Windows Sandbox vs VMware Workstation Player

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

Windows Sandbox is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like sandbox, isolation, security, testing.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including 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.

On the other hand, VMware Workstation Player is a Virtualization product tagged with virtualization, desktop-virtualization, vmware, virtual-machine.

Its standout features include 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 it shines with pros like Free for personal non-commercial use, Easy to set up and use, Good performance, Feature-rich, Supports many operating systems and hardware configurations.

Feature	Windows Sandbox	VMware Workstation Player
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Os & Utilities	Virtualization

Product Overview

Windows Sandbox

Description: 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.

VMware Workstation Player

Description: 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.

Key Features Comparison

Windows Sandbox Features

• 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

VMware Workstation Player Features

• 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

Pros & Cons Analysis

Windows Sandbox

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

VMware Workstation Player

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

Pricing Comparison

Windows Sandbox

• Free

VMware Workstation Player

• Free
• Freemium