Zero clients and thin clients are endpoint computers. Each one lets a user in one location securely connect to a computer in a remote, centralized location. That remote computer can be a physical PC, a virtual machine on a server, or a cloud desktop. It can sit on-site or off-site, near or far; the only limit is the connection technology.
Both are small and easy to manage remotely. The difference comes down to priority:
Zero clients:
are designed for environments where security is the primary factor.
Thin clients:
are designed for affordability, and some include features for special purposes.
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Zero Clients
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Thin Clients
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Built for
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Security-first environments
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Affordable enterprise scaling
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Operating System
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No user-accessible OS on traditional models; locked-down Zero+ models
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Lightweight OS (Linux, IGEL, Windows)
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Data on the device
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Zero on-device data
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Minimal
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Management
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Zero-touch, set and forget
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Remote, centralized management console
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Network
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Fiber or copper
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RJ-45 copper, Wi-Fi
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Displays
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Dual or quad
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1 to 4
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Security standards
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FIPS 140-3, Zero Trust ready, SIPR token compatible
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Optional CAC reader on select models
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Best fit
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Secure areas, air-gapped networks, intelligence teams, multi-domain desktops, unsupervised areas
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Contact centers/BPOs, banking, healthcare, digital signage, manufacturing
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ClearCube zero clients are government-grade TAA endpoints built for “zero touch” management. With optional fiber networking and SIPR token compatibility, they support government security standards, including FIPS 140-3 and Zero Trust.
ClearCube thin clients run a lightweight OS and support remote management and disaster recovery. They are budget-friendly for enterprise scaling and hardware refreshes. The lineup includes mini PCs, industrial fanless units, Raspberry Pi-based devices and tablets.
how important is security at the device
for public, shared or unsupervised spaces, look for tamper-resistant hardware
for dust, heat, noise enclosures, or factory floors, look for fanless and industrial designs
C/Port → TERA1 → TERA2 → Trusted Zero Clients → Zero+ Clients
Every support call is answered by a ClearCube employee in the U.S., not an outsourced desk.
A zero client is built for security first. It stores no data on the device and needs no hands-on maintenance once deployed. A thin client runs a lightweight operating system and is built for affordability and easy scaling. Both securely connect a user to a remote physical, virtual or cloud desktop.
A zero client is a secure endpoint computer with zero on-device data. It connects a user to a centralized computer, virtual machine or cloud desktop. ClearCube zero clients are tamper-resistant and TAA compliant, and they support FIPS 140-3 and Zero Trust architectures. That makes them a fit for secure areas, air-gapped networks and multi-domain desktops.
A thin client is a small, budget-friendly endpoint computer that runs a lightweight operating system to connect users to a remote desktop. Thin clients can be deployed, updated and managed remotely from a central console. That makes them popular with contact centers, banks, healthcare providers and manufacturers.
Yes. Zero clients are designed for environments where security is the primary factor. They keep zero data on the device, block unauthorized connections, resist tampering and carry no data risk if stolen. Thin clients are still more secure than traditional PCs, but they are optimized for cost and flexibility.
Yes. ClearCube zero clients and thin clients are compatible with Omnissa, Citrix, IGEL, Linux, Everfox and AFRL SecureView. Traditional TERA2 zero clients use the PCoIP protocol only. Zero+ Clients support multiple protocols, including Omnissa Blast, Citrix, Leostream and Nutanix.
Yes. ClearCube zero clients are government-grade endpoints with fiber network support and SIPR token compatibility. They work with security solutions such as Everfox and AFRL SecureView, which makes them well suited to air-gapped, classified and multi-domain environments.
ClearCube Zero+ Clients are the ideal replacement for TERA2 zero clients. TERA2 chip production ended in early 2025, so availability is limited to stock on hand. TERA2 devices are supported with updates through 2028. Zero+ Clients add multi-protocol flexibility while keeping a locked-down, secure design.
Yes. Thin clients and zero clients can connect to a physical computer, a virtual machine on a server, or a cloud desktop, whether it's on-site or off-site. The only distance limit is the connection technology used.
In the United States. Every ClearCube support call is answered by a ClearCube employee in the U.S., not an outsourced help desk.
