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Almost every computer user has had the need (or just the curiosity; we’re not judging) to use a virtualization solution on their PC at some point. Perhaps to experiment with a different operating system without abandoning the current one, or to execute a program that is only available on one OS. In any case, Oracle’s VirtualBox is one of the most often used virtualization solutions. The fact that VirtualBox is open source and free, and that it operates on a variety of operating systems including Windows, Linux, OS X (now macOS), and others, is one of its numerous advantages over competing products.
The one caveat with VirtualBox is that, as is often the case with open source and free software, it is not necessarily the best solution available. In fact, they are frequently far from ideal, as is the case with VirtualBox. While VirtaulBox is a capable product, it suffers from poor performance and a lack of new features that the competition has incorporated quickly. If you’re seeking for more virtualization choices outside VirtualBox, keep reading to see our recommendations for the finest ones. However, be aware that some of them come with high price tags. Below we have mentioned some of the best VirtualBox Alternatives.
Best VirtualBox Alternatives
QEMU
QEMU is a free and open source virtual machine that works with the majority of host and guest operating systems. The name appears to stand for Quick Emulator, and it certainly lives true to its moniker. QEMU is available for Linux, Mac, and Windows hosts and works with the same guest operating system. It’s a simple install and fairly simple to set up. You now have complete control over your VM.
The disadvantage of QEMU is that it is not as simple to use as the other VirtualBox alternatives for Windows. There is documentation and assistance available, but it takes more working out than these other applications. Once installed, it is one of the most powerful non-Enterprise VM programs accessible. Overall, this is one of the best VirtualBox Alternatives that you can download. You can also read more information on its official website.
Parallels
Parallels was created with the intention of running Windows guests within MacOS hosts. This has now been expanded to accommodate all host operating systems and should work on any Intel-based computer. I didn’t find it as easy to use as VirtualBox or VMWare, but it does a good job of installing guest operating systems. It is also simple to set up, which is always a plus. This is the best VirtualBox Alternatives.
Parallels isn’t free; a household license costs $79.99, and a Pro license costs $99.99. That’s a hefty investment for the average home user, but if you’re interested virtualization and want to take it to the next level, or want optimum compatibility with MacOS hosts, this could be the device for you.
VMware Workstation Pro
When it comes to virtualization technology for operating systems, there is no other name that can compete with VMware’s features. VMware products are acknowledged for their work guarantee after more than 15 years in the business. VMware Workstation Pro (Download Here) is an enterprise-level software and a well-known name in the virtualization business.
The application may be a little pricey, but its great stability makes it one of the most popular virtualization solutions among both home and business customers. It has a variety of applications in information technology, ranging from testing to development to getting the most of an available server. It involves multiple configurations at first, but once set up, there is nothing more stable and trustworthy than VMware Workstation Pro. For now, this is one of the best VirtualBox Alternatives you can consider.
Xen
Computers are exceptional sources of technology, providing significant advancement to people’s lives and well-being. Technology has progressed significantly over the years, allowing for large-scale system manipulation. The utilization of several platforms is what distinguishes and makes computers so important. When it comes to VirtualBox alternatives, XenServer (Download Here) merits special notice. This multi-functional program provides the best virtualization solution without requiring the user’s computer’s hardware to be changed. It is capable of mimicking common platforms like as IA-64, IA-32, PowerPC 970, x86-64, and x86. Currently, this is the best VirtualBox Alternatives you can check now.
Windows Virtual PC
This is yet another useful virtualization program that operates on Windows hardware. Microsoft created it solely for the purpose of running Windows operating systems. The benefit it has over others is that the installation and setup process is simple. It is also completely free to download and, as predicted, runs flawlessly on Windows. If you are a developer who needs to run other versions of Windows on your PC, this is the ideal option for you. Overall, this is the best VirtualBox Alternatives you can consider.
It is vital to note that it only works with the Windows 7 operating system. However, it adds support for Windows XP to the current edition of Windows 10 as a guest operating system. It enables the ability to run various versions of Windows OS at the same time, which is a useful feature.
VMware Fusion
VMware Fusion is a macOS version of VMware’s virtualization software. As a result, don’t expect it to work on any other platform. It enables you to run any version of Windows or Linux on Mac devices. The best part about fusion is that Windows apps run on Mac just like they do on Windows hardware. It is not necessary to reboot your host machine after installing a guest OS.
This virtual machine software is ideal for Mac users who adore the Windows ecosystem and refuse to give it up. VMware Fusion Pro will even add support for Cortana and Windows search on your Mac device. However, both of its versions are charged, with the basic version costing $82 and the pro version costing $164.
Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM)
Another free open source program on the list is KVM (Kernel Virtual Machine), which simplifies operating system virtualization under Linux. The software is embedded in the kernel and is included with modern Linux computers. Other virtualization software is sometimes used in conjunction with so-called hypervisors. Because KVM is embedded directly in the kernel, this extra layer is no longer required. Still, it is one of the best VirtualBox Alternatives you can consider.
To support hardware virtualization, Intel CPUs with VT technology or AMD processors with AMD-V technology should be used. The guest system is no longer required to be modified. KVM allows you to boot OS systems under Linux as a distinct process. These processes can utilise their kernel and user modes thanks to the KVM driver, which is incorporated directly in the Linux kernel.
MobaLiveCD
MobaLiveCD, as an alternative to Virtual Box, also makes use of the free emulator “Quemu,” a virtualizer, which allows images to run beneath Windows in a window to virtualize several operating systems with the greatest possible performance. ISO files from Linux Live CDs can be loaded and executed. Thus, there is no need to burn ISO files and restart the computer in order to experience the LIVE ISO images of Linux distros, which was previously not possible; previously, if you wanted to try a Linux Live CD such as Ubuntu or CentOS, you had to burn the corresponding ISO images onto a CD/DVD and then restart the computer. MobaLiveCD eliminates the last two steps. Simply choose the ISO file and launch your preferred Linux distribution, for example.
Final Words
The VMware Workstation Pro product is the best alternative. It costs money, therefore if you want something similar that is free of charge, you may use QEMU or KVM instead (Kernel-based Virtual Machine). Other excellent applications are VMware Workstation Player, Portable Virtualbox, virt-manager, and Proxmox Virtual Environment. All of these programs are quite similar to VirtualBox.