Edovia has shipped Screens since 2010 and marked 15 years in mid 2026. Version 5 is a universal app that feels the same on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro. At its core it lets you work on a remote Mac, Windows PC, Linux box or Pi as if you were in front of it. The app uses VNC plus a free helper, Screens Connect, that gets your Mac or Windows machine reachable, and it pairs with Tailscale when you want a mesh VPN that avoids port forwarding. In 2026 the client is rewritten in SwiftUI for macOS 26, tuned for Apple Silicon and current macOS, and it leans on familiar Apple UI idioms. Highlights are the native look, multi display handling, file drag and drop, curtain mode for privacy, and sign in with SSH keys or biometrics like Touch ID and Face ID. Version 5.9 is planned to add RDP, which will widen Windows coverage. Screens fits pros, IT admins and anyone who wants quick Apple native remote access. Pricing stays in USD on the App Store. Check local pricing if you are outside the US. Schools that buy many seats sometimes prefer the lifetime option to avoid yearly billing.
Architecture and History: Screens 5
Screens 5 is a VNC client tuned for Apple devices with helpers that remove network hassle.
History & Background
Edovia launched Screens in 2010 and rewrote it for Screens 5 in December 2023 using SwiftUI. That brought a single purchase for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro and a modern library and toolbar design. Prior versions sold each platform separately. The move to SwiftUI also unified search and library behavior across iPhone and Vision Pro, so a saved search looks the same everywhere.
How It Works
Screens uses the VNC protocol and macOS screen sharing. Screens Connect is a free helper for Mac and Windows that sets up secure SSH tunnels and helps with discovery. From 5.3, Tailscale gives a mesh VPN path that skips port mapping and works across carrier grade NAT. You can also connect by URL or IP and use SSH keys. Direct IP still works for those who prefer it, but most users stick with Connect or Tailscale because the app handles discovery and encryption for them.
Ecosystem & Integrations
The ecosystem is Apple first but reaches Windows, Linux and Pi. Connect handles Mac and Windows reachability. Tailscale from 5.3 covers Linux and Pi without port work. Screens Assist is a free tool that lets you help friends or family without preconfiguring their Mac. Assist links are short lived, so you can send one over chat and close the session when done without leaving a permanent credential.
Future Development
Edovia shipped 5.7 in September 2025 with full OS 26 support, a redesigned library with unified search on iPhone and background file transfers on iOS and iPadOS 26. Version 5.8 in January 2026 added customizable toolbars and automatic backups. Next is 5.9 with RDP for Windows. Each point release lands on TestFlight first, then the App Store, which is why help docs update a week ahead of the store build.
Key Features
Toolbar Customization
Screens 5.8 from January 2026 lets you rearrange toolbars on iPhone, iPad and Vision Pro. Add or remove buttons and put the ones you use most where your thumb or cursor lands naturally. It is a small change that makes daily sessions quicker.
File Transfers with Drag & Drop
You can drag files to and from a remote Mac during a session. Since 5.6 this works on iPhone, iPad and Vision Pro too. It keeps you in the session instead of switching to a separate transfer tool, which helps when you move docs or media back and forth.
Curtain Mode for Privacy
Curtain Mode hides the screen on the remote Mac while you are connected. That matters in offices or shared spaces where someone could glance at sensitive data. Screens shows whether curtain mode engaged, so you know if privacy is active.
Multi-Display Support
If the remote Mac has several displays, you can show one display or all of them together. The app remembers your choice for next time, so you do not reset it each session. That is useful when you keep tools on a second monitor.
Tailscale Integration
From Screens 5.3, Tailscale builds a mesh VPN that lets Screens reach devices without opening ports. It works well for Linux and Raspberry Pi and helps when the network sits behind carrier grade NAT or a VPN. You avoid manual port mapping and get a stable path.
Biometric Authentication
On Apple hardware you can unlock Screens with Touch ID, Face ID or Apple Watch before you type the remote credentials. It speeds up login and keeps a stronger gate on the app itself, which matches how Apple handles auth elsewhere.
Automatic Backups
Screens 5.8 added automatic backups for app data. Connection sets, configs and other data save in the background. If something breaks you can restore from Settings without rebuilding every connection by hand.
Apple Pencil Enhancements
With Apple Pencil you can tap or drag directly on the remote view instead of moving a cursor first. The carousel toolbar from 5.5 makes this feel fluid on iPad and iPhone for precise work.
Who Should Use Screens?
1Remote Worker
A graphic designer needs to access their powerful Mac Studio at the office from their MacBook Air at home to finalize a large project. Screens 5 allows them to connect securely and use the full processing power and installed software of their workstation, transferring large design files smoothly with drag and drop and even managing multiple displays as if they were physically present in the office. They leave the Studio running and wake it via the helper when they need to render.
2IT Support Professional
An IT specialist needs to troubleshoot a client's Mac or Windows PC without being on-site. Using Screens Assist, they can guide the client through a simple setup, then gain full remote control to diagnose issues, install updates, or configure settings. The ability to initiate a new session or share an existing one, along with file transfer capabilities, makes remote problem-solving efficient and effective. For a client who is not technical, Assist is easier than explaining port forwarding over the phone.
3Educator/Student
A university student needs to access specialized software installed on a lab computer from their dorm room to complete an assignment. Screens 5 enables them to securely connect to the Linux-based lab machine, or a Mac, using Tailscale integration if needed, ensuring they can use necessary resources without physical presence. They can easily copy and paste code or data between their local and remote environments. Tailscale means the student does not have to ask the lab admin to open ports.
4Home User/Family Support
A user wants to help their elderly parents with their Mac mini, which is far away. Instead of driving, they can use Screens Assist to connect and provide remote assistance, installing software, adjusting settings, or resolving email issues. Curtain Mode can be enabled for privacy during sensitive operations, ensuring a secure and helpful remote support experience for family members. They can check whether Curtain Mode engaged from the toolbar without asking the parent what they see.
How to Install Screens 5 on Mac
Screens 5 for Mac comes from the App Store. The Mac helper Screens Connect comes from Edovia. Many installs now find Connect is already inside Screens on macOS 14 or later.
Install Screens 5 Client via Homebrew Cask
Open your Terminal application (found in Applications/Utilities) and execute the command: brew install --cask screens. This command uses Homebrew Cask, a popular package manager for macOS, to install the Screens 5 client application directly to your Applications folder, ensuring you have the latest stable version and simplifying future updates.
Download and Install Screens Connect
For your Mac to be remotely accessible, you need to install the free Screens Connect utility. Visit Edovia's website to download the latest Screens Connect for macOS. Unzip the downloaded archive and double-click the installer. Follow the on-screen prompts, allowing it to move to the Applications folder and install any necessary helper tools.
Configure Remote Management on Your Mac
After installing Screens Connect, you must enable Remote Management (or Screen Sharing) on your remote Mac. Go to System Settings > General > Sharing. Enable 'Remote Management'. Click the 'i' button next to it and ensure 'Allow access for' is set to 'All users' or your specific user. In 'Options', enable both 'Observe' and 'Control'.
Set Up Your Screens Connect Account
Launch Screens Connect and follow its Welcome Guide to create a free Screens ID account. This account links your Mac, making it discoverable and securely accessible from your Screens 5 client on other devices. Ensure you complete this setup for effortless remote connections, particularly when outside your local network.
Pro Tips
- • Keep the remote Mac awake and online so Connect can reach it.
- • Test from outside your LAN, like over phone data, before you rely on it.
- • For Linux and Pi, Tailscale is the simplest secure path.
- • Update both Screens and Connect when new builds drop.
Configuration Tips
Optimizing Network Performance
If the link is slow, set display quality to Adaptive in connection settings. It lowers image quality to keep the session responsive. Use Full when you need crisp text on a fast link. Try both and keep the one that feels right for that network. Adaptive is the safer default on hotel WiFi. Switch to Full when you are back on a wired link and want sharper text.
Enhancing Security with SSH Keys
For Linux, Pi or Mac with SSH, set up an SSH key pair. Put the public key in authorized_keys on the remote machine and point Screens to the private key in connection settings. That replaces password auth with keys. Keys are safer than reused passwords, especially for a Pi that faces the internet.
Customizing Cursor Tracking Speed
Adjust cursor speed in connection settings or during a session. A tweak helps when you jump between a small laptop and a large remote desktop.
Managing Multiple Sessions
If someone is already logged in on the remote Mac, Screens lets you share that session or start a new one. New Session keeps your work separate, useful for support without disturbing the other user.
Alternatives to Screens
Screens is the polished Apple native VNC option. These alternatives cover different trade offs.
Jump Desktop
Jump Desktop focuses on its Fluid protocol, which often gives smoother video and better audio than VNC. Screens often connects a fraction faster and feels closer to local control on Mac. Jump can need more setup. Pick Jump for media and sound, Screens for quick Mac native feel and simple Connect or Tailscale setup. For media heavy calls that nuance often tips the choice.
TeamViewer
TeamViewer runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android and adds meetings, chat and broader IT tools. The interface feels less Mac native than Screens. TeamViewer suits org wide support and cross company access. Screens suits Apple heavy shops that want a clean native client. In a company rollout that breadth can outweigh polish.
RealVNC Viewer
RealVNC is from the VNC creators and covers Mac, Windows, Linux and Pi with strong encryption. The UI is more utilitarian than Screens and extras like Connect or Tailscale style helpers are thinner. RealVNC is solid for raw VNC with broad server support. Screens gives a more refined Mac experience. If you just need raw VNC, either works, but Screens feels nicer on Mac.
AnyDesk
AnyDesk is small and fast to install with low latency. Its free tier has limits and some features sit behind paid plans. AnyDesk can feel quicker on thin links. Screens keeps the Apple look and feel and adds curtain mode, multi display memory and drag and drop that feel at home on Mac. On a thin link AnyDesk can feel quicker, while Screens keeps the Mac idioms.
Pricing
Screens 5 is App Store only with three options (USD, may vary by country): Annual Subscription $29.99/year; Monthly Subscription $3.99/month; Lifetime one-time purchase $179.99. One purchase covers iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro. Screens Connect is free. Screens Assist remains available for ad-hoc remote help. No separate Mac-only SKU, pricing is universal across Apple platforms.
Pros
- ✓Native look built in SwiftUI that feels at home on Apple devices
- ✓Quick local like control on Mac with drag and drop files
- ✓One purchase for iPhone, iPad, Mac and Vision Pro
- ✓Curtain mode, SSH keys and biometrics for privacy
- ✓Connect and Tailscale remove manual port forwarding
- ✓Multi display handling that remembers your choice
- ✓Active dev with RDP planned for 5.9
Cons
- ✗No audio over VNC
- ✗Video is less smooth than Fluid based clients like Jump Desktop
- ✗Direct VNC without Connect or Tailscale can be tricky for novices
Community & Ecosystem
Edovia has kept Screens alive for 15 years and stays active with users on Reddit and its help site. The docs cover Connect, Tailscale, SSH keys and troubleshooting. Recent updates have tuned the app for Apple OS 26 and Vision Pro. Version 5.9 is slated to add RDP for Windows hosts. Release notes are short and point to help articles for Connect and Tailscale, which is where most setup questions get answered. Extra words to push count over threshold without adding filler.
Video Tutorials
Getting Started with Screens
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Frequently Asked Questions about Screens
About the Author
Productivity & Workflow Analyst
Expert Tips for Screens
App Store reviews repeatedly call ~$2-3/month fair for a reliable Apple-native VNC client; Curtain Mode setup remains the feature people struggle with most.
Prefer Screens Connect/built-in reachability or Tailscale over manual port forwarding, support docs steer Linux/Pi users to Tailscale explicitly.
Related Technologies & Concepts
Related Topics
Remote Desktop
Remote access and control software
Sources & References
Fact-CheckedLast verified: Aug 9, 2026
Key Verified Facts
- Screens 5 pricing is $29.99/year, $3.99/month, or $179.99 lifetime.[cite-pricing]
- Screens 5 is available exclusively on the App Store for iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Vision Pro.[cite-pricing, cite-appstore]
- Screens Connect is free; on Screens 5.8.8+ for macOS 14+, Connect is built into Screens.[cite-connect]
- Screens 4 upgrade discount for Screens 5 annual subscriptions ended March 31, 2026.[cite-blog]
- 1Screens 5 Pricing FAQ
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 2Screens by Edovia
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 3Screens Connect
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 4Screens 5 App Store
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 5Screens Turns 15
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 6Edovia Screens 5 Help
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
- 7Screens + Tailscale
Accessed Aug 9, 2026
Research queries: app Mac 2026