Kasm Workspaces

Self-Hosted

Open-source containerized desktop & app streaming platform

Overview

Kasm Workspaces enables secure streaming of containerized desktops (Linux/Windows) and applications directly in your browser. It uses sandboxed containers to isolate sessions, ensuring privacy and security. Self-hostable on your infrastructure (supports Docker, Kubernetes, and bare metal), it offers multi-user management, role-based access control, and integration with identity providers. Ideal for remote work or secure tool access, Kasm reduces attack surfaces and eliminates local installation needs.

Self-Hosting Resources

Find Official Image on Docker Hub View Source & Docs

Below is a reference structure for docker-compose.yml. ⚠️ Do NOT run blindly. Replace placeholders with official values.

docker-compose.template.yml TEMPLATE


version: '3'
services:
  kasm_workspaces:
    image: <OFFICIAL_IMAGE_NAME>:latest
    container_name: kasm-workspaces
    ports:
      - "8080:<APP_INTERNAL_PORT>"
    volumes:
      - ./data:/app/data
    restart: unless-stopped

Key Features

Containerized desktop & app streaming (Linux/Windows)
Self-hostable with Docker/Kubernetes support
Secure sandboxed sessions for privacy
Multi-user management & role-based access control

Frequently Asked Questions

? Is Kasm Workspaces hard to install?

The Community Edition installs via a single Docker command, making it easy for container-savvy users. Kubernetes deployments need more technical skills, but official docs provide step-by-step guides for all setups.

? Is it a good alternative to proprietary tools like Citrix?

Yes—Kasm offers similar streaming functionality with open-source flexibility and self-hosting benefits. It’s cost-effective for teams prioritizing infrastructure control over vendor lock-in.

? Is Kasm Workspaces completely free?

The Community Edition is free (Apache 2.0 license) for personal/small team use. Enterprise tiers add SSO, support, and scaling features at a paid cost.

Top Alternatives

Citrix Virtual Apps & Desktops Search Google

VMware Horizon Search Google

AWS WorkSpaces Search Google

Tool Info

Pricing Free/Open Source (Community Edition) + Paid (Enterprise)

Category Miscellaneous

Platform Self-Hosted

Pros

⊕ Privacy-focused (self-hosted control)
⊕ No local client required (browser access)
⊕ Isolated sessions minimize security risks
⊕ Supports multiple OS environments

Cons

⊖ Requires Docker/Kubernetes knowledge for setup
⊖ Advanced features locked behind paid tiers
⊖ Resource-intensive (needs sufficient server RAM/CPU)