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virt-manager

virt-manager.org

Free plan LinuxSelf-hosted
Visit virt-manager.org
Spec score 7.8 #13 of 34 in Virtualization Management Software

What it is

virt-manager is a desktop interface for managing virtual machines through libvirt, chiefly for KVM, with support for Xen and LXC as well. It connects to local and remote hosts and displays live performance and resource-use statistics for running domains. Setup wizards help create domains and assign resources and virtual hardware, while an embedded VNC and SPICE viewer provides a graphical guest console. The interface also manages host virtual networks, storage pools, and network interfaces. Companion command-line tools handle provisioning, cloning, and editing virtual machines. virt-manager runs on Linux and OpenBSD hosts, supports both guest architectures, and includes snapshots and GPU acceleration. Installation options listed include Fedora, Debian, Gentoo, and OpenBSD packages, plus a source release. It is distributed under the GNU General Public License; current releases are GPG signed, with verification instructions. Documentation and a FAQ are available, support questions go to GitHub Discussions, and bug tracking is on GitHub.

Spec sheet

Purpose
virt-manager is a desktop interface for managing virtual machines through libvirt, primarily targeting KVM and also supporting Xen and LXC.Read 4 Oct 2026 · virt-manager.org
Free plan
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · virt-manager.org
Support
The project directs user and support questions to GitHub Discussions and provides documentation and a FAQ.Read 4 Oct 2026 · virt-manager.org
License
The FAQ says virt-manager is distributed under the GNU General Public License.Read 4 Oct 2026 · virt-manager.org
Bug reporting
The project uses GitHub for virt-manager bug tracking and recommends reporting distribution package issues to the OS vendor first.Read 4 Oct 2026 · virt-manager.org
Connections
Multiple hypervisor connections are supported, including connections to local and remote hosts.Read 4 Oct 2026 · virt-manager.org
Distribution
The download page lists installation through Fedora, Debian, Gentoo, and OpenBSD packages, as well as a source release.Read 4 Oct 2026 · virt-manager.org
GPU acceleration
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · virt-manager.org
Guest architecture
bothRead 20 Sep 2026 · virt-manager.org
Guest console
An embedded VNC and SPICE viewer provides a graphical console to guest domains.Read 4 Oct 2026 · virt-manager.org
Host management
The interface can manage host virtual networks, storage pools, and network interfaces.Read 4 Oct 2026 · virt-manager.org
Host platforms
Linux; OpenBSDRead 20 Sep 2026 · virt-manager.org
Management interface
desktopRead 20 Sep 2026 · virt-manager.org
Monitoring
It shows running domains with live performance and resource utilization statistics.Read 4 Oct 2026 · virt-manager.org
Project status
The project says it no longer uses mailing lists for discussion; developers may sometimes be found on the #virt IRC channel on OFTC.Read 4 Oct 2026 · virt-manager.org
Release verification
The download page says current virt-manager releases are GPG signed and explains how to verify signatures.Read 4 Oct 2026 · virt-manager.org
Supporting tools
The project also provides command-line tools for provisioning, cloning, and editing virtual machines.Read 4 Oct 2026 · virt-manager.org
VM setup
Wizards create domains and configure their resource allocation and virtual hardware.Read 4 Oct 2026 · virt-manager.org
VM snapshots
YesRead 20 Sep 2026 · virt-manager.org

Plans and prices

virt-manager Free No paid plans or usage limits stated Read 4 Oct 2026 · virt-manager.org

Every virt-manager plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Supports KVM, Xen, and LXC through libvirt
  • Connects to local and remote hosts
  • Includes live resource statistics and guest consoles
  • Manages host networks, storage pools, and interfaces
  • Free, with packages and a source release listed

Limits

  • Runs on Linux and OpenBSD hosts only
  • No paid plans or usage limits are stated

Who it suits

It suits Linux or OpenBSD users who need a desktop interface for managing KVM, Xen, or LXC virtual machines across local and remote hosts. Its host-network and storage management may also suit administrators managing those resources alongside guests.

Verdict

virt-manager brings guest setup, monitoring, console access, and host-resource management into one desktop interface. Its listed host support is limited to Linux and OpenBSD, while command-line tools provide additional VM operations.

Where Specifiction places it

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LXD From $2.08/mo · Free plan 8.6 Visit