A few months ago, I asked a group of IT managers on a webinar how many of them had moved at least part of their workforce to virtual desktops. Nearly half raised their hands. And when I followed up asking who planned to move more users within the next year or two, it jumped to around 70 percent.

This shift isn’t hype. It’s happening because the way we work changed fast, and frankly, a lot of old-school hardware setups just couldn’t keep up. Between hybrid work, contractors on the other side of the world, and creative teams demanding GPU power their laptops can’t handle, Desktop as a Service (DaaS) went from being a “nice-to-have” to a survival tool.

And let’s be real. Nobody wants to deal with shipping desktops across the country or scrambling to support someone’s decade-old Mac that can’t even open AutoCAD without wheezing.

DaaS platforms — or cloud PCs, virtual desktops, hosted desktops, pick your term — solve that by putting the entire desktop in the cloud. That means no more worrying about device specs, office networks, or local storage headaches. Your team logs in, works securely, and you can scale up or down without begging procurement for budget.

The best part? You can spin up high-performance cloud desktops for 3D modeling, video editing, software dev, or even call center operations without buying a single physical machine. Want a GPU-powered remote desktop for Blender? Or a simple Windows cloud PC for someone processing invoices? Both are possible with the right DaaS provider.

Of course, not every solution is equal. Some promise seamless performance and give you lag city. Others wow you with features but drown you in setup complexity. That’s what we’ll break down next: what actually makes a DaaS platform good — or frustrating.

What to Look For in a DaaS Platform?

So, let’s say you’re convinced DaaS is worth exploring. Great. But how do you pick the right platform without getting burned? I’ve tested, researched, and talked with enough IT teams to know what separates a solid cloud desktop provider from one that’ll make you regret every penny.

Here’s what really matters:

Speed and Ease of Provisioning

You don’t want to wait days (or even hours) to spin up a desktop. The best DaaS platforms let you create a new virtual machine in minutes. Ideally, you can assign it, configure basic settings, and have your user logging in before your coffee gets cold. Amazon WorkSpaces and V2 Cloud, for example, are known for quick setup. Some others? Not so much — and that lag hurts when onboarding contractors or scaling fast.

Performance: CPU, GPU, and Low Latency

Not all cloud desktops are built equal. If your team is just running Microsoft Office or Slack, basic CPU power will do. But for designers, architects, video editors, or 3D modelers, you’ll need GPU-powered cloud PCs. Platforms like Cloudalize or Vagon Teams stand out here because they focus on creative workloads. And don’t forget about latency. It’s the silent killer of remote desktop usability. Test platforms in the regions where your team actually works.

Flexible Pricing That Fits Your Usage

Some providers lock you into expensive monthly plans even if your users barely log in. Others (like pay-as-you-go DaaS platforms) let you pay by the hour or minute, which can be a lifesaver for freelancers, part-timers, or bursty workloads. Before you sign anything, map out how often and how long your team will use these desktops. The wrong pricing model can quietly drain your budget.

Admin Tools and User Experience

This is where a lot of DaaS providers lose points. I’ve seen setups where just creating a new user felt like solving a puzzle. Look for platforms that give you clear admin consoles, simple user management, and built-in monitoring without needing a certification to figure it out. If your team has to call IT every time they forget a password or need a config change, that’s wasted time.

Security and Compliance

Any vendor can say they’re secure. What matters is whether they back it up. Check for SOC2, ISO 27001, GDPR, and HIPAA support — depending on what your business needs. And ask about data residency. If your team handles sensitive client files, you probably don’t want those stored in a random data center halfway across the world.

Before we dive into all the options, let me quickly introduce Vagon Teams. It’s a cloud desktop solution built for creatives and technical teams who want serious GPU power without the usual headaches. Simple to set up, easy to manage, and flexible enough to scale as you need — we’ll get into the details at the end of this post.

There’s no shortage of Desktop as a Service platforms out there. But let’s be honest — some shine, and others leave you wondering why you bothered. I’m not here to sugarcoat. Here’s what you actually get with the major players, based on real usage, strengths, quirks, and what I’d tell a friend making this decision.

#1: Amazon WorkSpaces

If you’re already knee-deep in the Amazon Web Services ecosystem, Amazon WorkSpaces probably caught your eye. And I get why. It’s basically AWS’s answer to virtual desktop infrastructure — a way to give your team Windows or Linux desktops in the cloud without buying hardware.

I’ve worked with teams who love it and teams who ran into unexpected headaches. So here’s the honest breakdown.

What Works Well with Amazon WorkSpaces?

✅ Solid integration with AWS tools
If you’re already managing servers, storage, and apps on AWS, WorkSpaces fits right in. You can tie it to other AWS services, use existing identity management setups, and manage everything from one console.

✅ Flexible pricing
Amazon lets you choose between monthly billing (good for always-on workers) or hourly pricing (great for occasional users). There’s even a free tier that gives you two WorkSpaces for up to 40 hours per month for the first three months. That’s handy for testing.

✅ Global infrastructure
Because it’s built on AWS, you’ve got data centers all over the world. That can help keep latency low, assuming your team works near those regions.

✅ Decent for basic workloads
For teams running typical office apps — think Microsoft Office, web browsers, email — WorkSpaces usually delivers a smooth experience.

Where Amazon WorkSpaces Can Fall Short?

⚠️ Limited GPU options
This is a biggie. If your team needs GPU acceleration for 3D work, video editing, or CAD, WorkSpaces isn’t really built for that. You’d have to look at EC2 G-series instances or other services, and then stitch everything together yourself.

⚠️ Admin learning curve
AWS fans might disagree, but I’ve seen first-hand how overwhelming the WorkSpaces admin console can be for newcomers. There are lots of knobs and levers. Great for power users, not so great if you want simple point-and-click setup.

⚠️ Costs can sneak up
If you don’t carefully monitor usage, hourly charges can pile up fast. I’ve talked to teams who got an unpleasant surprise at month’s end because desktops were left running longer than expected.

Who Should Consider Amazon WorkSpaces?

Amazon WorkSpaces tends to shine in companies that already run a good chunk of their infrastructure on AWS. If your team is familiar with AWS services like EC2, S3, or IAM, adding WorkSpaces to the mix usually feels like a natural next step. I’ve seen it work well for IT departments that want tight integration between cloud desktops and other cloud apps, without introducing a completely new vendor into the stack.

It’s also a solid option for general office teams — people who mostly need a reliable Windows or Linux environment to run tools like Microsoft Office, browsers, email clients, or lightweight line-of-business apps. You can spin up desktops for these users fairly quickly, and the experience is usually smooth enough to keep complaints at bay.

Where WorkSpaces tends to struggle is when teams expect GPU acceleration out of the box. If you’re trying to support architects, animators, video editors, or engineers working with CAD software, you’ll hit limits fast. You’ll either end up stitching together other AWS services or looking for another DaaS provider that focuses on creative and high-performance workloads.

#2: Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD)

If your company runs on Microsoft 365, chances are someone has pitched Azure Virtual Desktop to you. And on paper, it makes perfect sense. AVD is Microsoft’s own virtual desktop infrastructure that gives you full Windows desktops in the cloud, tightly tied to the tools most businesses already use — Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint, and the rest.

In my experience, AVD can be powerful. But it’s not always as plug-and-play as you’d hope. Let’s break it down.

What Works Well with Azure Virtual Desktop?

✅ Seamless Microsoft 365 integration
This is where AVD really shines. Your users can sign in with the same credentials they use for email and Teams. OneDrive sync works like magic. And updates, policies, and security settings can flow through the same systems you’re already managing.

✅ Multi-session Windows 10 and 11
AVD lets multiple users share a single Windows machine at the same time. That can seriously cut costs for call centers or teams that don’t need dedicated high-power desktops.

✅ Flexible deployment options
You can run AVD fully in the cloud or connect it to your on-premises setup in a hybrid model. That’s handy if you’re not ready to go all-in on cloud yet.

✅ Strong security options
Since it’s built on Azure, you get enterprise-grade security features — conditional access, MFA, role-based controls — right out of the gate.

Where Azure Virtual Desktop Can Fall Short?

⚠️ Complex to set up
I’ve seen even experienced IT teams underestimate the work involved. Setting up AVD isn’t just clicking a button. You’re configuring host pools, app groups, FSLogix profiles, and networking. It’s powerful, but it takes effort.

⚠️ Costs can be tricky to predict
You pay separately for Azure compute, storage, and licenses. If you’re not careful, it’s easy for costs to balloon — especially if desktops stay running when they’re not needed.

⚠️ Latency outside Microsoft regions
If your users are far from Azure data centers, they might notice lag, especially with heavier apps. Testing performance in your team’s actual locations is key.

Who Should Consider Azure Virtual Desktop?

Azure Virtual Desktop makes the most sense for organizations that are deeply invested in the Microsoft ecosystem. If your team lives in Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and OneDrive, AVD lets you extend that familiar environment into the cloud. I think it’s especially good for businesses that already have strong Azure skills in-house.

It also fits well for call centers, seasonal workforces, or situations where shared desktops (via multi-session Windows) can save serious money. But if you’re hoping for a super simple, “click here to start” virtual desktop, or you have a lot of GPU-heavy creative workloads, AVD might not be your best match.

#3: Citrix DaaS

If you’ve worked in IT for a while, you’ve probably crossed paths with Citrix. Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) is practically a household name when it comes to virtual desktop infrastructure, especially in big enterprises. It’s been around for decades, and it shows — in both the good and not-so-good ways.

Citrix built its rep on delivering reliable, secure remote desktops and apps, even over bad connections. But let’s not sugarcoat it: getting the most out of Citrix can take work.

What Works Well with Citrix DaaS?

✅ Rock-solid performance over weak networks
Citrix’s HDX protocol is a big reason it’s stayed relevant. It optimizes graphics, audio, and input even on spotty connections. I’ve seen it keep apps usable where other platforms stutter and fail.

✅ Enterprise-grade security and compliance
If you’re in a heavily regulated industry — finance, healthcare, government — Citrix ticks a lot of compliance boxes. It offers granular policy controls, multi-factor authentication, and encryption everywhere.

✅ Flexible deployment models
You can run Citrix DaaS in public cloud, hybrid setups, or even on-prem. That flexibility matters for companies in the middle of a long, messy cloud migration.

✅ Strong ecosystem and third-party integrations
Citrix plays nicely with all kinds of management, monitoring, and security tools. It’s designed for complex IT environments.

Where Citrix DaaS Can Fall Short?

⚠️ Complexity
Let’s be honest — Citrix isn’t what I’d call beginner-friendly. Setting it up, tuning it, and keeping it humming smoothly takes skill. A lot of skill. Small teams without Citrix experience often struggle unless they bring in consultants.

⚠️ Cost
This is not the cheapest option. Between licensing, infrastructure, and support costs, Citrix tends to land on the pricey side. And the more complex your setup, the higher the price tag usually climbs.

⚠️ Overkill for simpler needs
If all you want is basic cloud desktops for email and web apps, Citrix might be more platform than you need.

Who Should Consider Citrix DaaS?

Citrix DaaS is really aimed at large organizations with complex needs — think thousands of users, strict compliance requirements, and hybrid environments where some systems stay on-prem while others move to the cloud. It’s a fit for IT departments that have the skills (or budget) to handle a powerful but intricate platform.

If you’re running a smaller team or trying to support creative professionals who need GPU-heavy cloud desktops, Citrix can feel like more hassle than help. But if you’re a Fortune 500 company needing total control, rock-solid security, and global reach, Citrix is still one of the best options out there.

#4: VMWare Omnissa Horizon

You might know it as VMware Horizon Cloud, but these days it’s Omnissa Horizon — same core platform, new branding. Whatever the name, this is VMware’s answer to Desktop as a Service. And like Citrix, it’s a heavyweight option that appeals mostly to larger organizations or teams that need serious flexibility.

I’ve seen Horizon shine in hybrid environments where businesses want tight control over both cloud and on-prem systems. But, like its main rival Citrix, it comes with some trade-offs.

What Works Well with Omnissa Horizon?

✅ Highly flexible deployment options
Horizon supports full cloud, on-premises, or hybrid setups. You can run desktops on VMware’s cloud, on your own hardware, or across different public clouds like Azure. That’s useful if your company isn’t all-in on one provider.

✅ Multi-protocol support
Horizon gives you choices — its Blast Extreme protocol works well for most use cases, but you can also use PCoIP. That flexibility can help you fine-tune performance for different workloads.

✅ BYOL and existing investments
Horizon plays nicely with existing VMware infrastructure. If you’ve sunk time and money into vSphere, NSX, or vSAN, Horizon lets you build on that rather than start from scratch.

✅ Enterprise security features
It offers role-based access controls, multi-factor authentication, and integration with existing security stacks.

Where Omnissa Horizon Can Fall Short?

⚠️ Setup and management complexity
If you don’t already have VMware expertise, Horizon can feel daunting. There’s a learning curve, and managing a hybrid deployment takes effort.

⚠️ Cost structure can be opaque
Like Citrix, Horizon’s pricing isn’t always easy to predict at a glance. Between licenses, infrastructure, and support, the total cost of ownership can creep higher than expected.

⚠️ Not focused on creatives out of the box
While you can configure Horizon to handle GPU-accelerated workloads, it’s not exactly plug-and-play for 3D designers, animators, or video editors.

Who Should Consider Omnissa Horizon?

Omnissa Horizon is a smart pick for organizations that are already VMware shops. If your data center runs on vSphere and you want to extend that into the cloud without re-architecting everything, Horizon makes a lot of sense.

It’s also a good fit if you need total flexibility in where and how your virtual desktops run. But if you’re after simplicity, or if your team relies heavily on GPU-powered creative apps, Horizon probably isn’t the most efficient choice.

#5: Cloudalize

Cloudalize is one of those DaaS platforms that knows exactly who it’s for. And spoiler: it’s not general office workers. Cloudalize focuses on providing virtual desktops with serious GPU power, aimed at industries like architecture, engineering, construction, automotive, and media.

If your team runs apps like AutoCAD, Revit, Blender, or Unreal Engine, Cloudalize is worth a hard look. But it comes with trade-offs that are good to know upfront.

What Works Well with Cloudalize?

✅ Built for GPU-heavy workloads
Unlike many DaaS platforms that treat GPU acceleration as an afterthought, Cloudalize puts it front and center. You can spin up cloud desktops that can handle 3D modeling, video rendering, simulation, and other compute-intensive tasks.

✅ Browser-based access
Users can connect to their desktops straight from a web browser. That’s handy if your team uses a mix of devices — no need for bulky client installs.

✅ Flexible configurations
You can choose from different levels of GPU and CPU power to match your app requirements. That means you’re not paying for more performance than you need.

✅ EU data centers
If your business is in Europe and you’re focused on GDPR compliance, Cloudalize’s EU-based infrastructure can be a plus.

Where Cloudalize Can Fall Short?

⚠️ Pricey for non-creative workloads
If your team doesn’t actually need GPU power, Cloudalize is probably overkill. There are cheaper ways to give employees basic cloud desktops for office apps or web tools.

⚠️ Limited global data center coverage
Cloudalize’s focus on EU data centers is great for European users, but if you’ve got teams in the Americas or Asia-Pacific, latency could become an issue.

⚠️ Less focus on enterprise admin features
While the platform covers the essentials, it doesn’t have the same deep, enterprise-grade admin tools you’d find in Citrix or Horizon.

Who Should Consider Cloudalize?

Cloudalize is tailor-made for teams that need GPU-accelerated cloud desktops to run demanding software. I’m talking about architects working in BIM tools, VFX artists rendering scenes, engineers running simulations, or automotive designers crafting models.

If that sounds like your team, Cloudalize could save you from having to buy and maintain pricey hardware locally. But if you’re just looking for cloud PCs for general office use, this probably isn’t your most cost-effective option.

#6: V2 Cloud

V2 Cloud doesn’t try to be everything for everyone — and that’s part of its charm. While platforms like Citrix or Horizon focus on massive enterprises, V2 Cloud is built for small to midsize businesses that want cloud desktops without the complexity. If you’ve ever wished for a “just work” DaaS option that doesn’t need a full-time admin to babysit it, V2 Cloud might be up your alley.

I’ve seen startups and smaller companies choose V2 Cloud because they wanted to skip the headaches of traditional VDI. And for the most part, it delivers on that promise.

What Works Well with V2 Cloud?

✅ Ridiculously easy to set up
V2 Cloud’s big selling point is simplicity. You can sign up, configure a virtual desktop, and get a user logging in — usually in under an hour. There’s no messing around with complex host pools, networking rules, or custom images unless you want to.

✅ All-in-one pricing
Unlike some platforms where compute, storage, licensing, and support are separate line items, V2 Cloud wraps everything into one predictable price per user. That makes budgeting easier, especially for smaller teams.

✅ Built-in security features
Every plan comes with basics like two-factor authentication, daily backups, antivirus, and firewalls. You don’t have to piece together security yourself.

✅ Good support
In my experience, their customer support is responsive and friendly — a big help if you’re not an IT pro.

Where V2 Cloud Can Fall Short?

⚠️ Not great for GPU-heavy work
V2 Cloud isn’t built for teams that need serious GPU acceleration. If your users are editing video, rendering 3D models, or doing CAD, you’ll want to look elsewhere.

⚠️ Limited enterprise-level customization
If you’re after deep integration with existing on-prem systems, or you need complex networking and policy controls, V2 Cloud will probably feel too basic.

⚠️ Data center locations
While they have data centers in North America and Europe, options are thinner in other regions. Latency could be an issue if your team’s spread globally.

Who Should Consider V2 Cloud?

V2 Cloud is a great fit for small businesses, startups, or non-technical teams that want to get cloud desktops up and running fast. It’s ideal for general office tasks, remote work setups, or app hosting where GPU isn’t required.

If you’re looking for simplicity over endless customization — and you don’t have a dedicated IT department — V2 Cloud might be exactly what you need. But if your use case leans toward creative work, high-end performance, or deep enterprise integration, you’ll probably hit its limits.

#7: Shells

Shells takes a slightly different approach than a lot of DaaS platforms. It markets itself almost like a personal computer in the cloud — think of it as renting a lightweight desktop you can access from anywhere, on any device. I’ve seen individuals, students, and small teams use Shells when they need a familiar desktop environment but don’t want to carry a laptop everywhere or upgrade old hardware.

What makes Shells interesting is that it focuses on simplicity and device flexibility. But it’s not trying to replace heavy-duty virtual desktop infrastructure.

What Works Well with Shells?

✅ Accessible from almost any device
You can connect to your Shells desktop through a browser or app on a phone, tablet, Chromebook, or even a smart TV if that’s your thing. It’s surprisingly flexible.

✅ Multiple OS options
Shells offers both Windows and Linux cloud desktops. That’s useful if you want to test apps in different environments or if your team prefers open-source tools.

✅ Simple pricing
Their plans are easy to understand. You pay a flat monthly fee based on the resources (CPU, RAM, storage) you pick. No hidden charges for bandwidth or surprises at the end of the month.

✅ Good fit for personal use and light office work
For things like web development, office apps, or casual software testing, Shells gets the job done.Where Shells Can Fall Short?

⚠️ Not built for enterprise-scale deployment
Shells doesn’t offer the kind of admin controls, group policies, or integration with corporate identity systems you’d expect in a big business setting.

⚠️ No GPU acceleration
If you’re hoping to run creative apps that need GPU power — 3D modeling, video editing, that sort of thing — Shells won’t cut it.

⚠️ Limited scalability
Shells works fine for individuals and small groups, but if you’re trying to manage dozens or hundreds of users, you’ll run into friction.

Who Should Consider Shells?

Shells is best for individuals, freelancers, students, or small businesses that want affordable, easy-to-access cloud PCs for general tasks. It’s a nice option if you need a portable desktop environment that works across devices, or if you’re looking to revive old hardware by offloading the heavy lifting to the cloud.

If you’re running a larger team, or if GPU-heavy workloads are part of your daily life, Shells probably isn’t going to meet your needs.

#8: Nutanix Frame

Nutanix Frame doesn’t always get as much attention as Citrix or Horizon, but in my experience, it’s one of the more interesting players in the DaaS world. Why? Because it strikes a balance between giving you cloud desktop power and keeping setup relatively clean compared to the legacy giants.

Frame lets you deliver Windows apps and desktops to users through any modern browser — no client installs needed. And you can run it on public clouds like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud, or even on your own infrastructure. That flexibility is a big part of its appeal.

What Works Well with Nutanix Frame?

✅ Cloud-agnostic flexibility
You’re not locked into one cloud vendor. Frame lets you choose your infrastructure — AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, or Nutanix’s own platform. That’s helpful if you want to avoid vendor lock-in or spread workloads across providers.

✅ No client software required
Users access their desktops or apps through a browser. That makes onboarding faster, and it’s great for BYOD (bring your own device) scenarios.

✅ Good balance of control and simplicity
While not as simple as V2 Cloud or Shells, Frame’s admin console is cleaner and more modern than what you’ll find in Citrix or Horizon. You can manage pools, policies, and scaling without tearing your hair out.

✅ Built-in security features
Frame offers encryption, multi-factor authentication, and role-based access controls as standard, so you’re not left piecing together security yourself.

Where Nutanix Frame Can Fall Short?

⚠️ GPU support depends on cloud provider
Frame itself doesn’t handle GPU acceleration — it depends on the cloud you choose underneath. That means you’ll need to understand what each cloud offers and configure it properly if you’re supporting creative workloads.

⚠️ Costs can vary widely
Since you pick the cloud backend, pricing is tied to that provider’s rates. If you don’t monitor usage or configure scaling carefully, costs can get away from you.

⚠️ Not as feature-rich as Citrix or Horizon for complex enterprise needs
Frame covers most bases well, but if you need ultra-granular policy control, deep integrations with legacy systems, or highly customized networking, you might find its limits.

Who Should Consider Nutanix Frame?

Frame is a solid choice for midsize businesses and enterprises that want more flexibility than legacy VDI platforms usually offer. It works well if you want to deliver cloud desktops or apps to a distributed workforce, especially if BYOD is common on your team.It’s also a nice middle ground if you want more control than a super-simple DaaS (like V2 Cloud) but less complexity than Citrix or Horizon. Just be ready to plan your cloud backend carefully if GPU workloads are part of your mix.

#9: Vagon Teams - A Smarter & Easy To Use Alternative

After seeing the trade-offs with other DaaS platforms — the complexity, the surprise costs, the GPU limitations — a lot of teams start looking for something that just... works. Especially creative teams, who need power without having to become infrastructure experts. That’s where Vagon Teams comes in.

Vagon Teams is designed for people who want cloud desktops that are easy to set up, powerful enough for demanding apps, and simple to manage even without a big IT department. You don’t have to worry about piecing together GPU instances or stitching cloud services together — it’s all there, ready to go. And because Vagon focuses on creative and technical workloads, you get access to CPU and GPU-optimized machines without the usual hassle.

One of the big differences is how flexible the pricing is. Instead of locking you into monthly plans that might not match your usage, Vagon offers minute-based billing. That means you pay for what you actually use, whether that’s all day every day or just during project bursts. There’s also a clear starting price — $19.99 per user per month — so you’re not left guessing.

Managing a team? Vagon makes that part easier too. The admin console lets you set up users, share files, create machine templates, and monitor usage — without needing to hire a specialist. And because it’s a fully cloud-based service, your team can work from anywhere, whether they’re on a Chromebook, an old MacBook, or a borrowed laptop.

In short, Vagon Teams was built to take the friction out of cloud desktops — especially for teams that need GPU power and don’t want to wrestle with complex setups or unpredictable costs.

Where Vagon Teams Shines?

✅ GPU power without the setup headaches
Vagon Teams is built for creative professionals who need GPU-accelerated cloud desktops but don’t want to mess with configuring EC2 instances or managing complex VDI setups. You pick a machine template, and you’re good to go.

✅ Hardware flexibility
Your team can log in from just about anything — old Macs, Chromebooks, or thin clients. The heavy lifting happens in the cloud, so you’re not forced into hardware upgrades just to run demanding apps.

✅ Minute-based billing with transparent pricing
Unlike platforms that lock you into flat monthly fees (even if you barely use the desktop), Vagon charges based on actual usage. That’s ideal for teams that work in bursts — think design sprints, render jobs, or short-term projects.

✅ Simple team management
The admin console makes it easy to add users, set up machine templates, share files, and track usage — without needing deep technical expertise.

✅ Focused on creative and technical workloads, while also handling the basic stuff
If your primary need is basic cloud desktops for knowledge workers running Office apps or browsers, Vagon can feel like more than you need — especially if GPU power isn’t part of the equation.

Real-World Feedback & Pain Points

You can read all the feature lists you want, but what really matters is how these platforms hold up once you’ve lived with them. I’ve spoken with IT managers, founders, and engineers who’ve worked with these tools day in and day out — and the same themes keep coming up.

Citrix DaaS, for example, gets a ton of praise for how well it performs even over bad networks. I’ve seen remote workers use Citrix apps on hotel Wi-Fi that would bring other setups to their knees. But the complexity? That’s where teams start to grumble. Setting up policies, managing updates, fixing client issues — it takes time and skill. Without a dedicated Citrix admin, smaller companies often end up frustrated or reliant on consultants.

Amazon WorkSpaces wins points for flexibility. People like that you can spin up cloud desktops fast, choose hourly or monthly pricing, and tap into AWS’s global reach. But if you’re not careful, costs can sneak up on you. I’ve heard stories of teams getting surprised by big bills because they forgot to stop unused instances or didn’t monitor usage closely. And if you need GPU acceleration, you’re going to hit limits fast — WorkSpaces just isn’t designed for that out of the box.

Azure Virtual Desktop feels like a no-brainer if your business is all-in on Microsoft 365. The integration is tight, and when it’s working well, it’s smooth. But the setup? I’ve lost count of how many IT folks have told me it was “more complex than we expected.” Between host pools, FSLogix, networking, and storage, it’s not exactly beginner-friendly. And like with WorkSpaces, costs can balloon if you don’t stay on top of usage.

Omnissa Horizon (or VMware Horizon, depending who you ask) tends to click best with teams that are already running VMware infrastructure. They like that it lets them extend their setup into the cloud without starting from scratch. But the same people will admit — if you don’t have VMware experience, Horizon can be overwhelming. It’s powerful, no doubt. But it’s not built for simplicity.

Cloudalize usually comes up in conversations about creative work — architects, engineers, designers. Users love the GPU muscle it offers for 3D modeling, rendering, and simulation. But if your team isn’t in Europe, latency might frustrate you. And if you don’t actually need that GPU power, the price feels steep.

V2 Cloud and Shells are often praised for their simplicity. I’ve heard from small business owners and non-technical founders who were thrilled they could set up cloud desktops without needing a specialist. But as teams grow or their needs get more complex — like needing GPU acceleration or tighter security controls — these platforms can start to feel a bit limited.

Actionable & Best Advices for IT Managers & Founders

Choosing a DaaS platform isn’t just about ticking off features on a chart. The real trick is matching the platform to how your team actually works — and making sure you don’t lock yourself into a solution that’ll cause headaches down the line. Here’s what I’d recommend based on what I’ve seen work (and not work).

First, map out who you’re supporting. Are your users mostly knowledge workers who need email, browsers, and basic apps? Or are you supporting creatives who need GPU acceleration for CAD, video editing, or 3D modeling? Different DaaS platforms shine in different spots — what’s great for a call center isn’t what an architecture firm needs.

Next, pilot small before committing big. Spin up five to ten seats across two platforms that seem like a good fit. Let your team use them in real-world conditions. Watch for latency complaints, see how support responds when you hit a snag, and keep a close eye on billing. What looks cheap at first glance can end up expensive if the pricing model doesn’t match your usage pattern.

Don’t forget to factor in total cost of ownership. That means more than just desktop pricing. Look at licensing (especially if you’re bringing your own), support overhead, the cost of training your team, and any hidden charges like storage or bandwidth. Platforms with simple all-in pricing can save you time and stress.

Finally, ask hard questions about reliability and security. Where will your data actually live? How does the vendor handle backups? What’s the failover plan if a data center goes down? And if your team is spread across the globe, check latency in the regions where they actually work — not just in a vendor’s best-case demo location.

Final Thoughts

There’s no single “best” DaaS platform that fits every team or business. What works brilliantly for a large enterprise with its own IT army might be total overkill for a small creative studio that just wants powerful cloud desktops without the hassle.

The key is knowing what you really need. Are you after simplicity or deep customization? Do you need GPU-accelerated power or just a reliable cloud PC for basic tasks? How much control do you actually want — and how much complexity are you willing to manage to get it?

Vagon Teams stands out when you want cloud desktops that are powerful, easy to use, and priced to match how you actually work — especially if your team depends on creative or technical software that needs real horsepower. If managing infrastructure isn’t your idea of a good time, Vagon offers a way to focus on what matters: getting work done.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between DaaS and VDI?
DaaS (Desktop as a Service) is basically virtual desktops hosted by a third-party provider in the cloud. You don’t have to manage the infrastructure — the vendor handles that. VDI (Virtual Desktop Infrastructure) usually means you’re hosting the desktops yourself, on your own servers, whether on-prem or in the cloud. DaaS is hands-off. VDI gives you more control, but also more responsibility.

Is DaaS secure for sensitive data?
It can be — but you’ve got to pick the right provider and ask the right questions. Look for platforms that offer encryption (in transit and at rest), multi-factor authentication, role-based access controls, and compliance with standards like SOC2, ISO 27001, GDPR, or HIPAA (if needed). And always ask where your data is physically stored.

Can DaaS handle GPU-heavy apps like AutoCAD or Blender?
Some can, some can’t. Platforms like Vagon Teams and Cloudalize are built with GPU acceleration in mind and work well for CAD, BIM, 3D rendering, and video editing. Others, like Amazon WorkSpaces or V2 Cloud, are better suited for basic office tasks unless you bolt on additional services (which can get complicated fast).

How much does DaaS cost per user on average?
It varies a lot depending on the platform, the power you need, and how you use it. For basic office desktops, you might see pricing anywhere from $20 to $50 per user per month. GPU-powered setups for creative work can run higher — sometimes by the minute, sometimes with flat rates. The key is to match the pricing model to your team’s actual usage so you’re not paying for idle time.

What’s the best DaaS for small businesses?
If you want simplicity and don’t have a big IT team, V2 Cloud or Shells are popular with small businesses for basic needs. If you need GPU power or creative software support without the complexity, Vagon Teams is a smart pick. The “best” really comes down to what your team is doing day-to-day.