Side by side
Amazon DCV vs HelpWire
Both stand on remote desktop software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan APILinuxMac+3
Choose Amazon DCV when you need to stream remote desktops or applications from cloud or data-center servers, especially for visualization workloads or multi-client sessions. Look elsewhere if mobile apps are essential, or if you need a published production-license price before proceeding.
Visit Amazon DCV
Free plan LinuxMacWeb+1
HelpWire covers remote support and unattended access with a client portal and team permissions. Its free limits and early-access status matter for teams assessing capacity or planning for paid use.
Visit HelpWireThe facts
| Amazon DCV | HelpWire | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows | Linux, Mac, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Solo: $100 a month |
| Plans published | 3 | 5 |
| Maker | Not published | HelpWire |
| Website | aws.amazon.com | helpwire.app |
| On remote desktop software | #17 of 135 | #21 of 135 |
Amazon DCV: what it does well
- Encrypted pixel-stream delivery for remote desktops and applications
- Adaptive compression responds to bandwidth and latency
- Sessions can span up to four monitors
- Dynamic sessions allow clients to join or leave
- Session Manager APIs support fleet-wide lifecycle management
What to know first
- No mobile apps; browser client is unsupported on mobile operating systems
- Production use outside EC2 requires a license server
- Production license pricing is available only on request
HelpWire: what it does well
- Supports Windows, Linux, and macOS workstations
- Clients can join on-demand sessions without accounts
- Includes file transfer and multi-monitor support
- Free tier includes five unattended devices
What to know first
- Free tier allows one active operator
- Only one remote session at a time on Free
- Linux login-screen access is unavailable on Wayland
- Paid plans are not yet launched
Alternatives to Amazon DCV Alternatives to HelpWire The whole list