Is managing a geographically dispersed crew slowing you down?
The post-COVID remote-friendly surroundings has made “work from anyplace” the brand new regular. Know-how like digital desktop infrastructure (VDI) instruments present safe and centralized entry to staff from any location. Nonetheless, the price of conventional VDI options poses a big hurdle for a lot of organizations.
Till now.
Now we have compiled an inventory of the very best free VDI software program options that provide dynamic options, strong safety, and ease of deployment—all with no hefty price ticket. Whether or not you are a remote-first firm, a BYOD skilled, or a cost-conscious IT head supervising specialised workflows, there’s an answer that matches your wants.
This checklist showcases the highest contenders within the free VDI area, highlighting their options, execs and cons, and sincere evaluations from G2 customers. Let’s dig in!
7 greatest free VDI software program in 2024
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Nerdio Supervisor
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Kasm Workspaces
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Cameyo
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Workspot – Enterprise Desktop Cloud
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10ZiG Supervisor Skinny & Zero Shopper Administration Software program
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Inuvika OVD Enterprise
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Stratodesk NoTouch
How did we choose and consider the very best free VDI software program?
At G2, we rank software program options utilizing a proprietary algorithm that considers buyer satisfaction and market presence based mostly on genuine person evaluations. Our market analysis analysts and writers spend weeks testing options towards a number of standards set for a software program class. We provide you with unbiased software program evaluations; that is the G2 distinction! We didn’t settle for cost or change hyperlinks for product placements on this checklist. Please learn our G2 Analysis Scoring Methodology for extra particulars.
High 7 greatest free VDI software program of 2024
The checklist beneath comprises actual person evaluations from the very best free VDI class web page. It’s necessary to notice that within the context of this checklist, distributors providing a free trial are additionally thought of free. To be included on this class, an answer should:
- Supply a digital desktop that customers can entry remotely anyplace and anytime.
- Assist machine portability to allow entry to the desktop from a number of units similar to mobiles, laptops, and tablets
- Guarantee end-to-end safety and regulatory compliance
*This knowledge was pulled from G2 in July 2024. Some evaluations might have been edited for readability.
1. Nerdio Supervisor
Nerdio Supervisor empowers IT professionals to simply deploy, handle, and cost-optimize native Microsoft Cloud applied sciences. This platform stands out as a result of it runs in customers’ personal tenants with out compromising safety and compliance. Whereas it’s filled with strong options, Nerdio Supervisor is praised essentially the most for its ease of use and effectivity.
The platform provides a free trial to new customers, permitting full entry to its paid options.
Professionals of Nerdio Supervisor |
Cons of Nerdio Supervisor |
| Highly effective automation options for scheduling and activity administration | The paid model could also be costly in comparison with market costs |
| Straightforward to make use of and intuitive platform | Has a studying curve, particularly for customers unfamiliar with Azure |
| Simplifies endpoint safety via Microsoft Intune integrations | The additional interface layer can complicate already complicated processes |
What customers like greatest:
“What I like most about Nerdio is I can shortly spin up a complete AVD occasion in only a few clicks, and Nerdio takes care of the busy be just right for you. It’s nice for managing it even in case you are an Azure Portal professional, because it reduces the quantity of menus it’s a must to undergo. This additionally allows you to give much less skilled technicians the power to assist with AVD-related points, because the less complicated interface and approval processes Nerdio has made it straightforward for anybody to get into. They’re additionally including new options on a regular basis that preserve impressing.”
– Nerdio Supervisor Evaluation, Zachary H.
What customers dislike:
“Nerdio provides an additional interface layer to an already difficult course of that may be annoying to work with at occasions. There are some issues that Nerdio can’t try this require you to nonetheless undergo Azure to perform, which retains it from being a one-stop AVD store. The aforementioned script library might be each a boon and a detriment. When the scripts fail, they fail in a spectacular style, and it may be troublesome to discern precisely why. We largely use them to put in our RMM software after which run different scripts via our RMM for extra reliability. It will also be troublesome at occasions to make sense of their restricted KB database when studying handle the software.”
– Nerdio Supervisor Evaluation, Robert C.
2. Kasm Workspaces
Kasm Workspaces is a digital desktop infrastructure, distant software server, and browser isolation resolution that makes use of a contemporary, scalable, and resilient design to supply a web-based distant desktop/software surroundings simply. Customers can deploy Kasm Workspaces on a single server in minutes with just one command or in a distributed configuration for scalability and redundancy.
Kasm Workspaces might be deployed on-premise, within the cloud, or in a hybrid configuration. The neighborhood version is free for trial, private, and non-profit use.
Professionals of Kasm Workspaces |
Cons of Kasm Workspaces |
| Presents excessive safety via remoted cloud containers | The free tier might be considerably restrictive in comparison with paid options |
| Helps numerous working techniques like Home windows, macOS, and Linux | The preliminary setup has a studying curve, particularly with complicated community topologies |
| Gives fast deployment of digital desktops and purposes | Regardless of the assist for all working techniques, the software just isn’t as developed for Home windows |
What customers like greatest:
“The volatility of this platform is an enormous benefit! You may have your private desktop all over the place you go so long as you will have a pc with web. You can even run instruments that you could be not need to set up straight in your pc or that aren’t actually appropriate (if you end up utilizing macOS, for instance), and the truth that the desktop periods are throwable and short-term makes it actually safe and the very best working place for a cybersecurity engineer! I particularly like to run Kali Linux on Kasm Workspace as you need not fear about something or have to put in it each time.”
– Kasm Workspaces Evaluation, Matisse A.
What customers dislike:
“I would like to see them improve their library of obtainable “Kasms” to incorporate further purposes. They’ve finished a pleasant job in increasing the accessible purposes inside the Deluxe Desktop Kasm, however I would like to see further “remoted” purposes if possible. I can perceive that this takes time.”
– Kasm Workspaces Evaluation, Jim B.
3. Cameyo
Cameyo is a cloud-hosted VDI platform that makes it straightforward for companies to host desktop purposes with out worrying concerning the underlying infrastructure. The platform gives a totally managed digital workspace, which allows organizations to ship Home windows and inner net purposes to any machine.
The free trial provides entry to most paid options, permitting customers to judge the complete capabilities of the software program.
Professionals of Cameyo |
Cons of Cameyo |
| Integrates nicely with environments like ChromeOS and Google Workspace | Options like offline entry might require particular configurations |
| Safe entry with robust security measures, together with zero belief | Doesn’t present entry to a full desktop surroundings |
| Flexibility to run on any cloud platform or on-premises | Purposes might must be restarted after breaks |
What customers like greatest:
“Cameyo has shortly helped us ship Home windows purposes to our fleet of Chromebooks utilizing Progressive Net Utility (PWA) expertise. It integrates nicely with Google Workspace and Google Teams for provisioning customers. From the person aspect, we selected to push icons to each Chromebooks and Home windows desktops, however you may as well distribute URLs or configure an software portal. The assist of us are fast to reply and versatile, too.”
– Cameyo Evaluation, Scott Lawrence L.
What customers dislike:
“There may be slight enter and visible delay. It’s unrealistic to anticipate the expertise to be the identical as sitting at your personal devoted pc, however the delay remains to be there. I might additionally prefer to see extra utilization info for his or her all-cloud resolution.”
– Cameyo Evaluation, Jacob A.
4. Workspot – Enterprise Desktop Cloud
Workspot – Enterprise Desktop Cloud is an enterprise VDI platform that helps organizations deploy digital purposes and desktops throughout a number of clouds and cloud areas. The platform additionally options world observability capabilities to supply companies with real-time, actionable alerts. Customers can even use built-in end-user surveys to gauge person satisfaction.
New customers can check out all of the options of the enterprise desktop cloud resolution utilizing the free trial.
Professionals of Workspot |
Cons of Workspot |
| The cloud-native strategy gives excessive efficiency and scalability | Primarily designed for cloud environments, which isn’t appropriate for all use circumstances |
| Robust emphasis on safety and compliance | Restricted {hardware} specs can be found |
| Quick deployment with minimal IT intervention | Assist requires guide logs when connection points come up |
What customers like greatest:
“With a small IT employees, we have been struggling to maintain up with the calls for of finish customers’ day-to-day duties and handle our VDI surroundings. Workspot has taken the VDI load off our fingers and has made it a easy course of to spin up new customers. This has allowed our division to focus extra and supply higher assist with out including employees.”
– Workspot Evaluation, Tim J.
What customers dislike:
“There are at the moment some rare graphic errors on the GPU aspect utilizing the AMD GPU, however like most newer cloud options, it is going to get resolved, and its efficiency will enhance with time and adoption.”
– Workspot Evaluation, Brian W.
5. 10ZiG Supervisor Skinny & Zero Shopper Administration Software program
10ZiG Supervisor Skinny & Zero Shopper Administration Software program is a world-market chief in VDI endpoint machine software program and {hardware}. IT Directors can simply configure, deploy, and handle giant volumes of VDI endpoints situated in a number of cities internationally – no matter the place that individual admin is situated. A few of its options embody cloud enablement, energy administration, activity scheduling, automated configuration, distributed firmware versioning, role-based entry, reporting, and shadowing.
The software program is included for gratis with the acquisition of 10ZiG Skinny/Zero Shopper units. It gives limitless person licenses, permitting you to handle your endpoint units with out further prices.
Professionals of 10ZiG Supervisor |
Cons of 10ZiG Supervisor |
| Person-friendly interface and easy setup course of, each on-premise and cloud-based. | Totally depending on excessive community power for optimum efficiency |
| Easy set up and minimal configuration wanted | The first focus is on {hardware}, which can require further funding |
| Permits straightforward cloud and distant administration | The GUI can profit from trendy updates |
What customers like greatest:
“Now we have over 100 of those items, and we could not do enterprise with out some kind of administration console. The 10Zig console simply works. Little or no configuration, and we’re up and operating. With different merchandise, we fiddle endlessly simply to get them to acknowledge. We love these items. They’re straightforward to configure, very secure, and simply work. The perfect characteristic is the power to arrange templates. I can configure 10 items in about an hour, and since our configurations are so difficult, it requires touching every one. That’s tremendous quick. Our outdated items took about an hour every. Pushing out updates is easy and handy.”
– 10ZiG Supervisor Evaluation, Thomas A.
What customers dislike:
“The product is nice, however the guide could possibly be just a little clearer in explaining the administration choices for various consumer varieties.”
– 10ZiG Supervisor Evaluation, David G.
6. Inuvika OVD Enterprise
Inuvika OVD Enterprise is a digital workspace platform for companies trying to ship Home windows and Linux apps in addition to shared desktops. The platform helps cloud, on-premise, and private and non-private cloud deployment. The software program options an easy-to-use net admin console and integrates with main enterprise options.
There are 3 ways to check out this resolution: via the free demo video, free in-house demo platform, and by establishing OVD enterprise by filling out the free trial kind.
Professionals of Inuvika OVD Enterprise |
Cons of Inuvika OVD Enterprise |
| Targeted on software supply, providing price financial savings in comparison with conventional VDI | Could not present all of the options wanted for full desktop environments |
| Broad compatibility with numerous working techniques and units | Preliminary setup and configuration might require technical experience |
| Robust safety measures to make sure knowledge safety and safe entry | Could require preliminary investments in infrastructure for bigger deployments |
What customers like greatest:
“The perfect factor about OVD is that we will use Linux and Home windows purposes aspect by aspect. Now we have been utilizing OVD for a few years since they have been a startup firm. Inuvika has been very supportive of the platform, and we’ve labored nicely collectively all through our time. I can say that it’s a very purposeful system for our finish customers.”
– Inuvika OVD Enterprise Evaluation, Cranstin M.
What customers dislike:
“The one criticism I’ve about OVD is the administration interface can really feel just a little “dated” and far and wide at first. Nonetheless, after getting turn out to be aware of it, you shortly neglect about this, and you’ll give attention to streaming your apps to finish customers.”
– Inuvika OVD Enterprise Evaluation, Marius V.
7. Stratodesk NoTouch
Stratodesk NoTouch is a number one resolution designed for VDI and cloud workspaces. It converts PCs, skinny purchasers, laptops, and different units into safe VDI endpoints, offering a strong and streamlined surroundings for digital desktop deployments. Organizations can use this software to maximise their present {hardware} investments and improve the safety and administration of their digital desktop infrastructure.
The 30-day free trial gives entry to check out and create a productive and trendy digital workspace.
Professionals of Stratodesk NoTouch |
Cons of Stratodesk NoTouch |
| Suitable with a variety of units and VDI platforms | Could require some technical experience for optimum deployment and administration |
| Could be cost-effective by repurposing present {hardware} | Might have further customization to suit particular necessities |
| Comprises centralized administration capabilities for streamlined administration | Depends on present infrastructure and third-party integrations |
What customers like greatest:
“It’s straightforward to handle, deploy, and replace our endpoints from a central location. The software program is simple to configure and gives numerous flexibility when it comes to customization.”
– Stratodesk NoTouch Evaluation, Jai P.
What customers dislike:
“The steps to replace units are very cumbersome and troublesome to handle totally different OS variations. arduous to know which variations are good, and making use of the model updates might result in totally different points with the consumer. It will be nice to speak to somebody when needing help, electronic mail solely, and as much as a 3-day reply window would not work when you will have the purchasers in a manufacturing surroundings.”
– Stratodesk NoTouch Evaluation, Patrick W.
Comparability of the very best free VDI software program
For those who really feel overwhelmed by the wealth of details about free VDI options, this comparability desk will enable you to with all of the necessary facets:
| Software program identify | G2 score | Free plan | Paid plan |
| Nerdio Supervisor | 4.7/5 | Free trial accessible | Beginning at $6/person/month |
| Kasm Workspaces | 4.7/5 | Free neighborhood version for restricted customers | Beginning at $5/person/month |
| Cameyo | 4.8/5 | Free trial accessible | Pricing is out there on request |
| Workspot – Enterprise Desktop Cloud | 4.8/5 | Free trial accessible | Pricing is out there on request |
| 10ZiG Supervisor Skinny & Zero Shopper Administration Software program | 4.7/5 | Free plan accessible with 10ZiG units | Pricing is out there on request |
| Inuvika OVD Enterprise | 4.7/5 | Free trial accessible with restricted options | Beginning at $9.50/person/month |
| Stratodesk NoTouch | 4.4/5 | 30-day free trial accessible | Pricing is out there on request |
Steadily requested questions on free VDI software program
Have extra questions? Discover your solutions beneath!
Q. What are the important thing options to search for in free VDI software program?
When evaluating free VDI software program, take into account options similar to safety, ease of deployment, compatibility with numerous working techniques, person administration capabilities, scalability, and accessible assist sources.
Q. Can free VDI software program assist distant work for small to medium-sized companies?
Sure, many free VDI options can assist distant work for small to medium-sized companies. Nonetheless, they could have limitations when it comes to scalability, efficiency, and assist in comparison with paid variations.
Q. What are a few of the challenges of utilizing free VDI software program?
Free VDI options might face challenges like restricted scalability, fewer options, potential efficiency points, lack of devoted assist, and potential compatibility points with present infrastructure.
Q. Are there any hidden prices related to free VDI software program?
Whereas the software program itself could also be free, if the free model would not meet all of your wants, chances are you’ll incur prices for {hardware}, further safety measures, IT employees time, and potential upgrades.
Most productiveness from anyplace
Once you need to be certain that your distant staff can entry their desktop, laptop computer, and the entire vital purposes, a digital desktop infrastructure is the best way to go. And with all of those free software program options, you’ll be able to benefit from this contemporary luxurious in a approach that matches inside your funds.
We hope this checklist of the very best free VDI instruments takes you one step nearer to discovering the appropriate resolution!
Get the very best identification and entry administration (IAM) software program to successfully handle person identities and management entry to your VDI sources.
This text was initially printed in 2020. It has been up to date with new info.
