Azure Virtual Desktop vs. Citrix DaaS

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
Azure Virtual Desktop
Score 7.9 out of 10
N/A
Azure Virtual Desktops are a comprehensive desktop and app virtualization service running in the cloud.N/A
Citrix DaaS
Score 8.7 out of 10
N/A
Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, or XenDesktop) is a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) and application virtualization solution from Citrix.
$375
Pricing
Azure Virtual DesktopCitrix DaaS
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
Virtual Apps
$375
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
Azure Virtual DesktopCitrix DaaS
Free Trial
YesNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
Azure Virtual DesktopCitrix DaaS
Considered Both Products
Azure Virtual Desktop
Chose Azure Virtual Desktop
functionality & pricing.
Chose Azure Virtual Desktop
The most important reason to select the Azure Virtual Desktop solution for our client was the cloud infrastructure. We had already switched the Azure Active Directory with many other Servers as Virtual Machines in the Azure platform as well as total Office 365 implementation. …
Chose Azure Virtual Desktop
This is primary virtualization tool I have used. Have experience with VMWare suite and this has similar features and ease of use. Pricing was slightly lower and one of the factors. We also use Azure for our M365 deployment and was a easier carry over to stay in the Microsoft …
Chose Azure Virtual Desktop
The above-mentioned are only single-purpose software and no doubt they do the job but, AVD itself is a whole suit of services. easy use of UI makes it a greater choice among others. the best thing about AVD is the ability to let multiple users connect rather than one instance …
Chose Azure Virtual Desktop
We also tested Nutanix Frame and VMware Horizon Cloud, but it turned out that using Nerdio together with Azure Virtual Desktop is the best combination that is saving us a lot of time (for setup, configuration, and management), but also with this combination we are also saving a …
Chose Azure Virtual Desktop
I have not used any other services similar to Azure Virtual Desktop. I have only seen demos and videos but have not tried them or tried implementing them into our environment at the office. I know there are plenty of options available but security is our biggest concern to us
Chose Azure Virtual Desktop
We moved most of our workflow to Microsoft Azure and it is wise to choose AVD and It very well suits for virtual environment requirements and application access.
Chose Azure Virtual Desktop
It is better manageability of the resources to reduce the cost. Easy to configure the virtual desktop and access anywhere at any time. Autoscale up the VM on high demands time and then reduce it automatically. Azure Virtual Desktop provides the best security to our application …
Chose Azure Virtual Desktop
All exploring options for virtual desktops, Azure Windows Virtual Desktop, has a significant advantage with ease of use as most users are familiar with the windows operating system. This makes it possible for any user to do their best work, and with Azure Windows Virtual …
Chose Azure Virtual Desktop
I think that the cloud based [Azure] Windows Virtual Desktop is the future and sets the precedent for how these should be configured in the future. I've used cheap options and other more expensive options, but VD is the best when compared to Citrix or freeware. I would …
Chose Azure Virtual Desktop
Azure lab services is excellent for small scale classes but once you reach a particular density or need to serve entire school or district level resources you need to move into WVD.
Chose Azure Virtual Desktop
For us Parallels RAS is still more a "onpremise" solution, with Azure Virtual Desktop we can really leverage the power of the cloud.
We can spin up additional hosts if the load is too high and spin down hosts in the night to cut costs. Not being bound to onpremise hardware makes …
Citrix DaaS
Chose Citrix DaaS
TSPLUS can be used only from professional user with IT background because is not secure and inefficient to give access to all the employees of a specific server and, if company programs are installed in many Vm, the access via TSPLUS is impossible because the person will lost …
Chose Citrix DaaS
a similar product feels quite similar, personally, I am only a user and wasn't involved in the software purchase decisions. Citrix is leading by its functionality and ease to use.
Chose Citrix DaaS
AnyDesk is a similar software I have used however AnyDesk is more of a remote Desktop software to gain access to other computers in any network. They use a token system to authenticate. AnyDesk is very different in terms of what it offers. It does not offer Application access …
Chose Citrix DaaS
I never had the chance to test other products like these since whenever I read and searched online during the first phase it was only popping up Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops.... so we got in touch with the sales department and the rest is history. After the technical …
Chose Citrix DaaS
Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops was our pick because of the low infrastructure requirements. With Vmware, you need compatible hardware to run ESXi and then a machine to run the vCenter server and free other machines to run horizon view, app, policies, etc which can get …
Chose Citrix DaaS
Both Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops and GoToMyPC solve the business needs of accessing your work remotely as long as you have access to the internet. They are easy to log into and support worker flexibility. The cost to maintain this software can be expensive, especially if …
Chose Citrix DaaS
Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops support offline and have a wide variety of applications that can be run compared to other vendors. Improvements to the HDX protocol also allow apps to be run in higher-latency environments. Mobility Pack added support for mobile devices and …
Chose Citrix DaaS
according to me, Citrix Virtual App ruled over the windows because it is compatible with different operating systems (not only with windows or another specific one). It is user-friendly and widely accepted by various companies. It has a much better working environment for …
Chose Citrix DaaS
We use Palo Alto Global Protect, and Pulse Secure VPN. While both are secure they don't compare with providing the type of access Citrix Virtual Apps delivers. The VPN solutions are perfect for Operations and technical teams for Remote Desktop Access, however, Citrix Virtual …
Chose Citrix DaaS
We opted to use the Cisco VPN as we already owned the firewall to accommodate those users that wanted everything available all of the time. They were given laptops with full software loads and VPN access for network resources. If they have a bad or unsecure connection Citrix …
Chose Citrix DaaS
Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops by far has been the best remote desktop app that I've used. I had dabbled with other alternative platforms and they all fell short of what I needed. Citrix also has very high levels of data security and cybersecurity features making it a very …
Chose Citrix DaaS
Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (CVAD) allows for the use of any hypervisor or cloud platform which ensures flexibility in decisions that are made across a IT organization while others are typically tied to a single or highly controlled cloud selection. Additionally the …
Chose Citrix DaaS
Our company is focused and trained for the use of Citrix. We're still in the process of exploring the other options.
Chose Citrix DaaS
We have tried two alternates, one of which is not listed in this web sites database. Normal MS Remote Desktop Services/Terminal Services and 2X Applications Services. Both had similar offerings to Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops (formerly XenDesktop), but both had the same …
Chose Citrix DaaS
I'm not sure there is a real alternative to Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops. Maybe Microsoft Remote Desktop or Terminal server? Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops is much more configurable and robust than either of these options for anything more than maybe ten users. Citrix …
Chose Citrix DaaS
Other products were more cost efficient, offered a better support contract, were much simpler to configure, and had better documentation.

We chose Citrix over the alternatives, because one of our customers required the use of Citrix for the connection of third-party vendors.
Chose Citrix DaaS
We needed our application vendor to support our solution and Citrix was their main choice. The other choice was Microsoft RDS/RDP but we wanted the higher management functionality that Citrix brought.
Chose Citrix DaaS
Citrix has come a long way in this type of service, compared to its competitors. We also select Citrix because we have the complete suite from this manufacturer (Netscaler, XenServer).
Chose Citrix DaaS
Xenapp is a more mature product than VMware Horizon View with wider application and OS support. Citrix proprietary HDX and ICA protocols are more efficient than VMware PCoIP protocol for remote users with low bandwidth and high latency access. Both products still rely on …
Chose Citrix DaaS
XenDesktop is the best because Citrix says so! But really it depends on a lot of factors that vary from one organization to the next that require detailed analysis with a trusted consulting partner or an in-house EUC architect.
Best Alternatives
Azure Virtual DesktopCitrix DaaS
Small Businesses

No answers on this topic

VMware Fusion
VMware Fusion
Score 7.8 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Omnissa Horizon
Omnissa Horizon
Score 5.5 out of 10
VMware Fusion
VMware Fusion
Score 7.8 out of 10
Enterprises
Omnissa Horizon
Omnissa Horizon
Score 5.5 out of 10
VMware Fusion
VMware Fusion
Score 7.8 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
Azure Virtual DesktopCitrix DaaS
Likelihood to Recommend
7.0
(0 ratings)
8.0
(0 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
8.2
(0 ratings)
Usability
8.0
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Availability
-
(0 ratings)
8.4
(0 ratings)
Performance
-
(0 ratings)
7.4
(0 ratings)
Support Rating
-
(0 ratings)
7.9
(0 ratings)
In-Person Training
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(0 ratings)
Online Training
-
(0 ratings)
8.3
(0 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
9.0
(0 ratings)
Configurability
-
(0 ratings)
8.4
(0 ratings)
Ease of integration
-
(0 ratings)
2.4
(0 ratings)
Product Scalability
-
(0 ratings)
9.2
(0 ratings)
Vendor post-sale
-
(0 ratings)
5.2
(0 ratings)
Vendor pre-sale
-
(0 ratings)
7.0
(0 ratings)
User Testimonials
Azure Virtual DesktopCitrix DaaS
Likelihood to Recommend
  1. Users with older machines and when the IT department is facing the crunch in procuring the actual system due to ongoing pandemic.
  2. Users with more computing power can use these machines, which can work at better speeds and give out better results and faster speed.
  3. If the end user internet is not perfect that is it is low speed or ping then it is not recommended to use these systems
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DaaS is ideal in large-scale environments that require centralized, secure management. Remote workforces at large organizations. Highly regulated industries like finance. It allows for easy security and monitoring over one aspect instead of multiple remote machines. DaaS is not ideal for organizations with small budgets due to the pricing and organizations with lousy network connectivity. This would make the end-user experience terrible.
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Pros
  • You can publish as many host pools as you need to accommodate your diverse workloads
  • Brings your own image for production workloads or test from the Azure Gallery
  • Reduces costs with pooled, multi-session resources.
  • With the new Windows 10 Enterprise multi-session capability exclusive to Windows Virtual Desktop and Remote Desktop Session Host (RDSH) role on Windows Server, you can greatly reduce the number of virtual machines and operating system (OS) overhead while still providing the same resources to your users.
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  • All Management resources can now be installed on a single server. Reducing the overhead required to maintain a citrix environment.
  • Granularity of the Delivery groups allow you to define allowing a remote user to connect to a random XenDesktop VM or individually assigning VMs to users.
  • HDX RealTime Optimization Pack has stabilized some of the issues of utilizing all of the features of Skype for Business in a ZenDesktop VM.
Read full review
Cons
  • While it is PaaS it would be nice to have some monitoring insights into some parts of the offering
  • Migrating user sessions from one host to another (to be able to downscale) would be awesome
  • It would be nice to have a more seamless deployment of FSLogix in a AVD Enviroment
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  • A single console to manage the environment.
  • The configuration is a bit complicated and we have hired Citrix administrators. But it's a good solution.
  • User profiles need improvement. They could use more stability and more functionality as well as user profile redirection.
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Likelihood to Renew
No answers on this topic
I would of given it a 10 but Citrix tech support is lacking.
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Usability
AVD has performed well for us and allowed us to migrate away from Citrix.
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From an end-user perspective, Citrix DaaS is ideal. No matter the device that the user connects with, the end user's experience is always the same. Desktop icons are there, along with the files. As a big name, Citrix allows for SAML authentication or a local account. End users do not need a beefy laptop to have a good experience in DaaS.
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Reliability and Availability
No answers on this topic
Next to zero downtime
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Performance
No answers on this topic
The performance of XenDesktop is the best in the industry because of the fine-tuned protocol and years of updating. Overall, I don't think there is a better performer on the market. The question is if the added complexity of running XenDesktop is really worth the performance gain. While the latest version of XenDesktop is the easiest to deploy so far, it is still more challenging than the competitors.
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Support Rating
No answers on this topic
The support is great when you get an engineer that knows what they are doing but getting that individual sometimes takes a while. Overall, they are professional and polite and competent in their knowledge. Sometimes the cases are open for an extended period of time which becomes very frustrating when dealing with critical issues.
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In-Person Training
No answers on this topic
I was self trained
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Online Training
No answers on this topic
Online training isn't bad just an over view more then anything else.
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Implementation Rating
No answers on this topic
Take it slow and read the directions each step of the way. If you are not familiar with Citrix products, use a reseller or other experienced engineer to assist you in the setup of your environment
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Alternatives Considered
For us Parallels RAS is still more a "onpremise" solution, with Azure Virtual Desktop we can really leverage the power of the cloud. We can spin up additional hosts if the load is too high and spin down hosts in the night to cut costs. Not being bound to onpremise hardware makes this extremely flexible. Seeing as most of our customers already have a M365 license that includes Azure Virtual Desktop licensing it doesn't cost us additional CAL's for Parallels RAS
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Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops is platform agnostic (we can use any underlying hypervisor technology) and really flexible for any use case. Using a golden image and provisioning it (with Machine Creation Services or Provisioning Services) is powerful and really straightforward, compared to the complexity in Microsoft RDS of maintaining a coherent farm, or the limitation of VMware Horizon to run on VMware Products.
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Scalability
No answers on this topic
Easily scalable
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Return on Investment
  • More people can work from home which is a positive contribution to company’s objective of promoting work life balance
  • Reduced building operating costs with more staff working from home
  • At any point in time
  • Significantly reduced loss of data if a
  • user loses or damages a work laptop
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  • Being able to easily add new use cases with minimal "re-work" to existing workspace delivered by the solution has been a great ROI value.
  • The Security features that are built-in have made the solution a go-to for any remote access or vendor access requests the business has needed to continue projects and expedite digital initiatives.
  • While the overall environment stability is excellent there is an increase in support team and end user training required which can "steal" time from admin and engineers.
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ScreenShots