KVM vs Xen Orchestra
KVM
linux-kvm.orgXen Orchestra
xen-orchestra.comSide by side
| Figure | KVM | Xen Orchestra |
|---|---|---|
| Price from | Free | $83.33/mo |
| Free plan | Yes | — |
| Free trial | — | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | — |
| Web | — | Yes |
| Linux | Yes | — |
| API | Yes | Yes |
| Self-hosted | Yes | Yes |
| Plans published | 3 | 4 |
| Spec score · Server Virtualization Software | 8.5 (#2) | 7.6 (#9) |
| Security model | Red Hat’s virtualization security guide states that KVM guests run as Linux processes and use Linux isolation controls such as SELinux. | Vates describes XCP-ng and Xen Orchestra as fully open and auditable, and says security updates are not gated behind paid support. |
Plans
KVM
- KVM open-source softwareFree
- KVM open-source softwareFree
- KVM commercial supportPriced on request
Xen Orchestra
- Pro$1,000 a year
- Enterprise$1,800 a year
- Essential$2,000 a year
- Essential +$4,000 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.
Xen Orchestra
Xen Orchestra has no write-up on Specifiction yet; its figures are above.