VMware Fusion vs VMware Horizon comparison

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Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between VMware Fusion 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 VMware Fusion vs. VMware Horizon Report (Updated: March 2024).
765,386 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
"The most value that it provides is that it is versatile.""It is a highly stable solution.""The product is easy to use and has a simple user interface.""The whole point of it is to run Windows VMs on a Mac. This is the most valuable feature. There is snapshotting, but we don't really use that. The Pro version allows me to actually attach to the Windows ESXi infrastructure at the backend, and I'm able to create a session that I can attach to the VMware hooks at the backend, so one is running a VM, and the whole operating system is running on the actual Mac. The other one is literally a frontend to the VMs that are running in the infrastructure at the backend. These are the two main features I use."

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"We like that VMware is the top competitor in virtualization.""The application delivery is it's most valuable feature.""We use VMware Horizon to provide remote access for remote users.""I appreciate the ability to have a more centralized environment.""I like VMware Horizon's ability and performance.""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 thin image offers efficiency and stability for the system, which is not always available in other alternatives.""From my standpoint, the desktop is the most valuable feature."

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Cons
"The way they handle snapshotting can be improved. One time, I moved a machine from one to another, and I tried to pull it up on the second machine, but it didn't work. This was because I had not cleaned up the snapshot before I deleted it and moved it across. So, when I tried to pull it up, it wouldn't let me bring it up. The backups for the VMs themselves can also be improved. I pretty much have to rely on Windows backups and not something on VMware. That's where it needs improvement. I am able to upload from my Fusion into the ESXi easily. I'm able to spin something up on Fusion and push it into the big arena, but the reverse is not as easy, that is, trying to pull something down from that. I would love to have a functionality where I could pull something from the VMware infrastructure into Fusion, but I'm not sure if I can take something from ESXi and pull it into Fusion.""VMware Fusion's licensing cost needs improvement.""Its installation process could be simpler.""I would like to see newer and updated cloud functions."

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"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.""It would be beneficial if VMware invested in developing a robust reporting engine, providing insights into user activities, locations, and more.""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.""They could incorporate an application library for application learning and licensing.""I would like to see seamless integration with the cloud because right now, the dependency is on the cloud providers.""There is room for improvement in the integration with other parts of the suite. For example, you currently need separate windows to manage app volumes and the dynamic environment manager (DEM).""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 needs to integrate with Azure, Teams, and Zoom."

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Pricing and Cost Advice
  • "Starting with version 12, it is now free on a Mac for personal use. Fusion Pro has a cost."
  • "The cost varies depending on the season and whether it is scaled up or scaled down, but I would guess that it's approximately $1,000 per month."
  • "I rate the product's pricing a seven or eight. It is highly-priced."
  • More VMware Fusion 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:The product is easy to use and has a simple user interface.
    Top Answer:I rate the product's pricing a seven or eight. It is highly-priced.
    Top Answer:The solution could be a little more stable.
    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
    7,442
    Comparisons
    6,719
    Reviews
    3
    Average Words per Review
    212
    Rating
    9.0
    Views
    5,717
    Comparisons
    4,787
    Reviews
    20
    Average Words per Review
    400
    Rating
    8.6
    Comparisons
    Learn More
    Overview
    VMware Fusion is a software hypervisor for Macintosh computers. VMware Fusion allows Intel-based Macs to run operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, NetWare, or Solaris on virtual machines, along with their Mac OS X operating system using a combination of paravirtualization, hardware virtualization and dynamic recompilation.

    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
    NetApp
    LCMC Health
    Top Industries
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company14%
    University11%
    Educational Organization10%
    Government7%
    REVIEWERS
    University20%
    Government15%
    Computer Software Company15%
    Manufacturing Company10%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company13%
    Government11%
    Manufacturing Company8%
    Financial Services Firm8%
    Company Size
    REVIEWERS
    Midsize Enterprise57%
    Large Enterprise43%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business27%
    Midsize Enterprise15%
    Large Enterprise58%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business51%
    Midsize Enterprise20%
    Large Enterprise29%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business20%
    Midsize Enterprise16%
    Large Enterprise64%
    Buyer's Guide
    VMware Fusion vs. VMware Horizon
    March 2024
    Find out what your peers are saying about VMware Fusion vs. VMware Horizon and other solutions. Updated: March 2024.
    765,386 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    VMware Fusion is ranked 7th in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) with 5 reviews while VMware Horizon is ranked 4th in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) with 33 reviews. VMware Fusion is rated 9.0, while VMware Horizon is rated 8.6. The top reviewer of VMware Fusion writes "Robust software with efficient snapshot and cloning features". 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". VMware Fusion is most compared with Parallels Desktop, VMware Workstation, VMware Player, VMware Horizon View and Citrix Workspace, whereas VMware Horizon is most compared with Microsoft Remote Desktop Services, VMware Workspace ONE, VMware Horizon View, VMware Player and Dizzion. See our VMware Fusion 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.