Top 7 DaaS Providers in 2023

​​In recent years, the adoption of cloud-hosted desktops has been rapidly growing in companies, mainly due to the 2020-2021 global pandemic period forcing many businesses to adopt the remote working model. One of the options for businesses looking to adopt a virtual desktop infrastructure is to invest in a DaaS (Desktop as a Service) solution.

A DaaS solution is a virtual desktop infrastructure with a subscription-based model. Meaning, the user pays a monthly or annual subscription fee, usually charged by the seat, to access the virtual desktop. This pricing model offers more flexibility for the user with a lower upfront cost, making it the favorite option among many businesses.

Yet, with so many DasS solutions available in the market, which one is the right pick for your business?

Here’s a look at the top 7 DaaS providers available in the market at the moment.

Top 7 DaaS Providers in 2023

Daas Solutions Comparison Table

1. V2 Cloud

V2Cloud is a Desktop as a Service (DaaS) provider that offers a range of virtual desktop solutions for businesses of all sizes. The company’s DaaS platform is built on top of VMware Horizon, and it offers a variety of features and capabilities that can help organizations to improve their productivity and security.

Pros:

• Flexibility: V2Cloud offers a range of different virtual desktop solutions that can be tailored to the specific needs of an organization.
• Scalability: The solution can be easily scaled up or down to meet the changing needs of an organization.
• Security: V2Cloud offers robust security features such as, single sign-on, data encryption, and multi-factor authentication.
• Easy management: The solution offers a centralized management console that allows IT teams to easily manage and deploy virtual desktops and applications.
• High performance: The company’s platform is built on top of VMware Horizon, which is known for its high performance and reliability.

Cons:

• Limited Operating System options: V2Cloud currently only supports Windows operating systems, so it may not be suitable for organizations that use other operating systems.
• Limited customization: Customization options are limited with V2Cloud, which can be an issue for organizations with specific needs.
• Limited application support: Some businesses might find that certain applications they rely on are not supported by V2Cloud.
• Limited Integration options: V2Cloud doesn’t offer as many integration options as some of the other DaaS providers in the market.

Pricing:

V2 Cloud offers multiple plans for businesses and individuals (full breakdown here) based on the number of users, computing resources, applications, and features needed. Starting from $35 per month for individuals and $40 per month for businesses.

7-day free-trial available

Overview:

V2Cloud is a solid DaaS provider that offers a range of virtual desktop solutions that can be tailored to the specific needs of an organization. However, it’s important to note that it may not be the best fit for every organization, particularly those that have specific operating system or application requirements or need a high degree of integration.

2. Amazon WorkSpaces

Amazon Workspaces is a cloud-based desktop as a service (DaaS) solution offered by Amazon Web Services (AWS). It allows organizations to provide their employees with a fully managed, easy-to-use, and secure desktop experience, without the need for expensive hardware or IT resources.

Pros:

• Scalability: Amazon Workspaces can be easily scaled up or down to meet the changing needs of an organization, allowing businesses to pay only for the resources they actually use.
• Security: The service is built on the same infrastructure as other AWS services, so it benefits from the same high level of security and compliance that customers have come to expect from AWS. This includes encryption of data at rest and in transit, as well as advanced security features such as multi-factor authentication and single sign-on.
• Performance: Amazon Workspaces offers a high-performance desktop experience, with support for graphics-intensive applications and fast access to data and resources.
• Cost-effective: Amazon Workspaces allows organizations to reduce costs associated with hardware, software, and IT resources.
• Integration: It easily integrates with other AWS services, such as Amazon S3, Amazon Elastic Block Store, and Amazon Elastic File System for storage.

Cons:

• Limited Operating System options: Amazon Workspaces currently only supports Windows and Linux operating systems, so it may not be suitable for organizations that use other operating systems.
• Limited Application Support: Some businesses might find that certain applications they rely on are not supported by Amazon Workspaces.
• Limited customization: Customization options are limited with Amazon Workspaces, which can be an issue for organizations with specific needs.
• Internet connectivity: A stable and fast internet connection is a must for the smooth functioning of Amazon Workspaces.

Pricing:

Amazon WorkSpaces offers flexible pricing options according to your unique needs, with a wide variety of plans based on disk size, memory, number of CPUs, and so on. Services can be charged hourly (pay what you use) to ensure cost efficiency.

There’s also a Free Tier for two workspaces for up to 40 hours per month. No hidden fees, and you can cancel your subscription at any time.

Our verdict: 

Amazon Workspaces is a powerful DaaS solution that offers a high-performance desktop experience and robust security features. However, it’s important to keep in mind that it may not be the best fit for every organization, particularly those that have specific operating system or application requirements.

3. Parallels RAS

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is a software solution that allows organizations to deliver virtual applications and desktops to users over the internet. The software can be used to deploy a wide range of applications, including Windows, Linux, and web-based apps, and it supports a variety of deployment scenarios, including cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments.

Pros:

• High performance: Parallels RAS is built on a high-performance architecture that can deliver fast and responsive virtual applications and desktops to users.
• Flexibility: The software supports a variety of deployment scenarios, including cloud, on-premises, and hybrid environments, which gives organizations a lot of flexibility in terms of how they deploy and manage virtual applications and desktops.
• Good scalability: The software can scale to support large numbers of users, making it a good option for organizations with large user bases.
• Good security: Parallels RAS includes a number of security features, such as data encryption and multi-factor authentication, to help protect virtual applications and desktops from unauthorized access.

Cons:

• Complexity: The software can be complex to set up and manage, which may be an issue for some organizations.
• High price: Parallels RAS is relatively expensive compared to other solutions in the market.
• Limited OS support: The software currently only supports Windows and Linux operating systems, which can be an issue for organizations that use other operating systems.
• Limited device support: Parallels RAS currently only supports a limited number of devices, which can be an issue for organizations that use a wide range of devices.

Pricing:

Parallels RAS offers a simple licensing plan without any hidden fees. There’s only one plan for teams of all sizes, priced at $120 per user, minimum of 15 users. If you commit to a 3-year subscription, you only need to pay $324/user (or $108/user/year), a minimum of 15 users. 

A generous, free 30-day trial is available.

Our verdict: 

Parallels RAS (Remote Application Server) offers a high level of performance, scalability, and security. However, it’s important to note that it can be complex to set up and manage, and it’s relatively expensive compared to other solutions in the market. Also, it currently only supports Windows and Linux operating systems which can be an issue for some organizations.

4. VMware Fusion

VMware Fusion is a virtualization software for Macs that allows users to run Windows, Linux and other operating systems on their Macs without having to reboot. It offers a range of features that can help users to improve their productivity and flexibility.

Pros:

• High performance: VMware Fusion is built on a high-performance architecture that can deliver fast and responsive virtual machines to users.
• Cross-platform compatibility: The software allows users to run Windows, Linux and other operating systems on their Macs without having to reboot.
• Good scalability: The software can scale to support large numbers of virtual machines, making it a good option for users who need to run multiple operating systems.
• Good compatibility: VMware Fusion is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, applications and hardware.
• Ease of use: The software has a user-friendly interface that makes it easy to set up, configure and manage virtual machines.

Cons:

• Expensive:  VMware Fusion is relatively expensive compared to other solutions in the market.
• Limited customization options: Customization options are limited with VMware Fusion, which can be an issue for users who need a high degree of control over their virtual machines.
• Mac only: The software is exclusively for Macs and doesn’t support Windows or Linux natively.

Pricing:

Free Personal Use license is available, offering basic features. Free trial for paid plans available.

• VMware Fusion 12 Player ($149 or $79 for upgrade):
  • Basic features to run nearly any OS, Container, or Kubernetes Clusters on Mac computers via virtual machines.
• VMware Fusion 12 Pro ($199 or $99 for upgrade):
  • All features on the Fusion 12 Player and:
    • Create/manage encrypted virtual machines
    • Virtual Network customization
    • Connect to vSphere/ESXi Server
    • Create linked and full clones
    • Remote vSphere host power control

• VMware Fusion 123 Pro+Support Basic 1 Year ($241 or $141 for upgrade)
• Everything from the Fusion 12 Pro Plan and:
• 24/7 technical support by telephone and email
• Access to Knowledge Base articles and documentation

Our verdict: 

VMware Fusion allows users to run Windows, Linux and other operating systems on their Macs without having to reboot. It offers a high level of performance, scalability, and compatibility. However, it’s important to note that it can be relatively expensive compared to other solutions in the market, and it’s exclusively for Macs. Users who need to run Windows or Linux natively should look for other alternatives.

5. Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop (formerly known as Windows Virtual Desktop) is a cloud-based service that allows users to access a Windows desktop operating system and applications from anywhere on any device. It is built on the Azure cloud platform and can be used to deploy virtual desktops, applications, and remote resources to users.

Pros:

• High availability: Azure Virtual Desktop is built on the Azure cloud platform, which provides high availability and scalability.
• Cross-platform compatibility: The service allows users to access their virtual desktop from any device, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
• Good security: Azure Virtual Desktop includes a number of security features, such as multi-factor authentication and data encryption, to help protect virtual desktops from unauthorized access.
• Good integration: The service is fully integrated with other Azure services, such as Azure Active Directory, Azure AD Identity Protection, and Azure Information Protection, which can help organizations to manage and secure their virtual desktops.
• Good scalability: Azure Virtual Desktop can scale to support large numbers of users, making it a good option for organizations with large user bases.

Cons:

• Expensive: Azure Virtual Desktop is relatively expensive compared to other comparable solutions in the market.
• Limited OS support: The service currently only supports Windows operating systems, which can be an issue for organizations that use other operating systems.
• Limited customization options: Customization options are limited with Azure Virtual Desktop, which can be an issue for organizations that need a high degree of control over their virtual desktops.

Pricing:

Azure Virtual Desktop offers versatile custom pricing based on OS, resources (CPU, GPU, RAM, storage), usage, operating system, and regions. You can use Azure’s pricing calculator to determine your costs before committing to an Azure subscription.

Our verdict:

Microsoft Azure Virtual Desktop is a native Microsoft solution that allows users to access a Windows desktop operating system and applications from anywhere, on any device. It provides high availability, scalability, and security. However, it’s important to note that it can be relatively expensive compared to other solutions in the market, and it currently only supports Windows operating systems. Organizations that use other operating systems should look for other alternatives.

6. Nutanix Frame

Nutanix Frame is a Desktop as a Service (DaaS) solution that allows organizations to deliver virtual desktops and applications to users over the internet. It is built on the Nutanix Enterprise Cloud platform, which provides high availability and scalability.

Pros:

• Reliable: Nutanix Frame is built on the Nutanix Enterprise Cloud platform, which provides high availability and scalability.
• Cross-platform compatibility: The service allows users to access their virtual desktop from any device, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
• Advanced: Nutanix Frame includes a number of security features, such as multi-factor authentication and data encryption, to help protect virtual desktops from unauthorized access.
• Third-party integration: The service is fully integrated with other Nutanix products, such as Nutanix Acropolis, Nutanix Prism, and Nutanix Calm, which can help organizations to manage and secure their virtual desktops.
• Good scalability: Nutanix Frame can scale to support large numbers of users, making it a good option for organizations with large user bases.

Cons:

• Limited customization options: Nutanix frame offers relatively limited customization options, which can be an issue for organizations that need a higher degree of control over their virtual desktops.
• Windows only: At the moment, the service is exclusively for Windows and does not support other operating systems natively.

Pricing:

• Pay-as-you-go: $33/user/month, 5 users minimum
  • Based on the number of unique users
  • Microsoft RDS-SAL entitlement
  • No support for Government Platform (FedRAMP)
• Terms-based: $24/user/month, 5 users minimum
  • Based on the number of unique users
  • Terms-based, 3-60 terms available
  • Purchase via Nutanix Reseller
  • Overages billed directly to customers
  • Government Platform (FedRAMP) :$29
• Max concurrent user: $48/VM/month, 5 VMs minimum
  • Based on the number of provisioned VMs
  • 3-60 month terms available
  • Purchase via Nutanix Reseller
  • Overages billed directly to customers
  • Government Platform (FedRAMP) :$58

Our Verdict:

Nutanix Frame is built on the Nutanix Enterprise Cloud platform, which provides high availability and scalability, and it is fully integrated with other Nutanix products. However, it’s important to note that it can be relatively expensive compared to other solutions in the market, and it currently only supports Windows operating systems. Organizations that use other operating systems should look for other alternatives.

7. Citrix DaaS

Citrix DaaS (Desktop as a Service) is a cloud-based service that allows organizations to deliver virtual desktops and applications to users over the internet. It is built on the Citrix Cloud platform and can be used to deploy virtual desktops, applications, and remote resources to users.

Pros:

• High availability: Citrix DaaS is built on the Citrix Cloud platform, which provides high availability and scalability.
• Cross-platform compatibility: The service allows users to access their virtual desktop from any device, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
• Excellent security: Citrix DaaS includes a number of security features, such as multi-factor authentication and data encryption, to help protect virtual desktops from unauthorized access.
• Good integration: The service is fully integrated with other Citrix products, such as Citrix NetScaler, Citrix XenApp, and Citrix XenDesktop, which can help organizations to manage and secure their virtual desktops.
• Good scalability: Citrix DaaS can scale to support large numbers of users, making it a good option for organizations with large user bases.

Cons:

• Expensive: Citrix DaaS is not the cheapest option when compared to other solutions in the market.
• Limited customization options: Customization options are limited with Citrix DaaS, which can be an issue for organizations that need a high degree of control over their virtual desktops.
• Limited support for other platforms: The service is exclusively for Windows and does not support other operating systems natively.
• Ease of use. Citrix DaaS is a relatively complex service that may be difficult for some organizations to implement and manage.

Pricing:

Citrix offers four different types of paid plans (custom plans also available):

• Citrix DaaS Standard: $10/user/month
  • Managed DaaS for Google Cloud or Microsoft Azure
  • Access to virtual apps and desktops
  • Bring your own license (option for fully-managed service)
• Citrix DaaS Advanced Plus: $13/user/month
  • All Standard plan features and:
    • Advanced monitoring
    • Session recording
    • Enhanced user performance and scalability
    • Hybrid multi-cloud desktop and app provisioning
• Citrix DaaS Premium: $20/user/month
  • All Advanced Plus plan features and:
    • Improved virtual desktop and applications portability across hybrid clouds
    • Premium monitoring with historical reporting
    • Advanced image management features
    • Advanced security features
• Citrix DaaS Premium Plus: $23/user/month
  • All DaaS Premium plan features and:
    • Security analytics to automatically detect and manage threats
    • Optimizing user experience via real-time performance analytics

7-day free trial available for all paid plans

Our verdict:

Citrix DaaS provides high availability, scalability, and security. However, it’s important to note that it can be relatively expensive compared to other solutions in the market, and at the moment it’s exclusive to Windows operating systems. 

Citrix is also not the easiest to use, and can be complex for some organizations to implement and manage. Organizations that use other operating systems or that need a more simple solution should look for other alternatives.

Conclusion

We’ve shared and reviewed seven DaaS solutions we feel are the best available in the market today.

Each of the solutions we’ve tested and recommended has its own pros and cons, and thus choosing the best of the best has proven to be very difficult for us.

For the sake of this buying guide, however, our best pick is:

V2Cloud: V2Cloud is considered one of the best DaaS providers due to its cutting-edge technology, secure infrastructure, and excellent customer support. It offers a wide range of features, competitive pricing, scalability, and flexibility, as well as access from any device and operating system.