VMware Workstation Pro vs Portable Virtualbox

Struggling to choose between VMware Workstation Pro and Portable Virtualbox? 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, Portable Virtualbox is a Os & Utilities product tagged with virtualization, virtual-machine, portable, open-source.

Its standout features include Runs VirtualBox virtual machines directly from a USB drive, Does not require VirtualBox to be installed on the host computer, Supports importing and exporting VMs in OVF format, Includes VirtualBox Extension Pack for added functionality, Open source and free to use, and it shines with pros like Portable and self-contained, Does not clutter host computer with VirtualBox installation, Easy to carry VMs between different computers, Good for testing software across different OS environments.

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 Pro

VMware Workstation Pro

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.

Categories:
virtualization desktop-virtualization vmware multiple-os

VMware Workstation Pro Features

  1. Create and run multiple virtual machines simultaneously
  2. Install and run over 200 operating systems including Windows, Linux, etc
  3. Isolate VMs from host machine for added security
  4. Take snapshots to save VM state and revert anytime
  5. Drag-and-drop files between host and VMs
  6. Virtual networking and sharing options
  7. 3D graphics support for gaming, CAD, etc
  8. Unity mode to run VMs seamlessly with host desktop
  9. Remote connection to access VMs remotely
  10. VM encryption and cloning

Pricing

  • One-time Purchase
  • Subscription-Based

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


Portable Virtualbox

Portable Virtualbox

Portable Virtualbox is a free, open-source virtualization software that allows you to run multiple virtual machines on your Windows computer without needing to install Virtualbox. It runs directly from a USB drive for easy portability.

Categories:
virtualization virtual-machine portable open-source

Portable Virtualbox Features

  1. Runs VirtualBox virtual machines directly from a USB drive
  2. Does not require VirtualBox to be installed on the host computer
  3. Supports importing and exporting VMs in OVF format
  4. Includes VirtualBox Extension Pack for added functionality
  5. Open source and free to use

Pricing

  • Free
  • Open Source

Pros

Portable and self-contained

Does not clutter host computer with VirtualBox installation

Easy to carry VMs between different computers

Good for testing software across different OS environments

Cons

Limited feature set compared to full VirtualBox

No guest additions or shared folder support

Potential USB performance bottlenecks

Not officially supported by Oracle