Amazon WorkSpaces vs Selectel Desktop as a Service
Amazon WorkSpaces
aws.amazon.comSelectel Desktop as a Service
selectel.ruSide by side
| Figure | Amazon WorkSpaces | Selectel Desktop as a Service |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | $3.25/mo | 3,050 RUB/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 | — |
| Plans published | 8 | 6 |
| Spec score · Desktop as a Service Software | 9.5 (#1) | 7.5 (#13) |
| Security | WorkSpaces requires TLS 1.2 and recommends TLS 1.3, with cipher suites that support perfect forward secrecy. | Selectel says DaaS uses Tier III data centers, centralized storage, isolation between users’ virtual machines, and encrypted traffic; it also states compliance with Russia’s 152-FZ personal-data requirements up to security level 1. |
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
Selectel Desktop as a Service
- Configuration 13,050 RUB a month
- Configuration 24,200 RUB a month
- Configuration 36,500 RUB a month
- Configuration 410,500 RUB a month
- Configuration 512,500 RUB a month
- Configuration 620,500 RUB 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.
Selectel Desktop as a Service
Selectel Desktop as a Service provides remote computers as virtual desktops in Selectel’s VMware cloud, using Omnissa Horizon VDI. Users connect through a browser with Horizon HTML Access or through the Horizon Client. Six fixed configurations are available, each with 200 GB SSD; the options range from 2–8 vCPU and 4–32 GB RAM, with GPU on some configurations. Desktop operating systems listed are Windows Server 2022, Windows 10 LTSC, Windows 11 23H2, and Ubuntu 22.04.
Selectel lists remote work, company-server access, graphics work such as 3D modeling and CAD, and centralized data storage as use cases. Private-network connections can reach Selectel cloud servers, databases, VMware cloud data centers, Direct Connect, and Global Connect. The monthly price includes VDI, applicable GPU licenses, host monitoring, hardware replacement, updates, and security patches. Veeam backup and 1C licenses are optional. Prices range from 3 050 ₽/мес. to 20 500 ₽/мес. The service supports up to 60 desktops per account. If payment is insufficient, service is suspended; disk data is retained for seven calendar days before deletion if unpaid.