# Top 10 VMware Workstation Pro Alternatives & Competitors **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Number of Reviews:** 138 The Server Virtualization Software solutions below are the most common alternatives that users and reviewers compare with VMware Workstation Pro. Other important factors to consider when researching alternatives to VMware Workstation Pro include features. The best overall VMware Workstation Pro alternative is VirtualBox. Other similar apps like VMware Workstation Pro are Azure Virtual Machines, Google Compute Engine, Ubuntu, and Proxmox VE. VMware Workstation Pro alternatives can be found in [Server Virtualization Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/server-virtualization) but may also be in [Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/infrastructure-as-a-service-iaas) or [Operating Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/operating-system). ## Best Paid & Free Alternatives to VMware Workstation Pro - [VirtualBox](https://www.g2.com/products/virtualbox/reviews) - [Azure Virtual Machines](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-virtual-machines/reviews) - [Google Compute Engine](https://www.g2.com/products/google-compute-engine/reviews) - [Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews) - [Proxmox VE](https://www.g2.com/products/proxmox-ve/reviews) - [Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) - [SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite](https://www.g2.com/products/sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite/reviews) - [Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI)](https://www.g2.com/products/nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci/reviews) - [Vultr](https://www.g2.com/products/vultr/reviews) - [Red Hat OpenShift](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-red-hat-openshift/reviews) ## Top 10 Alternatives to VMware Workstation Pro Recently Reviewed By G2 Community Browse options below. Based on reviewer data, you can see how VMware Workstation Pro stacks up to the competition, check reviews from current & previous users in industries like Computer Software, Higher Education, and Information Services, and find the best product for your business. ### 1. [VirtualBox](https://www.g2.com/products/virtualbox/reviews) By Oracle **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 294 Oracle VM VirtualBox is a free, open-source, cross-platform virtualization software that enables users to run multiple operating systems simultaneously on a single device. Designed for IT professionals and developers, VirtualBox supports Windows, macOS, Linux, and Oracle Solaris as host operating systems, making it ideal for testing, development, demonstration, and deployment across diverse platforms. Key Features and Functionality: - Cross-Platform Compatibility: VirtualBox runs on various host operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, and Oracle Solaris, and supports a wide range of guest operating systems. - High Performance: The software leverages the latest in chip-level support for virtualization, including support for AMD, Intel, and Apple silicon processors, to provide faster execution times for guest operating systems. - 3D Graphics Support: VirtualBox includes VBoxSVGA and VMSVGA interfaces to improve 3D graphics performance. - USB Device Support: It implements a virtual USB controller, allowing users to connect arbitrary USB devices to virtual machines without installing device-specific drivers on the host. - Disk Image Encryption: VirtualBox supports 128 or 256-bit data encryption keys, enabling transparent encryption of data stored in hard disk images using the AES algorithm. - Remote Machine Display: The VirtualBox Remote Desktop Extension (VRDE) enables high-performance remote access to running virtual machines, supporting the Remote Desktop Protocol (RDP) with additional features like full client USB support. Primary Value and Solutions Provided: VirtualBox addresses several key challenges for its users: - Cost Reduction: By allowing multiple operating systems to run on a single device, VirtualBox reduces the need for multiple physical machines, thereby lowering hardware and operational costs. - Development Efficiency: Developers can test applications across different operating systems and versions using the same desktop environment, accelerating the development and testing process. - Simplified Software Distribution: Solution providers can distribute applications within a VirtualBox virtual machine, ensuring compatibility across various operating systems and versions without additional configuration. - Legacy Application Support: IT teams can extend the lifespan of legacy applications by running them on modern hardware through VirtualBox, avoiding the need for costly application rewrites or hardware replacements. - Secure Remote Access: VirtualBox facilitates secure access to restricted applications for remote workers by providing encrypted and isolated environments, ensuring data security and compliance without extensive rearchitecting of applications. In summary, Oracle VM VirtualBox offers a versatile and efficient solution for running multiple operating systems on a single device, enhancing development workflows, reducing costs, and providing secure, cross-platform compatibility for various IT needs. Reviewers say compared to VMware Workstation Pro, VirtualBox is: - Easier to set up - More usable Categories in common with VMware Workstation Pro: [Server Virtualization](https://www.g2.com/categories/server-virtualization) **Compare:** [VMware Workstation Pro vs VirtualBox](https://www.g2.com/compare/vmware-workstation-pro-vs-virtualbox) **Compare VirtualBox with other alternatives:** - [VirtualBox vs Azure Virtual Machines](https://www.g2.com/compare/azure-virtual-machines-vs-virtualbox) - [VirtualBox vs Google Compute Engine](https://www.g2.com/compare/google-compute-engine-vs-virtualbox) - [VirtualBox vs Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/compare/ubuntu-vs-virtualbox) - [VirtualBox vs Proxmox VE](https://www.g2.com/compare/proxmox-ve-vs-virtualbox) - [VirtualBox vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/compare/red-hat-enterprise-linux-vs-virtualbox) - [VirtualBox vs SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite](https://www.g2.com/compare/sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite-vs-virtualbox) - [VirtualBox vs Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI)](https://www.g2.com/compare/nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci-vs-virtualbox) - [VirtualBox vs Vultr](https://www.g2.com/compare/virtualbox-vs-vultr) - [VirtualBox vs Red Hat OpenShift](https://www.g2.com/compare/red-hat-red-hat-openshift-vs-virtualbox) ### 2. [Azure Virtual Machines](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-virtual-machines/reviews) By Microsoft **Average Rating:** 4.4/5 **Total Reviews:** 393 Azure Virtual Machines (VMs) are scalable, on-demand computing resources provided by Microsoft Azure, enabling users to deploy and manage virtualized Windows and Linux servers in the cloud. These VMs support a wide range of workloads, from simple web applications to complex enterprise solutions, offering flexibility and control over computing resources without the need for physical hardware maintenance. Key Features and Functionality: - Diverse VM Series: Azure offers various VM series tailored to specific needs: - General Purpose (D-series, B-series): Balanced CPU-to-memory ratio, suitable for web servers and small to medium databases. - Compute Optimized (F-series): High CPU-to-memory ratio, ideal for CPU-intensive tasks like batch processing. - Memory Optimized (E-series): High memory-to-CPU ratio, designed for in-memory applications and large databases. - Storage Optimized (L-series): High disk throughput and IOPS, perfect for big data and data warehousing. - GPU-enabled (N-series): Equipped with GPUs for graphics-intensive and machine learning workloads. - Operating System Support: Azure VMs support a broad range of operating systems, including various distributions of Linux and all supported versions of Windows Server. - Scalability and Availability: Features like Virtual Machine Scale Sets allow for automatic scaling of applications, and Availability Sets ensure high availability by distributing VMs across multiple physical servers. - Integrated Security: Built-in security features include Azure Security Center for threat detection and response, and compliance with various industry standards. - Cost Management: Options like Azure Reserved Virtual Machine Instances and Azure Hybrid Benefit help optimize costs, while Azure Spot Virtual Machines offer significant discounts for interruptible workloads. Primary Value and Solutions Provided: Azure Virtual Machines offer businesses the ability to quickly deploy and manage scalable computing resources without the overhead of maintaining physical hardware. This flexibility allows organizations to respond rapidly to changing demands, optimize costs through various pricing options, and ensure high availability and security for their applications. By leveraging Azure VMs, users can focus on developing and running their applications while Azure handles the underlying infrastructure, leading to increased operational efficiency and agility. Reviewers say compared to VMware Workstation Pro, Azure Virtual Machines is: - Slower to reach roi - More expensive - Easier to do business with Categories in common with VMware Workstation Pro: [Server Virtualization](https://www.g2.com/categories/server-virtualization) **Compare:** [VMware Workstation Pro vs Azure Virtual Machines](https://www.g2.com/compare/azure-virtual-machines-vs-vmware-workstation-pro) **Compare Azure Virtual Machines with other alternatives:** - [Azure Virtual Machines vs VirtualBox](https://www.g2.com/compare/azure-virtual-machines-vs-virtualbox) - [Azure Virtual Machines vs Google Compute Engine](https://www.g2.com/compare/azure-virtual-machines-vs-google-compute-engine) - [Azure Virtual Machines vs Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/compare/azure-virtual-machines-vs-ubuntu) - [Azure Virtual Machines vs Proxmox VE](https://www.g2.com/compare/azure-virtual-machines-vs-proxmox-ve) - [Azure Virtual Machines vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/compare/azure-virtual-machines-vs-red-hat-enterprise-linux) - [Azure Virtual Machines vs SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite](https://www.g2.com/compare/azure-virtual-machines-vs-sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite) - [Azure Virtual Machines vs Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI)](https://www.g2.com/compare/azure-virtual-machines-vs-nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci) - [Azure Virtual Machines vs Vultr](https://www.g2.com/compare/azure-virtual-machines-vs-vultr) - [Azure Virtual Machines vs Red Hat OpenShift](https://www.g2.com/compare/azure-virtual-machines-vs-red-hat-red-hat-openshift) ### 3. [Google Compute Engine](https://www.g2.com/products/google-compute-engine/reviews) By Google **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 951 Compute Engine enables you to create and run large-scale workloads on virtual machines hosted on Google Cloud. Get running quickly with pre-built and ready-to-go configurations or create machines of your own with the optimal amount of vCPU and memory required for your workload. Reviewers say compared to VMware Workstation Pro, Google Compute Engine is: - More expensive - Easier to set up Categories in common with VMware Workstation Pro: [Server Virtualization](https://www.g2.com/categories/server-virtualization) **Compare:** [VMware Workstation Pro vs Google Compute Engine](https://www.g2.com/compare/google-compute-engine-vs-vmware-workstation-pro) **Compare Google Compute Engine with other alternatives:** - [Google Compute Engine vs VirtualBox](https://www.g2.com/compare/google-compute-engine-vs-virtualbox) - [Google Compute Engine vs Azure Virtual Machines](https://www.g2.com/compare/azure-virtual-machines-vs-google-compute-engine) - [Google Compute Engine vs Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/compare/google-compute-engine-vs-ubuntu) - [Google Compute Engine vs Proxmox VE](https://www.g2.com/compare/google-compute-engine-vs-proxmox-ve) - [Google Compute Engine vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/compare/google-compute-engine-vs-red-hat-enterprise-linux) - [Google Compute Engine vs SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite](https://www.g2.com/compare/google-compute-engine-vs-sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite) - [Google Compute Engine vs Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI)](https://www.g2.com/compare/google-compute-engine-vs-nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci) - [Google Compute Engine vs Vultr](https://www.g2.com/compare/google-compute-engine-vs-vultr) - [Google Compute Engine vs Red Hat OpenShift](https://www.g2.com/compare/google-compute-engine-vs-red-hat-red-hat-openshift) ### 4. [Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews) By Canonical Ltd. **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 2,392 Super-fast, easy to use and free, the Ubuntu operating system powers millions of desktops, netbooks and servers around the world. Reviewers say compared to VMware Workstation Pro, Ubuntu is: - Easier to set up Categories in common with VMware Workstation Pro: [Server Virtualization](https://www.g2.com/categories/server-virtualization) **Compare:** [VMware Workstation Pro vs Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/compare/ubuntu-vs-vmware-workstation-pro) **Compare Ubuntu with other alternatives:** - [Ubuntu vs VirtualBox](https://www.g2.com/compare/ubuntu-vs-virtualbox) - [Ubuntu vs Azure Virtual Machines](https://www.g2.com/compare/azure-virtual-machines-vs-ubuntu) - [Ubuntu vs Google Compute Engine](https://www.g2.com/compare/google-compute-engine-vs-ubuntu) - [Ubuntu vs Proxmox VE](https://www.g2.com/compare/proxmox-ve-vs-ubuntu) - [Ubuntu vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/compare/red-hat-enterprise-linux-vs-ubuntu) - [Ubuntu vs SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite](https://www.g2.com/compare/sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite-vs-ubuntu) - [Ubuntu vs Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI)](https://www.g2.com/compare/nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci-vs-ubuntu) - [Ubuntu vs Vultr](https://www.g2.com/compare/ubuntu-vs-vultr) - [Ubuntu vs Red Hat OpenShift](https://www.g2.com/compare/red-hat-red-hat-openshift-vs-ubuntu) ### 5. [Proxmox VE](https://www.g2.com/products/proxmox-ve/reviews) By Proxmox **Average Rating:** 4.6/5 **Total Reviews:** 37 Proxmox Virtual Environment (Proxmox VE) is an open-source server virtualization platform that integrates Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) and Linux Containers (LXC) technologies. It enables users to deploy and manage virtual machines and containers through a unified web-based interface, offering a comprehensive solution for enterprise virtualization needs. Key Features and Functionality: - Integrated Virtualization: Combines KVM for full virtualization and LXC for lightweight containerization, allowing flexible deployment of various workloads. - Web-Based Management Interface: Provides an intuitive web interface for managing virtual machines, containers, storage, and networking, simplifying administrative tasks. - High Availability Clustering: Supports clustering of multiple nodes with high availability configurations, ensuring minimal downtime and enhanced reliability. - Live Migration: Enables live migration of virtual machines between cluster nodes without service interruption, facilitating maintenance and load balancing. - Backup and Restore: Offers integrated backup and restore functionalities for virtual machines and containers, ensuring data protection and disaster recovery readiness. - Software-Defined Storage and Networking: Includes support for various storage backends and advanced networking configurations, providing flexibility in infrastructure design. Primary Value and User Solutions: Proxmox VE addresses the need for a robust, scalable, and cost-effective virtualization solution in enterprise environments. By integrating multiple virtualization technologies and management tools into a single platform, it simplifies the deployment and administration of virtualized infrastructures. Its open-source nature ensures transparency and adaptability, allowing organizations to tailor the system to their specific requirements. The platform's high availability and live migration features minimize downtime, enhancing business continuity. Additionally, the comprehensive backup and restore capabilities safeguard critical data, providing peace of mind for IT administrators. Overall, Proxmox VE empowers businesses to optimize their IT resources, improve operational efficiency, and reduce costs associated with virtualization management. Categories in common with VMware Workstation Pro: [Server Virtualization](https://www.g2.com/categories/server-virtualization) **Compare:** [VMware Workstation Pro vs Proxmox VE](https://www.g2.com/compare/proxmox-ve-vs-vmware-workstation-pro) **Compare Proxmox VE with other alternatives:** - [Proxmox VE vs VirtualBox](https://www.g2.com/compare/proxmox-ve-vs-virtualbox) - [Proxmox VE vs Azure Virtual Machines](https://www.g2.com/compare/azure-virtual-machines-vs-proxmox-ve) - [Proxmox VE vs Google Compute Engine](https://www.g2.com/compare/google-compute-engine-vs-proxmox-ve) - [Proxmox VE vs Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/compare/proxmox-ve-vs-ubuntu) - [Proxmox VE vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/compare/proxmox-ve-vs-red-hat-enterprise-linux) - [Proxmox VE vs SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite](https://www.g2.com/compare/proxmox-ve-vs-sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite) - [Proxmox VE vs Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI)](https://www.g2.com/compare/nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci-vs-proxmox-ve) - [Proxmox VE vs Vultr](https://www.g2.com/compare/proxmox-ve-vs-vultr) - [Proxmox VE vs Red Hat OpenShift](https://www.g2.com/compare/proxmox-ve-vs-red-hat-red-hat-openshift) ### 6. [Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) By Red Hat **Average Rating:** 4.6/5 **Total Reviews:** 975 Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) is a enterprise operating system designed to provide a secure, stable, and high-performance environment for modern IT infrastructures. It supports a wide range of applications across physical, virtual, and cloud environments, making it a versatile choice for businesses of all sizes. Key Features and Functionality: - Security: RHEL offers live kernel patching, security profiles, and adheres to security standards certifications, ensuring a robust defense against vulnerabilities. - Consistent Lifecycle: The operating system follows a predictable lifecycle with three phases: full support, maintenance support, and an extended life phase, providing long-term stability and planning capabilities. - Cloud Integration: RHEL is optimized for cloud environments and collaborates with major cloud providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud, facilitating seamless workload migration and management. - Developer Access: Red Hat provides developers with free access to RHEL through the "Red Hat Enterprise Linux for Business Developers" platform, allowing up to 25 instances for development purposes. Primary Value and Solutions: RHEL addresses the need for a reliable and secure operating system that can handle diverse workloads across various environments. Its comprehensive security features mitigate risks, while the consistent lifecycle ensures long-term support and stability. The integration with leading cloud providers simplifies cloud adoption and management, and the provision of free developer access fosters innovation and accelerates application development. Overall, RHEL empowers organizations to build, deploy, and manage applications efficiently, aligning with business demands for production-readiness and operational excellence. Reviewers say compared to VMware Workstation Pro, Red Hat Enterprise Linux is: - Slower to reach roi - More expensive - Better at support Categories in common with VMware Workstation Pro: [Server Virtualization](https://www.g2.com/categories/server-virtualization) **Compare:** [VMware Workstation Pro vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/compare/red-hat-enterprise-linux-vs-vmware-workstation-pro) **Compare Red Hat Enterprise Linux with other alternatives:** - [Red Hat Enterprise Linux vs VirtualBox](https://www.g2.com/compare/red-hat-enterprise-linux-vs-virtualbox) - [Red Hat Enterprise Linux vs Azure Virtual Machines](https://www.g2.com/compare/azure-virtual-machines-vs-red-hat-enterprise-linux) - [Red Hat Enterprise Linux vs Google Compute Engine](https://www.g2.com/compare/google-compute-engine-vs-red-hat-enterprise-linux) - [Red Hat Enterprise Linux vs Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/compare/red-hat-enterprise-linux-vs-ubuntu) - [Red Hat Enterprise Linux vs Proxmox VE](https://www.g2.com/compare/proxmox-ve-vs-red-hat-enterprise-linux) - [Red Hat Enterprise Linux vs SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite](https://www.g2.com/compare/red-hat-enterprise-linux-vs-sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite) - [Red Hat Enterprise Linux vs Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI)](https://www.g2.com/compare/nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci-vs-red-hat-enterprise-linux) - [Red Hat Enterprise Linux vs Vultr](https://www.g2.com/compare/red-hat-enterprise-linux-vs-vultr) - [Red Hat Enterprise Linux vs Red Hat OpenShift](https://www.g2.com/compare/red-hat-enterprise-linux-vs-red-hat-red-hat-openshift) ### 7. [SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite](https://www.g2.com/products/sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite/reviews) By Scale Computing **Average Rating:** 4.7/5 **Total Reviews:** 320 Scale Computing is a global business with offices around the world, thousands of customers, and countless applications now running on Scale Computing Platform. Strategic partners include market leaders such as Google, Intel, APC Schneider, Lenovo, NEC, BCDVideo, and others. Some of the largest organizations in the world trust SC//Platform to run critical infrastructure, such as Hilton Hotels, Steel Dynamics, Farm Bureau Insurance, McDonald’s, Sumitomo Corporation, Delhaize, Holiday Inn, Air Liquide, and many others. Reviewers say compared to VMware Workstation Pro, SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite is: - Slower to reach roi - Better at support - Easier to do business with Categories in common with VMware Workstation Pro: [Server Virtualization](https://www.g2.com/categories/server-virtualization) **Compare:** [VMware Workstation Pro vs SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite](https://www.g2.com/compare/sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite-vs-vmware-workstation-pro) **Compare SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite with other alternatives:** - [SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite vs VirtualBox](https://www.g2.com/compare/sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite-vs-virtualbox) - [SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite vs Azure Virtual Machines](https://www.g2.com/compare/azure-virtual-machines-vs-sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite) - [SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite vs Google Compute Engine](https://www.g2.com/compare/google-compute-engine-vs-sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite) - [SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite vs Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/compare/sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite-vs-ubuntu) - [SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite vs Proxmox VE](https://www.g2.com/compare/proxmox-ve-vs-sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite) - [SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/compare/red-hat-enterprise-linux-vs-sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite) - [SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite vs Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI)](https://www.g2.com/compare/nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci-vs-sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite) - [SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite vs Vultr](https://www.g2.com/compare/sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite-vs-vultr) - [SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite vs Red Hat OpenShift](https://www.g2.com/compare/red-hat-red-hat-openshift-vs-sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite) ### 8. [Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI)](https://www.g2.com/products/nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci/reviews) By Nutanix **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 331 Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI) combines feature-rich software-defined storage with built-in virtualization in a turnkey hyperconverged infrastructure solution that can run any application at any scale. Reviewers say compared to VMware Workstation Pro, Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI) is: - Slower to reach roi - More expensive - Better at support Categories in common with VMware Workstation Pro: [Server Virtualization](https://www.g2.com/categories/server-virtualization) **Compare:** [VMware Workstation Pro vs Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI)](https://www.g2.com/compare/nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci-vs-vmware-workstation-pro) **Compare Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI) with other alternatives:** - [Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI) vs VirtualBox](https://www.g2.com/compare/nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci-vs-virtualbox) - [Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI) vs Azure Virtual Machines](https://www.g2.com/compare/azure-virtual-machines-vs-nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci) - [Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI) vs Google Compute Engine](https://www.g2.com/compare/google-compute-engine-vs-nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci) - [Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI) vs Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/compare/nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci-vs-ubuntu) - [Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI) vs Proxmox VE](https://www.g2.com/compare/nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci-vs-proxmox-ve) - [Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI) vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/compare/nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci-vs-red-hat-enterprise-linux) - [Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI) vs SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite](https://www.g2.com/compare/nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci-vs-sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite) - [Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI) vs Vultr](https://www.g2.com/compare/nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci-vs-vultr) - [Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI) vs Red Hat OpenShift](https://www.g2.com/compare/nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci-vs-red-hat-red-hat-openshift) ### 9. [Vultr](https://www.g2.com/products/vultr/reviews) By Vultr Holdings LLC **Average Rating:** 4.3/5 **Total Reviews:** 287 Vultr offers a standardized highly reliable high performance cloud compute environment with 14 datacenters around the globe. Reviewers say compared to VMware Workstation Pro, Vultr is: - Easier to set up - More usable Categories in common with VMware Workstation Pro: [Server Virtualization](https://www.g2.com/categories/server-virtualization) **Compare:** [VMware Workstation Pro vs Vultr](https://www.g2.com/compare/vmware-workstation-pro-vs-vultr) **Compare Vultr with other alternatives:** - [Vultr vs VirtualBox](https://www.g2.com/compare/virtualbox-vs-vultr) - [Vultr vs Azure Virtual Machines](https://www.g2.com/compare/azure-virtual-machines-vs-vultr) - [Vultr vs Google Compute Engine](https://www.g2.com/compare/google-compute-engine-vs-vultr) - [Vultr vs Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/compare/ubuntu-vs-vultr) - [Vultr vs Proxmox VE](https://www.g2.com/compare/proxmox-ve-vs-vultr) - [Vultr vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/compare/red-hat-enterprise-linux-vs-vultr) - [Vultr vs SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite](https://www.g2.com/compare/sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite-vs-vultr) - [Vultr vs Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI)](https://www.g2.com/compare/nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci-vs-vultr) - [Vultr vs Red Hat OpenShift](https://www.g2.com/compare/red-hat-red-hat-openshift-vs-vultr) ### 10. [Red Hat OpenShift](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-red-hat-openshift/reviews) By Red Hat **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 304 Red Hat OpenShift is a platform for creating and deploying any application, quickly and easily, on virtually any infrastructure. Reviewers say compared to VMware Workstation Pro, Red Hat OpenShift is: - Slower to reach roi Categories in common with VMware Workstation Pro: [Server Virtualization](https://www.g2.com/categories/server-virtualization) **Compare:** [VMware Workstation Pro vs Red Hat OpenShift](https://www.g2.com/compare/red-hat-red-hat-openshift-vs-vmware-workstation-pro) **Compare Red Hat OpenShift with other alternatives:** - [Red Hat OpenShift vs VirtualBox](https://www.g2.com/compare/red-hat-red-hat-openshift-vs-virtualbox) - [Red Hat OpenShift vs Azure Virtual Machines](https://www.g2.com/compare/azure-virtual-machines-vs-red-hat-red-hat-openshift) - [Red Hat OpenShift vs Google Compute Engine](https://www.g2.com/compare/google-compute-engine-vs-red-hat-red-hat-openshift) - [Red Hat OpenShift vs Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/compare/red-hat-red-hat-openshift-vs-ubuntu) - [Red Hat OpenShift vs Proxmox VE](https://www.g2.com/compare/proxmox-ve-vs-red-hat-red-hat-openshift) - [Red Hat OpenShift vs Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/compare/red-hat-enterprise-linux-vs-red-hat-red-hat-openshift) - [Red Hat OpenShift vs SC// HyperCore Virtualization Suite](https://www.g2.com/compare/red-hat-red-hat-openshift-vs-sc-hypercore-virtualization-suite) - [Red Hat OpenShift vs Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure (NCI)](https://www.g2.com/compare/nutanix-cloud-infrastructure-nci-vs-red-hat-red-hat-openshift) - [Red Hat OpenShift vs Vultr](https://www.g2.com/compare/red-hat-red-hat-openshift-vs-vultr) --- ## VMware Workstation Pro Alternatives FAQs ### Why do users choose VirtualBox over Workstation Pro? Users choose [VirtualBox](https://www.g2.com/products/virtualbox/reviews) over Workstation Pro primarily due to its zero cost and open-source licensing, making it accessible for individuals, students, and organizations with budget constraints. VirtualBox's ease of setup and use is highlighted in 3 reviews, with straightforward installation via ISO files and a simple user interface. Its broad guest OS support and cross-platform compatibility (Windows, macOS, Linux, Solaris) enable versatile testing and development environments without additional hardware. The active community-driven support and frequent updates ensure ongoing maintenance. Users appreciate features like snapshots, shared folders, and USB device support for practical daily use. Despite some performance and UI limitations, VirtualBox's free availability and sufficient functionality for many use cases drive its preference, especially for learning, testing, and smaller-scale virtualization needs, as reflected in multiple positive mentions and recommendations in 294 reviews. ### What are the best alternatives to Workstation Pro? The best alternatives to Workstation Pro include [VirtualBox](https://www.g2.com/products/virtualbox/reviews) (4.5/5 stars, 294 reviews), [Azure Virtual Machines](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-virtual-machines/reviews) (4.4/5 stars, 393 reviews), and [Google Compute Engine](https://www.g2.com/products/google-compute-engine/reviews) (4.5/5 stars, 952 reviews). Other notable alternatives are [Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews) (4.5/5 stars, 2393 reviews), [Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) (4.6/5 stars, 975 reviews), and [Proxmox VE](https://www.g2.com/products/proxmox-ve/reviews) (4.6/5 stars, 36 reviews). These alternatives offer a range of virtualization and cloud infrastructure capabilities with varying degrees of scalability, ease of use, and cost-effectiveness. ### Which Server Virtualization tools do reviewers recommend instead of Workstation Pro? Reviewers recommend [VirtualBox](https://www.g2.com/products/virtualbox/reviews) for its free, open-source nature, ease of use, and broad OS support, making it ideal for testing and development with 294 reviews and a 4.5-star rating. [Azure Virtual Machines](https://www.g2.com/products/azure-virtual-machines/reviews) is favored for its scalability, integration with Azure services, and flexible pricing, with 393 reviews and a 4.4-star rating. [Google Compute Engine](https://www.g2.com/products/google-compute-engine/reviews) is praised for its customizable machine types, reliable performance, and seamless integration with Google Cloud services, supported by 952 reviews and a 4.5-star rating. Additionally, [Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) and [Proxmox VE](https://www.g2.com/products/proxmox-ve/reviews) are recommended for enterprise-grade stability, security, and open-source flexibility. These alternatives provide robust virtualization management, cost-effective solutions, and strong support, making them preferred choices over Workstation Pro in various use cases. ### How does Workstation Pro compare to VirtualBox? According to G2, both [Workstation Pro](https://www.g2.com/products/vmware-workstation-pro/reviews) and [VirtualBox](https://www.g2.com/products/virtualbox/reviews) hold an equal average rating of 4.5 out of 5, with Workstation Pro having 138 reviews and VirtualBox 294 reviews. Workstation Pro scores higher in meeting requirements (9.4 vs 9.1), ease of administration (9.0 vs 8.4), support (8.7 vs 7.9), and ease of doing business (8.8 vs 8.3). VirtualBox leads slightly in usability (9.0 vs 8.9) and ease of setup (9.0 vs 8.6). Workstation Pro is praised for robust virtualization management, snapshot and cloning features, seamless integration with VMware vSphere, and stable performance, making it ideal for professional and complex environments. However, it demands higher system resources, has a steeper learning curve, and comes with a higher licensing cost. VirtualBox is favored for its free, open-source nature, broad OS support, ease of use, and straightforward setup, making it accessible for learning, testing, and smaller-scale projects. It is noted for some performance limitations, especially with graphics-intensive workloads, and occasional UI and networking configuration challenges. Overall, Workstation Pro offers advanced features and enterprise-grade capabilities with a premium price, while VirtualBox provides a cost-effective, versatile solution with slightly less polish in performance and support. ## Explore Articles - [Which vendor provides the fastest updates to business listings?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-vendor-provides-the-fastest-updates-to-business-listings) - [Best employee leave management system for HR departments](https://www.g2.com/discussions/best-employee-leave-management-system-for-hr-departments) - [Best MFT software for small business](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-s-the-best-mft-software-for-small-businesses) - [Expert-recommended MDR software for my company](https://www.g2.com/discussions/expert-recommended-mdr-software-for-my-company) - [Which is the best content analytics platform for marketers?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-is-the-best-content-analytics-platform-for-marketers) - [Best account orchestration solution for boosting sales](https://www.g2.com/discussions/best-account-orchestration-solutions-for-boosting-sales-performance) ## Spotlight Categories - [Background Check Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/background-check) - [Board Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/board-management) - [Multi-Country Payroll Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/multi-country-payroll)