Top 5 Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Alternatives and Replacements for 2025

As businesses continue their digital transformation journeys, virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions like Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) have become essential for secure and efficient remote work. However, AVD may not always be the best fit for every organization, prompting the need to explore alternatives. This blog outlines the pros, cons, and costs of AVD, followed by five strong alternatives for 2025, including the best solution for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs): GO-Global.

What is Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)?

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is Microsoft’s cloud-based VDI solution, allowing users to securely access Windows desktops and applications from any device. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the Microsoft ecosystem, AVD is ideal for organizations heavily invested in Microsoft 365 and Azure services.

Pros of AVD

1. Integration: Perfect for businesses using Azure and Microsoft 365.
2. Scalability: Easily adjusts to business needs.
3. Security: Built on Microsoft’s robust Azure infrastructure.

Cons of AVD

1. Complexity: Requires advanced Azure expertise for setup and management.
2. Costs: Can be expensive, particularly for smaller teams or ISVs.
3. Performance: Relies on Azure regions, which may impact performance in underserved locations.

Cost of AVD

AVD costs vary based on Azure pricing for compute, storage, and licensing. Costs increase with additional features, such as backup and disaster recovery. Utilizing the AVD Pricing Calculator, it appears that App Hosting starts at $5.50 per month for named users and Desktop App Hosting is $10.00 per named user. The fact that pricing is per named user can have a significant impact on cost compared to other solutions that are concurrent user based (like GO-Global).

Best Use Case for AVD

AVD is best suited for medium to large enterprises already leveraging the Microsoft ecosystem and looking for a scalable, secure VDI solution for remote workers.

Top 5 AVD Alternatives for 2025

1. GO-Global – Best for Independent Software Vendors (ISVs)

GO-Global by GraphOn provides a lightweight, cost-effective solution for delivering Windows applications without the complexity of traditional VDI solutions. Designed specifically for ISVs, it enables seamless app deployment on the cloud or on-premises without rewriting code.

• Use Case: ISVs looking for an easy-to-deploy, scalable solution for hosting Windows applications with minimal infrastructure costs.
• Cost: Starting at $4.20/month per concurrent user for 25–99 users, with significant volume discounts. Add-ons like Single Sign-On are $0.50 per user.
• Key Advantage: Simplifies app delivery without requiring full desktop virtualization, reducing costs and complexity.

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2. Amazon WorkSpaces – Best for AWS-Enthusiastic Businesses

Amazon WorkSpaces is AWS’s fully managed VDI solution, offering Windows and Linux desktops with pay-as-you-go pricing.

• Use Case: Organizations already leveraging AWS infrastructure looking for seamless integration for remote workers.
• Cost: Starting at $25 per user/month for basic configurations, but very complex pricing structure
• Key Advantage: Flexibility and integration with AWS services.

3. Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) – Best for Multi-Platform Access

Parallels RAS is a versatile VDI solution supporting Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android devices. It excels in delivering applications and desktops to diverse worker environments.

• Use Case: Companies with a heterogeneous IT landscape requiring access across multiple devices.
• Cost: Starts at $10 per user/month for smaller deployments.
• Key Advantage: Multi-platform support and intuitive management tools.

4. Citrix DaaS – Best for Enterprise-Grade Performance

Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops) is a high-performance VDI solution tailored for enterprises needing robust scalability and advanced security for their complex environments.

• Use Case: Large enterprises with demanding performance and compliance requirements for their remote workers.
• Cost: Starts at $12–$15 per user/month for base plan, plus infrastructure costs and higher costs for plans with more features.
• Key Advantage: Enterprise-grade features and robust remote access.

5. Omnissa Horizon Cloud – Best for Hybrid Deployments

VMware Horizon Cloud combines the power of VDI with hybrid cloud capabilities, supporting on-premises and cloud environments.

• Use Case: Organizations needing a hybrid VDI solution for flexibility and continuity.
• Cost: We were unable to determine the cost of Omnissa Horizon Cloud
• Key Advantage: Seamless hybrid cloud integration.

Which AVD Alternative is Right for You?

Choosing the right VDI solution depends on your specific needs:

• ISVs: GO-Global for cost-effective, simplified application hosting.
• AWS users: Amazon WorkSpaces for native integration for remote workers.
• Mixed environments: Parallels RAS for cross-platform access.
• Large enterprises: Citrix DaaS for enterprise-grade performance.
• Hybrid setups: VMware Horizon Cloud for flexible deployment.

For ISVs and businesses seeking a lightweight, budget-friendly solution, GO-Global stands out as the top choice for 2025. Its focus on simplicity and cost-effectiveness makes it the go-to option for streamlined application delivery.

Looking to explore GO-Global for your ISV business? Contact us today to learn more about how it can transform your operations or download a free trial!

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