* [Topics](/en/topics "Topics") * [Virtualization](/en/topics/virtualization "Virtualization") * KVM vs. VMware KVM vs. VMware ============== Updated December 3, 2024•*6*-minute read Copy URL Jump to section --------------- KVM vs. VMwareKVM hypervisorVMware vSphereOther virtualization alternativesHow to choose the right hypervisorAdvantages of KVM over VMware vSphereWhy choose Red Hat? KVM vs. VMware -------------- A hypervisor provides the foundation for your virtualization platform by pooling computing resources and reallocating them among virtual machines (VMs). There are many options available when choosing a hypervisor—from traditional vendors to open source alternatives. VMware offers the ESXi hypervisor and vSphere virtualization platform, a proprietary bare-metal hypervisor. Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) is an open source hypervisor and runs on Linux® hosts. [Migrate your VMs to a KVM-based solution](/en/products/virtualization) KVM hypervisor -------------- [KVM](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-KVM) is an open source Linux technology that enables the Linux kernel to support virtualized workloads, effectively turning the host system into a [hypervisor](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-a-hypervisor) that can be used as an alternative to proprietary virtualization technologies. KVM is built into the Linux kernel, providing a user-friendly interface and easy deployment options. Migrating to a KVM-based [virtualization](/en/topics/virtualization) platform like Red Hat® OpenShift® Virtualization provides the assurance of comprehensive security features and reliability, as its source code is continuously refined and enhanced by a global community of experienced [open-source](/en/about/open-source) contributors. As you virtualize traditional applications and establish a foundation for cloud-native and container-based workloads with KVM, you gain from a constantly evolving platform enriched by the collective expertise and advancements of the open-source community. [Try Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/ocp-self-managed-trial) Recommended for you Why RHEL 10? An analysis of strategic value vs. Linux alternatives ------------------------------------------------------------------ [Watch the webinar](https://www.redhat.com/en/events/webinar/why-rhel-an-analysis-of-strategic-value-vs-linux-alternatives?percmp=RHCTG0250000455235) VMware vSphere -------------- VMware offers the ESXi hypervisor and vSphere virtualization platform. VMware ESXi is a proprietary bare-metal hypervisor that installs directly onto a physical server and helps you consolidate your hardware. The vSphere platform is a suite of virtualization components. It includes vCenter for server and infrastructure management and services like vMotion for live migration and vSAN for shared storage. VMware’s virtualization technologies let you create and provision virtual machines (VMs) so you can modernize your virtual environment to deliver and manage both new and traditional applications. Other virtualization alternatives --------------------------------- VMware and KVM-based [virtualization platforms](/en/topics/virtualization/how-to-choose-a-virtualization-platform) such as Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization cater to different sizes of workload, levels of support needed, and pricing considerations. Other virtualization platforms include: * **Hyper-V**: Microsoft’s virtualization platform is optimized for Windows environments. It requires Windows Server licensing to run and may not be as compatible with other operating systems. * **Nutanix**: Nutanix offers a specialized virtualization solution with features that support scalability and cloud-native development. However, this specialization can introduce a steep learning curve for some users. * **Proxmox VE**: This open source server management platform benefits from a large community of contributors, but enterprise-level support is only available as a commercial add-on. * **Oracle Virtualization:** Oracle Virtualization is an enterprise software based on KVM. Oracle also offers the Oracle VirtualBox hypervisor. How to choose the right hypervisor ---------------------------------- ### Performance One of the most important considerations is how the hypervisor’s performance will impact your infrastructure and the applications running on top of it. KVM and ESXi are both [type 1 hypervisors](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-a-hypervisor), which are most common in enterprise datacenters and other server-based environments thanks to their high performance capabilities. ESXi generally requires more overhead to create a virtual machine than KVM, which has fewer lines of code and more hardware compatibility options. ### Integration Hypervisors use specific methods to interact with the physical hardware of the host system, which depend on the type of hypervisor. Open-source hypervisors like KVM rely on the [Linux](/en/topics/linux) kernel for direct hardware interaction, leveraging kernel-based drivers to support a wide range of hardware architectures. A driver makes it possible to simulate hardware in a virtual environment. Proprietary hypervisors like VMware ESXi use tightly integrated drivers and hardware certification processes to ensure optimized performance. Separately, hypervisors also vary in how well they integrate into broader management ecosystems. KVM, for instance, is designed to work seamlessly with the board offering of open-source management tools, providing flexibility for users to build customized management processes and solutions. In contrast, VMware ESXi is tightly integrated with VMware’s management platform, including vCenter, to offer a unified experience for virtualization and operations. ### Cost Cost-effectiveness is a key differentiator between KVM and VMware virtualization solutions. KVM is part of many open source operating systems—KVM was merged into the Linux kernel in 2007, so if you’re using a modern version of Linux, you already have access to KVM. VMware requires you to purchase subscriptions for various VMware products and locks you into an enterprise license agreement (ELA). Although an ELA may save you money up front, it can increase your costs over time with only incremental gains in capacity and functionality in return. ### Maturity Both KVM and ESXi are mature and stable hypervisors that can support enterprise workloads. ### Scalability Both KVM and VMware ESXi are designed to support large-scale virtualization environments, each offering distinct scalability features. KVM, integrated into the Linux kernel, benefits from the kernel’s inherent scalability and supports a wide range of hardware architectures. It can handle large numbers of VMs efficiently, making it suitable for diverse enterprise level workloads. Likewise, VMware ESXi, provides significant scalability for virtual machines. This high level of scalability is advantageous for large enterprises requiring extensive virtualization capabilities. Both hypervisors offer features that cater to different scalability needs, allowing organizations to choose based on their specific requirements. ### Security Strengthening your hypervisor’s security throughout its lifecycle is critical. If an attacker reaches your hypervisor, they’re one step away from all your VMs and their data. VMware offers security features such as a firewall, infrastructure hardening, compliance monitoring and remediation, distributed lateral security, and confident cyber recovery. KVM uses a combination of [Security-Enhanced Linux (SELinux)](/en/topics/linux/what-is-selinux) and [secure virtualization (sVirt)](https://docs.redhat.com/en/documentation/red_hat_enterprise_linux/7/html/selinux_users_and_administrators_guide/chap-security-enhanced_linux-svirt) for enhanced VM security and isolation. SELinux establishes security boundaries around VMs. sVirt extends SELinux’s capabilities, allowing mandatory access control (MAC) security to be applied to guest VMs and preventing manual labeling errors. ### Support With VMware, you get enterprise-level support as part of your ELA. With KVM, you’re reliant on support from the open source community, your organization’s IT department, or [via enterprise level support from vendors such as Red Hat](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/virtualization). Advantages of KVM over VMware vSphere ------------------------------------- VMware offers a well-established, stable hypervisor with proven performance and advanced feature sets. But proprietary virtualization and vendor lock-in can consume your budget and limit your opportunities to invest in clouds, containers, and emerging technologies such as AI. By removing vendor lock-in with open source technology like KVM, you have the freedom, flexibility, and resources to build the foundation for cloud-native and containerized modernization. KVM is production ready for enterprise workloads with features that support your physical and virtual infrastructure. ### KVM benefits include: * No vendor lock-in, meaning you won’t pay for products you don’t use or restrict your software choices. * Cross-platform interoperability. KVM performs on many Linux distributions so you get more out of your existing infrastructure investments. * The simplicity of a single virtualization platform to migrate, and manage hundreds or thousands of VMs in many other hardware or software environments. * The open source advantage. Benefit from contributor-vetted code that provides flexibility to integrate with a wide range of systems, tailored to your specific environment and needs. * Existing features of the Linux operating system: + [Security](/en/topics/security) features + Memory [management](/en/topics/management) + Process scheduler + Device drivers + Network stack [Explore Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization as a VMware admin](https://cloud.redhat.com/learn/high-level-guide-red-hat-openshift-virtualization-vmware-admin) Why choose Red Hat for virtualization? -------------------------------------- This video can't play due to privacy settings To change your settings, select the "Cookie Preferences" link in the footer and opt in to "Advertising Cookies or try disabling adblockers." Is OpenShift Virtualization right for your VMs? Video duration: 1:57 KVM is the hypervisor behind Red Hat’s virtualization portfolio, and we continually improve the Linux kernel code with contributions to the KVM community. Get the flexibility and benefits of an open source hypervisor like KVM with the assurance of Red Hat’s enterprise experience and support, security features, and stability. We offer a complete solution to help you migrate VMs now—and run them with confidence. ### Migrate your VMs and maintain your momentum Red Hat’s trusted products and [partner ecosystem](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/virtualization/partners) deliver comprehensive [virtualization solutions](/en/products/virtualization). Migrate your virtual machines now to [Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/virtualization), a modern app platform–based on [KVM](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-KVM) and [KubeVirt](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-kubevirt)–that integrates virtual and containerized workloads to provide flexibility without added complexity. Or, for a dedicated virtualization solution, explore [Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization Engine](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/virtualization-engine), a streamlined, cost-effective offering to deploy, manage, and scale VMs exclusively. The included [migration toolkit for virtualization](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/virtualization-engine) provides the tools you need to start your migration in a few simple steps. #### Migrate to a KVM-based solution Explore the [interactive demo](/en/products/interactive-demo/migrate-virtual-machines) to learn how to create a migration plan. Need help? The [Virtualization Migration Assessment](/en/resources/virtualization-migration-assessment-datasheet) offers hands-on support from Red Hat Consulting to provide a clear roadmap and timeline for migrating your VMs. ### Automate your migration Use automation to accelerate delivery with [Red Hat Ansible® Automation Platform](/en/technologies/management/ansible/virtual-infrastructure-management)–from migration at scale to Day 2 operations and remediation. With this flexible approach, you can automate tasks to improve speed and efficiency of IT operations. ### Manage and modernize at your own pace Monitor the security and performance of your VMs from a single console with [Red Hat Advanced Cluster Management](/en/technologies/management/advanced-cluster-management). With additional support options and partner integrations, you can rely on Red Hat to keep your virtual infrastructure running smoothly throughout the hybrid cloud–and help you modernize when you’re ready. [Explore our virtualization solution](/en/products/virtualization) Resource Virtualization Migration Assessment ----------------------------------- Learn about how Red Hat Consulting can help provide a clear roadmap and timeline for migrating VMs away from traditional virtualization providers. [Get the resource](/en/resources/virtualization-migration-assessment-datasheet "Virtualization Migration Assessment") Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization -------------------------------- A feature of Red Hat OpenShift that seamlessly integrates virtual machines into a modern hybrid cloud infrastructure platform. [Learn more about this product](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/virtualization "Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization") Keep reading ------------ ### How to create a virtual machine with an instance type Find out how to create a virtual machine with an instance type in Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization using the Red Hat OpenShift console graphical user interface. [Read the article](/en/topics/virtualization/how-create-virtual-machine-instance-type "How to create a virtual machine with an instance type") ### What is a virtual machine (VM)? A virtual machine (VM) is an isolated computing environment created from a pool of hardware resources. [Read the article](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-a-virtual-machine "article | what is a virtual machine (VM)?") ### What is virtualization? Virtualization is a technology that allows you to create virtual, simulated environments from a single, physical machine. [Read the article](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-virtualization "article | what is virtualization?") Virtualization resources ------------------------ ### Related content * Blog post [Before starting a Virtualization Migration Assessment: A readiness framework for a successful outcome](/en/blog/starting-virtualization-migration-assessment-readiness-framework-successful-outcome) * Overview [Manufacturers combine modernization and continuity with Red Hat](/en/resources/anon-manufacturing-overview) * Blog post [Migrate your VMs faster with the migration toolkit for virtualization 2.11](/en/blog/migrate-your-vms-faster-migration-toolkit-virtualization-211) * Case study [Advent One modernizes IT with Red Hat](/en/resources/advent-one-case-study) ### Related articles * [Containers vs. VMs: Similarities, differences, and combined approaches](/en/topics/containers/containers-vs-vms) * [How to create a virtual machine with an instance type](/en/topics/virtualization/how-create-virtual-machine-instance-type) * [What is a virtual machine (VM)?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-a-virtual-machine) * [What's the difference between cloud and virtualization?](/en/topics/cloud-computing/cloud-vs-virtualization) * [What is virtualization?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-virtualization) * [Red Hat OpenShift on VMware](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/vmware) * [What is virtualization management?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-virtualization-management) * [How to migrate VMs from VMware to Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization](/en/technologies/cloud-computing/openshift/migrate-vmware-to-openshift-virtualization) * [What is virtual infrastructure management? And how can automation help?](/en/topics/automation/virtual-infrastructure-management) * [How to choose a virtualization platform](/en/topics/virtualization/how-to-choose-a-virtualization-platform) * [What is KVM?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-KVM) * [What is KubeVirt?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-kubevirt) * [What is live migration?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-live-migration) * [Why choose Red Hat for virtualization?](/en/topics/virtualization/why-choose-red-hat-for-virtualization) * [Why migrate virtual machines to Red Hat?](/en/topics/virtualization/why-migrate-your-virtual-machines-to-red-hat) * [What is a hypervisor?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-a-hypervisor) * [Learn everything you need to know about Open RAN](/en/topics/5g-networks/what-is-open-ran) * [VNF and CNF, what’s the difference?](/en/topics/cloud-native-apps/vnf-and-cnf-whats-the-difference) * [What is SD-WAN?](/en/topics/edge-computing/what-is-sd-wan) * [What is a radio access network?](/en/topics/5g-networks/what-is-radio-access-network) * [What is network virtualization?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-network-virtualization) * [What is hyperconverged infrastructure?](/en/topics/hyperconverged-infrastructure/what-is-hyperconverged-infrastructure) * [What is software-defined networking?](/en/topics/hyperconverged-infrastructure/what-is-software-defined-networking) * [What is NFV?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-nfv) * [What is container-native virtualization?](/en/topics/containers/what-is-container-native-virtualization) * [What is vRAN?](/en/topics/virtualization/what-is-vran) [More about this topic](/en/topics/virtualization "More about this topic")