ThinLinc centrally hosts Linux applications and desktops in a data center or cloud so users can access them remotely. Cendio describes it as suited to demanding EDA and CAD workloads, including access from any location. Connections pass through SSH tunnels and TLS, with encrypted pixels sent to clients. The server feature list includes high availability, fail-over, clustering, load balancing, multiple sessions per user, and publishing single applications. Authentication options include passwords, one-time passwords, public keys, smart cards, and Kerberos tickets. Users can connect with Windows, Mac, and Linux clients or through a web browser. The Mac client runs natively on Intel chips and works with Apple chips through Rosetta. ThinLinc includes the open-source components TigerVNC, noVNC, OpenSSH, CUPS, and PulseAudio. Its free license supports up to ten concurrent users; the server allows three concurrent graphical sessions by default, and a separate free license file enables up to ten concurrent users. Standard costs 122.00 USD per year per user, and Premium costs 168.00 USD per year per user; both are paid in advance for 12 months and cover subscriptions for 1–10 users. Cendio was founded in 1992 and is headquartered in Linköping, Sweden. Its customers are mainly in industrial, educational, and healthcare sectors.
Who it is for
ThinLinc suits organizations that need remote access to centrally hosted Linux desktops or applications, including teams with demanding EDA or CAD workloads. Its listed customer sectors include industry, education, and healthcare.
What is good
- Supports Windows, Mac, Linux, and browser access.
- Routes connections through SSH tunnels and TLS.
- Offers high availability, fail-over, clustering, and load balancing.
- Includes multiple authentication options.
- Free license supports up to ten concurrent users.
What to know first
- No mobile apps are listed.
- Free users receive community support.
- Email support requires a support agreement.
Verdict
Choose ThinLinc if you need centrally hosted Linux desktops or applications with browser and desktop client access. Look elsewhere if you need a mobile app or email support without a support agreement.
Get started with ThinLinc
- Open the Cendio ThinLinc website.
- Choose the free license or review the Standard and Premium annual subscriptions.
- For a time-limited evaluation, request an evaluation license from Cendio.
- Download the Windows, Mac, or Linux client, or use browser access.
- Connect to a ThinLinc server; the server is hosted in a data center or cloud.
What the free plan stops at
The free license supports up to ten concurrent users, while the server supports three concurrent graphical sessions by default; a separate free license file enables up to ten concurrent users. Free users receive community support, and email support requires a support agreement.
Questions about ThinLinc
Is ThinLinc free?
Yes. The free license supports up to ten concurrent users. Free users receive community support.
How much do the paid plans cost?
Standard is 122.00 USD per year per user, and Premium is 168.00 USD per year per user. Both are paid in advance for a 12-month period and apply to subscriptions for 1–10 users.
Which platforms can I use?
ThinLinc supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and web browsers. No mobile apps are listed.
Is ThinLinc open source?
ThinLinc includes the open-source components TigerVNC, noVNC, OpenSSH, CUPS, and PulseAudio.
Who makes ThinLinc?
ThinLinc is made by Cendio, founded in 1992 and headquartered in Linköping, Sweden.
Can I try it before choosing a plan?
Cendio offers free, time-limited evaluation licenses and technical pre-sales support.
ThinLinc plans and pricing
All plansCompared on remote desktop software
- Free plan
- Yes
- Supported platforms
- Windows, macOS, Linux, web browsers
- Mobile apps
- No
