Horizon 8 vs Horizon Cloud Service comparison

Horizon 8 and Horizon Cloud Service are both solutions in the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) category. Horizon 8 is ranked #4 with an average rating of 7.9, while Horizon Cloud Service is ranked #11 with an average rating of 8.0. Horizon 8 holds a 6.8% mindshare in VD, compared to Horizon Cloud Service’s 3.9% mindshare. Additionally, 89% of Horizon 8 users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 91% of Horizon Cloud Service users who would recommend it.

Horizon 8

Read 116 Horizon 8 reviews

6,735 Views
6,533 Comparison Views

89% willing to recommend

Horizon Cloud Service

Read 11 Horizon Cloud Service reviews

2,007 Views
1,826 Comparison Views

91% willing to recommend

Horizon 8

Horizon Cloud Service

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 5, 2024

Horizon 8 and Horizon Cloud Service compete in the virtual desktop infrastructure category. Horizon Cloud Service has the upper hand in adaptability and scalability.

Features: Horizon 8 integrates seamlessly with existing VMware environments, supports a wide range of endpoints, and enhances security protocols. Horizon Cloud Service is notable for its cloud scalability, flexible multi-cloud deployment, and simplified management through a centralized interface.

Room for Improvement: Horizon 8 could improve by offering more cloud-native features to match evolving demands, enhancing simplified management tools, and reducing initial setup complexity. Horizon Cloud Service could enhance its integration with legacy systems, streamline cost-efficiency measures, and expand localized control to match on-premise solutions.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Horizon 8 allows for straightforward deployment within VMware ecosystems, offering granular administrative control. Horizon Cloud Service emphasizes speed and efficiency in its cloud-native deployment, along with strong cross-platform integration support.

Pricing and ROI: Horizon 8 involves higher upfront costs due to its integration efforts but provides significant ROI for VMware users. Horizon Cloud Service carries ongoing cloud expenses but is flexible in pricing and potentially offers quicker ROI with lower initial costs.

To learn more, read our detailed Horizon 8 vs. Horizon Cloud Service Report (Updated: April 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Horizon 8 vs. Horizon Cloud Service

April 2026

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Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Horizon 8

Ranking in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

4th

Average Rating

8.0

Reviews Sentiment

6.7

Number of Reviews

116

Ranking in other categories

User Virtualization (1st)

Horizon Cloud Service

Ranking in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

11th

Average Rating

8.4

Reviews Sentiment

6.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Desktop as a Service (DaaS) (3rd)

Mindshare comparison

As of May 2026, in the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) category, the mindshare of Horizon 8 is 6.8%, down from 7.7% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Horizon Cloud Service is 3.9%, up from 1.1% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Horizon 8	6.8%
Horizon Cloud Service	3.9%
Other	89.3%

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

Featured Reviews

Michael Baars

Owner at CoBSS

Experience with remote access facilitates seamless user management, though improvements in integration and analytics are desired

From the analytical aspects, we used Horizon 8 Advanced Analytics and most companies switched to another product to gain insights because the insight is not as helpful as other products that are built for it. What was missing in Horizon 8 to make it a better tool was in analytics, specifically getting the right information and the drill-down process to find out where the problem is. If a user has an issue, it is crucial to determine what the issue is that the user is having and since when they have the issue. For example, if a user reports back that they had an issue yesterday evening, getting that information and ensuring that you have it was hard to find, especially to pinpoint if the issue lies with the network or the Horizon 8 platform. We utilized the multi-factor authentication, conditional access in Horizon 8, but we are not satisfied with that. It lacks some integration options that make it easy to run with Microsoft Entra, for example, and authenticate using your regular authenticator besides just getting a pop-up that says, 'I'm the one that's trying to log on.' Nowadays, there are many more complex authentication methods, but even a basic confirmation with a number to verify that you are the person connecting is not supported. I would like to see improvements in Horizon 8, specifically integration with NVIDIA for graphical performance upgrades because it creates many issues such as crashing and black screen systems, causing users to lose access to their current desktop and work. This is a real issue at the moment for many customers worldwide.

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SivaKuppala

Enterprise Architect at Wipro Limited

Centralized management enhances multi-cloud flexibility with cost efficiency improvements

The cost of Horizon Cloud Service is high, however, it could be optimized. The licensing model is complex, particularly for hybrid deployments, and simplifying it could help. Improvements in application performance, especially for resource-heavy applications like intensive 3D workloads, are needed. More built-in automation for routine tasks like patching and upgrading could reduce administrative effort.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"Organizations who buy lots of desktops or laptops, call centers, military, and high security profile organizations can benefit from it."

"We use VMware Horizon to digitalize environments."

"The most valuable features of VMware Horizon View technology is easier to use and is user-friendly with the customers."

"The solution has good performance and functionality. However, if the network connection was poor we noticed a decrease in performance."

"VMware Horizon View is easy to configure and deploy."

"Horizon 7's most valuable feature is the unified endpoint management."

"In my opinion, this product should be the first environment that an enterprise company must consider."

"The most valuable features are the ability to manage a great number of desktops at once and the remote access for users who are working from outside of the office or from a different office in the country."

More Horizon 8 pros

"The tool remains pretty stable."

"VMware Horizon Cloud is easy to use and the full development cloud is very good. The main features of VMware are included. It's a cloud-based virtual desktop infrastructure software that allows you to permit the virtual desktops and applications to any device from the single unified management control. These are managed from the dedicated remote session desktop."

"The interface is much easier to use compared to Microsoft and other VDI vendors that are well known on the market, and with Horizon Cloud, you don't need to spend a lot of money upfront to buy the infrastructure because you can use it on the cloud, which lowers the barriers to entry and makes it easier to test and get started."

"The product allows a VPN connection, adding extra value to its features."

"I honestly liked the application itself because it was just like using a desktop. You could copy and paste, inside and outside, and you could use multiple monitors. You could access it anytime, anywhere, no matter whether you were in the office or out of the office. I could leave the office, go somewhere, go back in, and everything would be there. I could just leave it up and running. I absolutely love this feature in VMware Horizon Cloud."

"Horizon Cloud Service provides deployment flexibility across multiple clouds with a scalable architecture that easily scales virtual desktops and applications up or down based on demand."

"VMware Horizon Cloud is easy to use and the full development cloud is very good."

More Horizon Cloud Service pros

Cons

"The product integration on local client machines running Linux needs improvement."

"The pools and virtual machine management console should be improved, as there is no way to group PCs in different pools, etc."

"Horizon View could be more stable."

"There are some licensing issues in VMware Horizon"

"Technical support could be better and faster."

"I would like to see more useful monitoring within users and a more useful help desk."

"Reporting could be improved, we currently have to export manually."

"The storage expansion in the product is a bit difficult to manage, especially when I have to modify a storage requirement of a particular area since it comes across as a complex job."

More Horizon 8 cons

"It is very expensive. Its price needs to be improved. They can do a better job with external resources such as a USB or a hard drive. When I tried to connect using these external resources, it failed a lot of times. I had to do a shared connection with a local laptop and then connect from a network standpoint, rather than through VMware Horizon point. They definitely have weaknesses with external connections. A lot of companies probably don't let people use external connections because it defeats the purpose of having a cloud solution and keeping the data in a secure area. You can copy to an external device, and you can lose the data. A lot of companies may not focus on this feature, but if you are providing it, you should make it work."

"It can be very expensive to scale up because each part of scaling up requires you to have new components of the infrastructure."

"In the design phase, sometimes the tools for designing Horizon solutions have issues when they're calculating the number of nodes and platforms needed to support the VDI systems."

"It is too expensive as compared to other solutions because of which we don't use it that much."

"The licensing model needs to be adjusted, as a cloud license is currently required even for on-premises devices."

"The cost of Horizon Cloud Service is high, however, it could be optimized. The licensing model is complex, particularly for hybrid deployments, and simplifying it could help."

"The application remoting features have some room for improvement."

"There should be more emphasis on the Workspace One access part of the solution."

More Horizon Cloud Service cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"VMware Horizon only has one license, which is a license to run desktops."

"The pricing is quite reasonable."

"I rate the solution's pricing a five out of ten."

"It falls on the more expensive end in terms of cost."

"We pay for the solution annually at a cost of approximately 10,000 HKD."

"I don't know about the price. I know there are different tiers with the license, but I'm not sure exactly what it costs anymore."

"I cannot provide a detailed comment on the pricing; however, I can say that it is quite expensive."

"VMware Horizon's costs are high."

More Horizon 8 pricing and cost advice

"There is a license required for the use of this solution and there are different tier levels available."

"For what you get, it is very compelling. You've got to look at the total cost of ownership of this type of piece of software in terms of being able to utilize it as a cloud service. I don't have to run everything on-premises. When you look at the total cost of just being able to use it and then being able to point it to any public or private cloud, it is very compelling. You have one less thing to manage."

"VMware Horizon Cloud is a low-cost solution. The model that they have is consumption-based. However, some features are expensive."

"It is too expensive as compared to other solutions because of which we don't use it that much. We tend to go more for Hyper-V or Azure just because VMware licensing is quite up there. We sway people away from VMware Horizon Cloud. We have some clients who already have it. They stay on it for a little while, and then most of them end up moving off when we provide them a better solution that isn't as license heavy cost-wise."

"Initially, the product is cheap, but it starts to get expensive when users try to scale out."

"I rate VMware Horizon Cloud pricing a ten out of ten."

"VMware Horizon Cloud is an expensive solution. This solution is approximately 30 percent more than Microsoft Azure Cloud. There can be extra costs."

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Manufacturing Company

10%

Financial Services Firm

Computer Software Company

Construction Company

Financial Services Firm

10%

Manufacturing Company

10%

Performing Arts

10%

Construction Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	61
Midsize Enterprise	23
Large Enterprise	44

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	5
Midsize Enterprise	1
Large Enterprise	6

Questions from the Community

How does VMware Workspace One compare with VMware Horizon 7?

VMware Workspace One has a powerful set of helpful features. The solution offers very good documentation, the initial setup is easy, and the product is very stable and reliable. I think the fact th...

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for VMware Horizon 7?

We paid a lot of money for software that is not really fully operational out of the box. We had to have patches from VMware to get it into production. Hence, we lost a lot of time implementing the ...

See all answers

What needs improvement with VMware Horizon 7?

The solution should provide easy configuration.

See all answers

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for VMware Horizon Cloud?

The cost is considered normal, not remarkable but not outrageous. In terms of expense, compared to other virtualization products, I would rate it as a six.

See all answers

What needs improvement with VMware Horizon Cloud?

The licensing model needs to be adjusted, as a cloud license is currently required even for on-premises devices. Horizon Cloud Service should continue improving their protocol and work with other h...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for VMware Horizon Cloud?

Our primary use case focuses on virtual desktop and application hosting. This is spread across different industries. We have a large number of employees, and we are one of the largest GSIs globally...

See all answers

Comparisons

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs Horizon 8

Compared 12% of the time

VMware Workstation vs Horizon 8

Compared 11% of the time

Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) vs Horizon 8

Compared 10% of the time

Workspace ONE UEM vs Horizon 8

Compared 9% of the time

Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization for Desktops vs Horizon 8

Compared 4% of the time

More Horizon 8 Competitors

Nerdio vs Horizon Cloud Service

Compared 12% of the time

Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) vs Horizon Cloud Service

Compared 11% of the time

Azure Virtual Desktop vs Horizon Cloud Service

Compared 9% of the time

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs Horizon Cloud Service

Compared 7% of the time

VMware Workstation vs Horizon Cloud Service

Compared 6% of the time

More Horizon Cloud Service Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Horizon 8

May 2026

Download Horizon 8 product report

Buyer's Guide

Horizon Cloud Service

May 2026

Download Horizon Cloud Service product report

Also Known As

VMware Horizon, VMware Horizon View, Mware Dynamic Environment Manager

VMware Horizon Cloud, VMware Horizon DaaS

Overview

Horizon 8 offers centralized management and robust security with ease of deployment and scalability. It provides virtualization and remote access to devices across platforms, ensuring improved performance and reliable remote desktop experiences.

Horizon 8 integrates instant clone technology, a security gateway, and supports USB redirection while minimizing bandwidth consumption for efficient resource utilization. Featuring a powerful administrative console, it simplifies backend control with a user-friendly interface. While effective, it can improve in areas like audio redirection, app volume configuration, and Azure integration. Enhanced connectivity, performance, and monitoring capabilities could elevate user experience alongside clearer licensing terms.

What are Horizon 8's key features?

Centralized Management: Simplifies control with a unified administrative console.
Robust Security: Ensures data protection with a comprehensive security gateway.
Scalability: Adapts to growing demand effectively.
Instant Clone Technology: Facilitates quick desktop deployment and updates.
USB Redirection: Enables seamless peripheral integration.

What benefits should users seek in Horizon 8 reviews?

Resource Efficiency: Reduces bandwidth and optimizes resource usage.
High Performance: Delivers fast and reliable remote desktop experiences.
Ease of Deployment: Streamlines setup processes.
Integration Across Platforms: Supports diverse device ecosystems smoothly.

Horizon 8 is widely implemented in industries like education, healthcare, and finance where it enhances remote work by securing virtual desktops and applications. It supports virtual desktop infrastructure enabling secure connection to internal resources, data center consolidation, and application delivery meeting specific industry needs.

Omnissa

Horizon Cloud Service offers stable, flexible access to virtual desktops anytime, anywhere. Its centralized cloud management and scalable architecture support hybrid environments.

Horizon Cloud Service provides a cloud-based desktop solution ideal for businesses seeking remote access and power management. With features like centralized management and dynamic environment handling, it supports a seamless desktop experience. While offering remote accessibility and advanced management, it aids in reducing infrastructure costs through cloud-based scalability. However, improvements are needed in VM performance and external connection support, with current licensing complexities posing a challenge. Designed for VDI and application hosting across platforms such as Azure, Google Cloud, and AWS, it enables secure remote working with efficient workload management.

What are the main features of Horizon Cloud Service?

Centralized Cloud Management: Efficiently manage desktops from a unified platform.
Dynamic Environment Management: Customize environments to suit user needs dynamically.
Remote Access: Access desktops from anywhere with high reliability.
Multiple Monitor Support: Enhanced user experience with multi-screen compatibility.
VPN Connectivity: Secure connections for remote access users.

What benefits or ROI should users look for?

Infrastructure Cost Reduction: Lower costs with cloud-based scaling.
Seamless Desktop Experience: Consistent user interface across devices.
Hybrid Environment Support: Foster versatile deployment methods across clouds.
Flexible Deployment: Accommodate diverse business needs with adjustable solutions.

In industries like finance, healthcare, and education, Horizon Cloud Service facilitates secure remote operations and automates cloud-based machine generation, supporting hybrid workspaces for resource-efficient deployment.

Omnissa

Sample Customers

LCMC Health

Marriott, Sprint

Buyer's Guide

Horizon 8 vs. Horizon Cloud Service

April 2026

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