Powerful Thin & Zero Clients: Where to Buy and How to Choose in the UK

Why thin and zero clients are worth a second look

If you're rethinking how your business does desktop computing, thin and zero clients deserve a place on your shortlist. These compact devices act like minimalist teammates: small, efficient, and laser-focused on connecting users to a central server or cloud workspace. For many UK organisations — from small practices to enterprise environments — they cut complexity, lower energy bills, and simplify management. Think of them as the lightweight runners of the PC world: they don't carry a heavy local workload, but they get you to the finish line faster and cleaner.

Thin clients vs zero clients — what's the real difference?

Thin clients explained

Thin clients still run a small operating system locally — often a stripped-down Linux or Windows IoT — and handle some processing on the device itself while relying on a server for major apps and storage. That mixed approach gives flexibility: local peripherals work smoothly, and you can run lightweight apps directly when you need them. They're versatile for office users who need basic productivity apps, browser-based tools, and occasional media playback.

Zero clients explained

Zero clients are even more minimalist: they usually have no local OS and are tightly coupled to a specific VDI protocol or vendor solution. Because they are purpose-built for remote display protocols, zero clients often offer exceptional performance in pure desktop streaming scenarios and are virtually immune to local malware. Think of zero clients as single-purpose appliances: brilliant at streaming a remote desktop, and intentionally simple to keep secure and fast.

Top thin and zero client brands to know

HP

HP's thin client family is widely used in the UK for a reason: reliable hardware, multiple form factors, and solid support for major VDI platforms. Models like the t-series are popular in offices where IT teams want centralized control and familiar vendor support.

Dell Wyse

Dell Wyse devices are synonymous with thin client deployments in many enterprises. They often integrate well with VMware Horizon and Citrix environments and come in compact desktops and small-footprint thin clients that fit neatly into crowded IT racks or desks.

IGEL

IGEL is as much about software as hardware. IGEL OS aims to turn a variety of devices into manageable thin clients, with a strong emphasis on centralised endpoint management — ideal if you want granular control and a consistent experience across mixed hardware.

NComputing and Atrust

NComputing and Atrust focus on value and specific use cases like education, call centres, and reception kiosks. They often offer lower-cost endpoints and good peripheral handling — useful when budget and simplicity are top priorities.

Lenovo and ASUS

Both Lenovo and ASUS have entered the thin client market with small-form-factor devices that balance performance and space savings. If you prefer a brand you already use for desktops or laptops, these vendors are easy to integrate into an existing procurement workflow.

Where to buy thin and zero clients in the UK

There are several trustworthy retailers and resellers across the UK that stock a wide range of thin and zero clients. Below are stores and suppliers that IT buyers commonly turn to, along with what each one typically offers.

Currys PC World

Currys caters to small businesses and home office users looking for mainstream brands. You can find entry-level thin clients and branded devices from HP and Lenovo, often with straightforward returns and bundled warranties if you buy through their business channels.

Scan

Scan is a popular choice for IT professionals who want flexible options and fast shipping. They carry a range of thin client models and sometimes offer bespoke configuration services for small deployments.

Overclockers UK

Although famous among gamers, Overclockers UK also stocks compact business hardware and thin client solutions, with detailed product listings that help you compare specs before buying.

eBuyer

eBuyer is a long-standing UK reseller that caters to both consumers and IT buyers. They list thin and zero clients from big names like Dell, HP, and NComputing, and they often have competitive pricing for small-quantity purchases.

LambdaTek and Box

LambdaTek and Box (business suppliers) focus on corporate and education customers. These retailers are helpful when you need licensed software bundled or want to discuss installation and procurement for dozens of seats.

CDW UK and Insight

For larger deployments, CDW UK and Insight are established resellers that handle quotes, professional services, and volume licensing. They’re useful if you need procurement that ties into IT asset management, warranty tracking, and on-site support agreements.

Amazon UK and marketplace sellers

Amazon UK is convenient for rapid orders and a wide selection, including refurbished options. Be cautious to check seller ratings and warranty terms; marketplace listings vary, and the cheapest option may not include business-grade support.

Specialist vendors and integrators

For highly managed or sector-specific installs, look to specialist integrators and channel partners who can supply IGEL-managed solutions, Citrix-ready zero clients, and tailored setup services. These partners often handle image management, VPN integration, and secure boot configurations for you.

How to pick the right model for your use case

Office productivity and knowledge workers

If your team uses email, office suites, and browser-based SaaS, a mainstream thin client with moderate RAM and network connectivity will do the job. Prioritise dual-monitor support and USB peripheral handling so staff can plug in headsets, card readers, or cameras without fuss.

Graphic design, CAD, and multimedia

For graphically intensive work, thin clients that support GPU offloading or have graphics acceleration are essential. In many cases, a zero client paired with a robust VDI host that offers GPU passthrough will deliver the performance designers need. Expect to plan server-side GPU allocation rather than relying on the endpoint to do heavy lifting.

Call centres, kiosks, and digital signage

These applications favour very low-maintenance devices. Zero clients or ultra-cheap thin clients shine here because there’s minimal local software to update. Look for models with reliable audio I/O, robust remote management, and compact mounts to hide cables and save desk space.

Key specifications to compare before buying

Processor, memory, and local storage

Even thin clients need a decent processor and enough RAM to handle the thin OS and any local tasks. Choose at least a modern multi-core CPU and 4 GB to 8 GB of RAM for snappy behaviour. Local storage is usually small — keep an eye on SSD sizes if you plan local caching.

Connectivity and ports

Make sure the device supports the ports you need: HDMI or DisplayPort for monitors, USB-A and USB-C for peripherals, Gigabit Ethernet for reliable network performance, and optional Wi‑Fi if cabling isn’t practical. Dual-monitor setups often require two video outputs, so don't forget to check that.

VDI and protocol support

Check compatibility with your VDI platform — VMware Horizon, Citrix Virtual Apps, Microsoft RDS, and others have certified endpoints. Zero clients are usually locked to a protocol (like PCoIP or HDX), whereas thin clients might support several depending on the OS and firmware.

Security and manageability features

Look for secure boot, TPM support, and manageable firmware updates. Vendors like IGEL and HP provide endpoint management consoles that let you push configurations, OS updates, and policies across hundreds of devices. That centrally managed approach saves time and reduces security gaps.

Deployment and management best practices

Plan your VDI or server architecture first

Successful deployments start with server-side design: allocate CPU, RAM, and GPU resources based on user profiles, and test with a pilot group. A small pilot will expose latency issues, peripheral quirks, and user habits that would otherwise become bigger problems at scale.

Centralised management saves hours

Use a management platform that supports rollouts, updates, and policy enforcement. When devices are centrally managed, patching and configuration changes become routine instead of urgent chaos.

Security basics

Thin and zero clients reduce the attack surface, but they aren't invincible. Put them behind secure network segments, use TLS for VDI connections, enable multi-factor authentication on the VDI side, and ensure firmware updates are applied promptly. Treat endpoints as part of your security perimeter, not an afterthought.

Cost considerations and real-world pricing in the UK

Price depends on brand, features, and volume. Entry-level thin clients can be found for under £100, while mid-range models typically sit in the £150 to £350 band. Zero clients and models with GPU capabilities or enterprise-grade management support can climb to £500 or more per unit. The real saving, however, often appears in total cost of ownership: lower energy consumption, longer refresh cycles, and simplified support can reduce annual IT costs considerably.

Refurbished and budget-friendly options

If you need to stretch a budget, refurbished thin clients can be a pragmatic choice. Reputable refurbishers and marketplace sellers list devices that have been wiped, tested, and sometimes re-certified. When buying refurbished, confirm warranty length, firmware update rights, and whether the device will receive software support — especially important if your environment depends on a specific VDI protocol.

Practical buying checklist — what to take to the vendor

Before you place an order, gather the following: number of seats, user profiles (typical workload), required peripherals, monitor counts and sizes in inches, desired VDI platform, network topology, and a plan for management and security. Armed with those details, resellers like CDW UK, Insight, or specialist integrators can provide accurate quotes and help size the server infrastructure to match the endpoints.

Common pitfalls to avoid

Don’t assume all thin clients are interchangeable. Mixing devices from many brands can complicate management and increase support overhead. Also, underestimating network performance or not testing the VDI host with real-world users are frequent missteps. Lastly, be wary of very cheap devices without clear update or warranty terms — the initial saving might cost you downtime later.

Quick tips for small businesses

If you're a small office setting up a handful of seats, start with mainstream thin clients from vendors like HP or Lenovo and buy from established UK retailers such as Currys Business, eBuyer, or Amazon UK. They offer easy returns, clear warranty terms, and accessible customer reviews. For growing businesses, engage an integrator early to plan for a smooth transition as you scale to dozens or hundreds of seats.

Environmental and space benefits

Thin and zero clients are compact — many are no larger than a paperback book — and they conserve energy. Replacing power-hungry desktops with efficient endpoints reduces heat output and lowers air-conditioning strain in server rooms and offices. If desk space is tight, choose models you can VESA-mount behind monitors or tuck under desks; that neatness pays dividends in tidy cable management and safety.

Final thoughts before you click “buy”

Choosing the right thin or zero client is about matching the device to the user, the VDI platform, and your management capabilities. Buy the right endpoints, and you’ll get simplicity, security, and savings. Buy without testing, and you may pay in frustration. Run a small pilot, check compatibility with your chosen VDI protocol, and pick a UK retailer or channel partner that offers sensible support for your scale.

Ready to shop? Start by listing your must-have ports and monitor counts in inches, decide on the VDI protocol you’ll use, and consult resellers like Currys PC World, eBuyer, Scan, CDW UK, Insight, or specialist integrators to get tailored quotes and warranty options. A little planning now prevents a lot of rework later.

Conclusion: Thin and zero clients are a practical and often cost-effective route to modernising desktop computing in the UK. Whether you’re a small team or a large enterprise, the right endpoint, backed by thoughtful server architecture and management tools, can deliver an efficient, secure, and manageable desktop experience.