VMware Workstation Pro

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Score7.1

Rank#11 of 67

PriceFree

Free planYes

Runs onLinux, Self-hosted, Windows

Summary

VMware Workstation Pro runs virtual machines, containers, and Kubernetes clusters on a Windows or Linux computer for development, testing, and learning. It uses hardware-assisted virtualization to run multiple operating systems on one physical machine, assigning each VM virtual CPU, memory, and storage. Users can configure networks, save VM snapshots, and restore them as rollback points. Security options for VMs include encryption, virtual TPM, and UEFI Secure Boot. Workstation can also connect to remote vSphere or ESX servers to manage VMs and physical hosts, and move local VMs to a private cloud. The 26H1 Windows release is a 64-bit application and adds remote connectivity to ARM-based ESXi servers; it is available through the Broadcom Support Portal. Workstation Pro costs 0.00 USD per free, with no subscription or license key required, for personal, educational, and commercial use. Free users do not receive Broadcom Global Support Team support and are directed to forums and self-service resources.

Who it is for

It suits developers, IT professionals, students, and enthusiasts who want to run virtualized systems locally. It may also suit users managing VMs connected to vSphere or ESX servers.

What is good

No subscription or license key is required.
Supports Windows and Linux host platforms.
VM snapshots can be restored as rollback points.
Includes encryption, virtual TPM, and UEFI Secure Boot.
Can connect to remote vSphere or ESX servers.

What to know first

Free users are not entitled to Broadcom Global Support Team support.
The listed guest architecture is x86_64.
The 26H1 Windows release is 64-bit.

Verdict

Workstation Pro combines local virtual machines with container and Kubernetes workflows, plus VM snapshots and security options. Its no-charge licensing applies to personal, educational, and commercial use, but free users rely on community and self-service support.

VMware Workstation Pro plans and pricing

All plans

VMware Workstation Pro Free No subscription or license key required 64-bit Intel or AMD (x86/x86-64) PCs · Windows or Linux hosts vmware.com · 29 Sept 2026

Compared on IT automation software

Deployment model: hybridvmware.com

Facts

Free plan: Yesvmware.com · 20 Sept 2026
Host platforms: Windows,Linuxvmware.com · 20 Sept 2026
Guest architecture: x86_64vmware.com · 20 Sept 2026
VM snapshots: Yesvmware.com · 20 Sept 2026
Nested virtualization: Yesvmware.com · 20 Sept 2026
GPU acceleration: Yesvmware.com · 20 Sept 2026
Management interface: desktopvmware.com · 20 Sept 2026
Purpose: Workstation lets users run virtual machines, containers, and Kubernetes clusters locally for development, testing, and learning.vmware.com · 29 Sept 2026
Intended users: VMware describes the desktop hypervisor tools as intended for developers, IT professionals, students, and enthusiasts.vmware.com · 29 Sept 2026
Licensing: Workstation Pro is available at no charge for personal, educational, and commercial use, with no subscription or license key required.vmware.com · 29 Sept 2026
Virtualization: The product uses hardware-assisted virtualization to run multiple operating systems on one physical machine, with each VM receiving virtual CPU, memory, and storage.vmware.com · 29 Sept 2026
Host platforms: Workstation Pro runs on 64-bit Intel and AMD PCs with Windows or Linux operating systems.vmware.com · 29 Sept 2026
Networking: Workstation supports advanced networking and custom VM configurations.vmware.com · 29 Sept 2026
Snapshots: Users can create VM snapshots and restore them later as rollback points.vmware.com · 29 Sept 2026
Security features: The product supports encryption, virtual TPM, and UEFI Secure Boot for virtual machines.vmware.com · 29 Sept 2026
vSphere integration: Workstation can connect to remote vSphere or ESX servers to manage VMs and physical hosts and migrate local VMs to a private cloud.vmware.com · 29 Sept 2026
Latest release: Workstation Pro 26H1 for Windows is a 64-bit application and adds remote connectivity to ARM-based ESXi servers.blogs.vmware.com · 29 Sept 2026
Downloads: The 26H1 release is available through the Broadcom Support Portal.blogs.vmware.com · 29 Sept 2026
Support: Free product users are not entitled to Broadcom Global Support Team support; VMware directs them to community forums and self-service resources.vmware.com · 29 Sept 2026
Updates: Broadcom says it will continue releasing product updates and security patches.vmware.com · 29 Sept 2026