Most modern businesses run their IT infrastructures fully virtualized because virtualization brings ease of management, efficient resource utilization, and numerous additional features that simplify the day-to-day tasks of IT staff. VMware, with its comprehensive suite of various virtualization solutions, has been dominating this niche for ages.
However, history has shown that nothing can dominate forever. As virtualization and cloud computing continue to evolve, many organizations are re-evaluating their dependence on VMware. With Broadcom’s acquisition of VMware, there is heightened interest in exploring alternative solutions that offer similar capabilities and reliability. The search for viable alternatives to VMware has become a pressing concern for businesses seeking the most cost-effective, scalable, and innovative virtualization platforms.
This article explores the top 10 alternatives to VMware vSphere in 2024, examining each option’s strengths and weaknesses. We aim to provide a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision for your virtualization needs.
Why are VMware Alternatives Becoming Popular?
There are three most prominent reasons why organizations might seek alternatives to VMware:
- Cost Optimization
To stay profitable, businesses need to manage their expenses meticulously. VMware’s licensing and support costs can be too high for small and medium businesses, prompting companies to look for more budget-friendly options. - Broadcom Acquisition Uncertainty
VMware’s acquisition by Broadcom and subsequent R&D cost-cutting have introduced uncertainties regarding future pricing, support, and product development direction. - Vendor Lock-in
Many companies have experienced issues with full reliance on VMware and are now looking for ways to diversify their IT infrastructures to avoid vendor lock-in.
Overview of the 10 Best Alternatives to VMware vSphere
As the demand for flexibility and cost savings increases, more organizations are seeking alternatives to VMware vSphere. A recent survey revealed that up to 48 percent of IT professionals consider cost to be a major factor driving their search for vSphere alternatives. With that being said, let’s look at some of the best options available:
Microsoft Hyper-V
Microsoft Hyper-V is a type 1 hypervisor integrated into the Windows OS. With features like Server Manager, Windows Admin Center, and Failover Clustering, Windows Server OS offers a comprehensive virtualization platform that remains one of the most popular alternatives to vSphere. Hyper-V is renowned for its ease of use, robust performance, and seamless integration with other Microsoft products. Now, let’s wrap up its pros and cons.
Pros
Enterprise-Grade Features
Windows Server OS and Hyper-V provide a wide range of features that place it among the best VMware alternatives.
Integration with Microsoft Ecosystem
Hyper-V is deeply integrated with the Microsoft ecosystem, making it an ideal choice for organizations already utilizing Microsoft products and solutions in their IT infrastructure.
Cost-Effective for Windows Users
As a built-in feature of Windows Server, Hyper-V is usually a more economical option compared to purchasing additional virtualization software from other vendors.
Enterprise-Grade Support
While not perfect, Microsoft provides comprehensive support and frequent security updates, ensuring the Windows Server platform and Hyper-V remain secure and up to date with the latest features.
Cons
Limited Support for Non-Windows OSes
Hyper-V’s support for non-Windows guest operating systems is not as extensive, which can be a limitation for environments with diverse OS requirements.
Limited Third-Party Support
Hyper-V does not have as many third-party tools, plug-ins, and extensions compared to VMware. This can make it less straightforward to accomplish specific tasks in some instances.
Learning Curve for Non-Windows Users
While Hyper-V is easy to use for experienced Windows admins, organizations not familiar with Windows Server may find it challenging to adapt to Hyper-V, necessitating additional training and resources.
Microsoft Hyper-V is an excellent choice for businesses already invested in the Microsoft ecosystem, offering a cost-effective and powerful virtualization solution. Its enterprise-grade features and ease of use make it a compelling option for organizations seeking to leverage their existing Microsoft infrastructure.
Citrix Hypervisor
Citrix Hypervisor, formerly known as XenServer, is an open-source virtualization platform renowned for its high performance and scalability. It is designed to handle the demands of modern data centers, supporting a wide range of applications and workloads. Let’s have a look at its pros and cons.
Pros
Open-Source
Citrix Hypervisor is free and open source. Given that, it benefits from a broad community of developers and users, contributing to continuous improvement and innovation.
High Scalability and Performance
Citrix Hypervisor is very lightweight and excels in environments that require scalable and high-performing virtualization solutions, making it suitable for large deployments.
High Availability and Disaster Recovery
Despite being free, Citrix Hypervisor comes with built-in features that ensure high availability and disaster recovery. This helps to keep virtual machines (VMs) operational in the event of hardware failures or other issues.
Cons
Complex Setup and Management
The platform can be intricate to set up and manage, especially for newcomers, requiring Linux knowledge and expertise.
Limited Advanced Features
Citrix Hypervisor lacks some advanced features compared to VMware and even some of its alternatives, specifically in management, automation, software-defined storage integration and networking.
Not Completely Free
While the basic version is open-source, some advanced features and enterprise-grade support are only available through a commercial license.
Citrix Hypervisor is best suited for large enterprises needing a scalable, high-performance virtualization solution. While Citrix Hypervisor is a capable virtualization platform, it falls short in areas such as advanced management tools, storage and networking integration, backup and recovery, and the breadth of its support ecosystem compared to VMware and Hyper-V.
Red Hat Virtualization and OpenShift Virtualization
For customers entrenched in the Red Hat ecosystem, the choice between Red Hat Virtualization (RHV) and OpenShift Virtualization is quite obvious due to recent changes. Red Hat Virtualization entered a maintenance-only phase on August 31, 2022, meaning it will receive only technical support, security fixes, and high-priority bug fixes until it moves to an extended-life phase in 2024, which will last until August 31, 2026. No new features will be added during this period.
Red Hat now recommends OpenShift Virtualization, which runs virtual machines (VMs) alongside containers, treating them as native Kubernetes objects within OpenShift. This approach uses KubeVirt, a KVM framework inside Kubernetes, to run VMs. OpenShift Virtualization provides a centralized dashboard for deploying, managing, and monitoring clusters, nodes, VMs, and containers.
Pros and Cons of OpenShift Virtualization
Pros
Unified Management
Combines VMs and containers on a single platform, simplifying management and deployment workflows.
Kubernetes Integration
Leverages Kubernetes for orchestration, ensuring compatibility with modern application development practices.
High Performance and Scalability
OpenShift Virtualization is highly scalable and designed to handle large-scale, demanding workloads efficiently.
Cons
Learning Curve
Adopting a container-centric management approach may require significant retraining for IT staff accustomed to traditional virtualization environments.
Complex Configuration
Setting up and managing OpenShift Virtualization can be complex, requiring expertise in both Kubernetes and virtualization technologies.
Requires OpenShift Subscription
Access to most OpenShift Virtualization features and support requires a subscription to Red Hat OpenShift, which can be expensive for some organizations.
Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization is ideal for enterprises already invested in Red Hat products and looking to modernize their infrastructure with a powerful, scalable solution. It provides robust features and strong support, making it suitable for large mission-critical environments.
Proxmox VE
Proxmox VE is an open-source virtualization platform that integrates KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine), LXC (Linux Containers), web-based management, software-defined storage, and networking. Proxmox is renowned for its flexibility and comprehensive feature set, making it an excellent choice for all types of deployments, including hyperconverged infrastructures (HCI).
Pros
Intuitive Web-Based GUI
Proxmox VE features a web-based graphical user interface (GUI) that is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making it accessible even for administrators with minimal virtualization experience.
Open-Source and Free
Proxmox VE is free to use, with an active open-source community that continuously enhances the platform.
Supports Both Virtual Machines and Containers
The combination of KVM for full virtualization and LXC for lightweight container-based virtualization provides high performance and flexibility for different types of workloads.
Cons
Steeper Learning Curve
The platform can be complex to set up and manage, especially for those unfamiliar with Linux-based systems.
Limited Commercial Support
While community support is strong, businesses requiring extensive support may need to purchase a commercial subscription and even with that, the support coverage is limited to the EU time zone which is not perfect for US customers.
Proxmox VE is suitable for tech-savvy organizations looking for a flexible and cost-effective virtualization solution. Its robust feature set, user-friendly interface, and open-source nature make it a compelling choice for those willing to invest time in learning the platform.
KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine)
KVM is an open-source Type 1 hypervisor that is built into the Linux kernel. It is known for its high performance and security, making it a solid alternative to VMware ESXi.
Pros
Open-Source and Free
As part of the Linux kernel, KVM is freely available and widely supported in the industry.
High Performance and Security
KVM provides near-native performance and strong security features for virtual machines.
Widely Supported
It is supported by a variety of management tools and platforms, offering flexibility in deployment.
Cons
Requires Linux Expertise
Setting up and managing KVM requires a good understanding of Linux, which can be a barrier for some organizations.
Lack of a Centralized Management Interface
Unlike some other solutions, KVM does not have a built-in management interface, requiring additional tools for comprehensive management.
For businesses looking for an alternative to VMware, KVM is ideal for Linux-centric environments that require a high-performance and secure hypervisor. It is a powerful option for organizations with the necessary Linux expertise. However, KVM is essentially “just” a hypervisor. For advanced enterprise-grade features, we recommend exploring full-fledged virtualization platforms built around KVM.
Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI)
Nutanix NCI offers a comprehensive virtualization platform which combines virtualization, storage, and networking into a single, cohesive platform. Designed to streamline IT operations through hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI), Nutanix simplifies the complexities of managing modern data centers.
Pros
Hyperconvergence
Nutanix NCI combines computing, storage, networking, and security. This hyperconverged approach significantly simplifies the IT infrastructure deployment and management, making it a great choice for IT departments looking to reduce complexity.
Strong Support
With Nutanix, you get great customer support and frequent updates, ensuring your infrastructure is always up-to-date and secure.
Support for Multiple Hypervisors
Nutanix supports various hypervisors, including its own AHV, VMware ESXi, and Microsoft Hyper-V, giving you the freedom to choose the best fit for your environment.
Simplified Management
Nutanix Prism offers an intuitive interface that makes managing virtual environments an easy task, helping customer’s IT team stay productive.
Cons
Higher Cost and Complex Licensing
Nutanix advanced features come with a hefty price tag, which can be a hurdle for smaller businesses working with tight budgets. Additionally, navigating Nutanix’s licensing can be tricky. It’s essential to plan carefully to ensure you’re getting the most value for your investment.
Requires Expertise
To get the most out of Nutanix, you need skilled IT professionals. The platform’s sophisticated capabilities require a certain level of expertise to manage effectively.
Limited Third-Party Integrations
While Nutanix has a strong ecosystem, it might not offer as many third-party integrations as other platforms. This could be a consideration if your environment relies heavily on specific third-party tools.
Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure is a powerful choice for large enterprises that need a comprehensive, integrated solution. Its advanced feature set, and robust support make it a strong contender for organizations with complex IT needs. However, be prepared for a higher cost and the need for skilled professionals to manage the platform effectively.
Virtuozzo Hybrid Infrastructure
Virtuozzo Hybrid Infrastructure is a robust virtualization solution based on OpenStack tailored for hosting and service providers. It offers a comprehensive suite of Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) products, designed to deliver flexible, high-performance virtualization environments suitable for various workloads.
Pros
Supports Both Containers and VMs
This platform can manage both containers and traditional virtual machines, providing versatile deployment options.
High Performance and Scalability
Built around OpenStack, Virtuozzo Hybrid Infrastructure is optimized for high performance and can scale effortlessly to meet the growing demands of service providers. Its robust architecture supports demanding workloads, ensuring reliable service delivery to end-users.
Cost-Effective
Virtuozzo Hybrid Infrastructure provides a cost-effective alternative to more expensive enterprise solutions. Its competitive pricing makes it an attractive option for hosting and service providers looking to maximize their ROI.
Cons
Requires Expertise to Manage
Managing a platform that supports both containers and VMs can add complexity. IT teams need to be proficient in both container and virtualization technologies to fully leverage Virtuozzo’s capabilities.
Higher Cost for Advanced Features
While generally cost-effective, accessing advanced functionalities and extensive support will incur additional costs. Customers must evaluate their specific needs to determine the most cost-effective setup.
Virtuozzo Hybrid Infrastructure is particularly suited for hosting and service providers looking for a flexible and high-performance IaaS solution. Its robust feature set, comprehensive security tools, and strong support make it an attractive option for organizations aiming to deliver diverse and demanding workloads. However, be prepared for the learning curve and potential costs associated with advanced features and management.
Oracle VirtualBox
Oracle VirtualBox is a free and open-source Type 2 hypervisor that supports a wide array of guest operating systems such as macOS, Windows, Linux, and Solaris. It is well-regarded for its flexibility and ease of use, making it a popular choice for both personal and professional use.
Pros
Free to Use and Open-Source
VirtualBox is completely free and open-source, providing basic virtualization features without the need for a commercial license.
Broad Guest OS Support
VirtualBox is compatible with numerous guest operating systems, including Windows, Linux, macOS, and Solaris.
User-Friendly Interface
VirtualBox offers a straightforward and intuitive interface, making it easy to set up and manage virtual machines and their settings.
Cons
Limited Feature Set
While suitable for smaller environments, VirtualBox lacks advanced monitoring, clustering and other important enterprise-grade features available in other virtualization platforms out of the box.
Limited Support Options
As an open-source project, it has limited official support, relying largely on community forums and documentation.
Oracle VirtualBox could be a good choice for micro-deployments and individual users seeking a free and easy-to-use virtualization solution with basic features. However, businesses seeking a versatile, enterprise-grade virtualization solution may find VirtualBox’s capabilities and support options insufficient for their needs. It’s always recommended to use Type 1 hypervisors instead of Type 2 for commercial use.
Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop is a popular Type 2 hypervisor primarily designed to run Windows applications on macOS. It is popular among Mac users for its ease of use and seamless integration with macOS. However, Parallels Desktop lacks many of the advanced features found in enterprise-grade hypervisors and is more comparable to VMware Workstation and VMware Fusion.
Pros
High Performance
Parallels Desktop is optimized for speed, allowing for fast application launch times and smooth operation of virtual machines, even when running resource-intensive applications.
Seamless Integration with macOS
Parallels Desktop integrates smoothly with macOS, offering features like Coherence Mode, which allows Windows applications to run as if they were native Mac apps.
Easy to Use
The user-friendly interface makes it simple to set up and manage virtual machines, even for non-technical users.
Cons
Limited Feature Set
Parallels Desktop is tailored to meet the specific needs of macOS users and lacks functionality that would be useful for commercial use by businesses.
Limited to macOS Environments
Parallels Desktop is designed specifically for Mac users, making it unsuitable for organizations using other operating systems.
Subscription-Based Pricing
The software requires a subscription, which can be costly over time compared to one-time purchase options.
Parallels Desktop is the best choice for Mac users who need to run Windows applications seamlessly. Its ease of use and integration with macOS make it a top option for individuals within the Apple ecosystem. However, Parallels Desktop does not compete with full-fledged virtualization platforms.
Which alternative to VMware should you choose?
Choosing the right alternative to VMware depends on your organization’s specific needs and existing infrastructure. If cost-efficiency is a primary concern, Proxmox VE offers a powerful, budget-friendly option. For those heavily invested in Microsoft ecosystem, Hyper-V provides excellent integration and value. Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure is a good fit for enterprises ready to embrace hyperconverged infrastructure and willing to invest extra for its benefits.
Evaluate each option based on factors like cost, performance, scalability, and compatibility with your current systems to make the most informed decision. By doing so, you can ensure that your virtualization infrastructure remains robust, efficient, and aligned with your organization’s goals.
