Amazon WorkSpaces vs Daystar Cloud Desktop
Amazon WorkSpaces
aws.amazon.comDaystar Cloud Desktop
daystarinc.comSide by side
| Figure | Amazon WorkSpaces | Daystar Cloud Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $3.25/mo | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | — |
| macOS | Yes | — |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Plans published | 8 | 1 |
| Spec score · Desktop as a Service Software | 9.5 (#1) | 7.0 (#19) |
| Compliance | AWS lists WorkSpaces within compliance programs including SOC, PCI, FedRAMP and HIPAA, with audit reports available through AWS Artifact. | Daystar says it provides compliance controls, regular compliance reviews, and support for IT security policies; it does not name a specific certification on this page. |
| Security | WorkSpaces requires TLS 1.2 and recommends TLS 1.3, with cipher suites that support perfect forward secrecy. | Listed protections include endpoint protection, multi-factor authentication, managed detection and response, vulnerability scanning, patch management, access controls, and audit trails. |
| What it does | Amazon WorkSpaces provisions managed cloud virtual desktops that users can reach from devices or browsers. | Cloud Desktop is a cloud-hosted, managed virtual desktop service that lets users access their desktop, files, and applications over the internet from any device. |
Plans
Amazon WorkSpaces
- WorkSpaces free tierFree
- Standby WorkSpace$3.25 a month
- WorkSpaces applications — Windows single-session user fee$4.19 a month
- WorkSpaces secure browser — standard.regular (US East/Northern Virginia)$7 a month
- Ubuntu Power hourly$7.25 a month
- WorkSpaces Personal AutoStop — Ubuntu Linux Power example (US West/Oregon)$7.25 a month
- Windows Value monthly$25 a month
- WorkSpaces Personal AlwaysOn — Windows Standard example (US West/Oregon)$44 a month
In their own words
Amazon WorkSpaces
Amazon WorkSpaces delivers managed cloud desktops and applications for remote and hybrid users. WorkSpaces Personal provides a persistent virtual desktop that retains installed applications, files, and settings between sign-ins. Customers can choose AlwaysOn monthly subscriptions or AutoStop hourly metering with a monthly base fee. The listed Free Tier runs for up to three months: it includes either two Standard AutoStop desktops with 40 combined monthly hours or five Performance AutoStop Ubuntu desktops with 100 combined monthly hours. WorkSpaces applications supports image building and streaming on general-purpose, compute-optimized, memory-optimized, and GPU instance families. WorkSpaces DaaS includes persistent SSD-based storage and automatic backups; Amazon S3 or Amazon FSx can retain selected settings and files between sessions. Clients are listed for Windows, macOS, Linux, iPad, Android, Chromebook, and supported browsers. WorkSpaces Pools stopped accepting new customers on July 31, 2026, while existing customers can use it until December 31, 2027. Support for PCoIP-based WorkSpaces Personal ends October 31, 2027. The pricing note starts at $25/mo, and plan examples include additional hourly or instance charges.
Daystar Cloud Desktop
Daystar Cloud Desktop has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.