KVM vs VMware Workstation Pro
KVM
linux-kvm.org
VMware Workstation Pro
vmware.comSide by side
| Figure | KVM | VMware Workstation Pro |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | Free |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Windows | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | Yes |
| API | Yes | — |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 1 |
| Spec score · Hypervisor Software | 8.6 (#4) | 7.9 (#14) |
| Spec score · Virtual machine software | 8.7 (#4) | 8.6 (#5) |
| Downloads | Linux distributions usually package the KVM kernel modules and userspace tools, and Windows guest drivers are available separately. | The 26H1 release is available through the Broadcom Support Portal. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| GPU acceleration | Yes | Yes |
| Guest architecture | both | x86_64 |
| Host platforms | Linux | Workstation Pro runs on 64-bit Intel and AMD PCs with Windows or Linux operating systems. |
| Nested virtualization | Yes | Yes |
| Snapshots | TrustRadius reviewers list snapshotting as one of KVM’s useful capabilities. | Users can create VM snapshots and restore them later as rollback points. |
| VM snapshots | Yes | Yes |
| Virtualization | KVM is a full virtualization solution for Linux on x86 hardware with Intel VT or AMD-V extensions. | The product uses hardware-assisted virtualization to run multiple operating systems on one physical machine, with each VM receiving virtual CPU, memory, and storage. |
Plans
KVM
- KVM open-source softwareFree
- KVM open-source softwareFree
- KVM commercial supportPriced on request
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.
VMware Workstation Pro
VMware Workstation Pro runs virtual machines, containers, and Kubernetes clusters locally on Windows and Linux hosts for development, testing, and learning. Hardware-assisted virtualization lets it run multiple operating systems on one physical machine, assigning virtual CPU, memory, and storage to each VM. Users can configure virtual networks, create snapshots, and restore those snapshots as rollback points. VM security options include encryption, virtual TPM, and UEFI Secure Boot. Workstation can connect to remote vSphere or ESX servers to manage VMs and physical hosts, and migrate local VMs to a private cloud. VMware identifies developers, IT professionals, students, and enthusiasts as intended users. Workstation Pro is available at no charge for personal, educational, and commercial use, without a subscription or license key. The 26H1 Windows release is a 64-bit application and adds connectivity to ARM-based ESXi servers; it is available through the Broadcom Support Portal. Free product users do not receive Broadcom Global Support Team support and are directed to forums and self-service resources.