VMware is probably the best virtualization platform out there. However, it is not possible for all businesses and individuals to afford it. Despite that, many businesses require virtualization benefits. Hence, it makes sense to look for the best VMware alternative in 2025.
In fact, with the right virtualization platform, you will be able to optimize your resources and reduce costs. This way, you will get the chance to scale your business higher. Also, you do not have to manage different workloads across different environments.
Read on to get a better idea about the best VMware alternatives. Also, you will learn about the most helpful features of each of those virtualization platforms.
Why Even Look for the Best VMware Alternatives?
There is no doubt that VMware is the best virtualization platform available right now. However, the biggest challenge is its cost. Primarily, the licensing cost of VMware is extraordinarily high. Hence, this poses a limitation for small and medium-sized businesses. Therefore, those businesses must look for the best vmware alternatives that are recognized by Gartner.
The following are some of the major drawbacks of the VMware platform:
1. Complex and Costly Licensing
When it comes to VMware licensing, you have to factor in a variety of features, editions, and add-ons. In general, users struggle with what licenses to choose for their business. Hence, it leads to further costs for the company. As a result, when they want to manage those licenses, it becomes more difficult for them.
2. High Resource Requirements
In general, VMware requires a lot of hardware. Hence, it raises the cost of maintenance and upgrades for businesses.
3. Vendor Lock-In
VMware seldom leads to vendor lock-in. Thereby, it limits the flexibility of usage. Hence, businesses find it hard to switch to other platforms.
4. Lack of Integration Options
Some VMware tools might not integrate with third-party solutions. Hence, it leads to compatibility issues.
5. Steep Learning Curve
Although VMware is powerful, it is also complex at the same time. Hence, specialized training and skills are necessary for usage. Therefore, a steep learning curve becomes a barrier for small IT teams.
What Makes the Best VMware Alternative?
The following are some of the major factors you must look into if you want to find the best VMware alternatives and vmware competitors:
1. Automation
The best virtual machine software comes with automation options. This way, you will be able to streamline tasks and reduce errors.
2. Cost
With the help of effective cost management, you will be able to monitor and optimize your resources. Thereby, you will get the best value from your infrastructure. Also, you will be able to avoid waste.
3. Scalability
Primarily, you must choose a solution that grows with your demands. This holds true for both small and large businesses.
4. Reliability and Performance
A good virtualization platform must be stable and perform at an optimum level. Hence, make sure it handles your workload without downtime.
5. Integration Options
The virtualization software you choose must seamlessly integrate with other tools and platforms. For instance, integration with security tools, cloud platforms, and backup environments is critical.
6. Compatibility
The best virtualization software must be compatible with your existing system. This includes operating systems, applications, and hardware.
5 Best VMware Alternatives to Look for in 2025
The following are some of the best alternatives to VMware you must look for in 2025:
1. Sangfor HCI – Hyperconverged Infrastructure
Sangfor HCI is one of the best budget friendly alternatives of VMware that MSMEs are preferring because of the increased license cost.With this hyperconverged infrastructure, you will get computing, storage, and virtualization into one system. Moreover, it comes with a 3rd-generation cloud computing architecture. Also, it helps your business to reduce TCO (total cost of ownership) by 70%. That is why Sangfor is one of the best VMware Alternatives.
Basically, it simplifies your operations on virtual platforms. In addition to that, it also comes with strong security features.
The following are some of the major features of Sangfor HCI:
- Easy operation and quick installation.
- Seamless integration with most platforms on the market.
- You will be able to build your own private cloud. Also, you will be able to extend your public cloud.
2. Microsoft Hyper-V
Primarily, it is a Type 1 hypervisor that enables users to develop and manage VMs for hardware virtualization on their physical servers. Apart from that, it also supports other virtualization models. In addition to that, it integrates seamlessly with Azure and Windows Server.
The following are the major features of Microsoft Hyper-V:
- Best for organizations of all sizes.
- Integrates well with Microsoft tools, System Center, and Azure.
- Hybrid cloud solutions are available with Azure.
- It comes with strong security features in the form of Shielded VMs.
- It has simple licensing options.
3. Citrix Hypervisor
This Type 1 hypervisor is quite similar to the vSphere ESXi of VMware. However, it comes at a really low TCO (total cost of ownership). Hence, it can be considered as an option for small businesses looking for virtualization.
The following are some of the major features of Citrix Hypervisor:
- Easy integration with Citrix systems.
- Highly scalable and cost-effective at the same time.
- With GPU virtualization, you will be able to perform graphics-intensive workloads.
- Comes with strong protection options for your VM.
- Despite hardware failures, VMs continue to operate due to high availability.
4. Nutanix Acropolis Hypervisor (AHV)
This is also a Hyperconverged Infrastructure system. Basically, it combines computing, storage, and virtualization into one system. Being a Type 1 hypervisor, the AHV operates directly on the hardware. Also, you will be able to manage it from Nutanix Prism.
The following are some of the major features of the Nutanix Acropolis Hypervisor:
- It is much affordable than VMware.
- Your data will be close to your systems. Hence, there will be higher performance and lower latency.
- It is easier to maintain. Apart from that, it reduces downtime due to easy upgrades across the stack.
- By adding nodes, you will be able to scale the platform easily. Hence, you will get flexible growth without facing complexities.
5. Proxmox VE
This virtualization platform is open-source. Hence, it is great for Linux-based systems that work in enterprise-level environments. In fact, with the help of KVM hypervisor and Linux Containers, you will be able to isolate your VMs. Also, you will be able to utilize lightweight Linux containers within the same system.
The following are some of the major features of Proxmox VE:
- Easily integrates with KVM and LXC.
- It is an open-source virtualization platform.
- You will benefit from consistent CPU performance.
- Supports a lot of operating systems, like Windows, macOS, Solaris, Android x86, BSD Variants, and ReactOS.
- You will also get access to enterprise-class features. In general, these include live migration, high availability clustering, software-defined storage, etc.
Get Your VMware Alternative Now
If VMware is too complex and expensive for you, it is time to look for the best VMware alternative. Hence, the best option (both financially and functionally) is Sangfor HCI. However, if you want to go with your scalable options, you might choose from the rest.
Do you have more VMware alternatives to suggest? Please share your recommendations in the comments section below.