Side by side
KVM vs oVirt
Both stand on server virtualization software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Free plan Open source APILinuxSelf-hosted
KVM offers Linux-hosted virtualization with a broad set of documented VM features and integration options. Check that the host has the required processor extensions before choosing it.
Visit KVM
Free plan Open source AndroidAPIiPhone+5
oVirt offers self-hosted virtualization management with centralized storage, automation interfaces, and community support. Plan for command-line installation and additional host capacity if you need migration or high availability.
Visit oVirtThe facts
| KVM | oVirt | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | Yes |
| Open source | Yes | Yes |
| Runs on | API, Linux, Self-hosted | Android, API, iPhone, Linux, Mac, Self-hosted, Web, Windows |
| Lowest paid plan | Free or on request | Free or on request |
| Plans published | 2 | 1 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | linux-kvm.org | ovirt.org |
| On server virtualization software | #1 of 22 | #2 of 22 |
KVM: what it does well
- Free and open-source software.
- Runs unmodified Linux and Windows guest images.
- Supports live migration between hosts.
- Includes snapshots, nested virtualization and GPU acceleration.
- Available through major community and enterprise Linux distributions.
What to know first
- Linux host requires Intel VT or AMD-V extensions.
- Windows guest drivers are available separately.
oVirt: what it does well
- Free, open-source virtualization management.
- Supports multiple centralized storage options.
- Provides a REST API and language SDKs.
- Self-hosted Engine can be highly available.
What to know first
- Installation is performed from the command line.
- Advanced features require at least one additional host.
- The listed supported systems are specific Enterprise Linux and CentOS Stream releases.