Virtualbox vs. Vmware: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
VirtualBox is a free, open-source virtualization software for general use, while VMware offers a range of commercial virtualization products for enterprise solutions.
Key Differences
VirtualBox, an Oracle product, is known for its open-source nature and general-purpose virtualization, suitable for individual and small business use. VMware, on the other hand, offers a suite of commercial virtualization products, including VMware Workstation and VMware ESXi, catering to enterprise-level requirements.
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Nov 22, 2023
VirtualBox supports a wide range of guest operating systems and is popular for its ease of use and installation. VMware, while also supporting multiple operating systems, is recognized for its robust performance and stability, particularly in a professional or enterprise environment.
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Nov 22, 2023
In terms of cost, VirtualBox is a free solution, making it an attractive option for users with budget constraints. VMware offers a free version known as VMware Workstation Player, but its more advanced features are available in paid versions like VMware Workstation Pro and ESXi.
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Nov 22, 2023
VirtualBox is noted for its portability and ease of moving virtual machines across different host operating systems. VMware provides more advanced network customization and virtual networking features, advantageous for complex network simulations and enterprise applications.
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Nov 22, 2023
When it comes to community support and documentation, VirtualBox has an extensive user community and public documentation, useful for troubleshooting and learning. VMware, with its commercial focus, offers professional support and detailed documentation, beneficial for enterprise users requiring reliable support.
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Nov 22, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Nature and Use
Open-source, suitable for general use
Commercial, focused on enterprise solutions
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Nov 22, 2023
Operating System Support
Broad compatibility with guest OS
Robust support for multiple OS
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Nov 22, 2023
Ease of Use
User-friendly, easy to install
Professional-grade, stable performance
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Nov 22, 2023
Support and Documentation
Extensive user community, public documentation
Professional support, detailed documentation
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Nov 22, 2023
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Virtualbox and Vmware Definitions
Virtualbox
VirtualBox supports multiple guest operating systems.
VirtualBox made it easy to test my app on different OS versions.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Vmware
VMware provides commercial virtualization solutions.
Our company upgraded to VMware for its advanced features.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Virtualbox
VirtualBox is ideal for personal and small business use.
Our small office uses VirtualBox for cost-effective virtualization.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Vmware
VMware offers robust performance for enterprise environments.
VMware's stability is crucial for our data center operations.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Virtualbox
VirtualBox is an open-source virtualization software.
I use VirtualBox to run Linux on my Windows laptop.
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Nov 18, 2023
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Vmware
VMware is known for its professional-grade support.
We rely on VMware's customer support for our critical applications.
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Nov 18, 2023
Virtualbox
VirtualBox is popular for its portability.
Transferring my VMs was simple with VirtualBox's export feature.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Vmware
VMware supports complex network customizations.
Setting up a virtual network was efficient with VMware.
Shumaila Saeed
Nov 18, 2023
Virtualbox
VirtualBox offers snapshot functionality.
I regularly use snapshots in VirtualBox to save my VM states.
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Nov 18, 2023
Vmware
VMware includes products like Workstation and ESXi.
We use VMware ESXi for server virtualization.
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Nov 18, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
Is VirtualBox good for professional use?
VirtualBox is suitable for professional use, especially for individuals and small businesses.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can VMware run on any operating system?
VMware products are designed to run on most major operating systems.
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Nov 22, 2023
Does VirtualBox support Windows as a guest OS?
Yes, VirtualBox supports Windows as a guest operating system.
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Nov 22, 2023
Is VirtualBox easy to learn for beginners?
Yes, VirtualBox is user-friendly and suitable for beginners.
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Nov 22, 2023
Is VMware a good choice for large businesses?
Yes, VMware is well-suited for large businesses and enterprise environments.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can VMware emulate complex network environments?
Yes, VMware is excellent for emulating complex network environments.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can VMware be used for free?
VMware offers a free version, VMware Workstation Player, with limited features.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can VMware run multiple VMs simultaneously?
Yes, VMware can run multiple VMs simultaneously.
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Nov 22, 2023
How does VirtualBox handle networking?
VirtualBox provides basic virtual networking capabilities.
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Nov 22, 2023
Is it easy to transfer VMs in VirtualBox?
Yes, transferring VMs is straightforward in VirtualBox.
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Nov 22, 2023
Does VMware support snapshots?
Yes, VMware supports taking snapshots of VMs.
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Nov 22, 2023
How does VirtualBox perform with gaming?
VirtualBox may not be ideal for high-performance gaming.
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Nov 22, 2023
Does VMware provide good technical support?
VMware is known for its excellent technical and customer support.
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Nov 22, 2023
Is VirtualBox suitable for server virtualization?
VirtualBox can be used for server virtualization but is more limited compared to VMware.
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Nov 22, 2023
Is VMware suitable for software testing?
Yes, VMware is highly suitable for software testing and development.
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Nov 22, 2023
Does VMware offer cloud solutions?
Yes, VMware offers cloud solutions like VMware Cloud on AWS.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can VirtualBox run macOS as a guest?
Running macOS in VirtualBox may be possible but is typically against Apple's licensing terms.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can I run a virtual machine in VMware on a tablet?
Running VMware on a tablet depends on the tablet’s operating system and hardware capabilities.
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Nov 22, 2023
Can I use USB devices in VirtualBox?
Yes, VirtualBox supports USB device connectivity.
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Nov 22, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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