Top 10 Best Virtual Desktop Software of 2026

Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) is Microsoft's cloud-based virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) service that enables organizations to deliver Windows desktops and applications to users on any device from anywhere. It supports multi-session Windows 10/11 capabilities, allowing multiple users to share a single VM for cost efficiency, while integrating seamlessly with Microsoft 365, Azure Active Directory, and other Azure services. AVD provides enterprise-grade scalability, security, and management tools, making it ideal for hybrid and remote work scenarios.

Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops is an enterprise-grade virtualization platform that delivers secure virtual desktops, applications, and SaaS to any device from on-premises, cloud, or hybrid environments. It excels in providing high-performance user experiences through its proprietary HDX protocol, which optimizes graphics, multimedia, and responsiveness over low-bandwidth or high-latency networks. The solution supports large-scale deployments with advanced management tools for IT admins, making it ideal for complex organizational needs.

VMware Horizon is an enterprise-grade virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and application virtualization platform that delivers secure, high-performance virtual desktops and apps to end-users from on-premises, cloud, or hybrid environments. It supports persistent and non-persistent desktops, leverages VMware vSphere for hypervisor integration, and uses advanced protocols like Blast Extreme and PCoIP for low-latency graphics and multimedia redirection. Horizon offers centralized management via Horizon Console, automation with APIs, and features like Instant Clone technology for rapid provisioning.

Amazon WorkSpaces is a fully managed Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) solution from AWS that provides secure, high-performance virtual desktops in the cloud, accessible from any device using protocols like PCoIP and NICE DCV. It supports Windows and Linux operating systems, with customizable bundles for CPU, RAM, storage, and GPU options for graphics-intensive workloads. Organizations can scale deployments easily within the AWS ecosystem, benefiting from automated patching, backups, and integration with services like Active Directory.

Parallels RAS (Remote Application Server) is a versatile virtual desktop and application delivery platform that enables secure access to Windows, Linux, and web apps from any device via RDS, VDI, or DaaS. It supports on-premises, cloud (AWS, Azure, etc.), and hybrid deployments with features like auto-scaling, load balancing, and universal printing. The solution simplifies remote work by providing a single pane of glass for management and publishing resources to endpoints including HTML5 browsers.

Nutanix Frame is a cloud-native Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) platform that delivers secure virtual desktops and applications across multi-cloud environments like AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud. It supports high-performance workloads, including graphics-intensive applications, with features like low-latency streaming and automatic scaling. Designed for enterprises, it integrates seamlessly with Nutanix infrastructure while offering zero-trust security and device-agnostic access.

HP Anyware is a high-performance remote visualization software that enables secure access to physical HP workstations or virtual desktops from any device, anywhere. It delivers low-latency, high-fidelity graphics ideal for CAD, 3D modeling, video editing, and other compute-intensive workflows. The solution supports multiple protocols like PCoIP and Blast, with robust security features for enterprise environments.

V2 Cloud is a Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) platform that provides hosted virtual Windows desktops and applications, enabling secure remote access for businesses without on-premises hardware. It supports multi-user environments on Windows Server, persistent workspaces, and seamless integration with productivity tools like QuickBooks. Ideal for SMBs, it offers scalability, automated backups, and private cloud options to ensure compliance and performance.

Apache Guacamole is an open-source, clientless remote desktop gateway that allows users to access virtual desktops, servers, and other resources through a standard web browser using HTML5. It supports multiple protocols including RDP, VNC, SSH, and Telnet, providing a unified interface for connecting to backend systems without requiring any client-side software or plugins. Guacamole is designed to integrate with existing infrastructure, offering features like user authentication, session recording, and multi-user support for secure remote access.

Splashtop Enterprise is a secure remote access platform that delivers high-performance streaming of desktops, applications, and files from any device to users worldwide. It excels in providing low-latency, 4K-resolution remote sessions, making it a viable lightweight alternative for virtual desktop access in business environments. While not a full VDI solution with native VM hosting, it integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure for remote work, IT support, and application delivery. Key enterprise features include multi-factor authentication, single sign-on, and compliance with standards like SOC 2 and HIPAA.