Compare software

VirtualBoxKVM
Free

The base package is free and open source. The separate Extension Pack is free only for…

 Free

Part of the Linux kernel, free and open source under the GPL.

Windows, macOS, Linux Linux
  • Runs on Windows, macOS and Linux hosts with the same interface on each
  • Snapshots, shared folders and clipboard sharing between host and guest
  • Part of the mainline kernel, so no third-party modules are needed
  • Near-native CPU performance through hardware virtualization extensions
  • The Extension Pack is not open source and is free only for personal and educational use
  • 3D acceleration is weak compared with a native machine or a paid hypervisor
  • Provides no user interface of its own; you need QEMU, libvirt or a front end
  • Requires virtualization extensions enabled in firmware
Downloadable app Downloadable app
Open source Open source
License: GPL-3.0 License: GPL-2.0
No account needed Not stated if an account is needed
Works offline Not stated if it works offline

Checked September 20, 2026

Checked September 22, 2026

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