The Best Microsoft RDS Alternatives

Remote Desktop Services (RDS) by Microsoft has been a popular choice amongst remote access and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions. However, several alternatives offer unique features and benefits that may better suit your needs. In this article, join me in exploring our pick of the best alternatives to Microsoft RDS. We will highlight key features, pros and cons for each. Read on for more about 6 of the best remote software products including our very own TSplus Remote Access .

Microsoft RDS - What it is and Why Alternatives

Remote Desktop Services (RDS), first introduced by Microsoft as Terminal Services, has long been a go-to for businesses and large enterprises seeking remote access and desktop solutions. RDS allows users to connect to their workstations or virtual machines from anywhere. It provides seamless access to applications, files, resources… And enables distant work and remote control as well as any extended applications of its potential.

However, as technology evolves, so do the alternatives to Microsoft RDS. In this article, we will explore a carefully curated list of contenders that offer compelling features and advantages over RDS.

A Range of our Favourite Alternatives to Microsoft RDS

From Truegrid's user-friendly interface to Thinfinity's cross-platform compatibility, Azure AVD's seamless integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, Remote PC's affordable plans for individuals and small businesses, and SplashTop's high-performance remote access, we'll examine each alternative's strengths and weaknesses.

Additionally, we'll delve into the powerful features of our very own TSplus Remote Access solution, which stands out for its easy deployment, extensive feature set and efficient management. Let's explore these top Microsoft RDS alternatives and find the perfect fit for your remote access needs. Lets dive right in:

1. TSplus Remote Access - The Best of Microsoft RDS Alternatives for Affordability, Security and Scalability

TSplus Remote Access is a comprehensive remote desktop and application delivery solution. It enables secure access to Windows applications and desktops from any device. Versatile and scalable, it also offers various deployment options to meet diverse needs.

Pros:

• Easy deployment and management: TSplus Remote Access provides a user-friendly setup process and intuitive management console. This, in turn, allows for hassle-free deployment and efficient management.
• Extensive feature set: TSplus Remote Access offers a rich set of features, including advanced security, load balancing, session management and printing options. It therefore provides a comprehensive remote access solution.
• Responsive sales and support and teams are available to answer questions, provide solutions or information, and anything else not found in the FAQs or online documentation.

Cons:

• Learning curve for advanced customisation: While TSplus Remote Access provides extensive customisation options. Configuring some more complex settings can require familiarity with the product or technical expertise.
• Limited cross-platform support: TSplus primarily supports Windows-based environments, compatibility with non-Windows platforms is currently in progress.

2. Trugrid - Best Microsoft RDS Alternative for Small-scale Seamless Access

Trugrid is remote desktop software that provides secure access to virtual desktops, applications and files from any device. It offers a user-friendly interface and focuses on delivering a seamless remote experience.

Pros:

• User-friendly interface: Trugrid has an easy-to-navigate interface, ensuring a smooth user experience for both administrators and end-users.
• Enhanced security: It has advanced security features, such as multi-factor authentication and encryption. Trugrid prioritises data protection and safeguards sensitive information.

Cons:

• Limited third-party integrations: Trugrid may have limitations in terms of integrating with third-party applications and services.
• Scalability challenges: Some users have reported scalability issues when dealing with large deployments, which can impact performance in certain scenarios.

3. Thinfinity - Top Alternative to Microsoft RDS for Browser-based Versatility

Thinfinity is a versatile remote desktop solution that provides secure access to Windows applications from any device, browser or operating system. It emphasises ease of use and flexibility for remote access needs.

Pros:

• Cross-platform compatibility: Thinfinity supports various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. It also ensures accessibility from different devices.
• HTML5 browser-based access: With Thinfinity's browser-based access, users can access their desktops and applications without the need for additional software installations.

Cons:

• Limited collaboration features: Compared to other alternatives, Thinfinity may have fewer collaboration features. Of course, this could be a drawback for teams requiring their teams to work together extensively.
• Advanced customisation may require expertise: While Thinfinity offers customisation options, configuring more complex settings might require technical expertise.

4. Azure AVD (Azure Virtual Desktop) - Own Microsoft Solution for a Full-powered All-round Tool

Azure AVD, formerly known as Windows Virtual Desktop, is a comprehensive cloud-based remote desktop solution provided by Microsoft itself. It allows organisations to deploy and scale virtual desktops and applications quickly.

Pros:

• Seamless integration with Microsoft ecosystem: Azure AVD integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products and services, such as Azure Active Directory and Microsoft 365, making it an ideal choice for organizations heavily reliant on the Microsoft ecosystem.
• Scalability and performance: Leveraging the power of Azure's infrastructure, Azure AVD provides scalable virtual desktops and applications, ensuring optimal performance even during peak usage.

Cons:

• Complex setup and management: Implementing and managing Azure AVD can be complex, requiring expertise in Azure infrastructure and related technologies.
• Cost considerations: While Azure AVD offers flexibility and scalability, organisations need to carefully evaluate and plan their Azure subscription costs to ensure cost-effectiveness.

5. Remote PC - Top Microsoft RDS Alternative for Secure and Reliable SMB Access

Remote PC is a remote access solution that enables users to access their computers remotely, providing a secure and reliable connection. It primarily targets individual users and small businesses.

Pros:

• Easy setup and usage: The Remote PC setup process is straightforward, allowing users to quickly establish remote connections to their computers.
• Cost-effective for individuals and small businesses: Compared to enterprise-grade solutions, Remote PC offers affordable plans that cater to individual users and small businesses with limited remote access requirements.

Cons:

• Limited scalability: Remote PC may not be suitable for larger enterprises with extensive remote access needs. Indeed, it primarily focuses on individual users and small-scale deployments.
• Limited scalability: Remote PC may not be suitable for larger enterprises with extensive remote access needs. Indeed, it primarily focuses on individual users and small-scale deployments.

6. SplashTop - Favourite Alternative to RDS for Cross-platform Scalability

SplashTop is a remote desktop software that provides remote access and support for individuals and businesses. It offers both personal and business editions, catering to different use cases.

Pros:

• High-performance remote access: SplashTop boasts high-definition video and audio streaming capabilities, ensuring a smooth and responsive remote access experience.
• Cross-platform support: It supports various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. This means this software provides flexibility and compatibility across different devices.

Cons:

• Limited collaboration features: While SplashTop excels in remote access, it may have fewer collaboration features compared to dedicated collaboration tools.
• Pricing structure: Some users find its pricing structure, particularly for business editions, to be on the higher side compared to similar alternatives.

As a Conclusion on The Best Microsoft RDS Alternatives

So there you have a succinct tour of some of the most handy remote access software around at the moment. When it comes to remote access and virtual desktop solutions, Microsoft RDS has numerous alternatives that offer unique features and capabilities. Whether you prioritise user-friendliness, cross-platform compatibility or integration with the Microsoft ecosystem, options like Truegrid, Thinfinity, Azure AVD, Remote PC, SplashTop and TSplus Remote Access provide alternatives worth considering.

Since there is nothing more pertinent than hands-on experience, do visit our website to discover more of what our remote access and application publication tool can do . Feel free to see what you think of our whole suite of products since you can download any or all for a free 15-day trial and test their features first hand.