A hypervisor, also known as a virtual machine monitor (VMM), is a crucial component in virtualization technology that allows multiple operating systems to run concurrently on a single physical machine. There are two main types of hypervisors: Type 1 (bare-metal) and Type 2 (hosted).
- Type 1 hypervisors run directly on the hardware, providing better performance and resource management. Examples include VMware ESXi, Microsoft Hyper-V, and Xen. They are commonly used in enterprise environments for server virtualization, enabling efficient resource allocation and isolation between different virtual machines (VMs).
- Type 2 hypervisors, on the other hand, operate on top of an existing operating system. This makes them easier to set up and use for individual users or developers. Examples include VMware Workstation and Oracle VirtualBox. While they offer flexibility for development and testing environments, they may have slightly lower performance compared to Type 1 hypervisors.
Hypervisors play a vital role in cloud computing and data center management, allowing for efficient hardware utilization, cost savings, and simplified disaster recovery. They facilitate the deployment of scalable, flexible IT environments by enabling dynamic resource allocation and management of multiple VMs, ultimately enhancing operational efficiency and flexibility.
Here is our list of the best hypervisors:
- VMware ESXi EDITOR’S CHOICE A leading Type 1 hypervisor known for its robust performance, scalability, and enterprise-grade features. It offers comprehensive management tools and strong support for various workloads. ESXi is part of a wider package called vSphere.
- Microsoft Hyper-V Integrated with Windows Server, Hyper-V is user-friendly and ideal for businesses using Microsoft ecosystems. It provides excellent virtualization capabilities and seamless management through System Center.
- KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) An open-source hypervisor that turns the Linux kernel into a Type 1 hypervisor. It offers great performance, scalability, and flexibility, making it popular for enterprise environments.
- Xen An open-source hypervisor known for its strong isolation capabilities. It supports paravirtualization and hardware virtualization, making it suitable for diverse environments, including cloud computing.
- Oracle VirtualBox A Type 2 hypervisor perfect for developers and small businesses. It’s free, easy to use, and supports multiple host operating systems, making it versatile for testing and development.
- XenServer Developed by Citrix, based on the open-source Xen system, this is a Type-1 (bare-metal) hypervisor offering efficiency, advanced security, and scalability. This used to be called Citrix Hypervisor.
- Proxmox VE An open-source platform that combines KVM and LXC containers for versatile virtualization. It offers an intuitive web interface, high availability, and integrated backup solutions, catering to diverse use cases.
The Best Hypervisors
The type of hypervisor that you need will dictate the best product for your situation, and the purpose that you will put your hypervisor to will direct you to which type of hypervisor you need.
Our methodology for selecting a hypervisor
We reviewed the market for hypervisors and tested tools based on the following criteria:
- A system that can handle multiple virtual machines with minimal overhead, scaling easily as demand increases.
- Compatibility with a wide range of technologies and, in the case of Type 2 hypervisors, operating systems.
- Built-in management features or compatible third-party tools that simplify VM creation, monitoring, and maintenance.
- User-friendly interfaces and automation capabilities that enhance operational efficiency.
- Security measures, such as isolation between VMs, secure boot options, and compliance with industry standards.
- A free system or a package that offers a free trial to enable an assessment without cost.
Our selection includes both cloud and on-premises options and free systems as well as tools that offer value for money by providing a good set of features for the price.
1. VMware ESXi
VMware ESXi is a powerful enterprise-level hypervisor that runs directly on server hardware without requiring an underlying operating system. This bare-metal hypervisor provides efficient resource management and high performance, making it ideal for data centers and large-scale deployments.
Key Features:
- Bare-metal Hypervisor: Runs directly on the hardware without a host OS, improving performance and resource utilization.
- High Performance and Scalability: Supports large-scale deployments and can handle multiple workloads efficiently.
- Comprehensive Management Tools: Integrated with vSphere for advanced monitoring, configuration, and management of virtual machines.
- Advanced Security Features: Includes secure boot, encryption, and role-based access controls to protect workloads.
- Support for a Wide Range of Guest OS: Compatible with various operating systems, allowing flexibility in deployment.
Why do we recommend it?
VMware ESXi is highly regarded for its reliability, extensive support, and robust features tailored for enterprise environments. Its strong ecosystem and integration capabilities with other VMware products make it a go-to solution for organizations seeking virtualization solutions.
I found that VMware ESXi is part of the VMware ecosystem, providing tools and resources for effective virtualization management. Its reputation for stability and performance makes it a strong choice for businesses that require consistent uptime and flexibility in managing workloads. The product line is in flux right now, but the ESXi service is part of the vSphere bundle.
Who is it recommended for?
VMware ESXi is best suited for enterprises and organizations with large data centers or critical applications needing high availability and performance. It’s ideal for IT departments looking to optimize infrastructure and streamline operations.
Pros:
- Extensive Ecosystem: Extensive integrations with other VMware products enhance functionality.
- Strong Community and Vendor Support: A large community and professional support ensure help is readily available.
- Advanced Security Features: Enhanced security measures safeguard sensitive data.
- Excellent Performance: High efficiency in resource allocation and management.
- Comprehensive Management Tools: Offers a rich set of tools for effective virtualization management.
Cons:
- High Cost: Licensing for advanced features can be expensive, and the free edition lacks many advanced capabilities.
VMware ESXi is available as a paid solution, however, the business was taken over by Broadcom in November 2023 and the new owners have made the package difficult to get. The Free edition was deprecated in February 2024 and the paid products are only available through partner sellers, such as CloudVista. However, those outlets don’t offer free trials of VMware products at the moment. You can contact the VMware sales team to find out more.
EDITOR'S CHOICE
VMware ESXi is our top pick for a hypervisor because it is a bare-metal hypervisor that allows organizations to run multiple virtual machines directly on server hardware without needing an underlying operating system. This architecture maximizes performance and resource efficiency, making it ideal for data centers and large-scale deployments. ESXi integrates seamlessly with VMware’s vSphere suite, offering advanced management capabilities and tools for monitoring, scaling, and automating virtual environments. One of the standout features of ESXi is its strong security model, which includes encryption, secure boot, and role-based access controls, ensuring that workloads are protected. The platform supports a wide range of guest operating systems, enhancing its versatility for various applications. VMware ESXi is particularly recommended for enterprises seeking reliability and high availability, especially those already invested in the VMware ecosystem. However, it comes with a higher cost for licensing and advanced features, which may be a consideration for smaller businesses. Also, Broadcom has made VMware difficult to get right now.
OS: Bare-metal, including cloud platforms
2. Microsoft Hyper-V
Microsoft Hyper-V is a virtualization platform integrated into Windows Server and Windows 10 Pro and Enterprise editions. It enables users to create and manage virtual machines, offering an efficient way to consolidate workloads and enhance resource utilization.
Key Features:
- Native Integration with Windows Server: Seamless integration with existing Windows infrastructure enhances usability.
- Live Migration of Virtual Machines: Allows for the moving of running virtual machines between hosts without downtime.
- Dynamic Memory Allocation: Optimizes memory usage by automatically adjusting memory assigned to VMs based on their needs.
- Virtual Networking Capabilities: Provides advanced networking features for managing virtual network environments.
Why do we recommend it?
Hyper-V is recommended for its seamless integration with Microsoft products, making it an excellent choice for organizations already using Windows-based infrastructure. Its cost-effectiveness and comprehensive feature set provide significant value to businesses of all sizes.
I noted that Microsoft Hyper-V supports a variety of operating systems and workloads, providing businesses with flexibility in managing their virtual environments. Its integration with other Microsoft services enhances its appeal to organizations relying heavily on Windows platforms.
Who is it recommended for?
Hyper-V is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses, particularly those already invested in Microsoft technologies. It’s also suitable for organizations looking for a cost-effective virtualization solution with robust features for development and testing environments.
Pros:
- Intuitive Management Interface: User-friendly tools make it easy to manage virtual environments.
- Wide Range of Guest OS Support: Compatible with various operating systems, not just Windows.
- Good Performance and Scalability: Handles workloads efficiently and scales well with growth.
- Advanced Storage Features: Supports Storage Spaces and SMB for enhanced storage management.
Cons:
- Less Community Support: Compared to some competitors, community resources are limited.
Microsoft Hyper-V is included with Windows Server and Windows 10 Pro/Enterprise editions. It is a paid solution but does not have a free trial. Organizations can leverage its features within their existing infrastructure without additional costs.
3. KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine)
KVM is an open-source virtualization technology built into the Linux kernel. It allows users to turn their Linux machine into a hypervisor, supporting various guest operating systems. KVM is widely adopted for its performance and flexibility.
Key Features:
- Open-Source Architecture: Fully open-source, allowing for customization and flexibility in implementation.
- Support for Multiple Guest Operating Systems: Can run various operating systems, including Linux and Windows, on the same host.
- Kernel Integration for High Performance: Built into the Linux kernel, offering low overhead and high efficiency.
Why do we recommend it?
KVM is recommended for its robust performance, strong integration with Linux, and extensive support for a variety of guest OS. Its open-source nature allows for customization, making it ideal for developers and advanced users seeking flexibility in their virtualization solutions.
I learned that this system is built into the Linux kernel, offering reliable virtualization for servers. Its compatibility with various management tools, such as oVirt and OpenStack, extends its functionality and use cases in different environments.
Who is it recommended for?
KVM is ideal for organizations that prefer open-source solutions and are already using Linux servers. It’s well-suited for tech-savvy users, developers, and enterprises looking for a customizable virtualization platform.
Pros:
- Live Migration Capabilities: Supports moving running virtual machines between hosts without service interruption.
- Extensive Networking Features: Provides powerful networking options, including bridge and NAT configurations.
- Strong Community Support: An active community offers extensive documentation and troubleshooting help.
Cons:
- Requires Linux Expertise to Manage: Users need a good understanding of Linux systems for optimal setup.
KVM is free to use as part of the Linux kernel, making it accessible for all users. It can run on most Linux distributions, requiring a compatible 64-bit processor with virtualization support. There’s no trial period, as it’s open-source. More information can be found here.
4. Xen
Xen is an open-source hypervisor that supports virtualization for various operating systems. It enables users to run multiple guest OS instances on a single host, offering both paravirtualization and hardware-assisted virtualization capabilities.
Key Features:
- Paravirtualization and Hardware Virtualization: Supports both types, allowing flexibility based on workload requirements.
- Strong Isolation Between Virtual Machines: Ensures security and performance by isolating VMs from one another.
- Extensive Network and Storage Features: Offers comprehensive networking options and support for multiple storage types.
Why do we recommend it?
Xen is recommended for its robust architecture and versatility in supporting various workloads. Its open-source nature allows for extensive customization, making it suitable for users who require a flexible virtualization solution tailored to their specific needs.
I discovered that Xen’s architecture supports both lightweight virtual machines and traditional server workloads, making it a versatile choice for various applications. Its strong security features and isolation capabilities make it suitable for cloud environments and sensitive data processing.
Who is it recommended for?
Xen is well-suited for enterprises, cloud providers, and developers looking for an open-source virtualization solution. It’s particularly beneficial for those needing a high level of customization and control over their virtual environments.
Pros:
- High Performance with Minimal Overhead: Efficient resource management results in superior performance.
- Live Migration Support: Facilitates the movement of VMs across hosts without downtime.
- Flexible Architecture Supports Various Workloads: Capable of managing both lightweight and traditional server workloads.
Cons:
- Limited Support for Windows Guests: Primarily designed for Linux environments, which can restrict Windows use.
Xen is free to use as an open-source project and can be deployed on various Linux distributions. There is no trial period, but users must have a compatible 64-bit processor and some familiarity with Linux administration. More details can be found here.
5. Oracle VirtualBox
Oracle VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization software that allows users to run multiple operating systems on their desktop or laptop. It’s widely used for development, testing, and educational purposes due to its ease of use and cross-platform support.
Key Features:
- Cross-Platform Compatibility: Runs on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
- Support for Multiple Guest OS: Can host a wide range of operating systems, making it versatile for different needs.
- Snapshot and Cloning Features: Allows users to create backups of VMs and clone them for testing and development.
Why do we recommend it?
VirtualBox is recommended for its user-friendly interface and cross-platform capabilities, making it accessible to beginners and advanced users alike. Its extensive features provide significant flexibility for developers and IT professionals looking to create virtual environments quickly.
I observed that Oracle VirtualBox provides a versatile solution for users needing to run different operating systems for development or testing. Its simplicity and rich feature set make it an excellent choice for individuals and small teams.
Who is it recommended for?
VirtualBox is ideal for developers, testers, and anyone looking to run multiple OS environments on a single machine. It’s particularly useful for students and hobbyists who want to experiment with different systems without heavy resource requirements.
Pros:
- Free and Open-Source: Completely free to use, making it accessible for all users.
- User-Friendly Interface: Simple design enables quick learning and effective management.
- Virtual Networking Capabilities: Offers various networking options, including bridged and NAT networks.
Cons:
- Performance May Lag Compared to Enterprise Solutions: Not as robust for high-demand environments.
Oracle VirtualBox is completely free to use across various platforms, including Windows, macOS, and Linux. It has no trial limitations, making it accessible for all users. It requires a compatible operating system and hardware. Read about installing VirtualBox in our guide.
6. XenServer
XenServer is a powerful, enterprise-grade virtualization platform developed by Citrix, based on the open-source Xen hypervisor. It enables organizations to run multiple virtual machines on a single physical host, optimizing resource utilization and streamlining management for both small and large-scale deployments.
Why do we recommend it?
We recommend XenServer for its strong performance, advanced security features, and extensive support for enterprise environments. I noticed that its integration with Citrix products enhances functionality, making it a top choice for businesses seeking a reliable and efficient virtualization solution.
Key Features:
- Paravirtualization and Hardware Virtualization: Supports both methods, allowing optimized performance tailored to various workloads.
- Live Migration: Facilitates seamless migration of running virtual machines between hosts without any downtime.
- Advanced Networking Features: Offers a variety of networking options, including virtual switches and VLAN support.
XenServer is recognized for its scalability and flexibility, appealing to organizations implementing virtualized data centers and cloud services. Its robust community and Citrix support provide valuable resources for users navigating the platform.
Who is it recommended for?
XenServer is ideal for enterprises and service providers needing a powerful virtualization solution. It is based on the free Xen system but is packaged by Citrix, so if you don’t want the hassle of all the detailed technical work of setting up Xen, this is a good choice.
Pros:
- High performance with minimal overhead: Efficient resource allocation leads to superior VM performance.
- Strong Isolation: Ensures high levels of security and stability by isolating virtual machines effectively.
- Management Tools: Features a user-friendly interface for managing virtual environments, making administration easier.
Cons:
- Limited support for Windows guest environments: Primarily optimized for Linux workloads, which may restrict Windows use.
XenServer offers a Premium Edition that includes advanced features such as enhanced performance management, comprehensive monitoring, and 24/7 support, making it suitable for mission-critical environments. You can assess the package for 90 days with the Trial Edition.
7. Proxmox VE
Proxmox VE is an open-source virtualization management platform that integrates KVM and LXC for a comprehensive virtualization solution. It provides an easy-to-use web interface and is designed for managing virtual machines and containers efficiently.
Key Features:
- Integrated KVM and LXC Support: Creates a hypervisor and/or containers.
- Web-Based Management Interface: User-friendly GUI allows easy management of virtual environments.
- Backup and Restore Functionalities: Simplifies data protection with built-in backup options.
Why do we recommend it?
Proxmox VE is recommended for its all-in-one approach to virtualization, combining both KVM and container-based virtualization. Its web-based management interface simplifies operations, making it a great choice for both beginners and experienced users looking for powerful virtualization tools.
I found that Proxmox VE provides a versatile and scalable virtualization environment, suitable for data centers and smaller setups alike. Its combination of KVM and LXC enables diverse workload management, appealing to a wide range of users. The package also includes storage management solutions.
Who is it recommended for?
Proxmox VE is ideal for small to medium-sized businesses and educational institutions looking for a cost-effective virtualization solution. It’s also suitable for home labs and developers seeking to manage multiple virtual environments easily.
Pros:
- Completely Free and Open-Source: No cost for the software, making it accessible for all users.
- Clustering and High Availability Features: Supports clustering for resource management and high availability setups.
- Support for Software-Defined Storage: Integrates with various storage solutions for enhanced data management.
Cons:
- Less Widespread Adoption Than Some Competitors: Fewer users may mean less community support.
Proxmox VE is free to use, but there are also four paid editions available that have more enterprise features. This is a Type 2 hypervisor that is designed to run on top of Debian Linux. Download for free.
