The Best ISL Online Alternatives in 2026

What Is ISL Online?

ISL Online is a remote access and control platform that enables technicians and users to connect securely to computers. It supports attended sessions for on-demand help and unattended access for persistent administration across fleets. The service brokers encrypted connections through gateways to route traffic over the public internet without exposing internal networks.

Organizations use ISL Online to troubleshoot endpoints, manage systems, and perform remote tasks from various devices. Client applications or browser components handle display streaming, input control, clipboard sync, and file transfer features. Policy settings and authentication flows govern who can connect, when they can connect, and what actions they may perform.

Deployments typically combine accounts, agents, and optional relay servers to reach devices behind NAT or firewalls. Logs, session recordings, and permissions support oversight, while integrations extend identity and workflow coverage. The end goal is dependable remote access that balances speed, control, and governance.

Why Would It Be Needed to Find an Alternative to ISL Online?

Teams often seek alternatives when administration effort, licensing flexibility, or governance controls become pain points. Some environments want app publishing with an HTML5 portal instead of pure remote control. Others want predictable TCO with clear tiers, perpetual options, or simpler scaling as seat counts grow.

Security and compliance requirements can also drive change when deeper policy, MFA, or web-only access is preferred. Certain organizations aim to minimize client rollout and support overhead by standardising browser access. Self-hosting, reverse proxy needs, or tighter integration with Windows apps may also influence product choice.

Finally, strategic shifts like hybrid work, contractor enablement, or application-centric delivery can reframe requirements. If daily toil increases or user experience suffers under existing constraints, a focused platform can better align capabilities and cost. An effective alternative should reduce friction while preserving necessary control.

What to look for in this type of alternative?

Start with access control and security, then validate manageability and total cost. Define whether you need application publishing, full desktops, or only remote control across targeted devices. Test real workflows over typical WAN conditions, including VPN-less access via an HTTPS gateway to reflect daily usage.

Use this focused checklist to compare options:

• Access & security: MFA or SSO role-based policies, auditing, hardened gateways, and protocol hardening.
• Delivery model: Native HTML5 browser access, RemoteApp-style delivery, peripherals and printing that “just work.”
• Management & deployment: Fast installs, clear policy templates, steady patch cadence, and actionable monitoring alerts.
• Performance & scale: Stable sessions on variable bandwidth, brokering, load balancing or farms, and gateway high availability.
• Interoperability: AD or external IdP integration, file and device redirection, scanners and webcams, seamless client updates.
• Licensing & TCO: Transparent pricing, perpetual or subscription options, and SLAs aligned to business risk and budgets.

If a platform matches delivery needs, reduces daily toil, and meets security requirements within budget, it is a strong candidate. Pilot with representative users and apps to validate UX, resilience, and operational clarity. Favour solutions that simplify governance without sacrificing necessary depth.

The Best 9 Alternatives to ISL Online

TSplus Remote Access

TSplus Remote Access, The Practical Alternative for App Publishing and Browser Access

TSplus streamlines application publishing and secure browser access on top of familiar RDP. Admins value quick setup, simple policies, and predictable operating costs. HTML5 access reduces client management while keeping user workflows consistent. Built-in branding and web portal customisation help IT present a consistent experience to employees and partners.

Pros

• Straightforward installation and administration that keep Windows Server maintenance predictable.
• HTML5 Web App enables secure access from managed and lightly managed devices.
• Perpetual or subscription licensing to align spending with budget preferences.
• Reverse proxy, file transfer, and RemoteApp-style sessions cover common SMB needs.
• Purposeful feature set that avoids the cost and sprawl of heavyweight VDI .

Cons

• The depth of edition features varies; upfront tier selection matters.
• Windows-centric architecture prioritises Windows apps over broad desktop virtualisation.
• As with any RDS-based stack, hardening and patch hygiene remain essential.
• Highly specialized VDI workflows may require complementary tools.

Pricing

• Perpetual and subscription plans tailored to SMBs, with optional security and management add-ons.
• Transparent tiers scale economically as user counts and requirements grow.

Reviews/Ratings

• Customers highlight simplicity, stability, and fast deployments with minimal disruption.
• Ratings are strong for ease of use and administration, especially for browser access.
• Value versus large VDI suites is often cited for application-centric workloads.

Parallels RAS

Parallels RAS, the RDS-aligned alternative for mid-sized teams

Parallels RAS consolidates application and desktop delivery into an admin-friendly platform. It aligns with Microsoft ecosystems and supports hybrid and Azure-based rollouts. Consistent clients improve end-user experience and reduce support friction. Granular role-based permissions and automated image updates streamline maintenance across distributed sites and contractor populations.

Pros

• Refined admin experience and clients that reduce support effort.
• Solid hybrid integrations, especially for Microsoft-centric estates.
• Broad coverage serving both application publishing and desktop delivery.
• Policy templates and automations that standardise deployments.

Cons

• Subscription licensing can feel premium as seats and scope expand.
• Complexity increases in multi-site or mixed-hypervisor scenarios.
• Requires disciplined image lifecycle management to avoid drift.
• Advanced features may need specialized skills to optimize.

Pricing

• Subscription with per-user or concurrent models by edition.
• Premium bundles can raise annual spend as environments mature.

Reviews/Ratings

• Praised for consistent UX and admin polish.
• Reviews mention reliable integrations and stable performance.
• Feedback notes cost and complexity at larger scale.

GO-Global

GO-Global, The Lean Alternative for ISV Application Delivery

GO-Global focuses on publishing Windows apps without full VDI overhead. ISVs embed it to web-enable established desktop software for customers and partners. A compact footprint keeps infrastructure simple and easier to secure. Session reliability and responsive printing improve usability for customer-facing deployments and remote training environments with modest bandwidth.

Pros

• Lightweight footprint that reduces moving parts to manage and secure.
• Strong fit for ISVs delivering Windows apps to varied environments.
• Responsive app delivery for common office and LOB workloads.
• Concurrent licensing aligns with real usage across time zones.

Cons

• Narrower ecosystem than enterprise virtualization leaders.
• Limited desktop virtualization if you pivot beyond app-only.
• Integration breadth can be smaller; validate peripherals and workflows.
• Policy/analytics depth may trail heavyweight platforms.

Pricing

• Primarily concurrent licensing designed around application delivery.
• Lean infrastructure can lower total cost in app-only scenarios.

Reviews/Ratings

• Users appreciate simple management and lean infrastructure.
• Reviews highlight responsiveness and straightforward browser access.
• Some request broader integrations and a larger partner ecosystem.

Citrix

Citrix, the enterprise-grade alternative for large and regulated environments

Citrix offers deep capabilities for complex, regulated estates. It spans apps, desktops, analytics, and layered security for demanding use cases. Mature tooling supports multi-region governance and performance optimisation. Adaptive transport, HDX optimisations , and advanced load balancing enhance experience for graphics-heavy and latency-sensitive workflows globally.

Pros

• Enterprise-grade breadth across apps, desktops, security, and optimisation.
• Ecosystem and tooling for large, multi-region operations.
• Broad peripheral and protocol optimisations for remote users.
• Advanced policy frameworks and analytics for governance.

Cons

• High-cost profile versus SMB-focused platforms.
• Complexity demands experienced engineering and automation.
• Multi-component upgrades require structured change management.
• Sprawl can inflate operating expenses without discipline.

Pricing

• Tiered subscriptions with optional add-ons.
• Premium capabilities increase recurring spend at scale.

Reviews/Ratings

• Respected for scale, control, and performance optimisation.
• Users cite administrative overhead and intricate configuration.
• Success requires automation and dedicated ownership.

Omnissa Horizon

Omnissa Horizon, The Rival for Hybrid VDI at Scale

Horizon delivers robust virtual desktops and apps across data centres and clouds. It fits organisations where hybrid VDI is strategic, and skills are strong. Proven patterns help standardise security baselines and performance profiles. Dynamic environment manager and instant clone technology reduce login times while simplifying persistent profile and application lifecycle management.

Pros

• Flexible hybrid options across private and public clouds.
• Powerful policy, image, and profile tools for standardization.
• Integrations for regulated or sensitive workloads.
• Patterns for HA, DR, and performance engineering.

Cons

• Requires deep expertise and continuous investment.
• Complex architecture with many design decisions.
• Premium licensing and cumulative ecosystem costs.
• Risk of drift without automation and observability.

Pricing

• Enterprise-focused subscriptions with named or concurrent models.
• Hybrid add-ons and management suites increase annual costs.

Reviews/Ratings

• Praised for robustness, controls, and hybrid flexibility.
• Feedback centres on complexity and skills dependency.
• Automation correlates with consistent success.

Amazon WorkSpaces

Amazon WorkSpaces, The Cloud-First Alternative

WorkSpaces provides managed virtual desktops with rapid provisioning and AWS integration. It suits elastic or seasonal demand where cloud operations are standard. Quick pilots avoid on-prem capacity builds and accelerate validation. Simple directory integration and managed encryption help teams enforce policies quickly while piloting secure access patterns organisation-wide.

Pros

• Rapid onboarding without on-premises capacity build-out.
• Elastic scaling and managed operations reduce undifferentiated toil.
• Alignment with AWS identity, networking, and logging.
• Instance choices to right-size performance.

Cons

• Costs can spike for steady, always-on workloads.
• Requires AWS skills and cloud-operating-model alignment.
• Regional pricing and availability vary globally.
• Potential lock-in if you pivot to multi-cloud later.

Pricing

• Mix of monthly and usage-based charges for desktops and storage.
• Egress, images, and auxiliary services affect total monthly spend.

Reviews/Ratings

• Liked for speed to value and elastic pilots.
• Predictable performance when configurations are standardised.
• Warnings focus on budget drift without rightsizing.

AnyViewer

AnyViewer, The Lightweight Alternative for Remote Control

AnyViewer targets remote control and support rather than app publishing. It suits ad-hoc assistance and basic access for small teams. Fast setup enables quick troubleshooting during urgent scenarios. Mobile clients and quick device codes enable spontaneous sessions, but governance and audit needs grow challenging at scale.

Pros

• Fast setup and straightforward connectivity for urgent support.
• Free tier and affordable pro plans lower entry barriers.
• Minimal training for occasional users; simple workflow.
• Good fit for non-critical devices without strict policy needs.

Cons

• Limited admin depth and role-based controls.
• No app publishing; auditing and security are basic.
• Not designed for large, regulated, or multi-tenant estates.
• Scaling exposes management constraints.

Pricing

• Free tier plus pro plans that scale with devices and sessions.
• Low entry cost; governance features remain limited.

Reviews/Ratings

• Praised for quick starts, low cost, and clean UX.
• Reviews highlight gaps in enterprise policy and audit trails.
• Best for narrowly scoped support needs.

Chrome Remote Desktop

Chrome Remote Desktop, The Basic Alternative for Personal and Occasional Use

Chrome Remote Desktop is free and quick for personal or occasional access. It lacks admin depth and security controls that businesses expect. Treat it as a convenience tool, not a primary platform. Occasional administrators appreciate convenience, although compliance teams typically require richer controls, centralised reporting, and enterprise-grade identity.

Pros

• Zero license cost and familiar workflow for low-risk scenarios.
• Fast setup with minimal steps for occasional use.
• Runs in the browser, avoiding client deployment.

Cons

• Minimal policy control, auditing, and administration.
• No app publishing or enterprise reporting.
• Unsuitable for regulated environments and sensitive data.
• Governance requires external processes.

Pricing

• Free to use with a Google account for light needs.
• No enterprise licensing, SLAs, or advanced admin features.

Reviews/Ratings

• Users value simplicity, zero cost, and speed.
• Reviews cite security and management limits.
• Recommended as a convenience tool only.

TeamViewer

TeamViewer, the well-known alternative with broad device support

TeamViewer offers remote access and support with cross-platform coverage and add-ons. Its ecosystem and brand recognition suit mixed device estates. Governance features vary by edition and require careful planning. Conditional access, device groups, and scripted deployment assist larger environments, though licensing management warrants careful, ongoing oversight.

Pros

• Broad OS and device coverage with mature tooling.
• Add-on ecosystem for integrations and specialised use cases.
• Familiar workflows aid user adoption and support.

Cons

• Licensing can feel complex across editions and add-ons.
• Costs scale with users, endpoints, and features.
• Policy depth and audit requirements vary by plan.

Pricing

• Subscription plans by seat and feature tier.
• Add-ons influence total cost of ownership.

Reviews/Ratings

• Recognised for ecosystem and reliability.
• Feedback mentions pricing and license complexity.
• Adoption is strong in mixed device environments.

How Do These Solutions Compare?

Solution	Best For	Deployment	Licensing	Notable strengths	Watch-outs	Reviews/Ratings
TSplus Remote Access	SMBs needing simple application publishing	On-prem or cloud	Perpetual; subscription	HTML5 Web App, quick setup, strong SMB value	Edition features vary; Windows-centric	Positive on ease of use and rollout speed
Parallels RAS	Mid-market app/VDI delivery	Hybrid	Subscription	Polished clients, Azure integrations	Complexity and cost as scale grows	Strong UX; cost/complexity noted
GO-Global	ISV application delivery	On-prem or hosted	Concurrent	Lean footprint, app-centric approach	Narrower ecosystem	Praised for simplicity
Citrix	Large enterprises	Hybrid	Subscription	Feature rich, global scale	High cost and complexity	Respected; overhead frequently cited
Omnissa Horizon	Hybrid VDI at scale	Hybrid	Subscription	Robust policy and hybrid flexibility	Requires deep expertise	High marks for robustness
Amazon WorkSpaces	Cloud-first pilots, seasonal bursts	Cloud	Usage-based + monthly	Fast start, elastic scale, AWS integration	Cost drift under steady load; lock-in	Quick wins; watch spending and rightsizing
AnyViewer	Ad-hoc remote control	Cloud	Free + Pro	Simple setup, low cost	Limited admin/security	Good for small needs
Chrome Remote Desktop	Personal/occasional access	Cloud	Free	Zero cost, quick start	Minimal controls	Useful but basic
TeamViewer	Mixed device environments	Cloud + on-prem components	Subscription	Cross-platform coverage, ecosystem	License and pricing complexity	Reliable with broad adoption

Conclusion

Choosing an ISL Online alternative depends on goals: app publishing with browser access, hybrid VDI, or quick remote control. TSplus focuses on simple, secure application delivery with strong SMB value. Parallels, Citrix, Horizon, and AWS serve broader scenarios at higher complexity and cost. Shortlist two options, run a pilot, and validate cost, security, performance, and user experience end-to-end.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most affordable ISL Online alternative for SMB app publishing?

TSplus Remote Access targets SMB budgets with perpetual or subscription options. Free tools lower entry cost but usually lack governance and auditing. Compare required users, gateway needs, and add-ons to prevent hidden costs eroding savings during growth or seasonal spikes.

Which ISL Online alternatives support pure browser access without a client?

TSplus offers an HTML5 Web App for browser access. Parallels and Citrix also provide web clients; validate printing and file redirection. Pilot with representative printers and scanners to verify latency, driver compatibility, and security posture meets expectations.

Do ISL Online alternatives provide unattended access with policy control?

Yes, many do, but policy depth varies by edition. Confirm role-based access, MFA, and audit logs before rollout. Document approval workflows and retention periods so auditors can trace administrative actions and session histories confidently.

I only need remote control, not app publishing—what should I choose?

AnyViewer or Chrome Remote Desktop provide quick, low-risk access. For policy and auditing, evaluate TSplus Remote Access or Parallels instead. Reassess annually; escalating compliance requirements may justify migration toward policy-rich platforms with centralised governance and auditable reporting.

Which ISL Online alternative best fits regulated or large environments?

Citrix and Omnissa Horizon provide deep controls and governance but require skilled teams. They suit complex estates with mature operating practices. Budget for dedicated engineering, automation, and continuous validation to sustain performance, reliability, and change control.

Can I deploy an ISL Online alternative in a hybrid mix of on-prem and cloud?

Yes, several support hybrid topologies across data centres and clouds. Define identity, routing, and logging early to keep governance consistent. Establish clear ownership for networking, identity, and observability to minimise incidents across environments, tenants, and regions.

What’s the best way to pilot an ISL Online alternative?

Select one critical app and a small cohort with clear success metrics. Validate MFA, printing, file redirection, and peak-hour performance before scaling. Capture baseline metrics, then compare post-pilot trends in tickets, satisfaction, and costs to guide rollout decisions.