Desktop virtualization is crucial for many organizations as it provides a straightforward, cost-effective, and secure way for employees to access applications and resources from anywhere and from any device. The virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) means the whole user’s environment is stored on a remote server. If your pc or other computer devices you’re using for accessing the virtual desktop fails, then you don’t have to worry about your data.
Citrix is a well-known name in the virtualization industry, and even our many readers have asked several times to recommend the best laptops for Citrix Workspace, formerly Receiver. Today’s post will bust the fact that you don’t need to spend much money on your notebook to run Citrix Workspace.
If you’re in a hurry, check out our top choices:
- Apple MacBook Air (for
) - DELL XPS 13 (for
)
The Citrix Server application installs on a powerful machine running on the Server editions of operating systems. It is backed by potent hardware such as Xeon processors, RAID drives, and high-speed network connectivity. Some users mix up the Citric Server’s hardware requirements with the XenDesktop and XenApp requirements, which makes no sense.
On the other hand, the client application of Citrix, known as Workspace (Receiver), can work on personal computers such as laptops and desktops.
Unless you need premium features such as an ultra-slim and lightweight body, you can get a decent machine below 800$ for working with Citrix. So, let’s see what we need to work with this virtual desktop infrastructure; my recommendations are laid down after that.
Best Laptops for Citrix Receiver in 2023
So, what do we need to run Citrix Receiver on a laptop?
However, the Citrix Desktop App doesn’t demand any specialized hardware. You can work with Citrix Workspace even on a Core i3 machine, but I suggest getting a laptop with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 series processor. The 8GB memory and 256GB storage would be enough. If you do other hardware-demanding work such as video editing, graphics designing, and gaming, going with an Intel Core i7 or Ryzen 7 processor would be the best.
If you always work on the go, a lightweight machine with a stable battery life would be more helpful. It would be best to avoid a laptop with a high-watt processor and dedicated graphics card for longer battery life.
Furthermore, if you don’t have a wireless network or work from different locations, you should consider an Ethernet port because it’s unavailable on most compact laptops. Stable network connectivity is crucial for accessing your Citrix Workspace without any interruptions.
Durability would be another significant concern if you consistently work on the road. You can choose a laptop with a metal chassis or a whole metal body for higher reliability.
As long as you’re going to use your laptop with the virtual desktop, you don’t need any dedicated graphics card. However, opting for a computer with a discrete GPU makes sense if you’re into graphics editing or gaming.
Some general FAQs
Is Citrix compatible with Mac?
Yes, the Cirtrix is compatible with macOS Catalina 10.15 and above version. And the supported web browsers are Safari (7.0 and later), Microsoft Edge, and Google Chrome.
What is Citrix Receiver, and how does it work?
Citrix Receiver is a client application of XenDesktop or XenApp, which securely allows accessing the full desktops from a centralized host such as a server or cloud infrastructure. It enables users to work remotely, with the same experience as on a local computer.
Is Citrix Access Gateway a VPN?
Citrix Access Gateway (CAG) is a remote access solution that allows users to connect to their corporate network from outside the office securely. It is similar to a Virtual Private Network (VPN) in that it establishes a secure, encrypted connection between the user’s device and the corporate network.
Is Citrix workspace the same as Citrix Receiver?
Yes, the Citrix Workspace app incorporates the full capabilities of Citrix Receiver, plus it does so much more. It renamed the Citrix Receiver to the Workspace app in 2018, but some users still use the Receiver, but it’s not recommended.
QUICK OVERVIEW:
Best Citrix laptops at a glance
| ACER ASPIRE 5
CHEAPEST |
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View at Amazon |
|
ACER ASPIRE Vero EARTH-FRIENDLY |
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View at Amazon |
|
LENOVO FLEX 5 BUDGET 2-IN-1 |
|
View at Amazon |
| ASUS VIVOBOOK 15
BUDGET OLED |
|
View at Amazon |
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LG GRAM 15 LONGEST BATTERY |
|
View at Amazon |
|
APPLE MACBOOK AIR PREMIUM MAC |
|
View at Amazon |
| DELL XPS 13 9310
PREMIUM WINDOWS |
|
View at Amazon |
|
SURFACE LAPTOP STUDIO ULTIMATE CHOICE |
|
View at Amazon |
Best Laptops for Citrix Workspace or Receiver – Reviews
1. Acer Aspire 5 (Most Affordable Laptop for Citrix)
| GPU: AMD Radeon | Memory: 16 GB | Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD | Screen: 15.6-inch , 1920 x 1080 | Battery Life: 11-hours | OS: 11-hours
The Acer Aspire 5 is our cheapest recommendation for a laptop to run Citrix Workspace or Receiver. This notebook offers a 15.6-inch Full HD LED-backlit IPS display with ComfyView and Anti-glare technology; that’s why it’s perfect for working on complex projects, streaming videos, and playing games.
The AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor with 16GB memory provides the power and speed you need to handle multiple programs and browser tabs. Moreover, its 512GB PCIe NVMe SSD storage ensures lightning-fast boot-up times and quick access to your files.
The USB Type-C, USB Type-A, LAN, and HDMI 2.0 ports provide many options for connecting to external devices; you can connect an external drive or a monitor easily. The 11 hours of battery life allows you to work all day with a single refill, giving you more freedom.
Acer Aspire 5 is a lightweight laptop with adequate power and features to fulfill your virtual desktop environment needs. You only need to continue your search if you’re into high-end computing because this laptop can handle Citrix Workspace smoothly.
PROS
- Attractive price
- Good quality display
- Impressive performance in budget
- Ample connectivity options
- Sleek and professional design
- Decent battery life
- Upgradeable option
CONS
- Not for intense processing
2. Acer Aspire Vero (Best Earth-Friendly Budget Laptop for Citrix)
| GPU: Intel Iris Xe | Memory: 16GB | Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD | Screen: 15.6-inch , 1920 x 1080 | Battery Life: 6-hours | OS: 6-hours
You should check out the Acer Aspire Vero if you need a budget laptop for Citrix Receiver or Workspace. It is an excellent device for work and productivity, but it’s also built with the environment in mind.
One of the best things about the Aspire Vero is that it’s made with 30% PCR plastic in the chassis, which helps to reduce CO2 emissions by 21%. It’s perfect for quick repairs, upgrades, and recycling. If you like to upgrade or repair your devices, you’ll appreciate the easy disassembling feature. Plus, it’s EPEAT Silver Certified.
Under the hood, you’ll find an Intel Core i7-1195G7 Processor that can go up to 5.0 GHz with its four cores. Moreover, it’s paired with 16GB DDR4 Memory and 512GB NVMe SSD to ensure seamless working. It offers up to 6 hours of battery life, which is pretty good at this price point.
The Aspire Vero also comes with a 15.6-inch Full HD Widescreen LED-backlit IPS Display supported by a 100% sRGB color gamut and 300nit brightness, which can deliver vibrant and highly color-accurate pictures. It also has 2x USB 3.2, USB 2.0 Port, USB 3.2 Type-C, HDMI 2.0, and Ethernet Port to ensure flexible connectivity.
Aspire Vero has a Fingerprint Sensor that supports Windows Hello login for quick access.
Overall, the Acer Aspire Vero is an excellent option for a budget-friendly laptop perfect for Citrix Workspace or Receiver.
This machine is designed considering the environment, which is an excellent initiative. The Protective sleeve with the device is a cherry on top.
PROS
- Affordable price
- Fantastic display
- Made from recycled materials
- Excellent performance
- Easiest upgradability
- Handy and lightweight
CONS
- Low battery backup
3. Lenovo Flex 5 (Best Budget 2-in-1 Laptop for Citrix Receiver)
| GPU: AMD Radeon | Memory: 16 GB | Storage: 256GB PCle SSD | Screen: 14-inch touch , 1920 x 1080 | Battery Life: 10-hours | OS: 10-hours
Are you searching for a budget-friendly, versatile laptop that can handle all your work and productivity needs, as well as Citrix Receiver or Workspace? Look no further than the Lenovo Flex 5! This device is a true workhorse, thanks to its AMD Ryzen 5 5500U mobile processor with Radeon graphics, 16GB RAM, and 256GB NVM SSD storage. You can use it for any task except for heavy graphics work, from multitasking to browsing with several tabs.
The Flex 5 is also designed to be a space saver, with a narrow bezel on four sides, giving you more viewing area and less clutter on the IPS full HD display. It offers ultimate flexibility with its 360⁰ hinge design, allowing you to seamlessly switch between laptop mode for your daily tasks, tent mode for collaboration, stand mode for entertainment, and tablet mode for ease of use.
Lenovo places great emphasis on privacy; with its built-in physical shutter on the webcam, you can have the peace of mind that it will not invade your personal space. The battery life of this notebook is awe-inspiring; it can last up to 10 hours.
The convertible notebook is equipped with integrated 2x USB-A ports, USB-C with PD to support power charging, HDMI, a 4-in-1 card reader, and an audio jack to stay connected. And if that’s not enough, you can even use Alexa on your PC with just a simple ask; Alexa can check your calendar, create lists, play music, answer questions, read the news, and more.
The Lenovo Flex 5 is an excellent option for a budget-friendly, versatile laptop that can handle all your work and productivity needs, as well as Citrix Receiver or Workspace.
PROS
- Competitive Pricing
- Stunning convertible design
- Digital Pen included
- Amazing touch display
- Great performance
- Privacy webcam
- Fingerprint sensor
CONS
- Not for a heavy workload
- No Ethernet port
4. ASUS VivoBook 15 (Another Great Budget Laptop with OLED Display)
| GPU: Intel Iris Xe | Memory: 12GB | Storage: 512GB PCle SSD | Screen: 15.6-inch OLED , 1920 x 1080 | Battery Life: 7-hours | OS: 7-hours
The ASUS VivoBook 15 OLED is a budget laptop that defies expectations with its stunning OLED display. The Indie Black color scheme gives it a bold and edgy look, while the color-blocking Enter key adds a touch of personality.
With a weight of just 3.97lb and an ultrathin profile, it’s a breeze to take this laptop with you. The MyASUS features make multitasking and productivity a breeze.
ASUS VivoBook 15 laptop packs a punch with its powerful Intel 11th Gen processor. The built-in fingerprint sensor in the touchpad and Windows Hello allows for easy and secure login.
The full-size backlit keyboard is comfortable to type on, and the USB ports (Type-C and Type-A), HDMI, and microSD card reader provide plenty of connectivity options.
The 15.6-inch Full HD OLED NanoEdge bezel display boasts a stunning 85% screen-to-body ratio. The latest 11th generation Intel Core i5-1135G7 Processor, Intel Iris Xᵉ Graphics, 12GB (8GB onboard + 4GB) of memory, and 512GB PCIe SSD ensure smooth performance. You can work with Citrix Receiver and other applications running on the side; it won’t mind.
In short, the ASUS VivoBook 15 OLED is a budget laptop that looks and performs like a high-end machine. It’s the perfect choice for Citrix users who want to make a statement and stand out.
PROS
- Gorgeous OLED display
- Good performance
- Stunning minimalistic design
- Fingerprint sensor login
- Easy to handle
- Ideal battery life
- Appealing price
CONS
- No dedicated GPU
- No LAN port
5. LG gram 15 (Lightest Laptop with Most Extended Battery Life)
| GPU: Intel Iris Xe | Memory: 16GB | Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD | Screen: 15.6-inch , 1920 x 1080 | Battery Life: 17-hours | OS: 17-hours
The LG Gram notebook will be the best choice if you’re a traveler or continuously working on the road. It’s not just the lightest laptop but also features potent hardware.
The most extended battery life is one of the best things about this laptop, which stands it apart from the crowd. This notebook can last up to 17 hours, which is remarkable.
However, It’s a 15.6-inch laptop, but due to the higher screen-to-body ratio, it’s very portable. It only weighs under 2.5 lbs. Can you believe it? The screen quality is excellent; it’s gifted with full HD resolution, which can deliver satisfying colors and sharpness, ideal for all general tasks.
The Gram 15 has a powerful Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, USB Type-A port, SD card reader, and a headphone jack. If you want to use your laptop with a LAN network, there is no RJ45 connector, but it’s not a big issue because nowadays, Wireless LAN is more viable.
You’ll love its backlit keyboard feature if you work late at night. Also, it supports a fingerprint reader, which you can use for Windows Hello Login.
Surprisingly, despite that lightweight and compact body, the LG Gram has passed seven industry-standard tests and proven military-grade durability.
The LG gram 15 could be a solid laptop for working with virtual desktop environments. Even if you’re away from the outlet, it can give you a whole day of power.
PROS
- Lightest notebook
- Longest battery life
- Appealing full HD screen
- Thunderbolt 4
- Fingerprint sensor
- Perfect for traveling
CONS
- A bit costly
- Not ideal for heavy work
6. Apple MacBook Air (Premium and Reliable Laptop for Citrix)
Weight: 2.75 lbs | Processor: Apple M2 | GPU: integrated | Memory: 8GB | Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD | Screen: 13.6-inch , 2560 x 1664 | Battery Life: 15-hours | OS: 15-hours
The latest MacBook Air offers elegance with exceptional performance and mobility. The weight is under 3 pounds; it does not affect where you go. The MacBook Air will fit you whether you’re working, playing, or creating.
The cutting-edge Apple M2 chip powers it; this machine isn’t less than a powerhouse. The 8-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU can easily handle even the most demanding tasks. Its higher power efficiency can deliver up to 18 hours of battery life. You can work all day without worrying about running low.
The MacBook Air features a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with 500 nits of brightness and a P3 wide color gamut that supports 1 billion colors; you’ll experience vivid, lifelike images in crisp detail.
The MacBook Air comes with an excellent-quality camera and audio. The full HD FaceTime camera with a three-mic array provides the best virtual meeting experience. Also, its four-speaker sound system offers an immersive experience for movies, music, and games.
The MacBook Air offers a MagSafe charging port, 2x Thunderbolt ports, and a headphone jack. It allows connecting to peripherals quickly, whether you want to hook up a monitor or a printer.
The MacBook Air is undoubtedly a premium notebook that combines stunning design, advanced technology, and user-friendly features. If you’re looking for a reliable laptop for Citrix Receiver and don’t mind spending a bit extra, the MacBook Air is a fantastic choice.
PROS
- Exceptional display quality
- Unbeatable performance
- Astounding battery life
- Lightweight and ultra-thin design
- State-of-the-art security features
- TouchID
- 2x Thunderbolt 4 ports
- Superior sound and cameras
CONS
- High price point
- Limited ports
7. Dell XPS 13 9310 (Premium Windows Laptop for Citrix)
Weight: 2.8 lbs | Processor: i7-1195G7 @5.0GHz | GPU: Intel Iris Xe | Memory: 16GB | Storage: 512GB PCIe SSD | Screen: 13.4-inch touch , 3840 x 2400 | Battery Life: 14-hours | OS: 14-hours
Dell XPS 13 9310 is the latest premium laptop with a powerful and versatile performance to cater to your Citrix Desktop needs. It’s crafted with meticulous attention to detail using a harmonious blend of machined aluminum and carbon fiber; this laptop is stylish and built to withstand the demands of even the most demanding tasks.
Boasting a 13.4-inch UHD+ InfinityEdge touch display, the XPS 13 offers a visual feast for the eyes with a 4-sided bezel-less design, anti-reflective coating, and 500-nit brightness. With a 20% higher contrast ratio than its predecessor, this laptop delivers dark highlights that captivate. Plus, the integrated Eyesafe display technology reduces harmful blue light, ensuring your eyes stay comfortable even after long hours of use.
Under the hood, the XPS 13 packs a punch with the 11th Generation Intel Core i7-1195G7 Processor, 16GB memory, and 512GB M.2 PCIe NVMe SSD. The Intel Evo platform perfectly balances performance, responsiveness, battery life, and stunning visuals, making it an exceptional laptop for any scenario.
With a larger touchpad and keycaps, the XPS 13 provides a more comfortable typing experience. The power button doubles as a fingerprint reader for quick and secure login, and the built-in lid sensor allows lightning-fast power-up. The carbon fiber palm rest adds a touch of aerospace-inspired design, making the XPS 13 both strong and lightweight.
In conclusion, the Dell XPS 13 9310 is the perfect Windows laptop for Citrix Receiver users who seek a premium experience.
PROS
- Outstanding UHD+ touchscreen
- Incredible performance
- Superb portability
- Exceptional durability
- Ultra-sleek design
- Satisfying backup
- Thunderbolt 4
- Lid sensor
- One touch login
CONS
- Costlier
- No for high-end gaming
8. Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio (Ultimate Windows Laptop for Citrix Receiver)
Weight: 4.0 lbs | Processor: i7-11370H @4.8 GHz | GPU: RTX 3050 Ti 4GB | Memory: 16 /32 GB | Storage: 512GB – 2TB PCIe SSD | Screen: 14.4-inch touch , 2400 x 1600 | Battery Life: 10.5-hours | OS: 10.5-hours
The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is the ultimate laptop for Citrix Receiver. This elegant Windows laptop boasts a 14.4-inch PixelSense Flow touch display, which offers a uniform, lifelike color with a higher contrast ratio and a smooth scrolling experience with its 120Hz refresh rate.
For creators, the laptop features a Surface Slim Pen 2 (sold separately), which offers a writing experience like no other. It provides the natural feeling of pen on paper and exceptional precision when taking notes, sketching, or navigating.
The Precision Haptic touchpad, with extra built-in sensors, provides accurate and customizable feedback, allowing for an effortless navigation or creation experience. The sound quality is also fantastic with its enhanced Quad Omnisonic speakers powered by Dolby Atmos technology.
You can make designing, animating, and rendering a breeze. The Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is packed with an 11th Gen Intel Core i7-11370H processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 3050 Ti GPU with 2nd-gen RTX architecture, providing the power and performance to handle even the most demanding workloads. The laptop is also perfect for PC gaming, with DirectX 12 Ultimate delivering exceptional image quality and performance.
Fully customizable with up to 32GB RAM and 2TB SSD, the Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio is the ultimate laptop for Citrix Receiver, offering top-notch performance, portability, and versatile design.
PROS
- Stunning display quality
- Unmatched performance
- Impressive battery life
- Convertible design
- Premium build quality
- Thunderbolt 4 port
- Windows Hello Face Authentication
- Omnisonic speakers
- Dual Studio Mics
CONS
- Accessories sold separately
- Very costly
Best Laptops for Citrix Workspace or Receiver in 2023
Finding the best laptop for Citrix Receiver depends on your specific needs and requirements. If you only need a computer for simple tasks with Citrix, most Intel Core i5 laptops should suffice.
However, if you are an advanced user and need to perform multiple tasks simultaneously, in that case, it’s recommended to choose a laptop with an Intel Core i7 processor and at least 16GB of memory.
All listed laptops in the article are fully compatible with the Citrix Receiver or Workspace, and I hope you find one that perfectly suits your needs. Thank you!
