Amazon WorkSpaces vs Ravada VDI
Amazon WorkSpaces
aws.amazon.comRavada VDI
ravada.upc.eduSide by side
| Figure | Amazon WorkSpaces | Ravada VDI |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $3.25/mo | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | Yes | — |
| Open source | — | — |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | — |
| Android | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 8 | 1 |
| Spec score · Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Software | 9.5 (#1) | 7.4 (#17) |
| Client platforms | WorkSpaces clients are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iPad, Android, Chromebook, and supported web browsers. | The installation documentation describes SPICE viewer clients for Linux and Windows, and the documentation includes client setup pages for macOS. |
| What it does | Amazon WorkSpaces provisions managed cloud virtual desktops that users can reach from devices or browsers. | Ravada is an open-source VDI broker that lets users connect to virtual desktops. |
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.
Ravada VDI
Ravada VDI is a free, open-source broker that lets users connect to virtual desktops. Its web frontend provides machine access and settings for users, while administrators manage virtual-machine pools and templates. The backend currently supports KVM and is designed for additional hypervisors later. Users need a web browser and a remote viewer supporting SPICE. Ravada runs on Linux distributions, with server packages supported for Ubuntu, Debian, and Fedora, and Docker installation is also documented. SPICE viewer client guidance covers Linux and Windows, with macOS setup pages. SQL and LDAP authentication are supported, and the production guide includes SPICE-TLS configuration. The project identifies GPU support and identity integration. Ravada is licensed under AGPL and intended for sysadmins deploying on-premise virtual desktops; basic GNU/Linux administration knowledge is advised. Help is directed to documentation, GitHub issues, a Google group, and a public Telegram group rather than a personal support hotline.