Citrix Workspace vs Microsoft Remote Desktop Services comparison

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Citrix Logo
6,000 views|4,704 comparisons
96% willing to recommend
Microsoft Logo
9,429 views|8,191 comparisons
84% willing to recommend
Comparison Buyer's Guide
Executive Summary
Updated on Sep 6, 2022

We performed a comparison between Citrix Workspace vs. Microsoft Remote Desktop Services based on our users’ reviews in five categories. After reading all of the collected data, you can find our conclusion below.

  • Ease of Deployment: Citrix Workspace users give mixed reviews for ease of deployment. Microsoft Remote Desktop Services users note that the initial setup is easy and straightforward.
  • Features: Citrix Workspace users say that its remote connectivity, its ease of access, and confidentiality are three main valuable features. They are happy with the product’s stability and scalability. Several users note that Citrix Workspace takes up a lot of bandwidth and is slow at times.

    Microsoft Remote Desktop Services users say its multi-screen feature and ease of use are two of its best features. Some users note that the solution’s integration and security can be improved. The solution gets mixed reviews for scalability and stability.
  • Pricing: Citrix Workspace users note that the licensing fee is expensive but worthwhile. Microsoft Remote Desktop Services users note that the price is fair and affordable.
  • ROI: Citrix Workspace users note a significant ROI, while Microsoft Remote Desktop Services users do not report seeing an ROI.
  • Service and Support: Citrix Workspace users largely rate its support as good to very good, whereas Microsoft Remote Desktop Services users mention the support as being average to good with some noting a slow response time. A few users mention the Microsoft Knowledge Base as being very helpful.

Comparison Results: Citrix Workspace has the winning edge in this comparison. It has better ratings when it comes to features, ROI, and service and support.

To learn more, read our detailed Citrix Workspace vs. Microsoft Remote Desktop Services Report (Updated: March 2024).
767,995 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 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.""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.""The most valuable feature is connectivity. The remote connection is the reason we are using this solution.""I can access it from anywhere.""Citrix Workspace's standout feature is its flexibility.""The feature that I like is that it is fast.""Citrix Workspace allows you to work in a remote environment and gives you data security.""It is a very scalable solution."

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"Everything is really good and it works well.""The solution performs well and is easy to use.""It's simple to set up.""The initial setup is not that difficult. I have gone through the RDS initialization steps, which only seem easy.""I like the way it can assess our system.""It's largely stable.""The solution offers good value for money.""The solution is now stable."

More Microsoft Remote Desktop Services Pros →

Cons
"When there are technical issues, sometimes we can't get on the cloud.""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.""We had an issue when we were using the Citrix server. We needed to install the Citrix Runtime in the server where the application was hosted.""The product's technical support services need improvement.""The product is currently not working well in hosting conferencing software like Zoom, Team, and Salon.""It takes time to load.""We're running into all kinds of speed issues and reliability issues. There are frequent disconnects, and we're not sure whether that's a problem with the product, with the way the product has been deployed, or with server capacity or bandwidth. Our IT department pays attention to that, but we are feeling the impact of that.""The application is now very complex. We started with Citrix on PCs. Now, to access the same application, we need to have a StoreFront Server, the Delivery Controller, and Citrix License Server. It's now very complex."

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"The most valuable feature of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is its security and simple configuration.""We'd like to see more integration with other vendors.""From the perspective of an IT professional, Microsoft Remote Desktop is very easy to use. However, it could be made easier to use for the end user, especially when it comes to activating it.""The initial setup of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is not the easiest. You need to have a certain understanding of how Microsoft is provisioning the solution to be able to set it up and use it.""We'd like, in the future, if it would work with Linux or Unix-based operating systems or even Mac.""Microsoft Remote Desktop Services could improve by having graphical acceleration.""Sometimes the server stops working, and we don’t know why. Occasionally we’ll get a message to the effect of "There is no remote license."""Remote Desktop Services doesn't scale well."

More Microsoft Remote Desktop Services Cons →

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 →

  • "The pricing is moderate."
  • "The solution has a perpetual license and it is purchased upfront."
  • "It will probably cost about $500 USD to get the resources set up in the cloud."
  • "Although not an expensive product, pricing is always something that can be improved."
  • "It's not an expensive solution."
  • "It's not an expensive product."
  • "Its licensing is on a yearly basis. We're on the educational or academic license, and our terms are good. We're very happy with the pricing."
  • "The pricing could always be improved."
  • More Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 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 »
    Ranking
    Views
    6,000
    Comparisons
    4,704
    Reviews
    15
    Average Words per Review
    429
    Rating
    8.5
    Views
    9,429
    Comparisons
    8,191
    Reviews
    37
    Average Words per Review
    412
    Rating
    8.1
    Comparisons
    Also Known As
    Citrix Workspace Cloud
    Remote Desktop Services, MS Remote Desktop Services
    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.

    Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is a highly regarded remote access tool in addition to being a top-ranked Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solution in the marketplace today.

    Microsoft Remote Desktop Services (RDS) is a suite of valuable elements of the Windows operating system (OS) that serve specific desired objectives. Microsoft RDS integrates various features that allow approved users to gain access to graphical desktops and Windows applications remotely. Approved users are able to deploy applications or even a complete desktop without having to install anything on their devices. Everything remains in the cloud. This ensures that there are never any compatibility issues and keeps the organization's original network secure at all times. Administrators are also able to ensure that data cannot be stored in any unapproved location, such as the local device, unapproved drives, or any other location.

    Microsoft RDS makes it easy for business organizations to access Windows Desktops and other Windows applications remotely to ensure today’s busy enterprise organizations are able to maintain the highest levels of productivity at all times. There are two basic ways organizations can effectively utilize RDS.


    • Microsoft Remote Desktop Component: This allows users to connect with various alternate desktops from their current device. Once the user has gained a secure connection based on the approved administrative permissions, the user can seamlessly access and interact with the remote desktop. Users have the feeling of having this new virtual desktop installed directly on their machine.


    • RemoteApp: Users are able to easily access cloud-based applications via their own personal desktop computers or other approved mobile devices. This application ensures overall application management is centralized and consistent throughout the entire business enterprise.


    Microsoft Remote Desktop Services Benefits

    Microsoft Remote Desktop Services has many benefits. Some of its most valuable benefits include:


    • Access Windows applications remotely from any device
    • Enhanced consistent application performance
    • Increased computing resources
    • Secure cloud-based data storage.
    • Streamlined management processes
    • Reduction in technical administrative resources
    • Reduction in hardware and device costs.
    • Improved employee productivity
    • Cost-effective
    • Improved Profitability
    • Reduce carbon footprint


    Microsoft Remote Desktop Services makes it easy for busy enterprise organizations to stay productive and remain competitive in today’s aggressive marketplace. An organization's end-users can be given access to their own specific desktops from any location, anytime, using any approved device. Additionally, users can access Microsoft applications without having an effect on their device's resource capacity or performance.

    Reviews from Real Users

    “What I found most valuable in Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is accessibility because the solution lets you take control of your computer remotely, and that's a good feature.” Pascal B., IT consultant at Secoptrial

    “The most valuable features of Microsoft Remote Desktop Services are unification, central management, and accessibility.” Jan S. Solution Architect at a tech services company

    “The most valuable features are that it is fast and cost-effective. I am not aware of a replacement currently on the market.” Ramon H. Director at Empaco

    Sample Customers
    Lucas Metropolitan Housing Authority
    Bank Alfalah Ltd.
    Top Industries
    REVIEWERS
    Healthcare Company24%
    Computer Software Company18%
    Government12%
    Construction Company6%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company15%
    Financial Services Firm10%
    Government9%
    Manufacturing Company8%
    REVIEWERS
    Financial Services Firm17%
    Manufacturing Company10%
    Comms Service Provider10%
    Computer Software Company8%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Computer Software Company13%
    Government9%
    Financial Services Firm8%
    Manufacturing Company8%
    Company Size
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business40%
    Midsize Enterprise16%
    Large Enterprise44%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business24%
    Midsize Enterprise15%
    Large Enterprise62%
    REVIEWERS
    Small Business45%
    Midsize Enterprise20%
    Large Enterprise35%
    VISITORS READING REVIEWS
    Small Business27%
    Midsize Enterprise16%
    Large Enterprise57%
    Buyer's Guide
    Citrix Workspace vs. Microsoft Remote Desktop Services
    March 2024
    Find out what your peers are saying about Citrix Workspace vs. Microsoft Remote Desktop Services and other solutions. Updated: March 2024.
    767,995 professionals have used our research since 2012.

    Citrix Workspace is ranked 6th in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) with 25 reviews while Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is ranked 1st in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) with 69 reviews. Citrix Workspace is rated 8.6, while Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is rated 8.0. 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 Microsoft Remote Desktop Services writes "Easy to set up and reliable, but needs an additional control panel". Citrix Workspace is most compared with Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service), VMware Workspace ONE, VMware Horizon View, OpenText Exceed TurboX and Nerdio, whereas Microsoft Remote Desktop Services is most compared with TeamViewer, VMware Horizon, VMware Workstation, Parallels Access and Apache Guacamole. See our Citrix Workspace vs. Microsoft Remote Desktop Services 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.