The use of virtualization software when launching various operating systems on one computer has become very popular in the modern technological world and there is every reason for this. Virtualization means creating a virtual version of things, such as network resources or storage devices.
Thus, virtualization of the operating system allows computer hardware to run many images of the operating system at the same time. One of the most commonly used examples is testing software or applications in a different environment, and not on another computer. This can potentially save you some money by running multiple servers on the same computer.
In order to figure out which VirtualBox or VMWare to choose, first you need to familiarize yourself with each software in more detail. Only the main parameters, which are mainly paid by users when working, will be taken into consideration.
Virtualbox
What could be better than excellent, functional software. Especially if it's free. VirtualBox went through several different hands, but now belongs to Oracle. Open source software is therefore free and has a large number of backup features.
Considering the differences between Virtualbox and VMWare, you should consider the specifics of each software. This will determine the main benefits. According to the company's website, VirtualBox is "a universal, full-featured virtualizer for x86 hardware designed for servers, desktops, and embedded systems." Although it is specifically designed for Windows computers, it’s nice to note that it is also available on Mac and Linux.
Software Features
This product is a type 2 hypervisor, so it is virtualization host software that runs on an already installed operating system as an application. Instead, type 1 hypervisor is a host program running on the so-called bare metal. In essence, this means that the software runs on a computer without an operating system. When comparing VirtualBox and VMware in this regard, of course, the first program wins.
Some examples of type 1 hypervisors include Hyper-V, Xen, and OpenVZ. Type 1 hypervisors also run in cloud, server virtualization, and virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) environments. However, type 2 hypervisors run one guest virtual machine on local systems.
A VMWare or VirtualBox image can be downloaded for free from official sources. There are also extended versions, as well as special developments for programmers.
VirtualBox is loved as a type 2 hypervisor, mainly because it does not require rebooting the system to run another operating system on the computer or supporting the usually more expensive type 1 hypervisor systems.
Pros at work
This program integrates with the mouse pointer, which allows you to create instant save system. These saves allow you to download a personal computer or laptop from anywhere that you saved in history. It is also possible to split the clipboard between the virtualized and the host operating system. By choosing between VirtualBox and VMWare, the first program wins this parameter.
Several complaints about this virtualization software are based on the fact that its mode without settings is not the best, since it contains the entire toolbar of the guest OS.
VMware
The free version of VMWare is the main competitor of VirtualBox. It provides a secure and isolated environment for all software needs to virtualize new operating systems or test patches. While VirtualBox works with Windows, Mac, and Linux computers, VMWare works on Windows and Linux, but not Mac.
Using this software, users can “replicate” server, desktop and tablet environments in a virtual machine to simultaneously run applications on different operating systems without rebooting. When comparing VMware Workstation and VirtualBox, both programs are on the same level.
Program purpose
In fact, this software is intended for those who need to create and run virtual machines, but not on a large scale. It is also useful to know that this is a type 2 hypervisor, the same as VirtualBox.
With the free version, users get the opportunity to simply create new virtual machines, access to more than 200 supported guest operating systems, mass deployment, file sharing between hosts and guests, 3D graphics with support for DX10 and OpenGL 3.3, the ability to run encrypted virtual machines, and much more. When answering the question "Is VMWare better than VirtualBox?" this indicator can be given.
Despite the higher price, the Pro version offers several features that are not available to free users. Using VMWare Workstation Pro, you can connect to vSphere, ESXi, and other workstation servers to manage virtual machines and physical hosts.
Unique features
In addition, users can feel secure with this virtualization software by being able to encrypt and password protect virtual machines, as well as isolate corporate desktops from devices by disabling copy and paste, drag and drop, folder sharing and USB access -devices. If you choose between VirtualBox and VMWare Parallels, the second program will win this parameter.
With the free version, you can run encrypted virtual machines, but with Pro you can create and manage encrypted virtual machines. You can also run several virtual machines at the same time, share virtual machines as a server, take snapshots and use some other functions that are not available for free users.
Cost of versions
So, now about the costs that await those who are interested in the professional version of the software.
You can download the free 64-bit VMWare Workstation 12.5 Player for Windows from the company's website, claiming that this free version is available for non-commercial, personal and home use. They also attract students and non-profit organizations, so they offer good discounts on the purchase of a subscription and license key.
But commercial organizations must pay the licenses required to use Workstation Player.
If you need to purchase “Optimized PC Virtualization for Business” for Workstation 12.5, it will cost the user $ 149.99 (10 thousand rubles) or $ 79.99 (5 thousand rubles) to upgrade an existing version. If instead the client wants to purchase Workstation 12.5 Pro, he will be offered to buy for $ 249.99 (almost 17 thousand rubles).
Which program to choose
If you need to purchase virtualization software for a large company or organization, Workstation Pro is the right choice. It has received excellent reviews from thousands of users and is usually very reliable software. The software has a number of different useful features and is regularly updated.
VirtualBox really has good support because it is open source and completely free. Open source means that in recent releases there are sometimes errors, but usually they are fixed very quickly.
With a player, VMWare will have to wait until the company releases an update to fix errors, but in general this software turned out to be quite reliable, experts believe that it works more smoothly. There is a unique feature: users of the professional version can use the Convert VirtualBox to VMWare function, which allows you to transfer encoded files.
Users cannot unanimously choose one of these two products, most of them take into account their own preferences when working with programs. It is believed that VMWare Player provides the best drag and drop between the host and the virtual machine, however VirtualBox offers an unlimited number of saves (which is only available in VMWare Workstation Pro).
If enterprise solutions do not need a virtual machine, it is better to use VirtualBox as virtualization software. The program is easy to install, requires less resources, it is chosen by many people. If the client prefers a smoother interface and a more functional drag and drop between hosts, he should choose VMWare.