Compare software

Portable-VirtualBoxVMware Workstation Pro
Free

Free and open source; VirtualBox itself is downloaded from its official source.

 Freemium

Free for personal use since 2024. Commercial use still requires a paid Broadcom licence.

Windows Windows, Linux
  • Runs VirtualBox without installing it on the host
  • Fetches the official VirtualBox installer for you
  • Snapshots, cloning, nested virtualisation and virtual networking are mature and reliable, and Broadcom made it free for…
  • Windows only
  • Depends on VirtualBox drivers being loaded at runtime, which may need administrator rights
  • It is closed-source commercial software, commercial use still needs a paid licence, and downloads now require a…
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Closed source
License: GPL-2.0-only License not stated
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked October 2, 2026

Checked September 22, 2026

Catalog facts only. Anything “not stated” is unconfirmed. Check full listings for details.