Horizon is a comprehensive project management software that offers features for task management, team collaboration, and time tracking.
Starting from $25 per user per month
Best Remote Desktop Services Alternatives ranked by AI · updated Aug 2026
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Remote Desktop Services is Microsoft's Windows Server platform for hosting remote desktops and published applications. It is aimed at organizations that want a native Windows Server solution and are prepared to manage servers, roles, certificates, and client access licensing.
Developer: Microsoft
Price: Requires Windows Server licensing and RDS CALs
🎯 learn.microsoft.com/windows-server/remote/remote-desktop-services
Top 6 Remote Desktop Services alternatives
Azure Virtual Desktop is a comprehensive desktop and app virtualization service running in the cloud.
Pricing varies based on usage
Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is a comprehensive virtual application and desktop delivery solution that allows users to access and use applications,...
Starting at $99.99 per year per concurrent user
TSplus Remote Access publishes Windows applications and desktops to remote users through RDP and an HTML5 web client. It is designed for...
Pros
- Simpler deployment than Citrix DaaS or Azure Virtual Desktop
- Supports browser-based access without requiring a native client
- Usually lower licensing and infrastructure costs than enterprise VDI platforms
Cons
- Has fewer enterprise management and brokering features than Citrix DaaS
- Windows-focused, unlike Apache Guacamole's broader protocol support
- Requires Windows application servers and related Microsoft licensing
From $180/year
5
Citrix DaaS
Cloud Software Group
Citrix DaaS delivers virtual desktops and applications across cloud and on-premises infrastructure for enterprise IT teams. Its standout capabilities include policy control,...
Pros
- Stronger application delivery and policy controls than CloudDesk
- Supports complex hybrid and multi-cloud environments
- Offers mature endpoint, session, and security management
Cons
- More expensive and complex than CloudDesk for smaller deployments
- Requires specialized administration and architecture planning
- Licensing is less transparent than simpler cloud desktop services
Custom quote
6
Apache Guacamole
Apache Software Foundation
Apache Guacamole is a free, open-source clientless remote desktop gateway that provides browser access to RDP, VNC, and SSH systems. It is...
Pros
- No per-user software license cost unlike CloudDesk and commercial DaaS products
- Works from a browser without requiring native client software
- Supports RDP, VNC, and SSH through one gateway
Cons
- Does not provide managed cloud desktops by itself
- Requires self-hosting, security hardening, and maintenance
- Has fewer end-user management features than CloudDesk
Free, open source
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