VMware Alternatives
7 Tools Like VMware
Quick answer: Top VMware alternatives include Proxmox VE, XCP-ng and Microsoft Hyper-V. For open source, look at Proxmox VE and XCP-ng. Proxmox VE and XCP-ng are free or have free plans.
VMware vSphere is Broadcom’s enterprise virtualisation platform.
Many organisations look for VMware alternatives after Broadcom’s licensing and price changes.
- 7 alternatives
- 4 with a free plan
- 4 open source
The best VMware alternatives
#1Proxmox VE
proxmox.com
Open-source virtualisation with KVM and LXC.
Read more
In Proxmox VE’s own words: “Proxmox VE is an open-source server virtualization management platform.”
Proxmox VE is open source and is free to use.
People switching from VMware often consider Proxmox VE.
#2XCP-ng
xcp-ng.org
Open-source Xen-based virtualisation platform.
Read more
XCP-ng is open source and is free to use.
People switching from Proxmox and VMware often consider XCP-ng.
#3Microsoft Hyper-V
learn.microsoft.com
Virtualisation built into Windows and Windows Server.
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In Microsoft Hyper-V’s own words: “Hyper-V in Windows Server enables you to run Windows and Linux virtual machines at scale, providing flexibility and maximizing resources.”
Microsoft Hyper-V runs on Windows.
People switching from Proxmox and VMware often consider Microsoft Hyper-V.
#4Nutanix AHV
nutanix.com
Hyperconverged infrastructure with its own hypervisor.
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In Nutanix AHV’s own words: “We offer a unified platform that seamlessly integrates infrastructure and management to enable smooth operations of data and apps across clouds.”
People switching from Proxmox and VMware often consider Nutanix AHV.
#5Red Hat OpenShift
redhat.com
Enterprise Kubernetes platform.
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In Red Hat OpenShift’s own words: “An application innovation platform delivering a comprehensive experience with tools to empower organizations to modernize and build new applications, accelerate AI adoption, and fuel growth.”
People switching from Kubernetes and VMware often consider Red Hat OpenShift.
#6OpenStack
openstack.org
Open-source cloud infrastructure software.
Read more
In OpenStack’s own words: “OpenStack is an open source cloud computing infrastructure software project and is one of the three most active open source projects in the world.”
OpenStack is open source and is free to use.
People switching from VMware often consider OpenStack.
#7VirtualBox
virtualbox.org
Free, open-source desktop virtualisation.
Read more
VirtualBox is open source and is free to use.
People switching from VMware often consider VirtualBox.
Listed for information; LaunchStall isn’t affiliated with these companies. Features and plans change — check each site for current details.
How these VMware alternatives compare
| Tool | Best for | Where it beats VMware | The trade-off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Proxmox VE | The popular open-source replacement | Free to use, with VMs, containers and clustering. | Paid support is separate, and it’s less enterprise-polished. |
| XCP-ng | Open-source Xen | Open source, with management via Xen Orchestra. | A smaller community. |
| Microsoft Hyper-V | Windows-based organisations | Included with Windows Server. | Tied to Windows. |
| Nutanix AHV | Enterprise hyperconverged | A common enterprise migration route. | An enterprise price. |
| Red Hat OpenShift | Moving towards containers | Runs containers and VMs on Kubernetes. | A big shift in skills. |
| OpenStack | Building a private cloud | Open-source cloud at large scale. | Complex to run. |
| VirtualBox | Local virtual machines on a desktop | Free and easy for testing on your own computer. | Not a server virtualisation platform. |
Which should you choose?
- You want a low-cost replacement: Proxmox VE
- You just test on your laptop: VirtualBox
- You’re a large enterprise: Nutanix AHV
Our editorial summary of each tool’s focus, written November 2026. Tools change quickly, so check the details on each site.
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Frequently asked questions
What are the best VMware alternatives?
Popular VMware alternatives include Proxmox VE, XCP-ng and Microsoft Hyper-V. The best choice depends on whether you need a free plan, open-source software or specific features.
Is there a free alternative to VMware?
Yes. Proxmox VE, XCP-ng, OpenStack and VirtualBox are free or have free plans.
Is there an open-source alternative to VMware?
Yes — Proxmox VE, XCP-ng, OpenStack and VirtualBox are open source.
Why do people look for VMware alternatives?
Many organisations look for VMware alternatives after Broadcom’s licensing and price changes.
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