15 Best VMware Alternatives and Competitors

by Jimmy Marsh

Best VMware Alternatives

Most of the time, Windows is stealing the hearts of many computer users. This is why you need a virtual machine. And if you are looking for one, you should check out the best VMware alternatives below.

Other than allowing you to run Windows on Mac, this tool also offers a robust infrastructure and virtual workstations. Thus, if you are looking for the best VMware alternative then you should check out the list below.

What is VMWare?

VMware is a virtual machine software that helps to build a virtual workstation, environments, and infrastructure. It helps to virtualize almost any element in computer systems, such as adapters, video cards, hard drives, and many more.

Generally, VMware can handle multiple server systems without buying other tools in the first place. However, it is not an all-for-one thing, just like mentioned earlier.

The Best VMware Alternatives

Today, there are various alternatives to virtual machines available. It may cut the production cost and you will focus more on profits.

Other than that, VMware might not quite be intuitive for first-time users. Meanwhile, you should check out some open source tools in the first place.

Open source platforms generally come out with better speed, offer flexibility and agility, suit those who want to start small, and are worth the cost in any way. And here are the alternatives to virtual machines you should take a look at.

1. VMware Player

The first alternative to VMware is VMware Player. This software is free to use for personal purposes. By using this tool, you can run and mount VMs from a Linux or Windows desktop.

Generally, you cannot create a new VM from an ISO. However, you should give this alternative a try. If you are willing to spend money on this software, you can get a license and enjoy tons of advanced features. VMware Player is great for you who want to run these tools on desktops.

2. Virtualization Manager

Virtualization Manager

Talking about an alternative or other options to replace VMware, you will see various names on the market, actually. Between those names, you may find Virtualization Manager in the crowd.

This tool is a management and monitoring tool for virtual machines. It helps users to resolve and optimize the performance, especially if some issues appear. The good news is that you can use it with many virtual machine tools, such as Hyper-V from Microsoft, VMware, and many more.

Virtualization Manager can manage various virtual machines across on-premises, cloud, and hybrid platforms. More than anything, you should consider this tool if you simply want a better visual machine.

3. Boot Camp

Boot Camp

If you are using Mac devices, your device might have Boot Camp in the system. Besides, this tool is an inbuilt alternative with excellent features designed for MacOS. By that, users can switch between Mac and Windows at the same time without using other apps in the first place.

This virtual machine is free and you can update your graphic driver effortlessly for your Windows device. Since this tool is a built-in one, there is no need to download and install anything in the first place.

Also, you can use the same keyboard for both Apple and Windows. Keep in mind that this tool is only compatible with Windows 7 and above. All in all, if you are using a Mac device, you don’t need to look for other alternatives before trying this one.

4. Parallels

Parallels

Parallels is a freemium MacOS VMware alternative that you can consider. It comes up with excellent features that will be useful and intuitive for users from various levels. You can run this tool on Mac OS and connect Xbox games to Windows 10.

By utilizing this tool, you may run Windows smoothly even with your native OS. All features here are stylish. Thus, for those who look for style and functions at once then Parallels is one of those things you have to consider.

Other than for Mac and Windows, this tool is also operable on Chrome OS and Linux distros.

5. Proxmox VE

Proxmox VE

Among all options of the VMware alternative open source, Proxmox VE is an excellent one. This software can run various guest operating systems seamlessly.

While being a robust software, Proxmox VE also includes command-line tools, virtualizations environment, and web-based management console. Other than that, you can use third-party tools without any issue since this platform utilizes a REST API.

Many users love Proxmox VE due to its intuitive yet straightforward UI design. Other than that, this platform incorporates a modified Linux Kernel.

More than anything, this platform is excellent for those who look for an open-sourced virtual machine for Linux. Of course, it supports Windows as well.

6. QEMU

QEMU

QEMU is utilizing a full system emulation. By that, you can emulate various peripherals and the entire process seamlessly.

Users incorporate this platform to launch various processors at once for one CPU. Since QEMU is open source, you can use other features from other OS effortlessly. Installing this platform virtually is possible, though.

More than anything, QEMU is an excellent replacement for VMware and other similar software. You should consider using this tool, especially if you will launch the Wine Windows API emulator. Other features include:

  • No need for any kernel server to perform.
  • Portable on several OS.
  • Excellent to handle signals.
  • Generic Linux system call converter.

7. Kernel Virtual Machine

Kernel Virtual Machine

Most of the time, you need to spend more time looking for Linux apps or software. In that case, Kernel Virtual Machine will work fine for your Linux device.

This software allows the system to convert Linux into a hypervisor. More than anything, Kernel Virtual Machine is rich in features that will enhance its work both on Windows and Linux. Compared to VMware, this platform is way more advanced and professional.

All in all, if all you need is a robust VMware alternative Linux then you should consider KVM in the first place. It can handle several OSes at the same time excellently.

8. Microsoft Hyper-V

Microsoft Hyper-V

Are you looking for the best VMware for Windows 10? Well, among several brands, Microsoft Hyper-V is one of the leading virtual machines out there. Despite being a professional tool, this one is beginner-friendly – no wonder IT professionals love Hyper-V a lot.

You can enable all features of this platform by accessing the control panel. As one of the best VM tools out there, Hyper-V also supports Linux and other open-source appliances. Other than that, this tool allows you to take pictures through the management console.

This tool has a free version that will help you to keep learning. Give it a try, for sure.

9. VMWare Fusion

VMWare Fusion

While many tools are specifically designed for Windows and Linux, VMWare is a dedicated tool for Mac. Just like any other virtual machine, this one also allows you to run various apps from different operating systems simultaneously.

As an excellent VMware alternative for Mac, this tool supports anyone who works at home. Since everything is effortless yet powerful, it will be possible to use this platform at home as long as you have the professional requirements in the first place.

VMWare Fusion is excellent because:

  • It comes with powerful graphic quality.
  • Runs on Mac and Windows 10.
  • Suitable for Mac Catalina.
  • Rest API is available.

10. Citrix Hypervisor

Citrix Hypervisor

Citrix Hypervisors is a VMware alternative software that should be on your consideration list. It operates similarly to VMware in the first place but performs more functions, especially if you connect it to XenCenter.

The entire system allows you to operate several operating systems through one platform. Other than that, it supports at least five methods to run a guest operating system. What makes this platform popular is its human-friendly UI design – it supports easier evaluation.

According to the review, this platform suits tutors, teachers, and developers. To find out more about this software, why don’t you give it a try now?

11. Nutanix Hyperconverged Infrastructure

Nutanix Hyperconverged Infrastructure

This platform is one of the best names on the market when it comes to modernizing data centers. Other than that, you can run Nutanix almost anywhere and on any scale.

Generally, this tool comes into the process of unifying various types of clouds by allowing IT to process apps and data that generate businesses. Thus, it is safe to say that Nutanix is the best free VMware alternative for Mac and other major operating systems available today.

This platform also gathers several features together, such as storage, computer, and network in one package. Other than that, any kind of open-source hypervisor can run this tool, which cannot be provided by VMware in the first place.

Due to its ability, users can use Nutanix for enterprise too. You should give this one a try, for sure.

12. Oracle VM VirtualBox

Oracle VM VirtualBox

Another VMware open source alternative that will help you to take care of the task is Oracle. This tool utilizes a robust computer system, focused server, hardware system, and generalized services. It is also rich in software systems to support both newer and guest systems.

Until today, Oracle is one of the best tools you can for both home and corporate levels. Other than on PCs, this tool also supports mobile systems. Thus, you can say that this platform is also a great VMware alternative for android, as long as your device is on battery.

It is safe to say that Oracle VM VirtualBox is portable and has great hardware support. You should try this tool on your own to find out whether this is your style.

13. vSphere

vSphere

It may not be easy to find a VMware alternative free unless you are eager about open-source stuff. Other than that, the virtualization power will turn data centers into minimalist computing without affecting the performance.

This tool, on the other hand, can deliver flexible and reliable services like any other virtual machine on this list. For better functionalities, vSphere also offers plugins you can pick as you need. More than anything, this virtual machine is excellent when it comes to managing the hosts under one roof.

14. Virtuozzo

Virtuozzo

Today, you will find several VMware alternatives open source out there. But what if you need a little bit of everything in a tool?

Well, Virtuozzo could be your best buddy then. This hybrid server may deliver a hypervisor supported by optimized KVM, software-defined storage, and system containers. Even though the name is not as huge as other tools on this list, you will find lots of good things from this tool.

Virtuozzo has powered more than five million virtual environments. According to users, the performance of this software is way better and denser than VMware. So, you can say that this platform is one of the best options when it comes to virtual machines.

The main difference between VMware and Virtuozzo is the level of creation. VMware creates virtual servers on its hardware. On the other hand, Virtuozzo does the same things but at the OS level.

All in all, Virtuozzo is an excellent thing to consider for those who look for a tool to create virtual servers with a simplified hypervisor.

15. Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization (RHEV)

Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization (RHEV)

On the other hand, if all you need is a robust platform of VMware alternatives enterprise then you should check out Red Hat Enterprise Virtualization or RHEV. As its name suggests, this platform is specifically designed for enterprise business needs.

It utilizes Virtual Desktop Server Manager and SPICE protocol. Other than that, this platform is built on Linux and KVM basis – creates excellent security, agility, and intuitive functions even for resource-based tasks.

Of course, you can use RHEV on your Linux device. You should give this platform a try, especially if you prefer something open-source.

Final Words

More than anything, VMware is an excellent tool. However, it is not designed for everyone – some limitations may apply. The good news is that you can find several alternatives that may serve similar functions – some are even better.

Keep in mind that you know what you want and make sure that the tool you will pick can accommodate your need in the first place. So, which one of the VMware alternatives above that you like?

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