KVM
7.2#3 in server virtualization softwareFree planFree planAPILinuxSelf-hosted
VisitKVM vs Xen Project Hypervisor
Xen Project Hypervisor
6.2#7 in server virtualization softwareFree planFree planLinuxSelf-hosted
VisitWhat both publish
| Fact | KVM | Xen Project Hypervisor |
|---|---|---|
| Downloads | Linux distributions usually package the KVM kernel modules and userspace tools, and Windows guest drivers are available separately. | The downloads page lists Xen 4.22.0 source and describes the Xen artifacts as source releases for building, packaging, and platform integration. |
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| GPU acceleration | Yes | Yes |
| Guest architecture | both | both |
| Host platforms | Linux | Linux,NetBSD,FreeBSD |
| Nested virtualization | Yes | Yes |
KVM plans
- KVM open-source softwareFree
- KVM commercial supportPriced on request
Xen Project Hypervisor plans
- Xen Project HypervisorFree
Pick KVM if…
KVM suits Linux users who need to run Linux or Windows virtual machines on compatible x86 hosts. It may also suit teams using QEMU, libvirt, OpenStack, or oVirt as an upper layer.
Pick Xen Project Hypervisor if…
Xen may suit infrastructure, embedded, automotive, security-sensitive and safety-critical deployments. It is also relevant to teams building or managing virtualized Linux, Windows or other supported guest environments.