Comparison · flexidesktop vs Amazon WorkSpaces
The WorkSpaces alternative that doesn't require an AWS account, an AD, or an IT team
No AWS account, no Active Directory, no IAM policies. flexidesktop gives you a Windows cloud desktop from $19/month — ready in minutes, billed flat.
Feature by feature
flexidesktop vs Amazon WorkSpaces: the detailed comparison
AWS's Desktop-as-a-Service offering, billed monthly or hourly. Reliable but assumes AWS account setup, Active Directory, and enterprise IT processes.
| Feature | flexidesktop | Amazon WorkSpaces |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing & plans | ||
| Starting price | $19/month flat | From ~$25/user/month + AWS extras |
| No AWS account needed | ✓ | ✗ |
| No Active Directory needed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Hidden costs | None — one line item | Storage, AD, data transfer |
| Free trial | 3 days free | Free tier with conditions |
| Setup & management | ||
| Time to first desktop | Minutes | Hours to days |
| No AWS console needed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Managed by provider | ✓ | Self-managed |
| Works without an IT team | ✓ | ✗ |
| Platform & access | ||
| Windows 10 / 11 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Browser access (no install) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Desktop (RDP) | ✓ | PCoIP / WSP only |
| Mac, Linux, ChromeOS, mobile | ✓ | ✓ |
| Unmetered bandwidth | ✓ | Metered data transfer |
| Support | ||
| Human support included | ✓ | Paid AWS support plans |
| Live chat with engineers | ✓ | ✗ |
| Onboarding help | Included | Partner-led |
Common questions about switching from Amazon WorkSpaces
- Do I need an AWS account to use flexidesktop?
- No. flexidesktop is a standalone service. You sign up directly with us — no AWS account, IAM, VPC, or AD Connector setup required.
- How does flexidesktop compare to WorkSpaces on cost?
- flexidesktop starts at $19/month flat per desktop. A comparable WorkSpaces Standard bundle is around $25/user/month, plus storage, AD Connector, and potential data transfer charges.
- What's the trial like?
- 3 days free. You get a real Windows 10 or 11 desktop with the same specs as your eventual plan — run your actual workflow before committing.
- What about Active Directory integration?
- flexidesktop doesn't require Active Directory. If you already have an AD or use Microsoft Entra ID, we can integrate — but it's optional, not a prerequisite like with WorkSpaces.
- Can I connect using Remote Desktop (RDP)?
- Yes. Besides browser access, flexidesktop supports the standard Microsoft Remote Desktop client over a secure WireGuard VPN tunnel. Enable it from your virtual desktop panel — we'll send over the configuration and instructions.
