KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) vs Xen : Which is Better?

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) icon

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine)

Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) is a virtualization infrastructure for the Linux kernel that turns it into a hypervisor. It was merged into the Linux kernel mainline in kernel version 2.6.20.

License: Open Source

Apps available for Linux

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Xen icon

Xen

Xen Project is a hypervisor using a microkernel design, providing services that allow multiple computer operating systems to execute on the same computer hardware concurrently. Developed by Citrix

License: Open Source

Categories: Network & Admin

Apps available for Linux

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) VS Xen

Xen is a hypervisor that offers strong isolation and supports a wide variety of guest operating systems, making it suitable for enterprise environments requiring high performance and security. KVM, being part of the Linux kernel, offers easier management and better integration with Linux systems, making it more suited for environments heavily reliant on Linux.

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine)

Pros:

  • Integrated with Linux kernel
  • Easier to manage
  • Broad hardware support
  • Active community
  • Good performance for Linux guests

Cons:

  • Dependent on Linux kernel version
  • Limited features for non-Linux guests
  • Performance can vary with different workloads
  • Less isolation compared to Xen
  • Fewer advanced features out-of-the-box

Xen

Pros:

  • High performance
  • Supports multiple OS types
  • Strong isolation of virtual machines
  • Mature ecosystem
  • Flexible resource management

Cons:

  • Complex setup and configuration
  • Less user-friendly
  • Requires more system resources
  • Limited support for Windows
  • Steeper learning curve

Compare KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine)

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Compare bochs and KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) and decide which is most suitable for you.
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Compare Citrix XenServer and KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) and decide which is most suitable for you.
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Compare Portable Virtualbox and KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) and decide which is most suitable for you.
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Compare QEMU and KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) and decide which is most suitable for you.
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Compare VirtualBox and KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) and decide which is most suitable for you.
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Compare VMware vSphere Hypervisor and KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) and decide which is most suitable for you.
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Compare VMware Fusion and KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) and decide which is most suitable for you.
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Compare VMware Workstation Player and KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) and decide which is most suitable for you.
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Compare VMware Workstation and KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) and decide which is most suitable for you.
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Compare clearVM and KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) and decide which is most suitable for you.