The intelligent OS that turns any x86 device into a secure cloud endpoint
IGEL OS is the most widely deployed Linux-based thin client OS in enterprise IT — and its superpower isn't hardware, it's software. IGEL lets you repurpose existing PCs, laptops, and thin clients into centrally managed, locked-down cloud endpoints without buying new hardware. With support for every major VDI protocol (Citrix HDX, VMware Blast, Microsoft RDP, Amazon DCV), IGEL turns endpoint management from a per-device nightmare into a single policy, applied globally, in seconds.
IGEL is a German software company that has built the leading Linux-based thin client operating system for enterprise environments. Unlike competitors that sell purpose-built thin client hardware, IGEL's primary product is IGEL OS — a highly secure, read-only Linux-based OS that runs on virtually any x86-64 hardware. The companion Universal Management Suite (UMS) is a centralized console that manages thousands of endpoints from a single pane of glass, pushing policy changes, OS updates, and application configurations instantly. IGEL's COSMOS platform is evolving toward cloud-managed endpoints that require zero on-premises management infrastructure.
Deployment model: Software-defined (runs on any x86-64 hardware or dedicated IGEL hardware). Pricing model: Annual software subscription per device. Typical price range: $60–$130/device/year (IGEL OS); UMS server included. Pricing is negotiable at volume — Compare Select benchmarks quotes against real transacted deals before you sign.
IGEL OS is a hardened, read-only Linux OS. Malware cannot persist across reboots. Every session starts from a known-good state — eliminating the endpoint as an attack surface.
Manage thousands of IGEL endpoints from a single console. Push OS updates, application configs, and security policies globally in minutes — not hours of per-device work.
Native support for Citrix HDX, VMware Blast Extreme, Microsoft RDP/AVD, Amazon DCV, and browser-based HTML5 — one OS for your entire VDI estate regardless of platform.
IGEL OS can be installed on existing PCs or booted from a USB stick (UD Pocket), converting any device into a managed IGEL endpoint without replacing hardware.
The next-generation cloud management platform manages IGEL OS endpoints from IGEL's cloud — no UMS server required. Ideal for distributed, cloud-first IT organizations.
IGEL's app store model allows IT to deploy certified third-party applications — Teams optimization, Zoom, WebEx — directly to IGEL endpoints with one-click management.
| Alternative | How it compares |
|---|---|
| HP ThinPro | HP ThinPro is a hardware-bundled OS available on HP thin client hardware. IGEL is hardware-agnostic and runs on any x86 device — including HP hardware. |
| Dell Wyse ThinOS | Wyse ThinOS is purpose-built for Dell hardware. IGEL's management capabilities (UMS) are generally more mature, and IGEL is the preferred choice for Citrix-heavy environments. |
| Windows IoT Enterprise | Windows IoT on thin clients gives users a familiar Windows experience but introduces the same attack surface as a full PC. IGEL's read-only model is significantly more secure. |
Yes — any x86-64 device with 2GB RAM and 8GB storage can run IGEL OS. Compare Select will run a hardware compatibility assessment against your fleet. In most cases, 70–90% of existing devices are IGEL-compatible, deferring hardware refresh by 3–5 years.
IGEL is the reference endpoint for Citrix HDX and has deep integrations with Citrix, Horizon, and AVD. It's the most commonly recommended thin client OS by Citrix and VMware solution architects.
IGEL licenses per device per year. You need one license per endpoint running IGEL OS, and UMS management software is included. For cloud management (COSMOS), there's a separate per-device subscription.
Compare IGEL against every alternative in our Thin Clients & Zero Clients comparison, or browse the full vendor directory. Ready for pricing? Talk to a Compare Select advisor — our guidance is free and vendor-neutral.