Comparison · flexidesktop vs Azure Virtual Desktop
Skip the Azure portal. Get a managed Windows cloud desktop in minutes.
Forget host pools, FSLogix, and surprise consumption bills. flexidesktop is the managed cloud desktop AVD should have been — from $19/month, set up in minutes.
Feature by feature
flexidesktop vs Azure Virtual Desktop: the detailed comparison
Microsoft's enterprise virtualization platform. Powerful, but configuration-heavy and built for IT teams comfortable inside the Azure portal.
| Feature | flexidesktop | Azure Virtual Desktop |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing & plans | ||
| Pricing model | Flat monthly per desktop | Consumption-based across services |
| Starting price | $19/month | Variable — compute + storage + license |
| Surprise bills | Never | Common if VMs left running |
| Free trial | 3 days free | Azure free tier ($200 credit) |
| Setup & management | ||
| Time to first desktop | Minutes | Days to weeks |
| No Azure portal needed | ✓ | ✗ |
| Host pools / FSLogix setup | Not needed | Required |
| Managed daily backups | ✓ | Self-managed |
| Works without an IT team | ✓ | ✗ |
| Platform & access | ||
| Windows 10 / 11 | ✓ | ✓ |
| Browser access (no install) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Remote Desktop (RDP) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Mac, Linux, ChromeOS, mobile | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-session Windows | ✓ | ✓ |
| Support | ||
| Human support included | ✓ | Paid Azure support plans |
| Live chat with engineers | ✓ | ✗ |
| Onboarding help | Included | Partner-led |
Common questions about switching from Azure Virtual Desktop
- Is flexidesktop built on Azure?
- No. flexidesktop runs on dedicated infrastructure hosted in OVH and Hetzner datacenters. This keeps us completely outside the Azure consumption model — predictable flat pricing, no meter running while you sleep.
- Can I get the same performance as an AVD VM?
- Yes. flexidesktop plans range from 1 vCPU / 2 GB (XS, light workloads) up to 8 vCPU / 24 GB (XL) on NVMe SSD storage. Most users find the performance comparable or better than equivalent AVD sizing.
- Does flexidesktop support multi-session Windows?
- Yes. We offer multi-user desktops for teams who want to share a Windows environment, similar to AVD multi-session. Learn more about multi-user desktops →
- Will my data and files be there when I log back in?
- Yes. Every flexidesktop desktop is persistent — your files, installed apps, and settings are saved between sessions. Daily backups with up to 60 days retention add an extra safety net.
- Can I connect using Remote Desktop (RDP)?
- Yes. In addition to browser access, flexidesktop supports the standard Microsoft Remote Desktop client via a secure WireGuard VPN tunnel. Request RDP access from your virtual desktop panel and we'll send you the VPN config and setup guide.
