Horizon 8 Reviews

Name: Horizon 8
Brand: Omnissa
Rating: 4.1 (113 reviews)

Vendor: Omnissa

4.1 out of 5

113 reviews
88% willing to recommend

1,984 followers

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What is Horizon 8?

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.

Get the Horizon 8 Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about Horizon 8, VMware Workstation, Workspace ONE UEM and more!

Horizon 8 is the #1 ranked solution in top User Virtualization solutions and #2 ranked solution in top Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions. PeerSpot users give Horizon 8 an average rating of 8.2 out of 10. Horizon 8 is most commonly compared to VMware Workstation: Horizon 8 vs VMware Workstation. Horizon 8 is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 62% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 12% of all views.

Helped 852,649 peers since 2012

Featured Horizon 8 reviews

Muhammad JunaidJawed

Sr. VDI Engineer at Afiniti.com

I have been using Horizon for two years. It provides my DevOps team access to PAM and server through the provider The solution has helped ensure data leaks do not occur from the base machine to VDI, and it saves data through API copyright. The solution has data leak prevention features that…

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Tim Abboud

Key Account Manager at a computer software company with 10,001+ employees

It can be challenging to assess the stability of Horizon because it relies heavily on the underlying infrastructure, including vCenter, network, and storage performance. It is important to pay attention to these factors when evaluating the stability of the system. We rely on vCenter, network, and storage performance, and any weakness in these areas will affect the performance of Horizon. When discussing this with customers, I always emphasize the importance of these factors. If the foundation is solid, Horizon should not experience any performance issues. If the fundamentals are weak, we will encounter issues with Horizon on a regular basis. However, the product itself, VMware Horizon, is highly stable. While the Horizon product itself is very stable, it is important to be well-informed about any potential side effects from using other related products.

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RashidAnwar

Senior Project Lead at Tetra Pak

The product supports remote work scenarios in our company, considering that we have different factory infrastructure devices, such as the remote operators in different areas of the plant, where it is used to access centralized applications from multiple types of devices, such as tablets, remote PCs, etc. The product facilitates virtual desktop management and deployment, which allows for centralized management. The tool allows our company to deploy multiple instances from one central repository simply. Security patches are much easier to deploy. The scalability part is also one of the advantages offered by the solution. The patch management is much easier, and access control of different devices is good in VMware Horizon View. The scalability or flexibility feature of VMware Horizon View enhances our company's IT operations by allowing us to use all the different security areas in the plant to be deployed and used in a few simple clicks. For production areas and warehousing zones, my company has created separate rules, after which we simply deploy from the central management and create clones of similar applications that are already designed during the first instance. I rate the user experience in terms of speed and reliability an eight out of ten. I recommend the product to those who plan to use it. I rate the tool an eight out of ten.

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Horizon 8 mindshare

Product category:

As of May 2025, the mindshare of Horizon 8 in the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) category stands at 7.6%, down from 15.9% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

PeerResearch reports based on Horizon 8 reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)	May 23, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	May 23, 2025	Download
Comparison	Horizon 8 vs VMware Workstation	May 23, 2025	Download
Comparison	Horizon 8 vs Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service)	May 23, 2025	Download
Comparison	Horizon 8 vs VMware Fusion Pro	May 23, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
VMware Workstation	4.4	17.0%	93%	56 interviews Add to research
Workspace ONE UEM	4.1	2.4%	83%	100 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Horizon 8 offers centralized management, cost reduction, and seamless remote access. Users appreciate its desktop virtualization, quick provisioning, and secure remote access without VPN. Instant clone, VDI interface, and AppStacks enhance scalability and performance. The unified endpoint management and graphics capabilities boost user experience. The easy deployment and integration with existing environments make it user-friendly and reliable. Its lightweight bandwidth usage and security features are considered highly valuable.

"The solution has data leak prevention features that ensure data is not copied from the base machine to VDI, and API copyright capabilities."
"The solution has data leak prevention features that ensure data is not copied from the base machine to VDI, and API copyright capabilities."
"I find the security of Horizon to be most valuable."

Room for Improvement

Horizon 8 faces challenges with cost, Linux integration, and complex management. Users require better technical support, simplified deployment, and improved security features, especially for off-network devices. Integration with other platforms like Azure and Zoom is crucial. There's a need for enhanced licensing models and detailed documentation. The solution is perceived as expensive, and licensing uncertainties after a corporate acquisition have caused confusion. Users desire more robust performance, easier configuration, and efficient remote connection capabilities.

"We have limited capabilities since we are not using a multi-instance solution, just single instances. The solution underutilizes its capabilities."
"We have limited capabilities since we are not using a multi-instance solution, just single instances."
"It would be beneficial to see improvements in client-side functionalities, especially for some Linux clients."

ROI

Organizations experienced ROI from Horizon 8 mainly through manpower cost control, hardware savings, and reduced administrative time. ROI is typically seen within two to three years. VMware's network centralization eased remote work challenges, and virtualization lowered the need for dedicated workstations. Users noted Horizon 8's impact on data protection and its overall cost-effectiveness. However, the ROI projection is generally higher than actual results, and some organizations are working on improving ROI further.

Pricing

Horizon 8's pricing is considered high by many users, consistent with VMware's general cost reputation. While initial setup costs are significant, users find the long-term investment justifiable for large-scale implementations. Some users note that bundled licensing can offer better value. Monthly and annual licensing models are available but can add up. Despite potentially higher upfront costs, savings on hardware and maintenance are possible. The solution often requires careful financial planning and assessment for cost-effectiveness.

"We have a three-year contract, for which we pay about ten euros per user per month."
"The product is extremely expensive."
"The license cost has increased significantly, so we’re helping some customers with Azure VMware desktop solutions to save on licensing."

Popular Use Cases

Horizon 8 is primarily utilized for virtual desktop infrastructure, remote access for remote work, centralized data management, and security enhancement in various industries. Organizations deploy Horizon 8 to support remote education, healthcare, finance, and cybersecurity. Users manage end-user workstations and applications, maintain secure data access, and consolidate data centers. Many leverage Horizon 8 for personalized desktop experiences, reducing hardware costs while increasing productivity. The platform supports Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies and secures remote access.

Service and Support

Customers find Horizon 8's customer service and support to be generally effective but with mixed experiences. Many appreciate the promptness and problem-solving capabilities, especially with more knowledgeable representatives. Some experience delays or inadequate responses, often needing to escalate issues for resolution. While the support team is often commended for their expertise, response times and communication gaps occasionally hinder the experience. Overall, satisfaction varies, highlighting the necessity for consistency and better communication across different regions.

Deployment

Many find Horizon 8's initial setup complex, especially without prior experience or professional assistance. Challenges often arise in configuring Active Directory, server roles, and networking components. Some appreciate that thorough research and planning ease the process. Experienced users note straightforward transitions with well-prepared plan execution. The setup time varies widely, from hours to weeks, depending on organizational needs and complexities. Mastering the setup often requires technical knowledge and familiarity with VMware environments.

Scalability

Horizon 8 is known for its scalability, with many organizations citing its flexible nature and ease of scaling. Most report minimal issues, though some face challenges with costs or technical needs. Users can efficiently expand to accommodate hundreds and sometimes thousands of users. However, scalability can depend on existing infrastructure and knowledge. For small to medium-sized deployments, Horizon 8 performs optimally, though larger enterprises might encounter complexity.

Stability

Horizon 8 is mostly regarded as stable, with many praising its reliability. However, some highlight that stability can be influenced by underlying infrastructure, such as storage, network performance, and other external factors like vCenter. While some experience minimal issues or challenges with desktop environment transitions, many rate its stability highly, noting improvements over time with proper configuration. A few have encountered connection problems, but these seem infrequent and manageable with support.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Horizon 8 Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

12%

Government

10%

Financial Services Firm

Manufacturing Company

Healthcare Company

University

Educational Organization

Retailer

Real Estate/Law Firm

Comms Service Provider

Energy/Utilities Company

Construction Company

Insurance Company

Media Company

Non Profit

Hospitality Company

Legal Firm

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Performing Arts

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Transportation Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Outsourcing Company

Logistics Company

Consumer Goods Company

International Affairs Institute

Marketing Services Firm

Compare Horizon 8 with alternative products

Learn more about Horizon 8

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.”

Horizon 8 was previously known as VMware Horizon, VMware Horizon View, Mware Dynamic Environment Manager.

Horizon 8 customers

LCMC Health

Product Categories

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

User Virtualization

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Horizon 8 reviews

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Muhammad JunaidJawed

Sr. VDI Engineer at Afiniti.com

Verified user of Horizon 8

Nov 26, 2024

Product version discussed: 8

Helps ensure data leaks do not occur from the base machine to VDI while multi-instance capabilities remain limited

Pros

"The solution has data leak prevention features that ensure data is not copied from the base machine to VDI, and API copyright capabilities."

Cons

"We have limited capabilities since we are not using a multi-instance solution, just single instances. "

What is our primary use case?

I have been using Horizon for two years. It provides my DevOps team access to PAM and server through the provider.

How has it helped my organization?

The solution has helped ensure data leaks do not occur from the base machine to VDI, and it saves data through API copyright.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.

Read full review (353 words)

Tim Abboud

Key Account Manager at a computer software company with 10,001+ employees

Verified user of Horizon 8

May 6, 2023

Product version discussed: 5.3

User-friendly, reasonably priced, and simple to install

Pros

"The most valuable feature of this solution is the clone variant. We have been using the linked clone for the past five years, but I am willing to support and take on the function of the instant cloud."

Cons

"In the latest versions, the deployment of certificates on the console has been implemented. Although it is functional, it is not working as well as I would like. I hope this feature can be improved in the future."

What is our primary use case?

We implement VMware Horizon View for clients who want to replace physical site clients with a virtual desktop infrastructure solution, either to enhance geographical performance and reduce site clients or to add a security layer to their desktop environment.

What is most valuable?

The most valuable feature of this solution is the clone variant. We have been using the linked clone for the past five years, but I am willing to support and take on the function of the instant cloud.

The clone variant enhances the solution's functionality, making it more beneficial.

*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Reseller

Read full review (1009 words)

Buyer's Guide

Horizon 8

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Find out what your peers are saying about Horizon 8. Updated May 2025

852,649 professionals have used our research since 2012.

RashidAnwar

Senior Project Lead at Tetra Pak

Verified user of Horizon 8

Feb 15, 2024

A product that offers an easy-to-use patch management option to users

Pros

"I use the solution in my company for the area of VDI, consisting of multiple applications and allowing users the flexibility to use the applications on mobile devices."

Cons

"The storage expansion in the product is a bit difficult to manage, especially when I have to modify a storage requirement of a particular area since it comes across as a complex job."

What is our primary use case?

I use the solution in my company for the area of VDI, consisting of multiple applications and allowing users the flexibility to use the applications on mobile devices.

What needs improvement?

The storage expansion in the product is a bit difficult to manage, especially when I have to modify a storage requirement of a particular area since it comes across as a complex job. I would like the tool to improve the licensing and cost model. The tool does not offer much support if, in a factory, there are other terminal clients or third-party clients. If we have to integrate it with such plants, it is difficult because there is no interoperability feature in the product.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.

Read full review (731 words)

Omar Al-Qaysie

Senior Chief Engineer at ministry of electricity

Verified user of Horizon 8

Jan 18, 2021

Stable, fair cost, and supports multi-user environments and all kinds of virtual machines and operating systems

Pros

"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. "

Cons

"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."

What is our primary use case?

We used this solution for a complaint management and support system. The project was a combination of Horizon 7, VMware, Oracle Database, Apex, and GlassFish. Most of them were deployed on Linux or Windows, and we implemented a center to manage the VMware cluster.

The main software, based on Oracle Database, gave the operator a terminal and different kinds of forms for entering the data that they got from the customers. The virtual machines were based on Horizon 7. We completed this project in 2018, and it is still working.

What is most valuable?

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.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.

Read full review (525 words)

Mohd Abdul Aziz Shah Sulaiman

Assistant General Manager Endpoint Application at Telekom Malaysia

Verified user of Horizon 8

Jun 16, 2023

A seamless and easy-to-use product that integrates with other tools easily

Pros

"The solution is seamless and easy to use."

Cons

"The product has to improve its performance and connectivity."

What is our primary use case?

We are currently using the solution to engage with our procurement team in a secure manner. If someone uploads tenders using their PC, they can copy the tender to other devices. Using the solution helps restrict access to users. The users' actions are also recorded in the solution.

What is most valuable?

It is easy to navigate through the product. The product makes it easier for us to manage the user’s expectations. The solution is seamless and easy to use. We can choose to use either the web or the client. We can integrate the solution with other tools using Active Directory.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.

Read full review (372 words)

reviewer2352297

IT Specialist at a manufacturing company with 10,001+ employees

Verified user of Horizon 8

Jun 26, 2024

Extremely expensive and difficult to deploy, though it stops the end users from taking data out of the systems

Pros

"We can stop the end user from taking data out of the desktops."

Cons

"The vendor must move the infrastructure into the public cloud."

What is our primary use case?

We use the solution to provide VDI to our partners. They connect to the VDI and consume our on-premise resources.

What is most valuable?

The product helps us to lock down the desktops. We can stop the end user from taking data out of the desktops. These are the key security features of the tool.

*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Integrators

Read full review (412 words)

reviewer1502289

Network administrator at a government with 5,001-10,000 employees

Verified user of Horizon 8

Sep 23, 2021

Makes it simpler and faster to deploy new versions and updates and enables us to provide support with the remote control feature

Pros

"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."

Cons

"The most important feature that is missing is the ability to do some remote support on the client itself. For example, if somebody has a Horizon client installed on his machine, there should be a way to support his local machine as well. That's because most of the problems can't be solved very often due to the computer or the setup that someone is using on his personal machine. Because a Horizon client is already installed on the machine to access the environment, it would be nice if the client itself possessed some sort of remote control tool in it so that if needed, we could support both the virtual setup and the actual setup of the machine. It pretty much does everything well. It is mostly the support aspect that can be improved. You have perfect control over your in-house environment. You have a solution that can pretty much be used anywhere, but you have no control over the machine that's being used to access your environment. Definitely, that's where most of the features are lacking. There should be an option for remote control and maybe some options for conformity."

What is our primary use case?

We are using it to provide our users with a personalized desktop experience when they're working remotely, especially during the pandemic.

We are using its latest version. We usually deploy it on-prem, but I know that there is a possibility to put it on the cloud.

How has it helped my organization?

It is simpler and faster to deploy new versions and updates. It is also easier to make sure that everybody is using a standard image or a standard setup.

*Disclosure: I am a real user, and this review is based on my own experience and opinions.

Read full review (1066 words)

ToniLindberg

senior consultant at Virtual Consultants Sverige AB

Verified user of Horizon 8

Jun 3, 2024

Makes data closer to the data center and supports remote usage

Pros

"I think the tool is very useful for attracting new people, either new hires or consultants. Remote usage is also a significant benefit. VMware Horizon's security features depend on the customer and what they want. Of course, if they have multi-factor authentication, VMware Horizon supports that. It depends on their policies, but it works with pretty much anything. "

Cons

"We should be able to use the tool on different platforms. "

What is most valuable?

I think the tool is very useful for attracting new people, either new hires or consultants. Remote usage is also a significant benefit. VMware Horizon's security features depend on the customer and what they want. Of course, if they have multi-factor authentication, VMware Horizon supports that. It depends on their policies, but it works with pretty much anything.

You don't have to buy laptops for everyone. You can use the ones you have for over three years, even five to six years. Additionally, you have data closer to the data center or servers. When you start programs, they're almost probably on the same switch. For instance, if you use AutoCAD or something similar, you can cut significant time from operations

What needs improvement?

We should be able to use the tool on different platforms.

*Disclosure: My company has a business relationship with this vendor other than being a customer: Partner

Read full review (404 words)

Horizon 8 Reviews

What is Horizon 8?

Featured Horizon 8 reviews

Horizon 8 mindshare

PeerResearch reports based on Horizon 8 reviews

Valuable Features

Room for Improvement

ROI

Pricing

Popular Use Cases

Service and Support

Deployment

Scalability

Stability

Review data by company size

Top industries

Compare Horizon 8 with alternative products

Learn more about Horizon 8

VMware Horizon benefits:

VMware Horizon features:

Horizon 8 customers

Related questions

Product Categories

Popular Comparisons

Horizon 8 reviews

Pros

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What is our primary use case?

How has it helped my organization?

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What is most valuable?

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What is most valuable?

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What is our primary use case?

How has it helped my organization?

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