VMware Workstation Player vs Windows Sandbox

Struggling to choose between VMware Workstation Player and Windows Sandbox? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

VMware Workstation Player is a Virtualization solution with tags like virtualization, desktop-virtualization, vmware, virtual-machine.

It boasts features such as Run multiple operating systems simultaneously, Isolate applications and services, Test software in different environments, Snapshot and revert virtual machine states, Drag-and-drop files across virtual machines, Virtual networking and sharing, 3D graphics acceleration, Unity mode for running Windows apps seamlessly and pros including Free for personal non-commercial use, Easy to set up and use, Good performance, Feature-rich, Supports many operating systems and hardware configurations.

On the other hand, Windows Sandbox is a Os & Utilities product tagged with sandbox, isolation, security, testing.

Its standout features include Isolated desktop environment, Disposable sandbox instances, Preinstalled Windows tools and utilities, Integrated with Windows 10 and 11, Hardware-based virtualization, Easy to use and configure, and it shines with pros like Improved security and privacy, Prevents malware infections, Allows testing unknown software, No need to set up VMs or dual boot, Lightweight and fast, Free with Windows 10/11.

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.

VMware Workstation Player

VMware Workstation Player

VMware Workstation Player is a virtualization software that allows users to run multiple virtual machines on a single physical machine. It enables testing software, running different operating systems, and consolidating physical hardware.

Categories:
virtualization desktop-virtualization vmware virtual-machine

VMware Workstation Player Features

  1. Run multiple operating systems simultaneously
  2. Isolate applications and services
  3. Test software in different environments
  4. Snapshot and revert virtual machine states
  5. Drag-and-drop files across virtual machines
  6. Virtual networking and sharing
  7. 3D graphics acceleration
  8. Unity mode for running Windows apps seamlessly

Pricing

  • Free
  • Freemium

Pros

Free for personal non-commercial use

Easy to set up and use

Good performance

Feature-rich

Supports many operating systems and hardware configurations

Cons

Limited to non-commercial use

Less features than paid VMware Workstation Pro

No live migration of VMs

No remote management features


Windows Sandbox

Windows Sandbox

Windows Sandbox is a lightweight desktop environment included in Windows 10 and 11 that allows users to safely run untrusted applications in isolation. It provides a secure way to test software without risking the host device.

Categories:
sandbox isolation security testing

Windows Sandbox Features

  1. Isolated desktop environment
  2. Disposable sandbox instances
  3. Preinstalled Windows tools and utilities
  4. Integrated with Windows 10 and 11
  5. Hardware-based virtualization
  6. Easy to use and configure

Pricing

  • Free

Pros

Improved security and privacy

Prevents malware infections

Allows testing unknown software

No need to set up VMs or dual boot

Lightweight and fast

Free with Windows 10/11

Cons

Limited hardware access

Temporary instances only

Requires virtualization support

Limited customization options

Not suitable for long-term use