13 Best Free Virtual Machine Software Reviewed in 2026
Best Free Virtual Machine Software Shortlist
Here’s my shortlist of the best free virtual machine software:
Running a business often means juggling tight budgets and complex IT needs. You might be looking for cost-effective solutions that still meet your team's virtualization needs. Free virtual machine software can be a lifesaver, giving you the ability to test, develop, and manage applications without the hefty price tag.
In my experience, finding the right tool can be daunting with so many options out there. That's why I've independently reviewed and shortlisted the best free virtual machine software available. You can expect an unbiased look at options that offer free plans or trials.
This article will guide you through the features and benefits of each, helping you decide which fits your needs.
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Best Free Virtual Machine Software Summary
While all of the virtual machine software in my list has free offerings, they also have paid plans should you wish to upgrade. Here are the base costs for each of the tools that made it onto my shortlist:
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best Windows-native virtualization | Not available | Free-forever plan | Website | |
| 2 | Best free bare metal hypervisor | Free plan available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 3 | Best always-free cloud VM tier | 90-day free trial + free plan available | From $0.936/vCPU/month | Website | |
| 4 | Best cross-platform desktop virtualization | Not available | Free-forever plan | Website | |
| 5 | Best cloud VMS with free credits | Free plan available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 6 | Best hardware emulation for developers | Not available | Free to use | Website | |
| 7 | Best Xen-based free hypervisor | Free plan available | Pricing upon request | Website | |
| 8 | Best macOS-friendly virtualization | Not available | Free to use | Website | |
| 9 | Best enterprise open-source virtualization | Not available | Free to use | Website | |
| 10 | Best simple HCI trial platform | Free trial + free demo available | From $189/core/year (for 5-year term) | Website | |
| 11 | Best open-source server virtualization | Free plan available | From €120/CPU socket/year | Website |
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Site24x7
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Docker
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Pulumi
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Best Free Virtual Machine Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best free virtual machine software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros and cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you. While some of these tools offer a completely free version, others offer a free trial period. I’ve added a note about what’s free in each of my reviews.
Microsoft Hyper-V is a virtualization platform built directly into Windows that lets you create and run virtual machines on a single system. You use it to install multiple operating systems, including Windows 10 and 11, and isolate workloads for testing, development, or infrastructure tasks. It's managed through native Windows apps and system settings.
Why I picked Microsoft Hyper-V: You get a free virtualization tool that's already part of Windows, so there's nothing extra to install or maintain. You can create and manage virtual machines using built-in Windows features such as Hyper-V Manager and PowerShell. The free offering supports virtual switches, checkpoints, and dynamic memory to control how resources are used. This makes it a practical option if you or your team already work inside the Windows ecosystem.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include checkpoints that let you roll virtual machines back to earlier states. You can use dynamic memory to adjust RAM usage while machines are running. It also supports generation 2 virtual machines with UEFI firmware and secure boot.
Integrations include Windows Admin Center.
What's free? It's free forever on supported Windows editions, with no limits on the number of virtual machines you can create.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Version history available
- No extra software needed
- Built into Windows
Cons:
- Less flexible on non-Windows systems
- Fewer GUI options
VMware vSphere is a bare-metal hypervisor that installs directly on physical servers to run multiple virtual machines. You use it to allocate hardware resources, isolate workloads, and manage virtual machines at the host level. It's designed for server-focused virtualization with minimal overhead.
Why I picked VMware vSphere: You get a hypervisor that runs directly on hardware, without a host operating system in between. You can create and run virtual machines with direct access to server CPU, memory, and storage resources. The free offering lets you deploy ESXi on a single host and manage virtual machines locally. This makes sense if you want to learn or test bare metal virtualization without layering extra software.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include a lightweight hypervisor footprint that uses very little disk space. You can manage virtual machine hardware settings such as CPU cores, memory allocation, and virtual disks at a low level. It also supports booting directly from the network or local storage for flexible server setups.
Integrations include vSphere Client.
What's free? It's available as a limited free edition for basic host-level virtualization, with restrictions around centralized management and automation features.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Stable for long runtimes
- Very low host overhead
- True bare metal deployment
Cons:
- Advanced features locked
- No central orchestration
Google Compute Engine is an infrastructure service that lets you run virtual machines on Google's global cloud. You use it to deploy operating systems, attach storage, and control networking from a central console. It's designed for on-demand compute with flexible configuration options.
Why I picked Google Compute Engine: You get an always-free virtual machine option that you can keep running without a time limit. You can launch small instances, attach persistent disks, and manage firewall rules at no cost within the free tier limits. The free offering includes sustained use in select regions, so you can keep lightweight workloads online. This works well if you want a no-cost cloud VM that behaves like a real production environment.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include custom machine types so you can choose exact CPU and memory values. You can use live migration to keep virtual machines running during host maintenance. It also supports per-second billing, so you only pay for what you use beyond free limits.
Integrations include Google Cloud Storage, Google Kubernetes Engine, BigQuery, and more.
What's free? It offers a free forever plan, an always-free tier with limited instance size and regional availability, while usage beyond those limits is billed.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Fine-grained resource control
- No time limit on usage
- Always free VM option
Cons:
- Set up needs cloud knowledge
- Region-limited free tier
Oracle VirtualBox is a desktop virtualization product that lets you run multiple operating systems, including Windows 11, on one machine. You use it to create, configure, and manage virtual machines for development, testing, and everyday workloads. It supports a wide range of host and guest systems with consistent tools across environments.
Why I picked Oracle VirtualBox: You get a free desktop hypervisor that works the same way across Windows, macOS, Linux, and Solaris hosts. You can run many guest operating systems, manage snapshots, and move virtual machines between computers without changing your setup. The free version includes shared folders, bidirectional clipboard (which allows you to drag-and-drop files into the VM), and guest additions to improve display and input handling. This makes it easier for you or your team to work across different operating systems without rebuilding machines.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include snapshot management, allowing you to save and restore machine states as you test changes. You can configure detailed hardware settings such as CPU, memory, storage controllers, and network modes. It also supports headless operation, so you can run virtual machines without a visible interface.
Integrations are not publicly listed.
What's free? It's a free forever product for personal and evaluation use, with no time limits on virtual machines or core features.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Portable virtual machines
- Works across major desktops and on laptops
- Runs many guest systems
Cons:
- Limited USB passthrough support
- Performance tuning takes effort
Azure Virtual Machines is a cloud-based virtualization service designed for businesses that need scalable computing resources. It's ideal for developers and IT professionals who require flexible deployment of applications and services in the cloud.
Why I picked Azure Virtual Machines: Azure Virtual Machines offers a free tier for new users, providing 750 hours of specific VM instances for up to 12 months. This allows your team to test and deploy applications without immediate costs. The service includes a wide range of configurations, ensuring compatibility with various workloads. Additionally, Azure's integration with Microsoft's ecosystem offers connectivity with other Microsoft services.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include the ability to run Windows and Linux operating systems, providing versatility for different application needs. Azure Virtual Machines offer high availability and disaster recovery options to ensure your applications remain operational. The service also includes built-in monitoring and analytics tools for performance tracking.
Integrations are not publicly listed.
What's free? Free forever plan with 750 hours of specific VM instances available for the first 12 months.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Built-in monitoring and analytics tools
- Flexible VM configurations
- High availability options
Cons:
- Best suited for cloud-native applications
- Requires Azure account setup
QEMU is a generic and open-source machine emulator and virtualizer. It's designed for developers and IT professionals who need to run different operating systems on a single machine, offering both system and user mode emulation.
Why I picked QEMU: QEMU's free offering includes a wide range of emulation capabilities, making it a versatile tool for various applications. It supports multiple CPU architectures, allowing you to run software built for one platform on another. With its ability to work with hypervisors such as KVM, it improves performance by enabling direct execution on the host CPU. QEMU also provides command-line utilities for managing disk images, adding to its flexibility.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include system emulation, allowing you to create virtual models of entire machines, and user mode emulation for running processes compiled for different CPUs. It supports a variety of hardware architectures, providing flexibility for diverse projects. The integration with hypervisors such as KVM creates high-performance processes by allowing guest systems to run directly on the host CPU.
Integrations are not publicly listed.
What's free? Free forever plan with full emulation capabilities and no license costs.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Wide emulation capabilities
- Command-line utilities available
- Works with various hypervisors
Cons:
- Higher CPU overhead without KVM
- Lacks a graphical interface
XenServer is a server virtualization platform built on the Xen Project that lets you create and manage virtual machines on dedicated hosts. You use it to run multiple operating systems on shared hardware for lab, test, or production-style setups. It focuses on centralized control and efficient use of server resources.
Why I picked XenServer: You get a free hypervisor that's built on Xen technology and designed for bare-metal server use. You can create and run virtual machines with strong isolation and direct access to host hardware features. The free version includes live VM migration, snapshots, and centralized management through a single console. This works well if your team wants a Xen-based setup without paying for a commercial license.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include live migration, so you can move running virtual machines between hosts. You can use resource pools to group servers and balance workloads. It also supports GPU passthrough for graphics-intensive virtual machines.
Integrations include XenCenter.
What's free? It's a free forever edition with core virtualization features available, though some advanced management and automation capabilities are restricted to paid versions.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Remote access for managed servers from XenCenter
- Strong Xen-based isolation
- True bare metal hypervisor
Cons:
- Fewer desktop use cases
- Needs dedicated hardware
UTM is a virtual machine software specifically designed for macOS users, particularly those using Apple Silicon. It's aimed at developers and tech enthusiasts who need to run various operating systems on their Macs, supporting both ARM64 and x86/x64 architectures.
Why I picked UTM: UTM offers a free, open-source version that includes emulation of multiple CPU architectures, making it versatile for diverse needs. It uses Apple's Hypervisor framework to run ARM64 OS on Apple Silicon at near-native speeds. You can also emulate older operating systems, providing flexibility for different projects. Unlike other tools, it's designed with macOS aesthetics, ensuring a smooth integration with your Mac environment.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include the ability to virtualize macOS instances on Apple Silicon, which is useful for developers and security-conscious users as well as for personal use. UTM supports a wide range of emulated processors, including ARM32, MIPS, PPC, and RISC-V, allowing your team to run almost anything. It also provides a user-friendly interface, making it easier to leverage QEMU's capabilities without the usual complexity.
Integrations include Apple Virtualization and more.
What's free? Free forever plan with all features included. The Mac App Store version offers automatic updates for a fee.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Near-native speeds on Apple Silicon
- Supports multiple architectures
- Tailored for macOS users
Cons:
- Limited to Apple platforms
- No GPU virtualization on Windows
oVirt is a free, open-source virtualization solution designed for enterprise infrastructure management. It's tailored for IT departments and organizations that require strict control over their virtual environments, using KVM as its hypervisor.
Why I picked oVirt: oVirt's free offering includes strong management features, making it ideal for enterprise users. It provides rich web-based interfaces for both admin and non-admin users, facilitating easy management of hosts, storage, and network configurations. The platform supports live migration of virtual machines and disks, ensuring high availability. With its open-source nature, oVirt allows for customization and integration with other enterprise tools through APIs.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include integrated management of hosts, storage, and network configurations, which simplifies operations. The live migration feature allows your team to move virtual machines and disks without downtime. High availability ensures your virtual machines remain operational even if a host fails.
Integrations are not publicly listed.
What's free? Free forever plan with full functionality for enterprise-level virtualization management.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports live migration
- Strong community support
- Open-source and customizable
Cons:
- Best for larger enterprises
- Higher resource requirements
Scale Computing Platform is a hyperconverged infrastructure platform that combines virtualization, storage, and management into a single system. You use it to run and manage virtual machines through a centralized interface without separate storage or hypervisor layers. It's designed to reduce infrastructure complexity for on-premise environments.
Why I picked Scale Computing Platform: You get a free trial environment that lets you experience a full HCI stack without a complex setup. You can deploy virtual machines, manage storage, and monitor hosts from one built-in interface. The trial includes the same core management tools used in paid deployments, so you can see how everything works together. This is helpful if you want to test simple HCI operations before committing hardware or licenses.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include built-in virtualization, clustered storage, and automatic data distribution across nodes. You can manage failover and high availability without separate configuration tools. It also includes centralized monitoring for host health and virtual machines.
Integrations are not publicly listed.
What's free? It's available as a limited-time free trial that gives access to core platform features for evaluation before purchase.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Fast trial setup
- No external hypervisor needed
- All-in-one HCI stack
Cons:
- Requires learning HCI concepts
- Trial is time-limited
Proxmox VE is an open-source virtualization platform designed for IT professionals and developers. It combines KVM-based virtualization and LXC containers, providing a detailed solution for managing virtual environments.
Why I picked Proxmox VE: Proxmox VE offers a fully functional free plan, making it a standout option for those who need both KVM and LXC container integration. The platform includes a web-based management interface and high availability clustering. Backup capabilities and support for various storage types are also part of the free offering. It's a good choice for teams looking for flexibility without initial costs.
Standout Features and Integrations:
Features include a user-friendly VM wizard, secure boot for virtual machines, and software-defined networking. The platform also supports advanced clustering capabilities, allowing you to manage resources. System reporting provides detailed insights into your environment.
Integrations include Proxmox Backup Server, Proxmox Mail Gateway, and more.
What's free? Free forever plan with full functionality, but support services are subscription-based.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Supports both KVM and LXC
- Detailed feature set
- Open-source and free to use
Cons:
- No official support without subscription
- Complex setup process
Other Virtual Machine Software
Here are some additional virtual machine software options that also offer free plans or trials. While these tools didn’t make it onto my shortlist, they’re still worth checking out:
- Xen Project
Low-level hypervisor for research
- Red Hat OpenShift Virtualization
Kubernetes-based virtualization
Free Virtual Machine Software Selection Criteria
When selecting the best free virtual machine software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points such as limited budgets and compatibility with existing systems. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Run multiple operating systems
- Allocate system resources efficiently
- Support various guest OS types
- Provide virtual networking capabilities
- Enable snapshot and recovery options
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Advanced security options
- High availability and clustering
- Integration with cloud services
- Automated backup solutions
- Custom scripting capabilities
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive user interface
- Clear navigation paths
- Minimal learning curve
- Detailed documentation
- Responsive design aesthetics
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to webinars and tutorials
- Step-by-step setup guides
- Supportive community forums
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider's customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 availability of support
- Access to live chat assistance
- Detailed knowledge base
- Responsive email support
- Availability of user forums
Value for Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing structure
- Range of features in free plan
- Cost-effectiveness compared to peers
- Flexibility in pricing tiers
- Transparency in pricing details
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- User satisfaction ratings
- Frequency of positive feedback
- Commonly mentioned pain points
- Consistency of performance reports
- Feedback on customer support quality
How To Choose Free Virtual Machine Software
Complex feature lists and pricing structures can make it hard to figure out what you're really getting from free virtual machine software. To help you stay focused as you work through your software selection process, here are some factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What To Consider |
|---|---|
| Free Offer Scope | Check what's included in the free version. Are there limits on the number of VMs, users, or features? Ensure it meets your basic needs without unexpected costs. |
| Scalability | Consider whether the software can grow with your team. Look for options that support increasing workloads and smooth transitions to paid plans when necessary. |
| Integrations | Ensure compatibility with your existing systems. Look for tools that integrate with your current software stack to avoid disruptions in workflow. |
| Ease of Use | Evaluate the user interface and setup process. It should be intuitive, with minimal learning curves, so your team can start using it quickly without frustration. |
| Support | Investigate the availability of customer support. Access to guides, community forums, and direct support can be vital when issues arise. |
| Performance | Check user reviews for insights on reliability and speed. A tool that frequently crashes or slows down isn't suitable for critical operations. |
| Security | Look for built-in security features like encryption and access controls. These are essential to protect your data and maintain compliance with regulations. |
What Is Free Virtual Machine Software?
Virtual machine software is a tool that allows you to run multiple operating systems on a single physical machine. Free offerings typically include limited features, trial periods, or restricted usage plans. IT professionals, developers, and tech enthusiasts commonly use these tools for testing, development, and resource management. Features such as running multiple OS, efficient resource allocation, and virtual networking help with managing diverse environments and optimizing hardware utilization.
Features of Free Virtual Machine Software
Let's go over the features commonly found in virtual machine software and which ones are usually included in free vs. paid plans.
Typically Free Virtual Machine Software Features
- Multiple OS support: Run different operating systems on a single machine, which is useful for testing and development.
- Resource allocation: Manage CPU, memory, and storage distribution, optimizing performance.
- Virtual networking: Provide virtual network interfaces for guest machines, enabling communication.
- Snapshot and recovery: Capture the state of a virtual machine for quick recovery, useful in testing scenarios.
- Basic security: Include fundamental security measures such as user access controls to protect data.
Typically Paid Virtual Machine Software Features
- Advanced security: Offer improved security features, such as encryption and intrusion detection.
- High availability: Ensure virtual machines are operational even during hardware failures.
- Automated backups: Provide scheduled backup solutions for data protection and recovery.
- Clustering capabilities: Allow multiple hosts to work together, improving performance and reliability.
- Custom scripting: Enable automation and customization through scripting capabilities for advanced users.
Benefits of Free Virtual Machine Software
Implementing free virtual machine software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Cost savings: Free versions allow you to run multiple operating systems without additional expenses, reducing overhead costs.
- Testing environments: Provide a safe space to test new applications and configurations without impacting your primary system.
- Resource optimization: Efficiently allocate CPU and memory to virtual machines, maximizing hardware usage.
- Flexibility: Switch between different operating systems, adapting to various project requirements.
- Easy recovery: Snapshot and recovery features help quickly revert to previous states, minimizing downtime during errors.
- Basic security: Essential security features protect data, ensuring a safe testing environment.
- Learning opportunity: Offer a chance for your team to gain experience with virtualization technology without financial commitment.
Costs and Pricing of Free Virtual Machine Software
I realize you came to this article looking for the best virtual machine software options that are available for free. However, since free plans only offer limited features, there's a good chance you'll need to scale your plan up in the future.
The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in virtual machine software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Virtual Machine Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic OS support, limited resource allocation, and community support. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Improved OS compatibility, increased resource limits, and basic customer support. |
| Business Plan | $30-$75/user/month | Advanced security features, priority customer support, and integration capabilities. |
| Enterprise Plan | $80-$150/user/month | High availability, detailed analytics, and dedicated account management. |
Free Virtual Machine Software FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about free virtual machine software:
How to set up a free virtual machine?
Setting up a free virtual machine involves downloading virtualization software such as VirtualBox. Install the software on your system, create a new virtual machine, and allocate memory and storage. Follow the setup prompts to configure the virtual machine with your desired operating system.
Can I run multiple VMs on a single host?
Yes, you can run multiple virtual machines on a single host, but it depends on your system’s resources. Ensure your host machine has sufficient CPU, memory, and storage to handle multiple VMs. Each VM will share these resources, so plan accordingly to maintain performance.
How does free VM software compare to paid alternatives?
Free VM software often provides basic virtualization features but may lack advanced management tools, technical support, or integrations found in commercial products. Paid alternatives usually offer better performance tuning, security options, and dedicated support, but free software can be ideal for small projects or testing environments.
Are free virtual machines secure?
Free virtual machines offer basic security features, but you should implement additional measures. Use strong passwords, enable encryption, and regularly update your virtual machine software. These steps help protect your VMs from vulnerabilities and unauthorized access.
What are the limitations of free VM software?
Free VM software often comes with limitations such as restricted features, limited support, and reduced performance capabilities. You might not have access to advanced features such as high availability or automated backups, which are usually available in paid plans.
Can free VMs be used for production environments?
Free VMs are generally not recommended for production environments due to their limitations. They are ideal for testing, development, and learning purposes. If you need strong performance and support, consider upgrading to a paid plan for production use.
What's Next:
If you're in the process of researching free virtual machine software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.