Skip to content
SPECIFICTION
Get listed

Porteus Kiosk

porteus-kiosk.org

From €2.17/mo Free trial LinuxAPISelf-hosted
Visit porteus-kiosk.org
Spec score 7.9 #3 of 17 in Self-Service Kiosk Software

What it is

Porteus Kiosk is a lightweight Linux operating system that limits a computer to browser use and opens a selected homepage at startup. The maker lists public terminals in schools, libraries, cafes, hotels, offices, and tourist centers, as well as digital signage, as uses. It runs on x86_64 PCs, requires at least 2 GB of RAM and 1 GB of storage, and does not support ARM devices such as Raspberry Pi. The hybrid ISO can be installed on writable media including USB drives, hard drives, SSD or eMMC devices, and SD or MMC cards. Browser history is not retained, passwords are not saved, and caches are cleared when the browser closes. Automatic updates are enabled by default; the maker describes a read-only image and startup checks that stop booting if component values differ from registered values. Porteus Kiosk Server can manage up to 1000 clients behind NAT, proxies, or firewalls, but cannot host client updates: clients update from the maker’s domain and need separate subscriptions. A 30-day free evaluation is available. Continued use requires a subscription, starting at €40 per PC per year, excluding VAT, for 1–10 PCs.

Spec sheet

Product
Porteus Kiosk is a lightweight Linux operating system restricted to browser use that opens a chosen homepage at startup.Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Integrations
The ThinClient variant includes applications supporting Citrix, RDP, VNC, and SSH connectivity protocols.Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Support
Active client subscriptions include software and hardware help; standard support queries are answered by email within 24 hours.Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Headquarters
Biskupice, PolandRead 28 Sep 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Automatic updates
Automatic updates are enabled by default for client systems and provide security patches, updated components, and new system features.Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Browser privacy
Browser history is not kept, passwords are not saved, and caches are cleared when the browser closes.Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Cloud use
The Cloud variant is intended mainly for education and provides access to web applications and services including Google Apps for Education, OwnCloud, and Dropbox.Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Customization
The maker offers a paid customization service for additional functions not available by default, with quoted pricing and delivery ranging from a working day to a few weeks in typical cases.Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Hardware
The system supports x86_64 PCs and requires at least 2 GB RAM and 1 GB storage; ARM devices such as Raspberry Pi are not supported.Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Installation
It is distributed as a hybrid ISO image that can be installed on writable media such as USB sticks, hard drives, SSD/eMMC devices, or SD/MMC cards.Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Remote administration
Porteus Kiosk Server can monitor and manage clients behind NAT, proxies, or firewalls, and supports up to 1000 clients.Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Security design
The maker says the OS is distributed as a read-only ISO image and checks system components at startup, stopping boot if registered values do not match.Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Server security limitation
Porteus Kiosk Server cannot host client system updates; clients must update from the maker's domain and require a separate subscription.Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Trial and licensing
A non-activated client version can be downloaded and tested free for up to 30 days, after which a subscription is required to continue using it.Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Use cases
The maker lists public web terminals in schools, libraries, cafes, hotels, offices, and tourist centers, plus digital signage.Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org

Plans and prices

Automatic updates and support subscription (201–500 PCs) €26 a year €26 EUR per PC per year (excl. VAT) 201–500 PCs · 35% discount Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Automatic updates and support subscription (101–200 PCs) €28 a year €28 EUR per PC per year (excl. VAT) 101–200 PCs · 30% discount Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Automatic updates and support subscription (51–100 PCs) €30 a year €30 EUR per PC per year (excl. VAT) 51–100 PCs · 25% discount Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Automatic updates and support subscription (26–50 PCs) €33 a year €33 EUR per PC per year (excl. VAT) 26–50 PCs · 17.5% discount Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Automatic updates and support subscription (11–25 PCs) €36 a year €36 EUR per PC per year (excl. VAT) 11–25 PCs · 10% discount Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Automatic updates and support subscription (1–10 PCs) €40 a year €40 EUR per PC per year (excl. VAT) 1–10 PCs · subscription required after 30-day free evaluation Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Porteus Kiosk Server subscription €300 a year €300 euros (excl. VAT) per year Up to 1000 clients · clients require separate subscriptions for updates Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org
Automatic updates and support subscription (above 500 PCs) Priced on request Negotiable Above 500 PCs Read 7 Oct 2026 · porteus-kiosk.org

Every Porteus Kiosk plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Clears browser caches when the browser closes.
  • Automatic updates are enabled by default.
  • Server can manage up to 1000 clients.
  • ThinClient variant supports Citrix, RDP, VNC, and SSH.

Limits

  • ARM devices such as Raspberry Pi are unsupported.
  • Requires at least 2 GB RAM and 1 GB storage.
  • Continued use requires a subscription after 30 days.
  • Clients update from the maker’s domain, not the server.

Who it suits

Porteus Kiosk suits organizations setting up locked-down browser terminals or digital signage on x86_64 PCs. Remote administration may suit deployments with clients behind NAT, proxies, or firewalls.

Verdict

Porteus Kiosk provides a browser-restricted Linux system with remote administration and automatic client updates. Confirm the PC requirements and account for separate client subscriptions and maker-domain updates in deployment plans.

Where Specifiction places it

Alternatives to Porteus KioskAll alternatives →