VMware Workstation Pro vs KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine)

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

VMware Workstation Pro is a Virtualization solution with tags like virtualization, desktop-virtualization, vmware, multiple-os.

It boasts features such as Create and run multiple virtual machines simultaneously, Install and run over 200 operating systems including Windows, Linux, etc, Isolate VMs from host machine for added security, Take snapshots to save VM state and revert anytime, Drag-and-drop files between host and VMs, Virtual networking and sharing options, 3D graphics support for gaming, CAD, etc, Unity mode to run VMs seamlessly with host desktop, Remote connection to access VMs remotely, VM encryption and cloning and pros including Run multiple operating systems easily, Test software in isolated environments, Revert VMs to previous states, Seamless integration between host and VMs, Good performance even for 3D/graphics apps, Feature-rich remote access capabilities, Great for developers, testers, IT admins.

On the other hand, KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) is a System & Hardware product tagged with virtualization, vm, linux, open-source.

Its standout features include Kernel-level virtualization, Supports live migration of VMs between hosts, Built into Linux kernel, Leverages hardware-assisted virtualization, Open source and free, and it shines with pros like Good performance, Leverages hardware virtualization, Integrated into Linux, Active development community, Free and open source.

Feature	VMware Workstation Pro	KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine)
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Virtualization	System & Hardware

Product Overview

VMware Workstation Pro

Description: VMware Workstation Pro is a desktop virtualization software that allows users to run multiple operating systems as virtual machines on a single physical machine. It is used for software development, testing, running legacy apps, and training.

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine)

Description: 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.

Key Features Comparison

VMware Workstation Pro Features

• Create and run multiple virtual machines simultaneously
• Install and run over 200 operating systems including Windows, Linux, etc
• Isolate VMs from host machine for added security
• Take snapshots to save VM state and revert anytime
• Drag-and-drop files between host and VMs
• Virtual networking and sharing options
• 3D graphics support for gaming, CAD, etc
• Unity mode to run VMs seamlessly with host desktop
• Remote connection to access VMs remotely
• VM encryption and cloning

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) Features

• Kernel-level virtualization
• Supports live migration of VMs between hosts
• Built into Linux kernel
• Leverages hardware-assisted virtualization
• Open source and free

Pros & Cons Analysis

VMware Workstation Pro

Pros

• Run multiple operating systems easily
• Test software in isolated environments
• Revert VMs to previous states
• Seamless integration between host and VMs
• Good performance even for 3D/graphics apps
• Feature-rich remote access capabilities
• Great for developers, testers, IT admins

Cons

• Resource-heavy, requires decent hardware
• Steep learning curve
• Paid solution can get expensive for large teams
• Limited mobile/remote management features
• No built-in collaboration tools
• Not ideal for production environments

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine)

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

Pricing Comparison

VMware Workstation Pro

• One-time Purchase
• Subscription-Based

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine)

• Open Source
• Free