KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) vs VMware Fusion

Struggling to choose between KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) and VMware Fusion? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) is a System & Hardware solution with tags like virtualization, vm, linux, open-source.

It boasts features such as Kernel-level virtualization, Supports live migration of VMs between hosts, Built into Linux kernel, Leverages hardware-assisted virtualization, Open source and free and pros including Good performance, Leverages hardware virtualization, Integrated into Linux, Active development community, Free and open source.

On the other hand, VMware Fusion is a Virtualization product tagged with virtualization, hypervisor, macos, windows, linux.

Its standout features include Run Windows, Linux, and other OS virtually alongside macOS, Seamless integration and full compatibility with macOS, 3D graphics support, Drag-and-drop file sharing between macOS and guest OS, Unity mode to run Windows apps seamlessly, Shared folders to access macOS files from guest OS, and it shines with pros like Easy to set up and use, Good performance, Lots of customization options, Supports many guest OS versions, Can create snapshots to revert VMs, Integrates well with other VMware products.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine)

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine)

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) is an open-source virtualization technology that allows you to create and run virtual machines (VMs) on Linux. It makes use of hardware virtualization capabilities of modern CPUs for efficient virtualization.

Categories:
virtualization vm linux open-source

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) Features

  1. Kernel-level virtualization
  2. Supports live migration of VMs between hosts
  3. Built into Linux kernel
  4. Leverages hardware-assisted virtualization
  5. Open source and free

Pricing

  • Open Source
  • Free

Pros

Good performance

Leverages hardware virtualization

Integrated into Linux

Active development community

Free and open source

Cons

Linux-only

Less features than proprietary solutions

Steeper learning curve than alternatives

No centralized management


VMware Fusion

VMware Fusion

VMware Fusion is a hypervisor that allows users to run virtual machines on Mac hardware. It enables running Windows, Linux, and other operating systems virtually alongside macOS on Apple silicon or Intel-based Macs.

Categories:
virtualization hypervisor macos windows linux

VMware Fusion Features

  1. Run Windows, Linux, and other OS virtually alongside macOS
  2. Seamless integration and full compatibility with macOS
  3. 3D graphics support
  4. Drag-and-drop file sharing between macOS and guest OS
  5. Unity mode to run Windows apps seamlessly
  6. Shared folders to access macOS files from guest OS

Pricing

  • Subscription-Based

Pros

Easy to set up and use

Good performance

Lots of customization options

Supports many guest OS versions

Can create snapshots to revert VMs

Integrates well with other VMware products

Cons

Requires a paid license after trial expires

Can be resource-intensive

Limited remote management capabilities

No built-in collaboration tools

Not compatible with older Macs