The Best Cloud VDI Solutions

If managing desktops feels like a never-ending headache, cloud VDI might be the solution you need.

However, not all VDI solutions are built the same. Picking the wrong one can lead to slow performance, high costs, or even frustrating setup issues.

We did the homework for you. Need something secure? Scalable? Easy to manage? We’ve got you.

Here’s our list of the best cloud VDI solutions worth your time:

1. Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops An enterprise-grade VDI known for its high-performance delivery of demanding apps and hybrid deployments. It is trusted by large organizations for its scalability and deep integration with Microsoft environments.
2. Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Microsoft’s native VDI solution. It is deeply integrated with Microsoft 365 and Teams for a seamless user experience. Ideal for businesses already in the Microsoft ecosystem.
3. Amazon WorkSpaces A fully managed DaaS offering from AWS, optimized for secure remote work and high workloads. Backed by AWS’s global infrastructure and flexibility, it's great for scaling with pay-as-you-go pricing.
4. VMware Horizon Cloud (Omnissa) Hybrid-ready VDI platform with consistent performance across any device or environment. It is a standout for enterprises needing flexibility across on-prem, cloud, or multi-cloud.
5. Google Cloud Virtual Desktops: A modern, cloud-native VDI experience using Google Cloud’s speed. It is perfect for startups and AI-forward businesses, with flexible deployment through top VDI partners like Cameyo and Citrix.

Now, let’s jump in!

Introduction: What is a Cloud VDI Solution?

Cloud Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) lets you access your desktop from anywhere and with any device, including a laptop, tablet, or phone. With cloud-based VDI, your apps, files, and settings stay the same, so you can pick up where you left off without being tied to one device.

Businesses are catching on fast with this amazing solution. The cloud VDI market is set to grow from $9.6 billion in 2024 to $40.61 billion by 2033, as more companies move away from expensive hardware and time-consuming IT management.

With everything running in the cloud, your business can skip the constant desktop upgrades and let IT teams handle security, updates, and maintenance from a single platform. This is perfect for keeping systems secure and reducing downtime. In addition, cloud-based VDI is also ideal for making remote work smoother without the usual tech headaches.

Difference between On-Premises VDI vs. Cloud VDI

So, on-premises VDI or cloud VDI? What is the difference?

Both give you virtual desktops—but they play by different rules when it comes to cost, control, scaling, and upkeep. Here’s a quick side-by-side breakdown to help you pick the right fit for your team:

Aspect	On-Premises VDI	Cloud VDI
Deployment	Runs on company servers managed in-house	Hosted in the cloud, no hardware is needed
Cost	High upfront cost	Pay-as-you-go, lower startup cost
Scalability	Slow, needs new hardware	Scales up or down instantly
Control	Full control over settings and security	Limited control, managed by the provider
Security	Handled by internal IT team	Shared responsibility with the provider
Maintenance	IT team manages updates and fixes	Provider handles most maintenance

Benefits of Cloud-Based Virtual Desktops

Switching to cloud-based virtual desktops is a smart move that makes your work more secure and cost-effective.

Here’s why you should consider it:

• Keep your data safe without extra work Losing a laptop or getting hacked can be stressful. But with cloud-based desktops, your data stays in secure cloud storage instead of local devices. Even if your laptop is lost or stolen, your files remain protected. Cloud providers handle security and the usual updates, so you don’t have to worry about cyber threats.
• Save money and cut unnecessary costs Traditional desktops need expensive hardware and constant maintenance. Cloud-based desktops eliminate that hassle. You pay for what you use, which means lower costs and predictable spending. With cloud-based VDI, you won't waste money on machines that become outdated too quickly.
• Easily scale up or down based on your needs Your business will not always stay the same size. Sometimes you hire more people, sometimes you require fewer resources. Cloud desktops let you adjust instantly, so you never pay for what you don’t use.
• Work from anywhere without losing productivity You can log in from any device and pick up right where you left off. Whether you're working from home, traveling, or in a shared office, with a cloud VDI solution your setup stays the same. This makes remote work seamless and flexible.
• Let IT teams manage everything without disruptions IT teams spend hours updating software and fixing problems. Cloud desktops let them control everything remotely. They can perform updates, security patches, and troubleshooting faster. That means less downtime and more time to focus on the important work.

Why Businesses Need Cloud VDI Solutions?

Let’s face it—traditional desktops are a pain to manage. They’re clunky, expensive, and not built for how we work today. Nowadays, teams are spread out. Security threats are everywhere. And scaling up, also becomes quite challenging.

Cloud VDI moves your desktop environment to the cloud. Your team can log in from anywhere and from almost any device. Meanwhile, IT has more control and fewer fires to put out. So, cloud-based VDI is not just a tech upgrade, but a total game-changer for security, flexibility, and cost.

Here’s why businesses are making the switch:

• Built-in security: Data stays in the cloud, not on a laptop. If a device goes missing, your info stays safe. Encryption and access controls keep threats out.
• Easy for IT: Manage updates, users, and issues from one central dashboard. No more device-by-device chaos.
• Scales fast: Need to add users today? Go for it. Cloud VDI grows with you—no new hardware, no delays.
• Cuts costs: Skip the expensive machines. Use what you need, when you need it. No surprises, no waste.
• Works with your current setup. Already using Microsoft 365, Windows, Linux, or other security software? Cloud VDI fits right in—no overhaul required.

The Best Cloud VDI Solutions

1. Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops

If your company needs a scalable and secure VDI solution, Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops is a great choice. It’s built for large organizations that need centralized management and strong security.

Key Features:

• Customizable for any workflow: Citrix lets you tailor virtual desktops to match specific needs. This customization ensures seamless integration with existing applications and IT infrastructure.
• Handles large-scale deployments: Need to support thousands of users across different locations? With Citrix, you can scale up or down easily, so you only use the resources you need.
• Simplifies IT management: IT teams can manage desktops, deploy applications, and monitor system performance from a single control panel.
• Strong security without extra complexity: Citrix supports Active Directory, SAML, and other authentication methods. This helps you keep user access secure while making logins fast and hassle-free.

This cloud-based VDI solution is a great fit for large enterprises. It provides the flexibility to handle complex infrastructures easily. So, we recommend this solution if your IT team needs advanced customization and streamlined application management.

2. Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)

If your business already relies on Microsoft tools (like Microsoft 365 and Azure), Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is one of the best VDI options to consider. AVD is Microsoft’s cloud-native Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI). It is a cloud-based desktop and app virtualization service hosted on Microsoft Azure.

Key Features:

• Seamless integration and cost savings with AVD: AVD integrates smoothly with Microsoft 365, Teams, and Azure AD. If you already have Microsoft or Windows licenses, it can lower costs. It can also support multi-session Windows to maximize resources.
• Great performance with minimal lag: AVD provides a fast, smooth experience—even for remote teams using resource-heavy apps. It’s a reliable choice for performance-focused businesses.
• Scales with your needs: AVD is flexible. Add desktops quickly as your team grows, or scale down during slower periods to save on costs.
• Simplified management and scalability: AVD handles infrastructure like load balancing and gateways. With this feature, you can focus on user access and desktop images. Scaling is easy through the Azure Portal.

With AVD everything related to Microsoft integrates smoothly, which means less hassle for IT teams and a familiar experience for employees. To start with AVD, you can try an Azure Virtual Desktop Proof of Concept (POC) for up to 25 users. We recommend you to evaluate before large-scale rollout.

3. Amazon WorkSpaces

Amazon WorkSpaces is in reality a cloud-based Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) that provides secure, scalable virtual desktops. It enables remote access to applications and data from any device.

Key Features:

• Grows with your business: You can add or remove desktops anytime. Whether scaling up for new hires or cutting back during slower months. This flexibility helps control costs without overcommitting to hardware.
• Seamless AWS integration: Since WorkSpaces runs on AWS, it connects smoothly with services like Amazon S3, IAM, and CloudWatch. If your IT team already works with AWS, deployment and management will feel familiar.
• Secure and customizable: To keep your data safe, WorkSpaces supports features like IP restrictions, access controls, and third-party security tools. Businesses can also customize desktops with extra software to match their workflow.

This solution is an easy choice if your company is already using AWS services. It integrates smoothly with Amazon S3, IAM, and CloudWatch. With Amazon Workspaces, users are assigned virtual desktops (Windows or Linux) hosted in the AWS cloud. These desktops can be accessed on-demand. The desktops offer a familiar desktop experience with global accessibility.

Amazon WorkSpaces offers both monthly and hourly pricing. Basic configurations start at $25 per month, while high-performance setups can exceed $999/month. Hourly rates range from $0.22 to $11.62 per hour, depending on system specifications.

4. VMware Horizon Cloud (now Omnissa)

VMware Horizon Cloud (now under the Omnissa brand) is a cloud-based desktop-as-a-service (DaaS) solution. It enables your business to deliver, manage, and scale virtual desktops and applications from the cloud — or in hybrid and on-premises environments. One of the highlights is that it supports hybrid deployments. So, it allows you to scale resources without fully moving to the cloud. In addition, it offers strong disaster recovery capabilities.

Key Features:

• Run it anywhere. Horizon Cloud works on-prem, in the cloud, or both. It fits right into your setup—no need to rip and replace.
• Feels local, no matter where you are. Horizon Cloud delivers a desktop experience that’s fast and reliable. It works across laptops, tablets, and thin clients.
• Security that sticks. With built-in tools like role-based access, multi-factor authentication, and encryption, your data stays locked down. It’s security you can trust—especially when the rules are tight.
• Slimmed down, powered up. A lightweight, pod-less design (Horizon Edge) cuts down on hardware and maintenance. It’s built for automation and smart resource use—so you save on both CapEx and OpEx.

Just like a complete cloud-based VDI solution, Horizon Cloud lets you provide users with secure, personalized virtual desktops (Windows or Linux) and apps. These can be accessed from any device, anywhere, while centralizing IT control and reducing infrastructure complexity.

5. Google Cloud Virtual Desktops

Google Cloud Virtual Desktops is a cloud-based and AI-powered VDI solution. It helps your organization deliver secure, scalable, and cost-effective desktops and apps to users worldwide. However, instead of offering a native Google-built VDI product, Google Cloud provides an ecosystem of partner solutions. This approach supports a wide range of business needs.

Key Features:

• Fast, smooth, and built for speed: Google Cloud’s global network keeps desktops responsive. A Principled Technologies study found its n2-standard-16 instance outperformed AWS and Azure with multiple apps. If speed matters, it delivers.
• Smarter desktops with built-in AI: AI and machine learning are built in. Automate tasks, analyze data and make faster decisions—all from your virtual desktop.
• No full desktop? No problem: Why load a full Windows desktop if you don’t need it? Google Cloud lets users run just the apps they use. It’s simple, smart, and cost-effective.

Google Cloud Virtual Desktops is ideal for businesses already using Google’s AI-driven cloud tools. This is a strong option if your company requires fast, high-performance virtual desktops with seamless Google Workspace integration. In addition, it helps reduce costs through Virtual App Delivery.

Conclusion

Managing desktops doesn’t have to be difficult. Cloud-based Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) gives you a flexible, secure, and cost-effective way to support your modern workforce. It’s especially helpful for remote and hybrid teams.

In this article, we explored the top five cloud VDI solutions: Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops, Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD), Amazon WorkSpaces, VMware Horizon Cloud (Omnissa), and Google Cloud Virtual Desktops.

Always remember: when choosing a cloud VDI, focus on what your company truly needs. Citrix offers strong security and scalability. Azure pairs well with Microsoft tools. Amazon WorkSpaces fits AWS users. VMware Horizon Cloud brings flexibility for hybrid setups.

Whatever you select, ensure your choice can scale with your team and work smoothly with your current tools. Watch for hidden costs—they add up fast.

Cloud VDI Solutions FAQs