Want to cut right to the case? If you are looking for increased efficiency, VMware is the best option. On the other hand, if you are looking for virtualization for both hardware and software, VirtualBox is the best option.
Virtualization has become a big part of the software and operating system testing in today’s IT-driven world. You can now run multiple operating systems on the same devices and machines.
It reduces the physical dedicated servers as underlying OS are created with virtualization tools.
The top two virtualization platforms are VMware and VirtualBox. Both platforms have benefits and drawbacks. It’s important to compare these factors before deciding which one to pick.
The virtualization services rendered by VMware and VirtualBox have become an important part of the IT infrastructure of every business. So, let’s dive deep into which one is best for use.
Main Differences Between VMware and VirtualBox (Summarized)
Here’s a table that highlights the main differences between VMware and VirtualBox;
| VMware | VirtualBox | |
| User Interface | Graphical User Interface (GUI) and Command Line VMware | Graphical User Interface (GUI) and Command Line Interface (CLI) |
| Video Memory | VMware vide memory is limited to 2GB | Its video memory is limited to 128MB |
| License | Free license to VMware Workstation Player with a paid license to VMware products | Free license to VirtualBox service under GNU General Public License |
| Virtual Disk Format | VMware supports Virtual Machine Disk (VMDK) | VirtualBox supports Virtual Disk Image (VDI), Virtual Machine Disk (VMDK), and Virtual Hard Disk (VHD) |
| Host Operating System | VMware is available on Linux and Windows. You will have to install VMware Fusion Pro for Mac devices. | VirtualBox is available on various operating systems such as Windows, Linux, macOS, Solaris, and FreeBSD |
VMware vs VirtualBox: Features and Capabilities
VMware and VirtualBox differ in features and capabilities. So, here are some key highlights;
Key Features and Capabilities of VMware:
Here’s a breakdown of VMware’s key features and capabilities;
- Virtual Cloud Network: access to a seamless and more secure networking layer
- Multi-Cloud: access to a framework that controls the multi-cloud environment
- Digital Workspace: it unifies the administration of all end-user environments
- Personal Desktop: create and run virtual machines on single operating systems
- Disaster Recovery Management: design recovery plans for system breakdown
- Share Storage Support: access to virtualization features for software storage
- Host Resources: it helps to run the proper functioning of operating systems
- 3D Graphics Support: it utilizes open GL and DirectX to provide 3D graphics support
Key Features and Capabilities of VirtualBox:
Here’s a breakdown of VirtualBox’s key features and capabilities;
- Corporate Compliance: it enables corporate IT to define and maintain the default host
- Software Additions: install software packages on certified VirtualBox guest VMs
- Hardware Support: it supports a multi-screen solution, guest SMP, and USB devices
- Open-Source Software: provides virtualization capable to offer services on the host OS
- Virtual Machine Groups: users can organize virtual machines individually & collectively
- Extension Pack: incorporate more features like remote desktop protocol
- Virtual Disk Format: provides support for various virtual disk formats
VMware vs VirtualBox: Pricing
VMware and VirtualBox differ in pricing. So, here’s what you need to know;
VMware Pricing Details:
- VMware Workstation Player – $0 for personal & educational use
- VMware Workstation Player – $149.99 for commercial use
- VMware Fusion – $159.99
- VMware Workstation Pro – $199.00
Note: The VMware Workstation Pro plan is ideal for large-scale businesses and projects.
VirtualBox Pricing Details:
- Free – $0 for personal, educational, and commercial use
Note: VirtualBox offers free open-source service under GNU General Public License.
Reasons to Choose VMware over VirtualBox:
Here are the reasons why you should choose VMware over VirtualBox;
- You can easily add a new virtual machine
- VMware supports Virtual Network Editor
- VMware offers a better 3D graphic support
- VMware provides out-of-the-box USB device support
- VMware enables optimal data center space utilization to reduce cost
- The software is great for cloud computing and testing through fast roll block
- VMware supports host-only networks and Network Address Translation (NAT)
- VMware offers increased efficiency by enabling each program to run independently
Reasons to Choose VirtualBox over VMware:
Here are the reasons why you should choose VirtualBox over VMware;
- VirtualBox is more versatile when it comes to disk format
- The installation and setup of VirtualBox are simple and easy
- VirtualBox provides virtualization for both hardware and software
- VirtualBox supports a wide scope of operating systems
- Virtual Box gives the option to limit the virtual machine’s CPU time
- Users can resize the display window and still see everything
- It offers increased effectiveness and lower virtualization cost
- You can easily restore the state of a virtual machine with snapshots for free
- It enables users to run numerous operating systems simultaneously
The Similarities between VMware and VirtualBox
Here are some of the major similarities between VMware and VirtualBox;
- Both VMware and VirtualBox support 3D graphics
- They both have a wide range of network modes
- Both VMware and VirtualBox have USB device support
- VirtualBox and VMware support hardware virtualization
- They both support taking multiple snapshots of the virtual machine
- They both support pre-allocated and dynamic-allocated virtual disks
- When it comes to disk format, they both support Virtual Machine Disk (VMDK)
- They both support guest operating systems like Linux, Windows, and macOS
As you can see, both VMware and VirtualBox have a lot to offer with virtualization.
VMware and VirtualBox Alternatives
Here are notable alternatives to VMware and VirtualBox;
- Kernel Virtual Machine: a professional level and highly advanced virtualization program
- Parallels Desktop: offers seamless navigation and integration with macOS
- Portable VirtualBox: run any operating system from a USB stick with this software
- VMware ESXi: great for large enterprise virtual deployments
- OpenVZ: operating system-level virtualization technology for Linux
- QEMU: free and open-source emulator that emulates machine processor
- XenServer: a virtual machine software used by enterprises to host servers
- Microsoft Hyper-V: a powerful Microsoft hypervisor that operates on windows servers
- vSphere: it utilizes virtualization power to turn data centers into simplified computing
VMware vs VirtualBox: Final Verdicts
We can clearly see that VirtualBox offers more features and benefits than VMware. For instance, VMware only hardware virtualization while VirtualBox provides both hardware and software virtualization. VMware is mainly for personal use as it has limited functionality.
Also, VirtualBox supports a variety of virtual disk types, unlike VMware which supports a small number of disc formats. VMware is great if being used on a smaller scale. But VirtualBox is better for large-scale projects and enterprise-level virtualization is best.
With the knowledge you now have about VMware and VirtualBox, you have the option to choose based on infrastructure and personal preference. So, ensure you choose wisely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some helpful frequently asked questions;
Is VirtualBox faster than VMware?
No. VMware happens to be faster than VirtualBox. However, the hardware capabilities of the host machine will determine how fast the virtual network is when machines are operated.
What are the advantages of choosing VirtualBox over VMware?
VirtualBox is a free open-source tool that provides a simple user-friendly interface. It supports a wide range of disc formats needed for creating a new virtual machine. Also, it is available in software and hardware format.
When should I choose to use VMware over VirtualBox?
You should choose to use VMWare over VirtualBox if you’re running large-scale projects. It is also ideal for enterprises looking for high-performance virtualization.
Which Virtual Machine is the best?
Both virtual machines have their advantages and disadvantages. So, it is difficult to say one is the best. However, you can decide which one is best for you based on your preference.
Resource Links
- https://phoenixnap.com/kb/virtualbox-vs-vmware
- https://www.makeuseof.com/tag/best-virtual-machine-windows/
- https://www.nakivo.com/blog/vmware-vs-virtual-box-comprehensive-comparison/
- https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/difference-between-vmware-and-virtualbox/
- https://technologyadvice.com/blog/information-technology/vmware-vs-virtualbox/