KVM vs Proxmox VE
KVM
linux-kvm.org
Proxmox VE
proxmox.comSide by side
| Figure | KVM | Proxmox VE |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | €10/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| Android | — | Yes |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 9 |
| Spec score · Hypervisor Software | 8.6 (#4) | 9.0 (#2) |
| Spec score · Virtual machine software | 8.7 (#4) | 9.5 (#1) |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Live migration | The FAQ states that KVM supports moving running virtual machines between hosts without downtime. | Running virtual machines can be moved between cluster nodes through the web interface or command line without noticeable end-user downtime. |
| What it does | KVM is an open-source Linux virtualization technology that lets Linux operate as a hypervisor for multiple isolated virtual machines. | Proxmox VE is an open-source server virtualization platform that manages KVM virtual machines and Linux Containers through one web interface. |
Plans
KVM
- KVM open-source softwareFree
- KVM open-source softwareFree
- KVM commercial supportPriced on request
Proxmox VE
- Premium€1,100 a year
- Standard€550 a year
- Basic€370 a year
- Community€120 a year
- Proxmox VE softwareFree
- Community€120 a year
- Basic€370 a year
- Standard€550 a year
- Premium€1,100 a year
In their own words
KVM
KVM is an open-source virtualization solution for Linux hosts with Intel VT or AMD-V extensions. It runs multiple virtual machines using unmodified Linux or Windows images, each with virtualized hardware such as a network card, disk, and graphics adapter. The documented capabilities include live migration, nested guests, CPU and PCI hotplug, virtio devices, and device assignment; snapshots and GPU acceleration are also listed. KVM’s kernel component is part of mainline Linux, while its userspace component is part of mainline QEMU. Linux distributions commonly package the required modules and tools, and Windows guest drivers are available separately. Documented processor coverage includes Intel, AMD, ARM, PowerPC, and 64-bit S390 systems. KVM can be used with upper layers including QEMU, libvirt, OpenStack, and oVirt. It is available for Linux and self-hosted use, and the listed plan is free. The host must have Intel VT or AMD-V virtualization extensions.
Proxmox VE
Proxmox VE is an open-source, self-hosted server virtualization platform that manages KVM virtual machines and Linux Containers from an integrated web interface. A bare-metal installation includes a 64-bit Debian GNU/Linux operating system with a Proxmox kernel; installation uses the selected server and removes existing data on selected disks. Administrators can also manage the system through a command-line interface and REST API. The cluster stack supports multi-node management from any node, with high availability monitoring and automatic action when a VM or container fails. Running VMs can migrate between cluster nodes without noticeable end-user downtime. Storage options include NFS, SMB/CIFS, iSCSI, Ceph, GlusterFS, LVM, ZFS and directory storage. Proxmox Backup Server integration provides incremental encrypted backups, live restore and single-file recovery. The software is free to download under GNU AGPLv3. Paid subscriptions are per occupied physical CPU socket; each cluster server needs coverage at the same subscription level. The maker is Proxmox Server Solutions GmbH, founded in 2005 and headquartered in Vienna, Austria.