Wednesday, December 11, 2024

7 Finest Free VDI Software program Options for 2024

Is managing a geographically dispersed crew slowing you down?  

The post-COVID remote-friendly surroundings has made “work from wherever” the brand new regular. Expertise like digital desktop infrastructure (VDI) instruments present safe and centralized entry to workers 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 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 listing showcases the highest contenders within the free VDI house, highlighting their options, professionals and cons, and trustworthy opinions from G2 customers. Let’s dig in!

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 primarily based on genuine consumer opinions. Our market analysis analysts and writers spend weeks testing options in opposition to 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 trade hyperlinks for product placements on this listing. Please learn our G2 Analysis Scoring Methodology for extra particulars.

Prime 7 finest free VDI software program of 2024

The listing under accommodates actual consumer opinions from the very best free VDI class web page. It’s vital to notice that within the context of this listing, 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 wherever and anytime.
  • Help system portability to allow entry to the desktop from a number of gadgets comparable to mobiles, laptops, and tablets
  • Guarantee end-to-end safety and regulatory compliance 

*This knowledge was pulled from G2 in July 2024. Some opinions 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 strong options, Nerdio Supervisor is praised essentially the most for its ease of use and effectivity.

The platform gives 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
Simple to make use of and intuitive platform Has a studying curve, particularly for customers unfamiliar with Azure
Simplifies endpoint safety by way of Microsoft Intune integrations The additional interface layer can complicate already advanced processes
What customers like finest:

“What I like most about Nerdio is I can shortly spin up a complete AVD occasion in just some 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 you must undergo. This additionally lets you give much less skilled technicians the flexibility to assist with AVD-related points, because the easier interface and approval processes Nerdio has made it simple for anybody to get into. They’re additionally including new options on a regular basis that hold impressing.”

Nerdio Supervisor Assessment, 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 instances. 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 could be each a boon and a detriment. When the scripts fail, they fail in a spectacular style, and it may be tough to discern precisely why. We largely use them to put in our RMM instrument after which run different scripts by way of our RMM for extra reliability. It will also be tough at instances to make sense of their restricted KB database when studying easy methods to handle the instrument.”

Nerdio Supervisor Assessment, Robert C.

2. Kasm Workspaces

Kasm Workspaces is a digital desktop infrastructure, distant utility server, and browser isolation answer that makes use of a contemporary, scalable, and resilient design to supply a web-based distant desktop/utility 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 could 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 by way of remoted cloud containers The free tier could be considerably restrictive in comparison with paid options
Helps numerous working programs 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 programs, the instrument is just not as developed for Home windows
What customers like finest:

“The volatility of this platform is a giant benefit! You possibly can have your private desktop in all places you go so long as you’ve gotten a pc with web. You can too run instruments that you could be not need to set up instantly in your pc or that aren’t actually appropriate (when you’re utilizing macOS, for instance), and the truth that the desktop periods are throwable and momentary 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 needn’t fear about something or have to put in it each time.”

Kasm Workspaces Assessment, Matisse A.

What customers dislike:

“I would like to see them enhance their library of obtainable “Kasms” to incorporate extra functions. They’ve accomplished a pleasant job in increasing the obtainable functions throughout the Deluxe Desktop Kasm, however I would like to see extra “remoted” functions if possible. I can perceive that this takes time.”

Kasm Workspaces Assessment, Jim B.

3. Cameyo

Cameyo is a cloud-hosted VDI platform that makes it simple for companies to host desktop functions with out worrying in regards to the underlying infrastructure. The platform supplies a totally managed digital workspace, which allows organizations to ship Home windows and inner net functions to any system. 

The free trial gives entry to most paid options, permitting customers to guage the total capabilities of the software program.

Professionals of Cameyo

Cons of Cameyo

Integrates effectively with environments like ChromeOS and Google Workspace Options like offline entry could require particular configurations
Safe entry with robust safety features, together with zero belief Doesn’t present entry to a full desktop surroundings
Flexibility to run on any cloud platform or on-premises Functions could should be restarted after breaks
What customers like finest:

“Cameyo has shortly helped us ship Home windows functions to our fleet of Chromebooks utilizing Progressive Net Software (PWA) know-how. It integrates effectively with Google Workspace and Google Teams for provisioning customers. From the consumer facet, we selected to push icons to each Chromebooks and Home windows desktops, however you may also distribute URLs or configure an utility portal. The help people are fast to reply and versatile, too.”

Cameyo Assessment, Scott Lawrence L.

What customers dislike:

“There’s slight enter and visible delay. It’s unrealistic to count on 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 data for his or her all-cloud answer.”

Cameyo Assessment, 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 world observability capabilities to supply companies with real-time, actionable alerts. Customers can even use built-in end-user surveys to gauge consumer satisfaction. 

New customers can check out all of the options of the enterprise desktop cloud answer utilizing the free trial.

Professionals of Workspot

Cons of Workspot

The cloud-native strategy supplies 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 Help requires guide logs when connection points come up
What customers like finest:

“With a small IT workers, we had 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 palms 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 Assessment, Tim J.

What customers dislike:

“There are at the moment some rare graphic errors on the GPU facet utilizing the AMD GPU, however like most newer cloud options, it’ll get resolved, and its efficiency will enhance with time and adoption.”

Workspot Assessment, Brian W.

5. 10ZiG Supervisor Skinny & Zero Consumer Administration Software program

10ZiG Supervisor Skinny & Zero Consumer 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 internationally – no matter the place that individual admin is positioned. A few of its options embrace cloud enablement, energy administration, activity scheduling, automated configuration, distributed firmware versioning, role-based entry, reporting, and shadowing.

The software program is included without charge with the acquisition of 10ZiG Skinny/Zero Consumer gadgets. It supplies limitless consumer licenses, permitting you to handle your endpoint gadgets with out extra fees.

Professionals of 10ZiG Supervisor

Cons of 10ZiG Supervisor

Person-friendly interface and easy setup course of, each on-premise and cloud-based. Absolutely depending on excessive community power for optimum efficiency
Easy set up and minimal configuration wanted The first focus is on {hardware}, which can require extra funding
Permits simple cloud and distant administration The GUI can profit from trendy updates
What customers like finest:

“Now we have over 100 of those models, 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 without end simply to get them to acknowledge. We love these models. They’re simple to configure, very steady, and simply work. The most effective characteristic is the flexibility to arrange templates. I can configure 10 models in about an hour, and since our configurations are so difficult, it requires touching each. That’s tremendous quick. Our previous models took about an hour every. Pushing out updates is easy and handy.”

10ZiG Supervisor Assessment, Thomas A.

What customers dislike:

“The product is nice, however the guide may very well be a bit of clearer in explaining the administration choices for various shopper varieties.”

10ZiG Supervisor Assessment, 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 answer: by way of the free demo video, free in-house demo platform, and by organising OVD enterprise by filling out the free trial type.

Professionals of Inuvika OVD Enterprise

Cons of Inuvika OVD Enterprise

Centered on utility supply, providing value financial savings in comparison with conventional VDI Could not present all of the options wanted for full desktop environments
Extensive compatibility with numerous working programs and gadgets Preliminary setup and configuration could 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 finest:

“The most effective factor about OVD is that we will use Linux and Home windows functions facet by facet. Now we have been utilizing OVD for a few years since they had been a startup firm. Inuvika has been very supportive of the platform, and now we have labored effectively collectively all through our time. I can say that it’s a very purposeful system for our finish customers.”

Inuvika OVD Enterprise Assessment, Cranstin M.

What customers dislike:

“The one criticism I’ve about OVD is the administration interface can really feel a bit of “dated” and all over at first. Nonetheless, upon getting develop into conversant in it, you shortly neglect about this, and you’ll concentrate on streaming your apps to finish customers.”

Inuvika OVD Enterprise Assessment, Marius V.

7. Stratodesk NoTouch

Stratodesk NoTouch is a number one answer designed for VDI and cloud workspaces. It converts PCs, skinny purchasers, laptops, and different gadgets into safe VDI endpoints, offering a strong and streamlined surroundings for digital desktop deployments. Organizations can use this instrument to maximise their current {hardware} investments and improve the safety and administration of their digital desktop infrastructure.

The 30-day free trial supplies entry to check out and create a productive and trendy digital workspace.

Professionals of Stratodesk NoTouch

Cons of Stratodesk NoTouch

Appropriate with a variety of gadgets and VDI platforms Could require some technical experience for optimum deployment and administration
May be cost-effective by repurposing current {hardware} May have extra customization to suit particular necessities
Incorporates centralized administration capabilities for streamlined administration Depends on current infrastructure and third-party integrations
What customers like finest:

“It’s simple to handle, deploy, and replace our endpoints from a central location. The software program is straightforward to configure and supplies a number of flexibility by way of customization.”

Stratodesk NoTouch Assessment, Jai P.

What customers dislike:

“The steps to replace gadgets are very cumbersome and tough to handle totally different OS variations. arduous to grasp which variations are good, and making use of the model updates might result in totally different points with the shopper. It could be nice to speak to somebody when needing help, e mail solely, and as much as a 3-day reply window would not work when you’ve gotten the purchasers in a manufacturing surroundings.”

Stratodesk NoTouch Assessment, Patrick W.

Click to chat with G2s Monty-AI-2

Comparability of the very best free VDI software program

Should you really feel overwhelmed by the wealth of details about free VDI options, this comparability desk will allow you to with all of the vital points:

Software program title G2 ranking Free plan Paid plan
Nerdio Supervisor 4.7/5 Free trial obtainable Beginning at $6/consumer/month
Kasm Workspaces 4.7/5 Free neighborhood version for restricted customers Beginning at $5/consumer/month
Cameyo 4.8/5 Free trial obtainable Pricing is accessible on request
Workspot – Enterprise Desktop Cloud 4.8/5 Free trial obtainable Pricing is accessible on request
10ZiG Supervisor Skinny & Zero Consumer Administration Software program 4.7/5 Free plan obtainable with  10ZiG gadgets Pricing is accessible on request
Inuvika OVD Enterprise 4.7/5 Free trial obtainable with restricted options Beginning at $9.50/consumer/month
Stratodesk NoTouch 4.4/5 30-day free trial obtainable Pricing is accessible on request

Ceaselessly 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, contemplate options comparable to safety, ease of deployment, compatibility with numerous working programs, consumer administration capabilities, scalability, and obtainable help assets.

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. Nonetheless, they could have limitations by way of scalability, efficiency, and help in comparison with paid variations.

Q. What are a number 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.

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}, extra safety measures, IT workers time, and potential upgrades.

Most productiveness from wherever

Whenever you need to be sure that your distant workers can entry their desktop, laptop computer, and all the crucial functions, a digital desktop infrastructure is the best way to go. And with all of those free software program options, you may reap the benefits of this contemporary luxurious in a means that matches inside your funds.

We hope this listing of the very best free VDI instruments takes you one step nearer to discovering the correct answer!

Get the very best identification and entry administration (IAM) software program to successfully handle consumer identities and management entry to your VDI assets.


This text was initially printed in 2020. It has been up to date with new data.


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