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

VMware Workstation icon

VMware Workstation

VMware Workstation is a hosted hypervisor that runs on x64 versions of Windows and Linux operating systems. Developed by VMware

License: Commercial

Categories: Network & Admin

Apps available for Windows Linux

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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

VMware Workstation VS KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine)

KVM is an open-source virtualization solution that integrates closely with the Linux kernel, offering flexibility and performance, especially for Linux workloads. In contrast, VMware Workstation provides a more user-friendly experience with robust features and extensive commercial support, making it ideal for users who require a polished interface and advanced capabilities.

VMware Workstation

Pros:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Comprehensive support for Windows and Linux
  • Snapshot and cloning features
  • Strong performance on Windows hosts
  • Advanced 3D graphics support

Cons:

  • Licensing costs
  • Higher resource consumption compared to KVM
  • Limited support for some Linux distributions

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine)

Pros:

  • Open-source and free to use
  • Integrated with Linux kernel
  • Supports various guest operating systems
  • Highly customizable and flexible
  • Better performance for Linux workloads

Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve for beginners
  • Limited GUI management tools
  • Less commercial support compared to VMware

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