Multipass

Multipass is a local virtual-machine tool for developers building Linux environments or prototyping cloud deployments on a workstation. It is best for people who want cloud-init setup and host-to-guest file access without moving the workflow to a cloud provider. The trade-off is meaningful: anyone who can access its daemon socket can fully control instances and mount host filesystems.

Overview

Multipass launches cloud-style virtual machines locally. Its cloud-init metadata support lets developers define configured servers, while workflows modeled on AWS, Azure, Google, IBM and Oracle provide a way to prototype deployment setups from a workstation. That makes it a focused development and prototyping tool, rather than a substitute for running deployments in those cloud services.

Canonical supplies Ubuntu images and a growing catalogue that includes images with applications pre-installed. Host and guest file sharing supports ordinary development work, and the primary instance integrates with the host filesystem and has dedicated hot-key access. Those conveniences make the local workflow practical, but they also raise the importance of limiting who can control the daemon.

Key features

Cloud-init and local image catalogue

Cloud-init metadata can define configured servers when instances launch, reducing repetitive setup for developers who need disposable or customized Linux environments. Multipass fetches Ubuntu images from Canonical, with additional catalogue images that include pre-installed applications. The focus on Ubuntu is a strength for Ubuntu-oriented work, but the image offering is not presented as a general-purpose catalogue of every operating system.

Host integration and interfaces

File and folder sharing connects host projects with VM instances, while the primary instance offers native filesystem integration and hot-key access. Multipass provides both command-line and graphical interfaces, and its documentation covers Windows Terminal integration. These options serve different working styles, though the host integration makes trusted-user access essential.

Virtualization and security

Multipass uses Host Compute System on Windows, Apple Virtualization on macOS and QEMU on Linux. It supports VM snapshots and both guest architectures. Daemon socket access allows full control, including mounting host filesystems and changing instance security features; Canonical recommends restricting access to trusted users. Access starts with group membership and can later use a user TLS certificate, so this is a tool to configure deliberately on shared machines.

On Windows, the installation guide supports Windows 10 or 11 Home, Pro or Enterprise from version 1809, with Virtual Machine Platform enabled. Host requirements vary by operating system, so suitability depends on the machine as well as the workflow.

Pricing

Multipass is free: its Multipass plan costs nothing. There is no free trial because the product is offered as a free plan. That makes it suitable for individual developers and teams assessing local cloud-style workflows without a subscription commitment; there is no cheaper tier, but host requirements still apply.

Platforms

Multipass supports Linux, macOS and Windows hosts, with the host hypervisor varying by operating system. It offers a command-line interface as well as a graphical interface. Windows users need a supported Windows 10 or 11 edition from version 1809 and Virtual Machine Platform enabled.

Who it's for

Multipass is a good fit for developers who need customized Linux environments, want to create instances from cloud-init metadata, or are prototyping cloud deployments locally. Its file sharing and primary-instance integration are useful when VM work needs access to host files. It is less suitable where daemon access cannot be limited to trusted users or where the goal is to manage a production cloud deployment rather than prototype one locally.

Pros and cons

Pros

• Free plan at no cost, with no subscription cost.
• Cloud-init metadata and cloud-provider-modeled workflows support configured Linux development environments and local deployment prototyping.
• Host file sharing, primary-instance integration, and both CLI and GUI options support a connected workstation workflow.
• Linux, macOS and Windows host support gives developers a choice of workstation platforms.

Cons

• Daemon socket access grants full control, including host filesystem mounts, so access must be limited to trusted users.
• Ubuntu images are the stated image source, which may not suit work requiring a broader operating-system image range.
• Windows setup requires Virtual Machine Platform and a supported Windows 10 or 11 installation from version 1809.

Alternatives

For broader virtualization needs, compare Hypervisor Software and Virtual machine software.

• Proxmox VE is an option for readers seeking a freemium product with Linux, Windows, web, API, Android and self-hosted platform coverage; its Premium plan is €1,100 a year, billed for one year from purchase per occupied physical CPU socket.
• QEMU is a free alternative for Linux, macOS and Windows users who want software under the GNU General Public License version 2.
• Harvester is a free, open-source alternative with Linux, API, web and self-hosted platform coverage.
• UTM is worth considering for Apple-focused use: it supports macOS and iOS, with a free open-source GitHub version and a 9.99 USD one-time Mac App Store purchase.
• VMware Workstation Pro is another free option for Windows or Linux hosts on 64-bit Intel or AMD PCs, with no subscription or license key required.
• GNOME Boxes is a free desktop-only option for Linux users.
• KVM is a free open-source option for Linux and self-hosted environments, with its kernel and userspace components in mainline Linux and QEMU.
• oVirt is a free community edition for Linux, web, API and self-hosted use; production use is stated for version 4.5.7.

Verdict

Choose Multipass if you want a free local workflow for cloud-init-configured Linux development environments or cloud deployment prototyping, with host file sharing and CLI or GUI access. Its main reason to choose is that focused workstation integration; its main reason to look elsewhere is the level of daemon authority, which makes trusted-user access a requirement rather than an optional precaution.