5 AppStream Alternatives and Replacements for 2025

Last Updated:
January 16, 2025

5 AppStream Alternatives and Replacements for 2025

As more businesses look to offer secure and accessible remote applications, Amazon AppStream 2.0 has become a popular choice for delivering desktop applications via the cloud. However, it isn’t the only solution available, and its cost and configuration complexity lead some organizations to seek alternatives. In this post, we’ll explore AppStream 2.0 in brief, along with five alternatives worth considering for 2025, breaking down the pricing, pros, cons, and best use cases of each.

What is Amazon AppStream 2.0?

Amazon AppStream 2.0 is a fully managed application streaming service that lets you centrally manage desktop applications and securely deliver them to any computer. It’s a robust solution that integrates well within the Amazon Web Services (AWS) ecosystem, making it ideal for businesses already invested in AWS.

  • Pricing: AppStream 2.0’s pricing depends on instance types and usage. Instances range from $0.10 to $0.25 per hour, plus storage and additional charges for fleet management and data transfer. A typical monthly cost for a small organization can easily reach several hundred dollars, depending on usage patterns. Additionally, AppStream requires separate Windows licenses for each user.
  • Best Use Case: Ideal for companies with existing AWS infrastructure that need to deliver high-performance, GPU-optimized applications to end-users without significant development overhead.

Top Alternatives 

1. GO-Global

GO-Global is an ISV centric solution that offers a simpler, more cost-effective solution for remote access to desktop applications. It’s designed to minimize IT complexity while delivering robust application performance to the end user. GO-Global’s cloud agnostic approach allows ISVs to avoid vendor lock-in.

  • Pros:
    • Low Cost: GO-Global is priced significantly lower than AppStream 2.0, especially when using concurrent user licensing.
    • User-Friendly: Minimal setup and configuration are required, making it ideal for businesses that want simplicity, such as ISVs.
    • Good Performance: Provides efficient bandwidth usage and minimal lag, even in lower-bandwidth environments.
    • Advanced Security Features: Offers features like multi-factor authentication and OpenID Connect support, which enhances data security.
  • Con:
    • Less Ideal for GPU-Intensive Applications: May not be as effective for apps needing extensive GPU resources.
  • Pricing: Starts at $4.20 per concurrent user per month ( annual options available) for up to 99 users, with volume discounts for larger groups.
  • Best Use Case: Ideal for ISVs (Independent Software Vendors) needing to deliver their application to end-users without the need of a full desktop.

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2. Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)

Parallels RAS provides secure access to virtual desktops and applications, supporting various platforms like Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android.

  • Pros:
    • Comprehensive Cross-Platform Support: Delivers applications across a wide range of devices and operating systems.
    • Advanced Security Features: Offers features like multi-factor authentication, which enhances data security.
    • Scalable: Easily supports organizations of varying sizes.
  • Cons:
    • Higher Cost: Pricing is higher than GO-Global, starting at $10 per month.
    • Setup Complexity: Can require more technical expertise to set up and manage.
    • Additional Windows Licensing Required: Like AppStream, Parallels requires separate Windows Server licenses, adding to the overall cost.
  • Pricing: Starts at $120 per user per year, with additional costs for add-ons and enterprise features.
  • Best Use Case: Suited for organizations that prioritize cross-platform compatibility and enhanced security.

3. Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops

Citrix is a longstanding leader in virtualization, offering robust features and scalability for delivering virtual applications and desktops.

  • Pros:
    • Feature-Rich: Includes comprehensive management tools, high availability, and monitoring options.
    • Enterprise-Grade Security: Extensive security features including multifactor authentication and policy controls.
    • Scalable and Flexible: Can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud, or hybrid environments.
  • Cons:
    • Complex Pricing and High Cost: Citrix licensing can be complex, with costs ranging between $15 and $25 per user per month depending on the plan.
    • Technical Complexity: Setup and ongoing maintenance may require dedicated IT expertise.
    • Additional Windows Licensing Required: Citrix also requires separate Windows Server licenses, which increases the total cost.
    • End of Life: Citrix is sunsetting this program and transitioning to their DaaS offering.
  • Pricing: Starts at around $15 per user per month, with more advanced plans available.
  • Best Use Case: Best for larger enterprises with complex IT requirements and the technical resources to manage Citrix’s robust environment.

4. Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)

Azure Virtual Desktop provides a highly customizable virtual desktop environment with deep integration into Microsoft’s suite of products.

  • Pros:
    • Integrated with Microsoft Ecosystem: Great for companies heavily invested in Microsoft software, like Office 365 and Active Directory.
    • Flexible Deployment Options: Can be set up to scale based on demand, helping to manage costs.
    • Good for Complex Workloads: Handles GPU-optimized applications and complex workflows.
  • Cons:
    • Costly for Small Teams: Azure’s pay-as-you-go model can add up quickly for smaller organizations.
    • Requires Technical Knowledge: Configuration and management can be complex, requiring expertise.
  • Pricing: Starts at around $10 per user per month, plus additional usage fees for virtual machine instances and storage.
  • Best Use Case: Ideal for mid-to-large enterprises with an existing Microsoft ecosystem looking for a flexible, scalable virtual desktop solution.

5. Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS)

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is a tried-and-tested solution for delivering remote desktop and application access. RDS is commonly deployed on Windows Server environments and integrates well with existing Microsoft products, making it a go-to choice for businesses with on-premises infrastructure or hybrid environments.

  • Pros:
    • Seamless Integration with Windows Environments: Works well within Windows Server environments and integrates tightly with Active Directory, making it ideal for businesses already using Microsoft products.
    • Scalable for Medium to Large Teams: Can support a wide range of users and applications, with options to scale based on demand.
  • Cons:
    • Employee Focused: works well for those looking to deliver desktops or apps to their employees, but struggles for other use cases.
    • Technically Complex: while it works well in Windows Server environments, the complexity requires advanced technical expertise.
  • Pricing: Pricing varies based on licensing type, but generally requires both RDS CALs (Client Access Licenses) and Windows Server licenses. For smaller deployments, costs start around $5–$10 per user per month, though exact pricing depends on volume and specific licensing terms.
  • Best Use Case: Ideal for businesses with existing on-premises infrastructure or those looking to implement a hybrid cloud strategy with strong ties to Microsoft’s ecosystem.

Conclusion

Amazon AppStream 2.0 is an effective solution for cloud application delivery, but its cost and AWS-centric design can be limiting for some businesses. Alternatives like GO-Global provide affordable, straightforward solutions that make sense for ISVs, while Parallels RAS, Citrix, Azure Virtual Desktop, and Microsoft RDS offer options for organizations with complex desktop needs and remote workforces. Notably, Parallels, Citrix, and AppStream all require additional Windows Server licensing, which adds to the overall cost of these solutions.

Choosing the right solution depends on your budget, technical resources, and specific use cases. Whether you need simplicity, advanced features, or robust cross-platform support, these alternatives provide competitive options that can meet diverse business needs.

If you're an ISV looking to easily and cost-effectively deliver your application to your end users, then consider GO-Global. You can book time with our team or start a free trial to see for yourself how GO-Global is an ISV centric solution.

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