View all Enterprise VDI & DaaS Alternatives

Best Free Alternatives to Citrix Workspace (DaaS)

Stop paying $13/user/mo (Advanced Plus) - $23+/user/mo (Premium Plus). Discover professional-grade tools that won't break your budget.

Category: Enterprise VDI & DaaSVerified for 2025

Top Recommended Replacements

Kasm Workspaces

FREE

Top Containerized Alternative

Why we like it

Uses 'Workspaces-as-Docker' to stream isolated browser sessions or desktops; extremely lightweight and secure; Community Edition is free for on-premise use; 2025 Cloud tiers are highly affordable.

Keep in mind

Requires a shift in mindset (container-based vs. traditional VM-based virtualization); less native support for legacy Windows-only 'fat' clients compared to Citrix.

Apache Guacamole

FREE

Best Clientless Remote Access

Why we like it

100% free and open-source; clientless architecture (access via any HTML5 browser); supports RDP, VNC, and SSH; zero software to install on end-user devices.

Keep in mind

Lacks the high-end MFA and security reporting of Citrix out-of-the-box; requires manual configuration of an application gateway for secure public access.

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)

Best for Microsoft Ecosystems

Why we like it

Deep integration with Microsoft 365; supports Windows 10/11 multi-session (multiple users on one VM to save costs); consumption-based pricing means you only pay for what you use.

Keep in mind

Strictly tied to the Azure cloud; can be difficult to predict monthly costs due to fluctuating infrastructure usage.

TSplus Remote Access

Best Value for SMBs

Why we like it

Unbeatable price-to-performance ratio; perpetual licensing available (no monthly 'tax'); includes a built-in HTML5 web portal; installs in minutes on standard Windows servers.

Keep in mind

Lacks the 'Global Server Load Balancing' (GSLB) capabilities required for massive, multi-continent enterprise deployments.

Parallels RAS

Best for Hybrid Environments

Why we like it

Simpler to manage than Citrix; 'single-pane-of-glass' dashboard for managing on-prem and cloud resources; exceptional performance on mobile devices (tablets/phones).

Keep in mind

Still follows a subscription model; requires Windows Server infrastructure (doesn't support native Linux desktops as well as Kasm).

Windows 365

Best for Predictable Cloud PCs

Why we like it

Fixed monthly cost per user; zero infrastructure to manage; perfect for onboarding contractors or remote employees instantly; integrates with Intune for device management.

Keep in mind

Less flexibility than AVD or Citrix for 'power users' who need custom GPU or high-RAM configurations.

Amazon WorkSpaces

Best for AWS Cloud Users

Why we like it

Fully managed, persistent desktop service; secure by default with data encrypted at rest; monthly and hourly billing options to optimize for part-time workers.

Keep in mind

Performance can lag if the user is physically far from their AWS region; Linux desktop options are limited compared to Kasm.

Workspot

Best Managed Cloud VDI

Why we like it

100% cloud-native control plane; delivers desktops from the closest global cloud region to minimize latency; highly scalable for distributed global teams.

Keep in mind

Price is not transparent (Enterprise-only sales model); focused on large organizations rather than solo developers.

Inuvika OVD Enterprise

Best Linux-First VDI

Why we like it

Excellent at delivering Linux and Windows apps through a single web portal; high focus on open-source stack integration; lower TCO than Citrix or VMware.

Keep in mind

Smaller community and third-party plugin ecosystem compared to Citrix or Microsoft.

GO-Global

Best for Lightweight App Publishing

Why we like it

Focuses on 'App Publishing' rather than full VDI; uses a proprietary protocol that is faster than RDP in low-bandwidth areas; very low server overhead.

Keep in mind

Lacks full 'Digital Workspace' features like file sync, unified inbox, or mobile device management (MDM).

Need more options?

Explore our full directory of Enterprise VDI & DaaS software alternatives.

Browse the Enterprise VDI & DaaS Hub