Free Kiosk Software Reviews: Standout Features, Pros & Cons

The global kiosk market grows by the minute with the rising demand for better features that engage users and enhance their experiences.

Valued at 22.47 billion USD as of 2022, it is projected to reach 51.27 billion dollars by 2031.

With this newfound necessity for free kiosk software by every industry to enhance their transformation, it becomes imperative to look into them and determine which is best for what.

Here's a comprehensive review of 9 free kiosk software and features.

1 Best 9 Free Kiosk Software

1. Frontface Lockdown Tool

The Frontface Lockdown Tool is a free kiosk software for Windows 10 and 11.

It offers a kiosk mode to protect your public-facing PCs and allows continuous unattended 24-hour use without the need for password on re-entry.

2. Netkiosk

Netkiosk is a free kiosk software for both Android and Windows. It can be used in schools, universities and libraries to create a secure and restricted browsing area by locking down devices and restricting user access to a custom browser.

3. Porteus Kiosk

Porteus Kiosk is a Linux operating system that restricts its access to web browsers only.

It replaces Windows or any other OS with its full operating system. Through a lockdown process, it prevents users from tampering with the interface.

It also ensures that the browser is restarted on a clean slate each time by clearing all previous cache.

4. WebConverger

WebConverger is an open-source web kiosk with authors committed to creating an unchanging and sturdy operating system. While better approaches are being explored, the original product has been discontinued.

Still, it once had a devoted audience thanks to some of the features below.

5. Libki

Libki is a cross-platform open-source free kiosk software that runs on many operating systems like Microsoft Windows and Linux.

It is best used in areas like schools and public access systems where a controlled computing environment is of utmost importance.

Libki consists of two parts: the Libki server, and the Libki client.

6. Linutop

Linutop is a digital signage and kiosk software that works with Raspberry Pi on a Raspbian base and a PC base on Ubuntu XFCE LTS 18.04. It can be installed on a PC or Raspberry Pi.

7. Zamok

Zamok Software Suite is a free kiosk software Windows 10 is compatible with. It often comes pre-installed with this operating system.

8. Intuiface

Intuiface is a Windows-based no-code platform used to create engaging user experiences. It appeals to all senses by employing gesture, touch, voice, and more in its application.

You can deploy your creations on Intuiface to different locations like webpages and even to personal mobile devices.

9. App Pinning: A Free Kiosk Feature for Android

App pinning comes built-in with most Android. It allows users to pin a single app to the screen of a device. This prevents the use of any other applications except for the pinned app.

You can enable it by going to your Android's security settings. Under the Advanced settings, you will find the app pinning choice where you can turn on this feature.

2 To Choose A Good Kiosk Software, Focus on the Key Criteria:

Choosing adequate criteria for the selection of kiosk software is very crucial. Here are some key elements to consider while choosing the kiosk software:

Is only single-app mode available?

With single-app mode, only one app is given access while locking all other applications. In multi-app kiosk mode, you can select multiple apps that allow to run. You should choose the appropriate mode according to your business needs, and confirm whether kiosk software supports both modes.

Advanced Features

In addition to the basic functions of locking applications and websites, you also need to consider these advanced features that can improve productivity and enhance user experience:

1. Display: Admins can set up the screen timeout remotely to keep the display visible all the time. They can also select a time to turn the device into sleep mode when left unattended. Admins can set the screen brightness and restrict the end-users to customize the screen's brightness

2. Full-screen mode: Turn the devices into full-screen mode by hiding the navigation bar and status bar.

3. Website allowlist: You can limit users to access the allow websites only. Websites that are not on the list cannot be accessed.

Customization

Kiosk software must be flexible in adjusting the settings. There must be customization options so business can change the device's interface, logo, displayed content and theme according to the company's requirements.

Security

Security of the software should always be the top priority. It must have strong security policies to avoid interruptions and loss of data. Strong password authentication, data encryption, and device limitation settings.

Compatibility

While choosing kiosk software, please ensure its compatibility with operating systems. It should be able to interact with various devices to enable kiosk mode on them. Also ensure that the printers, scanners, and touchscreens are also compatible with the kiosk you are selecting.

3 Select Kiosk Software Based on Your Application Needs

As with all products of technology, free kiosk software has its drawbacks, especially for industries like finance and healthcare that demand security functions.

Not all kiosk software will offer the best features that make for a seamless user experience, depending on the industry and its requirements. This is why you need to consider the specific needs of your business.

Although the free kiosk software may be sufficient in a library environment because there is no risk of sensitive information, it may not be the best choice for a company in the industry that requires strict data confidentiality.

This is where paid software options like AirDroid Business come in. It is a powerful MDM solution that offers you advanced security and functionality.

Content management

The primary function of kiosk mode in AirDroid Business is to manage the content displayed on devices, including apps, websites, images, videos, and text.

Configure the interface of devices

Customize the design of the interface so that the organizations using them can display their theme. It is also considered a good source for advertisement and customer awareness about the brands and their products.

Kiosk browser

Kiosk browser is a feature for safe browsing. Only a limited URL can show the search results on kiosk devices. It helps enterprises keep their kiosks safe from malicious website access and avoid downtime.

Prevent the screen from closing

Administrators handling kiosk devices must customize the settings and ensure that sleep mode is turned off to keep the kiosk device operational.

Security Policy

Configure the device restrictions (such as network connection and sharing) and compliance rules (such as password policy and certificate policy), all of which make it a perfect choice for industry companies that need advanced security and sensitivity.

4 Benefits of Using Kiosk Software for Your Business

With the help of kiosk software, enterprises can limit the use of devices to specific applications and websites.

• In restaurants, admins can use a single app kiosk feature to allow staff to run only the restaurant app while blocking other applications.
• Kiosk software enables retailers and the banking industry to secure self-service devices with solid policies and provides them with limited data access. It also enables them to block settings so no one can make unauthorized changes to the device.
• With kiosk software, retailers, healthcare and other industries can utilize the device interface for their branding. It provides improved visibility and customer interactions.
• Most of the kiosk devices are touch-screen with a few buttons. Kiosk software helps to manage access for users and can control input features and helps businesses to limit device controls.

Conclusion

Kiosk software restricts device usage and avoids distractions on company devices. Perfect kiosk software must provide both single app and multi app mode, customization options, device control, and other advanced security features.

While free kiosk software may not fully meet your business needs, we recommend AirDroid Business as an excellent tool for your kiosk setup, offering great value for the price. If you're interested, you can click the button below to start a 14-day free trial.

Related Questions

1. What is the best kiosk software?

Maverick

It depends upon the requirement that which software is best to use. Commonly, device specifications and important features are considered. For Windows, Porteus is a good option, while AirDroid Business MDM is the best kiosk software for Android devices.

2. Does Windows 10 have a kiosk mode?

Maverick

Yes, you can use "Assigned Access" built-in feature of Windows 10 and enable you to restrict the devices to kiosk mode.

3. Is the kiosk app free?

Maverick

Yes. After testing, we have selected 9 free kiosk Apps for you to choose from. The text above introduces the standout features of these 9 Apps, allowing you to make a selection based on your needs.