ThinLinc review
A Linux-focused remote desktop server with browser access and strong administration features.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
ThinLinc is a Linux remote desktop server from Cendio AB for organizations centralizing Linux desktops and applications. It supports modern Linux distributions, native clients for Windows, macOS, and Linux, and HTML5 browser access. Its feature set fits educational, industrial, and healthcare organizations that need centralized administration, concurrent-user licensing, session sharing, application publishing, and access across multiple desktop environments.
The pricing structure gives smaller deployments a clear starting point. The Free plan supports up to 10 concurrent users and includes community support. Standard starts at $49 per user per year with annual billing, email support, and upgrades. Premium starts at $68 per user per year and adds prioritized support and support-engineer calls. The paid tiers are differentiated mainly by support and upgrade services, while the free plan provides a way to evaluate or operate a smaller installation.
ThinLinc’s strongest technical case is its combination of browser access, infrastructure controls, authentication options, and peripheral support. Organizations can use Active Directory, eDirectory, NIS, VirtualGL, and noVNC integrations, along with password, one-time password, public key, smart card, and Kerberos authentication. Local drives, printers, clipboards, sound, serial ports, smart-card readers, multiple monitors, and fullscreen sessions are supported. Organizations needing a Linux-centered platform with centralized control should consider ThinLinc; teams seeking open-source software or AI features should choose an alternative.
ThinLinc pros and cons
- Where it wins
- HTML5 browser access plus Windows, macOS, and Linux clients
- Clustering, load balancing, high availability, and failover support
- Broad authentication and local device integration options
- Where it doesn't
- Free plan is limited to 10 concurrent users
- No AI features
- Not open source
ThinLinc fact sheet, pricing and score →
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