Link copied to clipboard

# Azure Virtual Desktop vs Horizon Cloud Comparison - What are their main differences?

Share
[
Export
](/compare/microsoft-azure-virtual-desktop/horizon-cloud/export.csv)

Azure Virtual DesktopHorizon Cloud[+ Add Product](#)

Reviews

**Azure Virtual Desktop** [

4.2/5(29)

](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-azure-virtual-desktop/reviews#reviews)

**Horizon Cloud** [

4.3/5(14)

](https://www.g2.com/products/horizon-cloud/reviews#reviews)

Pricing

**Azure Virtual Desktop**
No pricing available

**Horizon Cloud**
No pricing available

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**Azure Virtual Desktop**
Not enough reviews yet

**Horizon Cloud**
Not enough reviews yet

Return on Investment

**Azure Virtual Desktop**
Not enough reviews yet

**Horizon Cloud**
Not enough reviews yet

Perceived Cost

**Azure Virtual Desktop**
$$$$$

**Horizon Cloud**
Not enough reviews yet

Average Discount

**Azure Virtual Desktop**
Not enough reviews yet

**Horizon Cloud**
Not enough reviews yet

Pros & Cons

**Azure Virtual Desktop**
Not enough data

**Horizon Cloud**
Not enough data

Integrations

**Azure Virtual Desktop**
[

 ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_05fcc3af2ad1fa8aae661bb1fcdf40a6/nerdio-manager.png "Product Avatar Image")

Nerdio Manager

](https://www.g2.com/products/nerdio-manager/reviews)[
View all
](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-azure-virtual-desktop/integrations)

**Horizon Cloud**
Not enough data

Ratings

Meets Requirements

**Azure Virtual Desktop**

8.5

8.524

**Horizon Cloud**

9.4

9.411

Ease of Use

**Azure Virtual Desktop**

8.4

8.425

**Horizon Cloud**

8.6

8.611

Ease of Setup

**Azure Virtual Desktop**

8.8

8.88

**Horizon Cloud**
Not enough data

Ease of Admin

**Azure Virtual Desktop**

9.3

9.37

**Horizon Cloud**
Not enough data

Quality of Support

**Azure Virtual Desktop**

8.5

8.522

**Horizon Cloud**

8.7

8.710

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Azure Virtual Desktop**

9.3

9.37

**Horizon Cloud**
Not enough data

Product Direction (% positive)

**Azure Virtual Desktop**

6.8

6.822

**Horizon Cloud**

6.8

6.811

Features

Desktop as a Service (DaaS)[Hide 21 FeaturesShow 21 Features](javascript:void(0);)

8.8

22

Not enough data

Functionality

Desktop Virtualization

9.0(won by default)

21

Not enough data

Backend Hosting

8.1(won by default)

17

Not enough data

Hybrid Desktop Hosting

8.3(won by default)

12

Not enough data

GPU Virtualization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Management

Admin Console

9.0(won by default)

15

Not enough data

Solution Integration

8.7(won by default)

15

Not enough data

OS Compatibility

9.1(won by default)

19

Not enough data

Cloud Infrastructure Selection

9.1(won by default)

17

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

Cloud Computing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multi-Factor Authentication

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Device Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Single Sign On

Not enough data

Not enough data

Backup and Recovery

Not enough data

Not enough data

BYOL Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

File Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Provisioning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Application Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Cloud Encryption

Not enough data

Not enough data

Policy Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Show 1 feature category with incomplete data

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)[Hide 69 FeaturesShow 69 Features](javascript:void(0);)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Functionality

Desktop Virtualization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Application Virtualization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Desktop Management

Desktop Provisioning

Not enough data

Not enough data

Image Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Load Balancing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Configuration Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Remote Monitoring & Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Service Level Agreement (SLA) Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Storage Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Performance Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

File Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Compliance Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Application Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Task Management

Not enough data

Not enough data

Support

Multi-Device Portability

Not enough data

Not enough data

Security

Two-Factor Authentication

Not enough data

Not enough data

Single Sign-On (SSO)

Not enough data

Not enough data

Encryption

Not enough data

Not enough data

Access Controls and Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

Remote Access/Control

Not enough data

Not enough data

Mobile Access

Not enough data

Not enough data

Version Control

Not enough data

Not enough data

Application Access Control

Not enough data

Not enough data

Two-Factor Authentication

Not enough data

Not enough data

Role-Based Permissions

Not enough data

Not enough data

Additional Functionality

DaaS

Not enough data

Not enough data

Activity Dashboard

Not enough data

Not enough data

Filtering

Not enough data

Not enough data

Self Service Portal

Not enough data

Not enough data

Backup and Recovery

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting/Analytics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Recovery

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multi-Device Support

Not enough data

Not enough data

Secure Data Storage

Not enough data

Not enough data

API

Not enough data

Not enough data

Single Sign On

Not enough data

Not enough data

Automatic Backup

Not enough data

Not enough data

Archiving & Retention

Not enough data

Not enough data

AI Copilot

Not enough data

Not enough data

Collaboration Tools

Not enough data

Not enough data

Remote Update/Installation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Secure Login

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Reporting

Not enough data

Not enough data

File Transfer

Not enough data

Not enough data

Server Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Generative AI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Alerts/Escalation

Not enough data

Not enough data

Multiple User Accounts

Not enough data

Not enough data

Issue Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Disaster Recovery

Not enough data

Not enough data

Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Configurable Workflow

Not enough data

Not enough data

Reporting & Statistics

Not enough data

Not enough data

Active Directory Integration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Third-Party Integrations

Not enough data

Not enough data

Real-Time Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

Search/Filter

Not enough data

Not enough data

Cloud Computing

Not enough data

Not enough data

Virtual Machine Migration

Not enough data

Not enough data

Status Tracking

Not enough data

Not enough data

Graphical User Interface

Not enough data

Not enough data

Virtual Server

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Verification

Not enough data

Not enough data

VDI

Not enough data

Not enough data

Database Support

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Synchronization

Not enough data

Not enough data

Data Replication

Not enough data

Not enough data

Virtual Machine Monitoring

Not enough data

Not enough data

User Insights

Reviewers' Company Size

[![Azure Virtual Desktop](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_d957ee08c738f282cd9147ef750a0bb7/windows-virtual-desktop.jpg "Azure Virtual Desktop")](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-azure-virtual-desktop/reviews)

Azure Virtual Desktop

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

44.4%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

18.5%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

37.0%

[![Horizon Cloud](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_8aab87536838a546a435245482739488/horizon-cloud.jpg "Horizon Cloud")](https://www.g2.com/products/horizon-cloud/reviews)

Horizon Cloud

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)

14.3%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)

42.9%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)

42.9%

Small-Business

(50 or fewer emp.)

44.4%

14.3%

Mid-Market

(51-1000 emp.)

18.5%

42.9%

Enterprise

(\> 1000 emp.)

37.0%

42.9%

Reviewers' Industry

[![Azure Virtual Desktop](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_d957ee08c738f282cd9147ef750a0bb7/windows-virtual-desktop.jpg "Azure Virtual Desktop")](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-azure-virtual-desktop/reviews)
Azure Virtual Desktop

Information Technology and Services

22.2%

Education Management

14.8%

Insurance

7.4%

Apparel & Fashion

3.7%

Biotechnology

3.7%

Other

48.1%

[![Horizon Cloud](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_8aab87536838a546a435245482739488/horizon-cloud.jpg "Horizon Cloud")](https://www.g2.com/products/horizon-cloud/reviews)
Horizon Cloud

Computer Software

14.3%

Program Development

7.1%

Medical Devices

7.1%

Insurance

7.1%

Information Technology and Services

7.1%

Other

57.1%

FAQs

## Azure Virtual Desktop vs Horizon Cloud FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 15, 2026

### What is the difference between Horizon Cloud vs Azure Virtual Desktop?

Horizon Cloud stands out for its higher overall G2 rating and stronger support satisfaction, while Azure Virtual Desktop leads in Ease of Setup and Ease of Admin scores.

| | [Horizon Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/horizon-cloud/reviews) | [Azure Virtual Desktop](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-azure-virtual-desktop/reviews) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| G2 Rating (reviews) | 4.3/5 (14 reviews) | 4.2/5 (29 reviews) |
| Ease of Setup score | — | 8.8 |
| Quality of Support score | 8.7 | 8.5 |
| Ease of Admin score | — | 9.3 |
| Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Consistent desktop experience and flexible deployment for hybrid work | Scalable, easy-to-deploy virtual desktops with strong integration to Microsoft services |

### How do the pricing models of Horizon Cloud and Azure Virtual Desktop compare?

Horizon Cloud is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing more satisfaction with its pricing compared to Azure Virtual Desktop.

- **Horizon Cloud:** Reviewers note that Horizon Cloud can range from affordable to expensive depending on user count, but several highlight it as a cost-effective option for remote work and hybrid environments.
- **Azure Virtual Desktop:** Recent reviews mention that Azure Virtual Desktop can become expensive as features and processing power increase, and small organizations may find it costly, though auto-scaling and pay-as-you-go options help manage expenses.
- **Switching reasons:** Reviewers switching to Azure Virtual Desktop cite easier management, auto-scaling, and the elimination of on-premises server maintenance as key drivers, despite higher costs.

### What are the best alternatives to Horizon Cloud and Azure Virtual Desktop?

The top three alternatives to Horizon Cloud and Azure Virtual Desktop are Citrix DaaS, Amazon WorkSpaces, and V2 Cloud.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Horizon Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/horizon-cloud/reviews) | 4.3/5 (14 reviews) | — | Can range from affordable to expensive depending on user count | Consistent desktop experience and flexible deployment for hybrid work |
| [Azure Virtual Desktop](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-azure-virtual-desktop/reviews) | 4.2/5 (29 reviews) | — | Can become expensive with advanced features, but auto-scaling helps manage costs | Scalable, easy-to-deploy virtual desktops with strong Microsoft integration |
| [Citrix DaaS](https://www.g2.com/products/citrix-citrix-daas/reviews) | 4.1/5 (546 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Enterprise-grade scalability and security |
| [Amazon WorkSpaces](https://www.g2.com/products/amazon-workspaces/reviews) | 4.2/5 (110 reviews) | Mid-Market | — | Reliable performance and strong customer support |
| [V2 Cloud](https://www.g2.com/products/v2-cloud/reviews) | 4.7/5 (251 reviews) | Small-Business | — | User-friendly setup and strong support for small businesses |

### Which Desktop as a Service (DaaS) features should I prioritize when comparing Horizon Cloud and Azure Virtual Desktop?

Buyers should prioritize Ease of Setup, Quality of Support, Ease of Use, Meets Requirements, and Ease of Admin when comparing Horizon Cloud and Azure Virtual Desktop.

- **Ease of Setup:** Azure Virtual Desktop scores 8.8; Horizon Cloud has no published score.
- **Quality of Support:** Horizon Cloud scores 8.7; Azure Virtual Desktop scores 8.5.
- **Ease of Use:** Horizon Cloud scores 8.6; Azure Virtual Desktop scores 8.4.
- **Meets Requirements:** Horizon Cloud scores 9.4; Azure Virtual Desktop scores 8.5.
- **Ease of Admin:** Azure Virtual Desktop scores 9.3; Horizon Cloud has no published score.

### What are the pros and cons of Horizon Cloud vs Azure Virtual Desktop?

Horizon Cloud's headline strength is its consistent desktop experience for hybrid work, while Azure Virtual Desktop excels in scalability and Microsoft integration.

- **Horizon Cloud strengths:** Consistent desktop experience across devices, flexible deployment for hybrid and remote work, dynamic user options, and rapid deployment of updates and desktops.
- **Horizon Cloud trade-offs:** Occasional severe lag and connection issues, limited connection quality adjustment options, and potential complexity in initial setup.
- **Azure Virtual Desktop strengths:** Scalable and easy-to-deploy virtual desktops, strong integration with Microsoft services (Active Directory, Office 365), auto-scaling to manage costs, and robust security features.
- **Azure Virtual Desktop trade-offs:** Can become expensive with advanced features, setup process can be complex, and some reviewers note lag or performance issues with high user loads or in browser-based access.

### Is Horizon Cloud or Azure Virtual Desktop better for small businesses?

V2 Cloud is the top-rated alternative for small businesses, but between Horizon Cloud and Azure Virtual Desktop, both products serve small-business needs with no clear segment leader.

- **Horizon Cloud:** No largest segment data available, but reviewers highlight its value for hybrid and remote work in organizations of varying sizes.
- **Azure Virtual Desktop:** No largest segment data available, but reviewers note its flexibility and cost-saving features, though some mention higher costs for small organizations.

### Which Desktop as a Service (DaaS) platform has better integrations?

Azure Virtual Desktop is favored for integrations, especially with Microsoft services, according to recent reviewer sentiment.

- **Horizon Cloud:** Reviewers mention integration with standard office programs and Adobe Creative Suite, but no specific third-party integration counts are provided.
- **Azure Virtual Desktop:** Reviewers highlight integration with Microsoft Active Directory, Office 365, and .NET environments, with strong sentiment for ease of integration within the Microsoft ecosystem.

### How do Horizon Cloud and Azure Virtual Desktop compare on customer support?

Horizon Cloud and Azure Virtual Desktop are rated nearly equally on Quality of Support, with Horizon Cloud at 8.7 and Azure Virtual Desktop at 8.5, indicating parity.

- **Horizon Cloud:** Reviewers describe support as responsive and helpful, with several noting positive experiences during setup and troubleshooting.
- **Azure Virtual Desktop:** Reviewers report strong support, with many citing helpful documentation, a supportive user community, and effective assistance from Microsoft support channels.

### Which is easier to implement, Horizon Cloud or Azure Virtual Desktop?

Azure Virtual Desktop leads on Ease of Setup with a score of 8.8, while Horizon Cloud has no published score for this dimension.

- **Horizon Cloud:** Reviewers describe the setup as initially complex but manageable with support, and note that it becomes easier over time.
- **Azure Virtual Desktop:** Reviewers highlight straightforward deployment, rapid provisioning, and automation options, with several noting that setup can be completed in minutes for standard use cases.

Alternatives

**Azure Virtual Desktop Alternatives**

 ![Citrix DaaS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/075eaba93f871090141f8205a8624ea0/citrix-citrix-daas.svg "Citrix DaaS")

[
Citrix DaaS
](/products/citrix-citrix-daas/reviews)

 ![Amazon WorkSpaces](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1528476468/amazon-workspaces.svg "Amazon WorkSpaces")

[
Amazon WorkSpaces
](/products/amazon-workspaces/reviews)

 ![Kasm Workspaces](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/0ee10e34d38102ab1a4f9be91106945c/kasm-workspaces.svg "Kasm Workspaces")

[
Kasm Workspaces
](/products/kasm-workspaces/reviews)

 ![V2 Cloud](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/23e78eccfb94608b36b3ff2553b1fe31/v2-cloud.svg "V2 Cloud")

[
V2 Cloud
](/products/v2-cloud/reviews)

**Horizon Cloud Alternatives**

 ![Citrix DaaS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/075eaba93f871090141f8205a8624ea0/citrix-citrix-daas.svg "Citrix DaaS")

[
Citrix DaaS
](/products/citrix-citrix-daas/reviews)

 ![Amazon WorkSpaces](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1528476468/amazon-workspaces.svg "Amazon WorkSpaces")

[
Amazon WorkSpaces
](/products/amazon-workspaces/reviews)

 ![V2 Cloud](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/23e78eccfb94608b36b3ff2553b1fe31/v2-cloud.svg "V2 Cloud")

[
V2 Cloud
](/products/v2-cloud/reviews)

 ![BlackBerry UEM](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/d2c1244fc00aacdf5612c19466431d1f/blackberry-uem.jpeg "BlackBerry UEM")

[
BlackBerry UEM
](/products/blackberry-uem/reviews)

## Azure Virtual Desktop vs Horizon Cloud

- Reviewers felt that Horizon Cloud meets the needs of their business better than Azure Virtual Desktop.
- When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Horizon Cloud is the preferred option.
- When assessing product direction, Azure Virtual Desktop and Horizon Cloud received similar ratings from our reviewers.