Is managing a geographically dispersed crew slowing you down?
The post-COVID remote-friendly setting has made “work from anyplace” the brand new regular. Expertise like digital desktop infrastructure (VDI) instruments present safe and centralized entry to staff from any location. Nevertheless, the price of conventional VDI options poses a big hurdle for a lot of organizations.
Till now.
We now have compiled an inventory of the perfect free VDI software program options that provide dynamic options, sturdy safety, and ease of deployment—all and not using a 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 record showcases the highest contenders within the free VDI area, highlighting their options, professionals and cons, and trustworthy critiques from G2 customers. Let’s dig in!
7 greatest free VDI software program in 2024
-
Nerdio Supervisor
-
Kasm Workspaces
-
Cameyo
-
Workspot – Enterprise Desktop Cloud
-
10ZiG Supervisor Skinny & Zero Shopper Administration Software program
-
Inuvika OVD Enterprise
-
Stratodesk NoTouch
How did we choose and consider the perfect free VDI software program?
At G2, we rank software program options utilizing a proprietary algorithm that considers buyer satisfaction and market presence primarily based on genuine person critiques. Our market analysis analysts and writers spend weeks testing options towards a number of standards set for a software program class. We offer you unbiased software program evaluations; that is the G2 distinction! We didn’t settle for fee or change hyperlinks for product placements on this record. Please learn our G2 Analysis Scoring Methodology for extra particulars.
Prime 7 greatest free VDI software program of 2024
The record under comprises actual person critiques from the perfect free VDI class web page. It’s vital to notice that within the context of this record, distributors providing a free trial are additionally thought-about free. To be included on this class, an answer should:
- Supply a digital desktop that customers can entry remotely anyplace and anytime.
- Assist system portability to allow entry to the desktop from a number of gadgets akin to mobiles, laptops, and tablets
- Guarantee end-to-end safety and regulatory compliance
*This knowledge was pulled from G2 in July 2024. Some critiques could 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 full of sturdy 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.
Execs of Nerdio Supervisor |
Cons of Nerdio Supervisor |
Highly effective automation options for scheduling and job 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 by means of Microsoft Intune integrations | The additional interface layer can complicate already advanced processes |
What customers like greatest:
“What I like most about Nerdio is I can shortly spin up a whole 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 if you’re an Azure Portal skilled, because it reduces the quantity of menus it’s a must to undergo. This additionally allows you to give much less skilled technicians the flexibility 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 hold impressing.”
– Nerdio Supervisor Overview, 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 may be each a boon and a detriment. When the scripts fail, they fail in a spectacular trend, and it may be tough to discern precisely why. We principally use them to put in our RMM device after which run different scripts by means of our RMM for extra reliability. It can be tough at occasions to make sense of their restricted KB database when studying the right way to handle the device.”
– Nerdio Supervisor Overview, 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 offer a web-based distant desktop/software setting 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 may be deployed on-premise, within the cloud, or in a hybrid configuration. The neighborhood version is free for trial, private, and non-profit use.
Execs of Kasm Workspaces |
Cons of Kasm Workspaces |
Presents excessive safety by means of remoted cloud containers | The free tier may be considerably restrictive in comparison with paid options |
Helps varied working methods like Home windows, macOS, and Linux | The preliminary setup has a studying curve, particularly with advanced community topologies |
Gives fast deployment of digital desktops and functions | Regardless of the help for all working methods, the device isn’t as developed for Home windows |
What customers like greatest:
“The volatility of this platform is an enormous benefit! You’ll be able to have your private desktop all over the place you go so long as you have got a pc with web. You may as well run instruments that you could be not wish to set up instantly in your pc or that aren’t actually appropriate (if you find yourself utilizing macOS, for instance), and the truth that the desktop periods are throwable and momentary makes it actually safe and the perfect working place for a cybersecurity engineer! I particularly like to run Kali Linux on Kasm Workspace as you needn’t fear about something or have to put in it each time.”
– Kasm Workspaces Overview, Matisse A.
What customers dislike:
“I would like to see them enhance their library of accessible “Kasms” to incorporate further functions. They’ve executed a pleasant job in increasing the out there functions inside the Deluxe Desktop Kasm, however I would like to see further “remoted” functions if possible. I can perceive that this takes time.”
– Kasm Workspaces Overview, Jim B.
3. Cameyo
Cameyo is a cloud-hosted VDI platform that makes it straightforward for companies to host desktop functions with out worrying concerning the underlying infrastructure. The platform gives a completely managed digital workspace, which allows organizations to ship Home windows and inside net functions to any system.
The free trial provides entry to most paid options, permitting customers to judge the complete capabilities of the software program.
Execs of Cameyo |
Cons of Cameyo |
Integrates properly with environments like ChromeOS and Google Workspace | Options like offline entry could require particular configurations |
Safe entry with sturdy security measures, together with zero belief | Doesn’t present entry to a full desktop setting |
Flexibility to run on any cloud platform or on-premises | Purposes could should be restarted after breaks |
What customers like greatest:
“Cameyo has shortly helped us ship Home windows functions to our fleet of Chromebooks utilizing Progressive Internet Utility (PWA) know-how. It integrates properly 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 it’s also possible to distribute URLs or configure an software portal. The help of us are fast to reply and versatile, too.”
– Cameyo Overview, Scott Lawrence L.
What customers dislike:
“There’s 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’d additionally prefer to see extra utilization info for his or her all-cloud resolution.”
– Cameyo Overview, Jacob A.
4. Workspot – Enterprise Desktop Cloud
Workspot – Enterprise Desktop Cloud is an enterprise VDI platform that helps organizations deploy digital functions and desktops throughout a number of clouds and cloud areas. The platform additionally options international observability capabilities to offer companies with real-time, actionable alerts. Customers may also 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.
Execs of Workspot |
Cons of Workspot |
The cloud-native method gives excessive efficiency and scalability | Primarily designed for cloud environments, which isn’t appropriate for all use instances |
Sturdy 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 workers, we have been struggling to maintain up with the calls for of finish customers’ day-to-day duties and handle our VDI setting. 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 help with out including workers.”
– Workspot Overview, 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’s going to get resolved, and its efficiency will enhance with time and adoption.”
– Workspot Overview, 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 system software program and {hardware}. IT Directors can simply configure, deploy, and handle giant volumes of VDI endpoints positioned in a number of cities the world over – no matter the place that individual admin is positioned. A few of its options embody cloud enablement, energy administration, job scheduling, computerized configuration, distributed firmware versioning, role-based entry, reporting, and shadowing.
The software program is included for free of charge with the acquisition of 10ZiG Skinny/Zero Shopper gadgets. It gives limitless person licenses, permitting you to handle your endpoint gadgets with out further fees.
Execs of 10ZiG Supervisor |
Cons of 10ZiG Supervisor |
Consumer-friendly interface and easy setup course of, each on-premise and cloud-based. | Absolutely depending on excessive community energy 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 fashionable updates |
What customers like greatest:
“We now have over 100 of those items, and we could not do enterprise with out some type of administration console. The 10Zig console simply works. Little or no configuration, and we’re up and working. With different merchandise, we fiddle eternally simply to get them to acknowledge. We love these items. They’re straightforward to configure, very secure, and simply work. The very best characteristic is the flexibility 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 previous items took about an hour every. Pushing out updates is easy and handy.”
– 10ZiG Supervisor Overview, Thomas A.
What customers dislike:
“The product is nice, however the guide could possibly be a little bit clearer in explaining the administration choices for various shopper varieties.”
– 10ZiG Supervisor Overview, David G.
6. Inuvika OVD Enterprise
Inuvika OVD Enterprise is a digital workspace platform for companies seeking 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: by means of the free demo video, free in-house demo platform, and by organising OVD enterprise by filling out the free trial kind.
Execs of Inuvika OVD Enterprise |
Cons of Inuvika OVD Enterprise |
Targeted on software supply, providing value financial savings in comparison with conventional VDI | Might not present all of the options wanted for full desktop environments |
Extensive compatibility with varied working methods and gadgets | Preliminary setup and configuration could require technical experience |
Sturdy safety measures to make sure knowledge safety and safe entry | Might require preliminary investments in infrastructure for bigger deployments |
What customers like greatest:
“The very best factor about OVD is that we will use Linux and Home windows functions aspect by aspect. We now 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 got labored properly collectively all through our time. I can say that it’s a very useful system for our finish customers.”
– Inuvika OVD Enterprise Overview, Cranstin M.
What customers dislike:
“The one grievance I’ve about OVD is the administration interface can really feel a little bit “dated” and everywhere at first. Nevertheless, after you have develop into aware of it, you shortly neglect about this, and you’ll give attention to streaming your apps to finish customers.”
– Inuvika OVD Enterprise Overview, 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 gadgets into safe VDI endpoints, offering a strong and streamlined setting for digital desktop deployments. Organizations can use this device to maximise their current {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 fashionable digital workspace.
Execs of Stratodesk NoTouch |
Cons of Stratodesk NoTouch |
Appropriate with a variety of gadgets and VDI platforms | Might require some technical experience for optimum deployment and administration |
Could be cost-effective by repurposing current {hardware} | May have further customization to suit particular necessities |
Comprises centralized administration capabilities for streamlined administration | Depends on current 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 straightforward to configure and gives a number of flexibility when it comes to customization.”
– Stratodesk NoTouch Overview, Jai P.
What customers dislike:
“The steps to replace gadgets are very cumbersome and tough to handle totally different OS variations. onerous to know which variations are good, and making use of the model updates may result in totally different points with the shopper. It might be nice to speak to somebody when needing help, e-mail solely, and as much as a 3-day reply window does not work when you have got the purchasers in a manufacturing setting.”
– Stratodesk NoTouch Overview, Patrick W.
Comparability of the perfect free VDI software program
If you happen to really feel overwhelmed by the wealth of details about free VDI options, this comparability desk will enable you with all of the vital elements:
Software program title | G2 score | Free plan | Paid plan |
Nerdio Supervisor | 4.7/5 | Free trial out there | 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 out there | Pricing is obtainable on request |
Workspot – Enterprise Desktop Cloud | 4.8/5 | Free trial out there | Pricing is obtainable on request |
10ZiG Supervisor Skinny & Zero Shopper Administration Software program | 4.7/5 | Free plan out there with 10ZiG gadgets | Pricing is obtainable on request |
Inuvika OVD Enterprise | 4.7/5 | Free trial out there with restricted options | Beginning at $9.50/person/month |
Stratodesk NoTouch | 4.4/5 | 30-day free trial out there | Pricing is obtainable on request |
Often requested questions on free VDI software program
Have extra questions? Discover your solutions under!
Q. What are the important thing options to search for in free VDI software program?
When evaluating free VDI software program, think about options akin to safety, ease of deployment, compatibility with varied working methods, person administration capabilities, scalability, and out there help sources.
Q. Can free VDI software program help distant work for small to medium-sized companies?
Sure, many free VDI options can help distant work for small to medium-sized companies. Nevertheless, they could have limitations when it comes to scalability, efficiency, and help in comparison with paid variations.
Q. What are a few of the challenges of utilizing free VDI software program?
Free VDI options could face challenges like restricted scalability, fewer options, potential efficiency points, lack of devoted help, and attainable compatibility points with current 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 does not meet all of your wants, you could incur prices for {hardware}, further safety measures, IT workers time, and potential upgrades.
Most productiveness from anyplace
While you wish to be certain that your distant staff can entry their desktop, laptop computer, and all the needed functions, a digital desktop infrastructure is the way in which to go. And with all of those free software program options, you may make the most of this contemporary luxurious in a manner that matches inside your finances.
We hope this record of the perfect free VDI instruments takes you one step nearer to discovering the fitting resolution!
Get the perfect id 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.