Porteus Kiosk
Porteus Kiosk is a lightweight Linux operating system that limits a computer to browser use and opens a selected homepage when it starts.
What Porteus Kiosk is
Porteus Kiosk is a lightweight Linux operating system that limits a computer to browser use and opens a selected homepage when it starts. The maker lists public web terminals in schools, libraries, cafes, hotels, offices, and tourist centers, as well as digital signage, as use cases. It runs on x86_64 PCs and requires at least 2 GB of RAM and 1 GB of storage; ARM devices such as Raspberry Pi are not supported. The hybrid ISO image can be installed on writable media including USB drives, hard drives, SSD or eMMC devices, and SD or MMC cards. Browser history is not retained, passwords are not saved, and caches are cleared when the browser closes. Automatic updates are enabled by default. The maker describes a read-only image and startup checks that stop booting when registered component values do not match. Porteus Kiosk Server can manage up to 1000 clients behind NAT, proxies, or firewalls, but clients obtain updates from the maker's domain and need separate subscriptions.
Good
- Opens a selected homepage at startup
- Clears browser caches when the browser closes
- Automatic updates enabled by default
- Server can manage up to 1000 clients
- ThinClient variant supports Citrix, RDP, VNC, and SSH
Watch out
- No ARM support, including Raspberry Pi
- Requires at least 2 GB RAM and 1 GB storage
- Subscription required after the 30-day evaluation
- Client updates require a separate subscription
Who it suits
Porteus Kiosk suits organizations setting up browser-only public terminals or digital signage on x86_64 PCs. It may also fit administrators who need to manage kiosk clients remotely.
Verdict
Porteus Kiosk provides a browser-restricted Linux setup for public terminals and signage, with remote client management available through its server. It requires compatible x86_64 hardware and a subscription after the evaluation period.
Plans and prices
From Porteus Kiosk's own pricing page, checked 7 Oct 2026.
| Plan | Price | What it gives you |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic updates and support subscription (201–500 PCs) | €26 a year | 201–500 PCs · 35% discount · €26 EUR per PC per year (excl. VAT) |
| Automatic updates and support subscription (101–200 PCs) | €28 a year | 101–200 PCs · 30% discount · €28 EUR per PC per year (excl. VAT) |
| Automatic updates and support subscription (51–100 PCs) | €30 a year | 51–100 PCs · 25% discount · €30 EUR per PC per year (excl. VAT) |
| Automatic updates and support subscription (26–50 PCs) | €33 a year | 26–50 PCs · 17.5% discount · €33 EUR per PC per year (excl. VAT) |
| Automatic updates and support subscription (11–25 PCs) | €36 a year | 11–25 PCs · 10% discount · €36 EUR per PC per year (excl. VAT) |
| Automatic updates and support subscription (1–10 PCs) | €40 a year | 1–10 PCs · subscription required after 30-day free evaluation · €40 EUR per PC per year (excl. VAT) |
| Porteus Kiosk Server subscription | €300 a year | Up to 1000 clients · clients require separate subscriptions for updates · €300 euros (excl. VAT) per year |
| Automatic updates and support subscription (above 500 PCs) | Priced on request | Above 500 PCs · Negotiable |
The facts
Each one read from Porteus Kiosk's own pages, with the date it was checked.
What it does
- Automatic updates
- Automatic updates are enabled by default for client systems and provide security patches, updated components, and new system features.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Cloud use
- The Cloud variant is intended mainly for education and provides access to web applications and services including Google Apps for Education, OwnCloud, and Dropbox.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Customization
- The maker offers a paid customization service for additional functions not available by default, with quoted pricing and delivery ranging from a working day to a few weeks in typical cases.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Hardware
- The system supports x86_64 PCs and requires at least 2 GB RAM and 1 GB storage; ARM devices such as Raspberry Pi are not supported.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Installation
- It is distributed as a hybrid ISO image that can be installed on writable media such as USB sticks, hard drives, SSD/eMMC devices, or SD/MMC cards.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Integrations
- The ThinClient variant includes applications supporting Citrix, RDP, VNC, and SSH connectivity protocols.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Product
- Porteus Kiosk is a lightweight Linux operating system restricted to browser use that opens a chosen homepage at startup.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Remote administration
- Porteus Kiosk Server can monitor and manage clients behind NAT, proxies, or firewalls, and supports up to 1000 clients.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Security design
- The maker says the OS is distributed as a read-only ISO image and checks system components at startup, stopping boot if registered values do not match.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Server security limitation
- Porteus Kiosk Server cannot host client system updates; clients must update from the maker's domain and require a separate subscription.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Support
- Active client subscriptions include software and hardware help; standard support queries are answered by email within 24 hours.checked 7 Oct 2026
- Use cases
- The maker lists public web terminals in schools, libraries, cafes, hotels, offices, and tourist centers, plus digital signage.checked 7 Oct 2026
Where it runs
- Browser privacy
- Browser history is not kept, passwords are not saved, and caches are cleared when the browser closes.checked 7 Oct 2026
The company
- Headquarters
- Biskupice, Polandchecked 28 Sep 2026
Money
- Trial and licensing
- A non-activated client version can be downloaded and tested free for up to 30 days, after which a subscription is required to continue using it.checked 7 Oct 2026
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