Side by side

Apache CloudStack vs LXD

Both stand on virtualization management software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.

Apache CloudStack

Free plan Open source APILinuxSelf-hosted+1

Apache CloudStack combines cloud deployment and management with broad hypervisor, storage, and access options. Its self-hosted model and operator security responsibilities are important considerations.

Visit Apache CloudStack

LXD

Free plan APILinuxSelf-hosted+1

LXD provides a single open-source platform for managing both containers and virtual machines, with several interfaces and integrations. Linux host support and the listed Ubuntu Pro options are key considerations.

Visit LXD

The facts

	Apache CloudStack	LXD
Free plan	Yes	Yes
Open source	Yes	Not published
Runs on	API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web	API, Linux, Self-hosted, Web
Lowest paid plan	Free or on request	Ubuntu Pro Enterprise workstation: $25 per workstation a year
Plans published	1	4
Maker	Not published	Not published
Website	cloudstack.apache.org	canonical.com
On virtualization management software	#1 of 34	#4 of 34

Apache CloudStack: what it does well

Free, open-source software
Supports public, private, and hybrid clouds
Offers web, command-line, and API management
Supports multiple hypervisors
LTS releases receive 18 months of fixes

What to know first

Operators are responsible for key security protections
LTS fix period is 18 months

LXD: what it does well

Combines LXC system containers and KVM virtual machines.
Supports images for Linux distributions and Windows virtual machines.
Offers CLI, REST API, web UI, and third-party management.
Unprivileged containers are the default.
Includes snapshots, live migration, and advanced networking.

What to know first

Supported host OS is Linux.
Desktop GUI is listed as unavailable.
Commercial Ubuntu Pro enterprise plans are separately priced.

Alternatives to Apache CloudStack Alternatives to LXD The whole list