Citrix Workspace vs VMware Horizon comparison

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6,000 views|4,704 comparisons
96% willing to recommend
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5,587 views|4,708 comparisons
90% willing to recommend
Comparison Buyer's Guide
Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Citrix Workspace and VMware Horizon based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out in this report how the two Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions compare in terms of features, pricing, service and support, easy of deployment, and ROI.
To learn more, read our detailed Citrix Workspace vs. VMware Horizon Report (Updated: March 2024).
767,847 professionals have used our research since 2012.
Featured Review
Quotes From Members
We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use.
Here are some excerpts of what they said:
Pros
"Getting access to the applications for which we otherwise have to be on-site is probably the biggest advantage""The ease of access and the confidentiality and security that it provides is what we like best.""It is stable, easy to scale, and provides secure remote access.""The price and user interface are great.""The most valuable feature of Citrix Workspace is the virtual desktop that we can use anywhere, at any time, and without taking our laptop.""The basic virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) feature is most valuable. We were lucky to have it in place when the pandemic hit. It is used very heavily now.""Its user-friendliness is most valuable. It was easy to log in and navigate. Some of such solutions are not very user-friendly, but this one was.""It allows us to mute users who adhere to a policy of not allowing direct VPN access for security reasons. It is easy to use."

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"Horizon 7's most valuable feature is the unified endpoint management.""Its most valuable feature is the rapid and versatile access from clients operating on various Windows, Linux, and MacOS systems.""We like that VMware is the top competitor in virtualization.""Scalable and stable virtualization solution, with good technical support offering timely responses.""It is a stable solution. It is wonderful for multi-user environments, and it supports different virtual machines and operating systems. You can go for any kind of virtual machine. It has many features, especially for a call center. You don't have the issue of computers going down from time to time. You just need to copy the virtual machine to deploy it. You also don't need many people to maintain computers. With Horizon 7, you just need one or two people.""The most valuable features of VMware Horizon in our education organization are its Graphics Virtualization Unit (GVU) integration.""One of the most interesting features in the enterprise version is the ability to do some support. There is a feature for remote control and debugging, which is something we didn't have before having Horizon 7 and the enterprise version.""The most important feature of this solution is the connectivity with every device, such as iPad, iPhone, and other terminals. The security of the solution is very good."

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Cons
"This solution is resource-intensive, it takes a lot of Bandwidth and a lot of the resources of the server.""Integration with other vendors could be improved.""It takes time to load.""It is slow. When everybody is logged in, it does have a tendency to slow down. You can tell the connectivity slows down a little bit, but it's still a good product.""Citrix Workspace can improve by being more secure, but this would apply to any solution not only Citrix Workspace.""The initial setup is very complex.""The product has some bugs, making it an area of concern where improvements are required.""They can simplify the process of printers. Printers were quite a difficult issue. It took us a long time to iron this issue out. We have the most simple use case where people connect from home to either a virtual machine or their physical desktop. We tried more complex solutions like Machine Creation Services, and they were more overhead than they were worth for us. I found them difficult to work with and confusing, and they were not worth the work for us."

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"Areas for improvement in VMware Horizon 7 would be the logging and the troubleshooting, e.g. they could be made clearer.""The support team's technicalities and the pricing of the solution need improvement.""The remote connection, bandwidth usage, and error connection can be improved. Working with the load balancer sites should also be improved. For example, with Horizon, we can use two clients with a one megabit connection, but with Citrix, we can use four or five clients with the same bandwidth through ICA protocol. VMware must improve remote connection, connection stability, and load balancing.""They could incorporate an application library for application learning and licensing.""It is a little bit complex. You need a little bit of experience with ESXi installation and VMware before using this solution. You cannot directly jump to this solution. It also requires training. After you get trained, you can do anything with Horizon 7. In terms of features, it has been sufficient for my needs, but it can always have more features. They can maybe merge the servers. They can give the Horizon 7 server in one package with ESXi.""I would like to see simple load-balancing for smaller environments that lack large solutions like F5, or NSX; it should be redundant or unavailable but in a simple way. Perhaps limited to only two components; if more are required, a paid load balancing solution can be used. Load balancing for simple environments, or simple redundancy, is sorely lacking.""VMware Horizon could be improved with more integration. It is also very costly for Enterprise Plus, which is a drawback. The renewal costs for the license are very, very high.""The remote application features have some room for improvement."

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Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "We don't have a lot to compare it to, but we certainly think whatever we pay is worthwhile at this point in time. It's very reasonable."
  • "We are just now approaching the end of our initial purchase, which was an excellent price for us as an academic institution. We got a very good deal to get us on board. That license is up for renewal in about a year, and we are nervously waiting to see what the pricing will be."
  • "The licensing of Citrix Workspace is worth it. However, it is expensive. Citrix is probably more competitive now than VMware, but it is still a costly solution."
  • "The price of the solution could be less expensive. There are different versions to their solution and the price keeps increasing."
  • "We are seeing a return on investment with Citrix Workspace."
  • "The tool is expensive."
  • "Citrix is expensive."
  • "My company opts for the yearly subscription model to pay towards the licensing costs attached to the solution."
  • More Citrix Workspace Pricing and Cost Advice →

  • "Its cost is fair. You can go for a free trial, but for initializing a project, you need to purchase a license. There are different types of licenses."
  • "There are different editions available at different cost points."
  • "I don't know about the price. I know there are different tiers with the license, but I'm not sure exactly what it costs anymore."
  • "It is hard to know for sure. It is definitely in the $20,000 to $30,000 range. It is quite expensive, but you do save money on desktop power, desktop upgrades, etc. You're able to extend the useful life of your previous desktops. Previously, we used to change desktops regularly, and now we just change them when they break."
  • "The VMware Horizon 7 license is for three months. We are in the testing stage, we are still evaluating the product. We are sure now that we need to buy a license for the production environment."
  • "The license is very costly, as well as the renewal cost."
  • "We are happy with the price."
  • "The license for this product is paid on a monthly basis."
  • More VMware Horizon Pricing and Cost Advice →

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    Questions from the Community
    Top Answer:My company opts for the yearly subscription model to pay towards the licensing costs attached to the solution.
    Top Answer:Citrix Workspace needs to improve and offer a better QA. The product has some bugs, making it an area of concern where improvements are required. The product should have some new releases to deal with… more »
    Top Answer:VMware Workspace One has a powerful set of helpful features. The solution offers very good documentation, the initial setup is easy, and the product is very stable and reliable. I think the fact that… more »
    Top Answer:Its most valuable feature is the rapid and versatile access from clients operating on various Windows, Linux, and MacOS systems.
    Top Answer:Pricing for Horizon is relatively high, earning a rating of one out of ten.
    Ranking
    Views
    6,000
    Comparisons
    4,704
    Reviews
    15
    Average Words per Review
    429
    Rating
    8.5
    Views
    5,587
    Comparisons
    4,708
    Reviews
    20
    Average Words per Review
    423
    Rating
    8.8
    Comparisons
    Also Known As
    Citrix Workspace Cloud
    Learn More
    Citrix
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    Overview

    Citrix Workspace is a robust, stable Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solution that provides integrated, secure access to content, applications, desktops, and resources from anywhere, using any device. These resources can be local, mobile, web, browser, content applications, SaaS, and Citrix DaaS.

    Citrix Workspace gathers and combines the best of Citrix Cloud services, enabling secure access to all the resources available to the organization's end‑users in one location.

    Users are able to view each resource that they have been given access to via the Citrix Workspace user interface (UI). Users are able to access all the services that have been assigned to them in the Workspace Configuration portal either through the browser using the Workspace URL or through the Citrix Workspace application, which has replaced Citrix Receiver.

    Users can easily authenticate their workspaces using the credentials preset in the primary identity provider that is part of the Identity and Access Management which then will automatically enable in Workspace Configuration. This will immediately authenticate the subscriber to each cloud‑hosted service purchased and assigned for their specific unique Citrix Workspace. This guarantees increased security and minimizes any user anomalies.

    Citrix Workspace Benefits:

    Citrix Workspace provides many value-added benefits. Some of these benefits include:


    • Personalized user experience: Citrix Workplace provides a unique personalized experience for each and every user based on their assigned role and job assignment. Users are also able to personalize workflows, improving the overall user work experience.
    • Increased productivity: Citrix Workplace provides a unique personalized experience for each and every user. The single sign-on protocol makes it easy for users to find the applications they need and to start work immediately.
    • Streamlined workflow: The solution facilitates a cleaner, organized, intuitive workspace. The automated workflows and streamlined tasks ensure users stay on task and can perform at their very best at all times.
    • Improved collaboration: Citrix workspace streamlines the ability for users to share media, content, and data with other team members, employees, and stakeholders.
    • Consistent business process: The solution allows users to sign on and begin work from anywhere, anytime, using any device. This enables processes to continue uninterrupted and avoid potential shutdowns or downtime.
    • Next-generation technology: Users are always provided the most up-to-date user experience using SaaS, Citrix Daas, and the most current applications and resources available.
    • Robust governance protocol: The solution provides a rock-solid governance framework as defined by the organization. Citrix Workspace protects all applications and gives users access to only those applications that they need when they need them.
    • Increased security: It uses the most up-to-date single sign-on and zero-trust protocols. Citrix Workspace protects all applications and gives users access to only those applications that they need. The security process includes two-step verification and preset role-based access.
    • Cost-effective: Users are able to sign on from anywhere, using any device, which significantly reduces many overhead costs. The automated workflows also reduce time by eliminating unnecessary repetitive tasks.
    • Increased profitability: A value-added VDI such as Citrix Workspace will ensure an organization will achieve the highest levels of productivity and profitability while providing a solid ROI.

    Reviews from Real Users

    “If you have a desktop, laptop, or device that can be distributed to end users, to any kind of inconsistency in the institution, we deploy the solution so that anybody can get whatever resource is required. It helps ensure access. It makes it easy for us to give storage, memory, RAM, or processor resources without anything affecting their day-to-day activity.” Letarik D., Software System Team Leader at Ethiopian Roads Administration.

    “I work for the State of Illinois, and we were able to stay open and provide services for the needs of the people of the State of Illinois during COVID, which included unemployment services and everything else like that. Its user-friendliness is most valuable. It was easy to login and navigate. Some solutions are not very user-friendly, but this one was.” Cheri S., Information Systems Analyst II at the State of Illinois.

    VMware Horizon is a virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solution designed to allow users to create secure and scalable virtual desktops and applications that work on any device, from any location. These virtualization capabilities help simplify and speed up application delivery and greatly reduce enterprise costs.

    VMware Horizon’s centralized management console provides IT admins with comprehensive control over all of their virtual desktops and applications, making them simple to manage and secure. The solution enables using features such as identity and access management, multi-factor authentication, and encryption, to ensure ultimate data protection.

    VMware Horizon benefits:


    Some of key the benefits of using VMware Horizon include:


    • Increased security: VMware Horizon includes multiple security features such as identity and access management, multi-factor authentication, and encryption, to ensure a high level of security and data privacy.


    • Compliance: Meet regulatory and compliance requirements by providing users with secure and controlled access to data and applications.


    • Reduced costs: By using VMware Horizon, organizations can reduce the costs associated with managing and maintaining physical desktops and applications, as well as reduce the costs associated with providing secure remote access to these resources.


    • Easy management: VMware Horizon provides IT administrators with a user-friendly centralized management system, making it easier and faster to manage and secure their virtual desktops and applications.


    • Enhanced user experience: Users are able to access their virtual desktops and applications from any device, and from any location. Work from any location, without being tied to a specific device or area.


    VMware Horizon features:


    Some of the top features of VMware Horizon include:


    • Virtual desktops: Create secure and scalable virtual desktops, with a choice of operating systems and settings.


    • Virtual applications: Create virtual applications that can be run from any device or operating system.


    • Central management: Control and manage virtual desktops and applications from a single pane of glass.

    • Quick duplications: Clone virtual machines and applications instantly.


    • Scalability: VMware Horizon can scale on demand to meet the needs of any business large or small.


    • Reporting and analytics: Gain insight into user activity and behavior with detailed analytics and reporting.


    • Security features and ID management: Ensure the security and privacy of data with a wide variety of security features, including encryption, multi-factor authentication, single sign-on (SSO), and network security.


    • Seamless integration: VMware Horizon integrates easily with other VMware solutions, including VMware vSphere, VMware NSX, and VMware Workspace ONE.


    Reviews from Real Users

    VMware Horizon stands out among its competitors for a number of reasons. Several major ones are its high performance, flexibility, and powerful virtualization capabilities.

    Natnael A., a consultant at IWM Network Solutions, writes, “The app virtualizing is a great feature. The system developers use it to deliver apps to targeted staff. It basically reduces the server infrastructure resource. The solution provides good functionality.”

    Rob M., a systems administrator at Saint Tammany Parish Hospital, says, “The solution has provided flexibility by allowing an end user to remote in, log in, and get their VM. VDI session and have all the icons and applications they need to use and retain the same booking view regardless of location.”

    Sample Customers
    Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority
    LCMC Health
    Top Industries
    REVIEWERS
    Healthcare Company24%
    Computer Software Company18%
    Government12%
    Retailer6%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company15%
    Financial Services Firm10%
    Government9%
    Manufacturing Company8%
    REVIEWERS
    University20%
    Government15%
    Computer Software Company15%
    Manufacturing Company10%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company13%
    Government11%
    Manufacturing Company8%
    Financial Services Firm8%
    Company Size
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business40%
    Midsize Enterprise16%
    Large Enterprise44%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business24%
    Midsize Enterprise15%
    Large Enterprise62%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business51%
    Midsize Enterprise20%
    Large Enterprise29%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business21%
    Midsize Enterprise16%
    Large Enterprise64%
    Buyer's Guide
    Citrix Workspace vs. VMware Horizon
    March 2024
    Find out what your peers are saying about Citrix Workspace vs. VMware Horizon and other solutions. Updated: March 2024.
    767,847 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    Citrix Workspace is ranked 6th in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) with 25 reviews while VMware Horizon is ranked 3rd in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) with 34 reviews. Citrix Workspace is rated 8.6, while VMware Horizon is rated 8.4. The top reviewer of Citrix Workspace writes "Useful virtual desktop usage from anywhere, simple deployment, and straightforward to maintain". On the other hand, the top reviewer of VMware Horizon writes "Compelling solution for virtual desktop infrastructure with advanced technology, straightforward licensing, easy setup, and seamless integration". Citrix Workspace is most compared with Microsoft Remote Desktop Services, Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service), VMware Workspace ONE, VMware Horizon View and Sangfor aDesk VDI, whereas VMware Horizon is most compared with Microsoft Remote Desktop Services, VMware Workspace ONE, VMware Horizon View, VMware Player and VMware Fusion. See our Citrix Workspace vs. VMware Horizon report.

    See our list of best Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) vendors.

    We monitor all Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) reviews to prevent fraudulent reviews and keep review quality high. We do not post reviews by company employees or direct competitors. We validate each review for authenticity via cross-reference with LinkedIn, and personal follow-up with the reviewer when necessary.