VMWare, a well-known VDI provider based in the USA, introduced the term ’virtual desktop solutions’ to the market in 2006. Ever since the popularity of the term has grown exponentially.
VDI software is the preferred choice for data hosting, especially for modern businesses working remotely. The preference for VDI software among SMEs and large enterprises will grow more in the future. According to a Strait research report, the VDI market is expected to grow 20% annually through 2030.
However, finding the best VDI software is very challenging, especially for small businesses. You have to look for various things, such as setup costs, licensing, compatibility, maintenance, and more.
See why Ace Cloud Hosting’s VDI stands out with easy deployment, robust security, and a cost-effective pricing model—try it free today.
This guide will provide all the information related to the best VDI solution providers, including their benefits, offerings, and reviews, to help you find the right fit for your business.
In this article…
VDI Software: The Basics
VDI software is a technological innovation that utilizes application and desktop virtualization to create a virtual environment for hosting virtual machines and desktops. It does this by grouping multiple servers and diverting them into various virtual machines (VMs). A virtual machine runs like a computer program with applications and operating systems.
A virtual machine is designed as a virtual copy of a physical desktop capable of running any OS of choice: Windows, Linux, or Mac. Users can access virtual desktops from their personal devices like desktops and mobile devices.
Virtual Desktop Solutions: The Types
Application/desktop virtualization is commonly available in three variants:
VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure): It is a virtual computing architecture that diverts the use of virtual machines to run and manage virtual desktops. VDI hosts virtual desktops on a central server. The virtual desktops are made available to end-users as and when needed.
DaaS (Desktop as a Service): A managed service offered by a cloud service provider involves hosting corporate data on the cloud. This end-to-end service provides customers with a virtual workspace powered by virtual desktops hosted on the cloud.
RDS (Remote Desktop Services): RDS employs a technology different from both VDI and DaaS. In contrast to the latter, users do not work on dedicated virtual machines with other operating systems. Instead, they have access to desktop sessions hosted on shared virtual machines.
VDI Software: The Basics
VDI software is a technological innovation that utilizes application and desktop virtualization to create a virtual environment for hosting virtual machines and desktops. It does this by grouping multiple servers and diverting them into various virtual machines (VMs).
A virtual machine runs like a computer program with applications and operating systems. A virtual machine is designed as a virtual copy of a physical desktop capable of running any OS of choice: Windows, Linux, or Mac. Users can access virtual desktops from their personal devices like PCs, tablets, smartphones, and mobile devices.
Virtual Desktop Solutions: The Types
Application/desktop virtualization is commonly available in three variants:
VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure): It is a virtual computing architecture that diverts the use of virtual machines to run and manage virtual desktops. VDI hosts virtual desktops on a central server. The virtual desktops are made available to end-users as and when needed.
DaaS (Desktop as a Service): A managed service offered by a cloud service provider involves hosting corporate data on the cloud. This end-to-end service provides customers with a virtual workspace powered by virtual desktops hosted on the cloud.
RDS (Remote Desktop Services): RDS employs technology that is different from both VDI and DaaS. In contrast to the latter, users do not work on dedicated virtual machines with other operating systems. Instead, they have access to desktop sessions hosted on shared virtual machines.
Best VDI Software Providers in 2026
The following is a list of the best VDI solution providers in the market:
1. Ace Cloud Hosting
Ace Cloud Hosting provides the best VDI software solutions. It offers a secure workspace to enhance the remote working capabilities of an existing workforce. It uses the latest technology to protect corporate data from personal use on virtual desktops. Ace Cloud Hosting’s contemporary take on legacy VDI solutions for small businesses generates a seamless user experience for employees. It helps businesses substitute remote hosting applications with secure cloud hosting.
Ace Cloud Hosting offers centrally managed policies to control file access and storage, network access, browser usage, peripheral use, copy/paste, and screen capture capabilities. It helps IT administrators control and regulate desktop activity with ease.
Pricing: The Ace Cloud Hosting package starts from $30 per user per month. We offer a 7-day free trial to give you a live experience of virtual desktops.
2. Amazon Workspaces
Amazon Workspaces is one of the top VDI solution providers on the market. It is widely recommended for users in both personal and professional capacities. Capable of a wide range of workability, Amazon WorkSpaces offers a highly secure and scalable virtual desktop service. This cloud-based service is brought forth by the world’s leading retailer, Amazon Inc. Amazon Workspaces. It can allegedly deploy any operating system, be it Windows, Linux, or Mac, within minutes on its desktops and scale it automatically based on resource and usage.
Amazon introduced WorkSpaces to outsource on-premise desktops and their operations, costs, and IT requirements for easier, faster deployment.
End-users or employees can get to work from any location and manage complex workloads from any internet-connected device, irrespective of its OS or native configurations.
Pricing: Amazon WorkSpaces offers a free tier with two plans: one includes 80 GB root and 50 GB user storage for up to 40 hours of use per month, and another provides 80 GB root and 100 GB user storage for up to 100 hours. Additional monthly and hourly billing options are available based on business needs. Full pricing details are available on Amazon’s website.
3. Microsoft Azure
Azure has now become the world’s most recognizable and best VDI software provider. Azure Virtual Desktops can cater to small to medium enterprises’ rapidly changing business requirements.
Microsoft Azure has evolved as one of the most diversified and versatile virtualization platforms that can support virtual desktop infrastructure in addition to Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), and Software as a Service (SaaS). These services are available via numerous data centers managed by Microsoft.
Pricing: Microsoft Azure’s pricing is based on two main components: Azure Resource Consumption and User Access Licensing. It also offers the Azure Functions Premium Plan for users to benefit from more outstanding performance.
4. Nutanix XI Frame
One of the best VDI software providers, the Nutanix framework is designed especially for large enterprises in the IT industry. The Nutanix XI Frame can also help existing IT infrastructures plan and streamline services and routine IT activities.
Nutanix has 10+ years of experience in end-user cloud computing with more than 1,000 clients. Recently, it has been awarded ISO 27001, 27017, 27018, SOC, and other cloud-specific certifications.
The Nutanix framework has also been implemented to mitigate challenges posed by physical systems. These challenges include substantive hardware costs, software and servicing updates, scalability, and security upgrades.
Pricing: The Nutanix pricing model is based on a per-user basis. It has three packages, Starter, Ultimate, and Pro, tailored to your business needs. They also provide a free demo for a live virtual desktop environment. Visit the company’s website to find out the detailed pricing.
5. Citrix Workspace
Citrix developed the virtual computing platform Citrix Workspace after being in the virtualization segment for over 30 years. Citrix is a well-known competitor among the best VDI software providers. Its integrated workspace intervened at the right time to solve many problems faced by today’s organizations.
Citrix Workspace was developed after migrating the Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops into the cloud. It provided businesses with the much-needed competency to reduce operational expenditure, smooth IT implementation, and enforce workplace flexibility.
Citrix Workspace is a secure virtual environment that enables fast and reliable computing and promises an excellent user experience. It is known for its low latency capabilities, which can help businesses speed up processes.
Pricing: Citrix Workspace has a widespread but fixed pricing structure. For a tailored pricing model, users can leverage the customized tool option. The tool helps users find and understand all aspects of the implementation cost on VDI Citrix.
6. Parallels RAS (Remote Application Server)
2X Software published Parallels RAS in 2014. It is offered as a fully managed, end-to-end VDI solution. Parallels RAS is designed to make virtual applications and desktops available anytime and from anywhere across all devices.
All the features of its virtual desktop solution are included in a package under enhanced protection. The top-of-the-class security measures are a favorite among large enterprises as well as SMEs. Parallels RAS has found popularity across multiple sectors, including IT, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, education, and others.
Parallels RAS offers a secure and diverse virtual platform that is designed to prevent data leaks and mitigate cyberattacks in all their forms. It integrates such security best practices as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) 140-2 encryption, multi-factor authentication, and intelligent card verification to ensure top-notch performance.
Pricing: Parallels RAS offers a 30-day trial period. Request a quote to get customized pricing for your business.
7. VMware Horizon Cloud
VMware is known to have developed the first commercial version of a virtualization platform. It offers robust and secured VDI software with various tools to help meet specific corporate needs. VMware VDI solution is a popular choice for businesses transitioning into an all-digital workspace.
VMware Horizon has the critical benefit of supporting both on-premises and off-premises architecture for supporting desktop virtualization. As one of the most experienced players in this space, it offers a seamless and efficient approach to delivering virtual desktops running on Windows or Linux. These desktops come foolproof with industry-standard security manifestations. The model is designed to enhance workplace flexibility by enabling permissioned users to access the system anytime and anywhere.
Pricing: The VMware pricing model is not uniform and is based on the specific editions a customer chooses. Currently available editions are Horizon Enterprise Plus Edition, Horizon Standard Plus, Horizon Universal, Horizon App Standard, and Horizon App Universal. Each of these has different pricing that auto-adjusts to scalability.
8. V2 Cloud
V2 Cloud is a Canadian enterprise founded in 2012. It provides essential but powerful VDI software for small and medium enterprises (SMEs). In fact, V2 Cloud specializes in this sector, as its solution is tailor-made for the needs of the SME sector.
V2 Cloud makes deployment easy, enabling you to set up a cloud-based Windows desktop in just a few clicks. It offers a cost-effective and scalable virtual desktop solution that can eliminate IT hassles and help businesses concentrate on their core practices.
Features:
Pricing: V2 Cloud offers different packages for individuals and teams. Team Desktops range from $60/month for one user to 10,000+ users. Individual Desktops are tailored to workload needs from basic data entry (Intern) to advanced multi-app use (Magnate). Individual pricing plans are based on performance requirements.
9. Kasm Workspaces
The Kasm Workspace is one of the cheapest VDI providers available in the market today. It is a popular choice among individuals and SMEs for its cost-effective offering. It is the only dedicated virtual workspace designed by a team of cybersecurity experts. Originally developed to cater to the needs of the US government by enforcing security protocols for a remote workforce, Kasm is now commercially available for private and corporate use.
Kasm provides a virtual workspace that a browser can easily access. Thus, access to virtual desktops requires no specialized software installation. It is also highly customizable. It comes with a developer API (Application Programming Interface) that can be leveraged to meet the specific needs of users and businesses.
Pricing: Kasm provides a Starter Edition for self-hosting deployments for organizations with less than 25 users/sessions. Visit their website for a customized Enterprise Version or a Cloud subscription quote.
Ace Cloud Hosting’s VDI offers the perfect blend of performance, security, and affordability—start your free trial and experience it firsthand.
Conclusion
VDI is a smart and affordable choice for businesses that want flexible and efficient work setups. Choosing the best VDI software offers many benefits, allowing employees to access their work from anywhere on any device securely. It also provides strong security with Built-in features like data backups and disaster recovery to protect networks and data from cyber threats.
Additionally, VDI reduces energy and operating costs, making IT management easier. Book a free consultation or start your free trial today for a live virtual desktop experience.
