Side by side
GNOME Boxes vs Multipass
Both stand on hypervisor software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Linux
Boxes brings local VM setup, resource limits, snapshots, and host integration into a desktop application. Check the recommended hardware requirements and use Connections for remote machines or displays.
Visit GNOME Boxes Free plan LinuxMacWindows
Multipass provides local virtual machines for Linux development and cloud deployment prototyping, with file sharing and cloud-init configuration. Restrict daemon access to trusted users because socket access allows full control.
Visit MultipassThe facts
| GNOME Boxes | Multipass | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Not published | Not published |
| Runs on | Linux | Linux, Mac, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 1 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | apps.gnome.org | canonical.com |
| On hypervisor software | #13 of 26 | #9 of 26 |
GNOME Boxes: what it does well
- Free Linux desktop application
- Supports VM snapshots and restoration
- Shared folders, clipboard, and file drop
- USB devices can be redirected into VMs
- Automatic installation covers several operating systems
What to know first
- For local virtual machines, not remote ones
- GNOME recommends 8 GB RAM and 20 GB free disk space
- 3D acceleration is available only for some supported systems
Multipass: what it does well
- Free on Linux, macOS, and Windows hosts
- Configures instances with cloud-init metadata
- Shares files and folders with virtual machines
- Provides command-line and graphical interfaces
What to know first
- Windows requires Virtual Machine Platform enabled
- Daemon socket access grants full control
- Host requirements vary by operating system
Alternatives to GNOME Boxes Alternatives to Multipass The whole list