Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) is no longer a luxury reserved for large enterprises. In 2025, small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are increasingly turning to VDI to support hybrid work, protect sensitive data, and give employees the freedom to work securely from anywhere, on any device.
The challenge?
Most VDI platforms were built with large IT teams in mind—complex, expensive, and time-consuming to manage.
While well-known names like Citrix and VMware still dominate the enterprise market, Parallels RAS (Remote Application Server) has emerged as the best VDI solution for SMBs, offering enterprise-grade performance without enterprise-level complexity or cost.
Top VDI Solutions for SMBs in 2026
Here’s a quick comparison of the most popular VDI platforms used by small and mid-sized businesses today:
- Parallels RAS – Best overall VDI for SMBs thanks to its simplicity, predictable pricing, and fast deployment
- Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) – Ideal for organizations deeply invested in Microsoft 365 and Azure
- V2 Cloud – A good fit for non-technical teams looking for fully managed cloud desktops
- Citrix DaaS – Extremely powerful, but often too complex and costly for small IT teams
Why Parallels RAS Is the #1 VDI Choice for Small Businesses
Parallels RAS stands out because it removes what many SMBs fear most about VDI: complexity. Instead of juggling multiple consoles, licenses, and third-party tools, everything is included and managed from one place.
1. Simple Management with a Single Console
Unlike traditional VDI platforms that require separate tools for load balancing, security, and monitoring, Parallels RAS provides a single “pane of glass” management console.
This means:
- No need for Citrix-level certifications
- Faster onboarding for IT generalists
- Deployments that take hours instead of weeks
For SMBs with limited IT resources, this alone is a game-changer.
2. Transparent, All-Inclusive Licensing
Many VDI vendors hide essential features behind expensive enterprise tiers. With Parallels RAS, there’s one edition and one price.
Included out of the box:
- Load balancing
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
- Application and desktop publishing
- Reporting and monitoring
You pay a flat price per concurrent user, making costs predictable and easy to scale.
3. Excellent Performance on Any Device
Parallels RAS delivers a smooth user experience across:
- Windows and macOS laptops
- iPads and Android tablets
- Low-cost or older hardware
Its touch-optimized mobile experience is especially strong, making Windows applications feel natural on tablets and smartphones—perfect for sales teams, field workers, and retail environments.
What’s New in Parallels RAS 21.0 (Late 2025)
The latest release focuses heavily on real-world SMB needs:
- Windows Server 2025 Support – Immediate compatibility with Microsoft’s newest server platform
- Azure Cost Insights Dashboard – Helps SMBs understand and control cloud spending
- Advanced Camera Redirection – Improved support for video calls, QR scanning, and barcode readers
- Local App Launch – Local and virtual apps appear together, creating a seamless workspace
These updates further reduce friction between on-prem, cloud, and hybrid environments.
Parallels RAS vs. Citrix and VMware
| Feature | Parallels RAS | Citrix / VMware |
|---|---|---|
| Setup Time | Hours | Days to Weeks |
| Learning Curve | Low | High |
| Licensing | Simple (Concurrent Users) | Complex & Tiered |
| Infrastructure | On-Prem, Hybrid, Multi-Cloud | Often Cloud-Locked |
| SMB Fit | Excellent (15+ users) | Designed for Enterprises |
Pricing and Licensing Overview (2026)
- Licensing Model: Concurrent users
- Estimated Cost: ~$120 per user per year (~$10/month)
- Minimum Purchase: Around 15 users
This makes Parallels RAS one of the most cost-effective VDI solutions for small businesses on the market.
Important note about pricing
In practice, Parallels RAS license pricing is flexible. Depending on the infrastructure and deployment model, some organizations have been able to receive discounts of 60 to 75 percent after consulting with Parallels’ sales and support teams.
Final Verdict
If your business needs a secure, scalable, and easy-to-manage VDI solution, Parallels RAS is the clear winner in 2025.
It delivers:
- Enterprise-grade performance
- SMB-friendly pricing
- Fast deployment
- Minimal IT overhead
In short, Parallels RAS lets small businesses focus on growth—not on managing virtual desktops.