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Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) vs VMware Fusion Pro comparison

Citrix and Broadcom are both solutions in the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) category. Citrix is ranked #3 with an average rating of 8.5, while Broadcom is ranked #2 with an average rating of 8.8. Citrix holds a 13.7% mindshare in VD, compared to Broadcom’s 17.4% mindshare. Additionally, 92% of Citrix users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Broadcom users who would recommend it.
VMware Fusion Pro
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100% willing to recommend
 

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive SummaryUpdated on Nov 5, 2024

Citrix DaaS and VMware Fusion Pro are direct competitors in virtual desktop infrastructure solutions. Citrix DaaS holds an edge in comprehensive environments due to its extensive feature set, while VMware Fusion Pro offers better simplicity and resource efficiency for Mac users.

Features: Citrix DaaS provides profile management, mobile access, and WAN optimization, ensuring secure remote access for complex VDI environments. VMware Fusion Pro enables seamless Windows VM management on Mac, supports ESXi infrastructure, and offers versatile OS integration.

Room for Improvement: Citrix DaaS needs more user-friendly administration, support for additional Linux versions, and a reduction in complexity and cost. VMware Fusion Pro requires better snapshot management, enhanced stability, and improved compatibility with non-Mac systems.

Ease of Deployment and Customer Service: Citrix DaaS offers flexible deployment across hybrid and cloud environments, though support experiences vary. VMware Fusion Pro is praised for straightforward deployment and reliable technical support, albeit limited to on-premises setups.

Pricing and ROI: Citrix DaaS is a costly enterprise solution, offering ROI through productivity and cost savings for large-scale deployments. VMware Fusion Pro is more affordable, especially for individual users, providing a free version with strong ROI benefits in hardware maintenance.

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To learn more, read our detailed Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) vs. VMware Fusion Pro Report (Updated: September 2025).
Buyer's Guide
Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) vs. VMware Fusion Pro
September 2025
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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

Citrix DaaS (formerly Citri...
Ranking in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
3rd
Average Rating
8.4
Reviews Sentiment
6.6
Number of Reviews
127
Ranking in other categories
Application Virtualization (1st), Remote Access (4th), Desktop as a Service (DaaS) (1st)
VMware Fusion Pro
Ranking in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
2nd
Average Rating
8.8
Reviews Sentiment
5.8
Number of Reviews
9
Ranking in other categories
No ranking in other categories
 

Mindshare comparison

As of October 2025, in the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) category, the mindshare of Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) is 13.7%, up from 10.1% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of VMware Fusion Pro is 17.4%, down from 20.6% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
VMware Fusion Pro17.4%
Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service)13.7%
Other68.9%
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
 

Featured Reviews

Mohd Abdul Aziz Shah Sulaiman - PeerSpot reviewer
High security has ensured safe access that's very lightweight
The security layer is very high because I cannot copy-paste outside of the VDI. Screenshots are not possible, as everything will appear black. Within the VDI, users are focused on their specific tasks. It is a lightweight application that incorporates multi-factor authentication. It allows contact centers to work from home, using the VDI for application access while ensuring the person accessing the machine is the one doing the work. The security layer is robust, preventing copy-pasting outside the VDI or screenshotting.
Read full review
Bruce Lundberg - PeerSpot reviewer
Create custom virtual environments quickly with minor macOS integration issues
The primary advantage of VMware Fusion Pro is its simplicity in creating custom virtual machines. It allows quick construction and provides connectivity to full VMware server systems, enabling remote management. It facilitates downloading images from main VMware servers for local testing. The ability to construct a virtual environment on my laptop meets my needs, even ones I wasn't aware of.
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

"There are many features that I like, but the stability over the Internet is exceptional. Even if there's bandwidth fluctuation or network jitter, it performs well, offering a seamless experience to end-users without noticeable disruptions."
"In terms of scalability, Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops have a lot of technologies baked in there that allow an organization to scale up or down, as required. Further, leveraging Azure for scalability has added value to our organization. For example, pre-COVID-19, we had very few resources in Azure. We had some Virtual Desktops and no application servers. When COVID-19 came along, we knew people were going to be home. We knew that we had to ramp up very quickly. We fully leveraged MCS to be able to scale. Being able to take a single image and build 400,000 Virtual Desktops, all within minutes, was second to none in terms of any other technology out there that we could have used. The scalability to be able to do that in Azure, where we really don't have to worry about storage and compute power because Microsoft does that for us, was fantastic. It was almost like giving our environments steroids. It has been amazing in terms of that scalability. Now, as people start coming back to the office, we can just as quickly scale down so the compute and resource costs in Azure aren't so great anymore."
"Citrix offers a range of products that can be used straight out of the box."
"It virtualizes the application on your desktop."
"XenDesktop has helped our users to work remotely with a better user experience."
"The most valuable feature of the solution is that it supports team clients."
"It is a stable solution."
"The shadow feature is extraordinary and helps a lot when supporting remote users."
More Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) pros
"VMware Fusion Pro offers simplicity of use and stability."
"It is a highly stable solution."
"VMware Fusion Pro offers simplicity of use and stability."
"The most important feature of VMware Fusion is that it helps me rapidly launch a new OS."
"For me, VMware Fusion Pro has been invaluable, allowing me to meet all my needs with a single system."
"The whole point of it is to run Windows VMs on a Mac. This is the most valuable feature. There is snapshotting, but we don't really use that. The Pro version allows me to actually attach to the Windows ESXi infrastructure at the backend, and I'm able to create a session that I can attach to the VMware hooks at the backend, so one is running a VM, and the whole operating system is running on the actual Mac. The other one is literally a frontend to the VMs that are running in the infrastructure at the backend. These are the two main features I use."
"The most value that it provides is that it is versatile."
"The product is easy to use and has a simple user interface."
More VMware Fusion Pro pros
 

Cons

"I think they can improve the troubleshooting to make it easier for users to solve problems on their own. For example, it could provide an error code and some instructions on how to reconnect to the database or do something proactive to fix the issue with the system."
"Direct connection of USB devices on the terminals to be used by streamed applications is very important for printing and the usage of token authentication, but the current version does not support this one hundred percent."
"Citrix should consolidate the multiple tools currently required into a single platform."
"Compared with the Outlook mobile app, the Citrix mobile app shows some lag in authentication."
"If there are connectivity issues, there are stability issues."
"It takes time to load."
"When I needed support for a couple of things, three people intervened. Each time, three people gave me a different answer. In the end, they did not manage to give the right answer. At a certain point, they stopped replying."
"The initial setup is complex."
More Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) cons
"Additionally, enhancing the API interactions could improve the ability to manage VS and deploy various kinds of guests."
"Its installation process could be simpler."
"The only issue I've experienced with VMware Fusion Pro is that it doesn't register correctly with the main macOS system, causing repeated notifications about background installations."
"The only issue I've experienced with VMware Fusion Pro is that it doesn't register correctly with the main macOS system, causing repeated notifications about background installations. This is a minor inconvenience."
"The way they handle snapshotting can be improved. One time, I moved a machine from one to another, and I tried to pull it up on the second machine, but it didn't work. This was because I had not cleaned up the snapshot before I deleted it and moved it across. So, when I tried to pull it up, it wouldn't let me bring it up. The backups for the VMs themselves can also be improved. I pretty much have to rely on Windows backups and not something on VMware. That's where it needs improvement. I am able to upload from my Fusion into the ESXi easily. I'm able to spin something up on Fusion and push it into the big arena, but the reverse is not as easy, that is, trying to pull something down from that. I would love to have a functionality where I could pull something from the VMware infrastructure into Fusion, but I'm not sure if I can take something from ESXi and pull it into Fusion."
"Fusion is not meant to be scalable. It runs on desktops and laptops, indicating limitations in scalability."
"Fusion is not meant to be scalable as it runs on desktops and laptops."
"I would like to see newer and updated cloud functions."
More VMware Fusion Pro cons
 

Pricing and Cost Advice

"A perpetual enterprise license costs approximately $300 USD."
"The licensing is $125 USD per user."
"Citrix licensing is expensive."
"If you look at cost, then you must look at the number of users that you are covering. If you are only using it for some users, then it is very expensive. However, if you have a massive amount of users, then it begins to be interesting to use Citrix. Because once you are managing thousands of servers with one guy, your maintenance costs decrease per user."
"The pricing is a little bit high, but it's good value for the product's stability and efficiency."
"The solution is affordable."
"You can buy an on-cloud or on-prem license. You can switch between on-cloud users and on-prem users. Its licensing is cheap. It is from $8 to $15 per user. It is not that expensive when you compare the cost of buying new hardware with the cost of the license. For example, at $15 per user, it costs around $180 for a year, which is cheaper than buying a $600 PC that at a certain stage, you will again have to change because its hardware is not supported. It may also get damaged or stolen. So, you can compare the cost of the actual hardware that you have to buy and the time spent in supporting the clients with the cost of its license."
"I suggest using the concurrent user licensing scheme."
More Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) pricing and cost advice
"I rate the product's pricing a seven or eight. It is highly-priced."
"The cost varies depending on the season and whether it is scaled up or scaled down, but I would guess that it's approximately $1,000 per month."
"Starting with version 12, it is now free on a Mac for personal use. Fusion Pro has a cost."
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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
21%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Financial Services Firm
8%
Government
7%
Computer Software Company
15%
Comms Service Provider
14%
University
10%
Educational Organization
7%
 

Company Size

By reviewers
Large Enterprise
Midsize Enterprise
Small Business
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business43
Midsize Enterprise21
Large Enterprise68
By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business2
Midsize Enterprise6
Large Enterprise4
 

Questions from the Community

What do you like most about Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops?
My focus has primarily been on publishing virtual applications.
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops?
I rate the product’s pricing a seven out of ten, where one is cheap and ten is expensive.
See all answers
What needs improvement with Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops?
I have found that Citrix DaaS is still a complex product, especially on the desktop side, which affects scalability. Although it works well on the apps side, the desktop aspect still has room for i...
See all answers
What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for VMware Fusion?
The pricing of VMware Fusion Pro is reasonable. The licensing covers all minor version updates, while major updates require payment every three years. Buying it once can sustain you for years witho...
See all answers
What needs improvement with VMware Fusion?
In future updates of VMware Fusion Pro, I think there should be another community to input features. It is an infrastructure tool that may need embedding some AI to help or catching up with the new...
See all answers
What is your primary use case for VMware Fusion?
My specialty is about IBM AS/400 applications, so I got to be in contact with several packages, including LX, which is why I had this research on your website.I'm mostly interested in ERP packages;...
See all answers
 

Comparisons

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Amazon Appstream vs Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service)
Compared 6% of the time
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) Logo
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service)
Compared 4% of the time
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Horizon 8 vs Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service)
Compared 3% of the time
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Apache Guacamole vs Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service)
Compared 2% of the time
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VMware Workstation vs VMware Fusion Pro Logo
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Compared 57% of the time
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Compared 36% of the time
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Compared 2% of the time
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Horizon 8 vs VMware Fusion Pro
Compared 2% of the time
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs VMware Fusion Pro Logo
Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs VMware Fusion Pro
Compared 1% of the time
More VMware Fusion Pro Competitors
 

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide
Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service)
October 2025
Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) reportDownload Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) product report
Buyer's Guide
Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)
October 2025
VMware Fusion Pro reportDownload VMware Fusion Pro product report
 

Also Known As

XenDesktop, XenApp (Citrix Virtual Apps), Citrix Workspace
No data available
 

Interactive Demo

Citrix
Demo not available
Broadcom
 

Overview

Enable secure, flexible work with the leader in virtual apps and desktops

Deliver desktop as a service (DaaS) from any cloud or datacenter

Get started with Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) in minutes to provide a familiar, high-performance digital workspace experience to your users. We’ll manage the infrastructure and security. You focus on your business.

Citrix

VMware Fusion Pro enables Mac users to efficiently run Windows environments, serving tasks like network support and virtual server management, all while maintaining cross-platform flexibility and robust virtualization capabilities.

Offering a seamless virtualization experience, VMware Fusion Pro supports a wide range of computing needs on Mac systems. It efficiently manages virtual machines, integrates well with Windows ESXi infrastructure, and eases OS deployment. The platform’s functionality includes testing on Apple devices, virtualization with Cisco Modeling Labs, and conducting virtual machine maintenance. Users appreciate its ability to facilitate a flexible, reliable virtual environment with consistent updates and support.

What are the key features of VMware Fusion Pro?

  • Windows VM on Mac - Run Windows operating systems seamlessly on Mac devices.
  • ESXi Integration - Provides compatibility and integration with Windows ESXi infrastructure.
  • Snapshot and Cloning - Simplifies backup and recovery with snapshot and cloning options.
  • Efficient OS Launch - Quick and effective operating system deployment capabilities.
  • User-Friendly - Intuitive interface supporting diverse computing tasks.

What benefits and returns can users expect from VMware Fusion Pro?

  • Versatility - Ideal for leveraging cross-platform compatibility.
  • Practicality and Reliability - Consistent performance with stable environment management.
  • Flexible Testing - Simplifies testing processes on Apple laptops.
  • Improved Backup Processes - Enhanced efficiency in backup management.

VMware Fusion Pro finds applications in industries requiring advanced virtualization such as IT, where it aids network server support and testing environments. Educational institutions employ it for virtual labs and environments, while enterprises use it to manage various OS applications and employee computing needs.

Broadcom
 

Sample Customers

Exelon, Aeronamic, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Alameda County Medical Center, Alaska Department of Fish & Game, Aloysius Stichting, Amarchand Mangaldas, AmBev, Amnet Technology Solutions, Arval
NetApp
Buyer's Guide
Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) vs. VMware Fusion Pro
September 2025
Free Report: Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) vs. VMware Fusion Pro
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