Amazon WorkSpaces vs IsardVDI
Amazon WorkSpaces
aws.amazon.com
IsardVDI
isardvdi.comSide by side
| Figure | Amazon WorkSpaces | IsardVDI |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $3.25/mo | — |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 8 | 0 |
| Spec score · Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Software | 9.5 (#1) | 7.4 (#16) |
| Client platforms | WorkSpaces clients are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iPad, Android, Chromebook, and supported web browsers. | The viewer guide lists Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Android, and Apple iOS client options. |
| Security | WorkSpaces requires TLS 1.2 and recommends TLS 1.3, with cipher suites that support perfect forward secrecy. | The documentation says viewer connections use SSL certificates, including self-signed, Let's Encrypt, or configured commercial certificates. |
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.
IsardVDI
IsardVDI is free, open-source virtual desktop infrastructure software for creating, configuring, and centrally managing virtual desktops and applications. It supports on-premise, cloud, and hybrid deployment, with hybrid identified as its deployment model. Access is available through browser VNC and RDP viewers, plus SPICE, RDP, and Parsec desktop viewers. Browser viewers run in a modern browser without installing viewer software. Listed clients include Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Android, and Apple iOS, alongside web, API, and self-hosted use. The platform connects directly with Moodle and lists single sign-on integrations for Moodle, Nextcloud, OnlyOffice, and other applications. Identity technologies include Keycloak, SAML, OAuth, OpenID Connect, OpenLDAP, and FreeIPA; documented login methods include local, OAuth, LDAP, and SAML. Installation requires Docker, Docker Compose, and enabled hardware virtualization. The maker offers managed services and technical support, with GitLab issues available for requests.