VMware Workstation alternatives: 6 apps ranked by verified data
Common reasons people leave VMware Workstation: closed source, unlike VirtualBox or QEMU, and downloads require a Broadcom Support Portal account. We ranked 6 alternatives by how directly each one replaces VMware Workstation, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. VirtualBox currently ranks first.
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Show all 6 alternativesThe best VMware Workstation alternative for…
The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.
Best VMware Workstation alternative for most people
VirtualBoxFree and open source, runs on Windows, Linux and Mac, with a similar VM manager GUI.
Best VMware Workstation alternative for a free option
virt-managerOpen-source KVM manager for Linux hosts with near-native VM performance.
Best VMware Workstation alternative for open source
GNOME BoxesSimpler free VM app for Linux desktops when you just need a quick guest OS.
Best VMware Workstation alternative for Mac
QEMUOpen-source emulator and virtualizer that can also emulate other CPU architectures.
Best VMware Workstation alternative for Windows
VirtualBoxFree and open source, runs on Windows, Linux and Mac, with a similar VM manager GUI.
Best VMware Workstation alternative for Linux
VirtualBoxFree and open source, runs on Windows, Linux and Mac, with a similar VM manager GUI.
VMware Workstation alternatives: common questions
What is the best alternative to VMware Workstation?
VirtualBox ranks first right now. Free and open source, runs on Windows, Linux and Mac, with a similar VM manager GUI. virt-manager and QEMU follow it in our ranking.
Is there a free alternative to VMware Workstation?
Yes. VirtualBox (open source), virt-manager (open source), QEMU (open source) and GNOME Boxes (open source) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.
Is there an open-source alternative to VMware Workstation?
Yes: VirtualBox, virt-manager, GNOME Boxes and UTM.
Which VMware Workstation alternatives work on Linux?
VirtualBox, virt-manager, QEMU and GNOME Boxes run on Linux.
Why do people switch from VMware Workstation?
The complaints we hear most: closed source, unlike VirtualBox or QEMU; downloads require a Broadcom Support Portal account; free users get no support tickets, only docs and forums.
How is this list ranked?
Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces VMware Workstation, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.