Azure Virtual Desktop vs Kasm Workspaces
Azure Virtual Desktop
azure.microsoft.comKasm Workspaces
kasm.comSide by side
| Figure | Azure Virtual Desktop | Kasm Workspaces |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | — | $10/mo |
| Free plan | — | Yes |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | — | Yes |
| Web | Yes | Yes |
| Windows | Yes | Yes |
| macOS | Yes | Yes |
| Linux | — | Yes |
| iOS | Yes | Yes |
| Android | Yes | Yes |
| API | — | Yes |
| Self-hosted | — | Yes |
| Plans published | 4 | 6 |
| Spec score · Desk As A Service Software | 6.8 (#10) | 9.1 (#2) |
| Spec score · Virtual Desktop Infrastructure Software | 6.9 (#18) | 9.1 (#3) |
| Headquarters | Greater Seattle Area | McLean, Virginia, United States |
Plans
Azure Virtual Desktop
- Pay as you goPriced on request
- Azure savings plan for computePriced on request
- ReservationsPriced on request
- Azure Virtual Desktop HybridPriced on request
Kasm Workspaces
- CommunityFree
- Community EditionFree
- Starter$10 a month
- Starter — Named UserPriced on request
- Starter — Concurrent SessionPriced on request
- EnterprisePriced on request
In their own words
Azure Virtual Desktop
Azure Virtual Desktop has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.
Kasm Workspaces
Kasm Workspaces provides virtual desktops, browser isolation, and application streaming through a workspace platform. It supports containerized sessions and virtual-machine workspaces, accessible through modern browsers without plugins, agents, or client installs. Deployment can be on-premises, in disconnected or air-gapped environments, across multiple clouds, or in hybrid architectures. Listed connectivity includes KasmVNC, VNC, SSH, and RDP. Administrators can apply group policies, role-based access controls, data-loss-prevention restrictions, and session controls. LDAP, SAML, and OIDC are supported authentication providers, and Kasm describes integrations with identity providers, security tools, infrastructure, operational workflows, and existing VDI, PAM, IAM, SIEM, and DLP initiatives. Kasm states SOC 2 Type II and CMMC Level 2 certifications, while noting that customer compliance depends on implementation and maintenance. Community is free for five concurrent sessions with no commercial use. Starter named-user licensing is priced on request; concurrent-session licensing is priced on request.