--- title: "Best Virtualization Software 2026 | Capterra" description: "Find the top Virtualization software of 2026 on Capterra. Based on millions of verified user reviews - compare and filter for whats important to you to find the best tools for your needs." source_url: "https://www.capterra.com/virtualization-software/" page_type: "category" language: "en" --- # Best Virtualization Software Last updated on October 15, 2026 How to find the right Virtualization Software? Learn more from our team about Virtualization Software pricing features and benefits in our Virtualization Buyers Guide Verified Insights Provider data verified by our Software Research team and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) ## What is virtualization software? Researched by: [Capterra](https://www.capterra.com/resources/author/capterra/) Updated on October 15, 2026 [Virtualization software](https://www.capterra.com/virtualization-software/) is a software tool that allows a single physical server to run multiple virtual environments, including operating systems, applications, and virtual machines. It simulates hardware functionality by creating a virtual barrier—called a hypervisor—to divide the central processing unit (CPU), server, storage, and memory of a single computer’s hardware into multiple virtual machines. These virtual machines act as individual computers, each having its own operating system and applications. Virtualization software helps make IT operations time and cost-efficient by eliminating the need to install separate physical resources. It also lets IT teams run apps on old operating systems. For instance, you can use desktop virtualization software on Windows 10 to run apps native to Windows 8. * * * For more information consult our [Virtualization Buyers Guide](#buyers-guide-content) [Free](https://www.capterra.com/virtualization-software/s/free/)[For Small Businesses](https://www.capterra.com/virtualization-software/s/small-businesses/) [5.0 (23)](https://www.capterra.com/p/147724/Open-Virtual-Desktop-Enterprise/reviews/) Deliver Windows and Linux apps and virtual desktops. Reduce infrastructure costs by up to 60% vs Citrix or VMware/Omnissa Horizon.  [Learn more about Inuvika OVD Enterprise](https://www.capterra.com/p/147724/Open-Virtual-Desktop-Enterprise/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring [4.7 (396)](https://www.capterra.com/p/168192/Site24x7/reviews/) All-in-one Performance Monitoring Tool (SaaS) for DevOps and IT. Monitor Websites, Servers, Apps, Cloud, VMs, Network and more. [Learn more about Site24x7](https://www.capterra.com/p/168192/Site24x7/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring 90% recommend this product [## Google Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/268690/Google-Cloud-Platform/) [4.7 (2335)](https://www.capterra.com/p/268690/Google-Cloud-Platform/reviews/) Cloud-based service that allows users to create anything from swebsites to complex applications for businesses of all sizes. [Learn more about Google Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/268690/Google-Cloud-Platform/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring 82% recommend this product [## vSphere](https://www.capterra.com/p/93512/VMware-Horizon/) [4.7 (434)](https://www.capterra.com/p/93512/VMware-Horizon/reviews/) Cloud-based virtualization platform which helps enterprises with data consolidation, infrastructure security and remote support. [Learn more about vSphere](https://www.capterra.com/p/93512/VMware-Horizon/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring 90% recommend this product [## Unreal Engine](https://www.capterra.com/p/158599/Unreal-Engine/) [4.8 (392)](https://www.capterra.com/p/158599/Unreal-Engine/reviews/) Unreal Engine is a free 3D creation software for building real-time 3D projects including games, films, & architectural visualizations. [Learn more about Unreal Engine](https://www.capterra.com/p/158599/Unreal-Engine/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring 86% recommend this product [## Datadog](https://www.capterra.com/p/135453/Datadog-Cloud-Monitoring/) [4.6 (370)](https://www.capterra.com/p/135453/Datadog-Cloud-Monitoring/reviews/) Cloud-based observability platform unifying infrastructure monitoring, APM, log management, user experience monitoring, and cloud. [Learn more about Datadog](https://www.capterra.com/p/135453/Datadog-Cloud-Monitoring/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring [## ManageEngine OpManager](https://www.capterra.com/p/251336/ManageEngine-OpManager/) [4.6 (343)](https://www.capterra.com/p/251336/ManageEngine-OpManager/reviews/) ManageEngine OpManager a holistic network management software for performance monitoring, fault diagnosis & troubleshooting. [Learn more about ManageEngine OpManager](https://www.capterra.com/p/251336/ManageEngine-OpManager/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring 91% recommend this product [## ManageEngine Applications Manager](https://www.capterra.com/p/172323/ManageEngine-Applications-Manager/) [4.6 (273)](https://www.capterra.com/p/172323/ManageEngine-Applications-Manager/reviews/) Ensure your mission-critical business applications meet end-user expectations with 360-degree monitoring from Applications Manager. [Learn more about ManageEngine Applications Manager](https://www.capterra.com/p/172323/ManageEngine-Applications-Manager/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring 92% recommend this product [## PagerDuty](https://www.capterra.com/p/125693/PagerDuty/) [4.6 (221)](https://www.capterra.com/p/125693/PagerDuty/reviews/) Cloud-based IT incident management platform with on-call scheduling, alert grouping, event automation, and AI-generated summaries. [Learn more about PagerDuty](https://www.capterra.com/p/125693/PagerDuty/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring 83% recommend this product [## VM Backup](https://www.capterra.com/p/122717/Hyper-V-Backup/) [4.7 (194)](https://www.capterra.com/p/122717/Hyper-V-Backup/reviews/) VM Backup is a robust Virtual Machine backup and replication solution for Hyper-V and VMware. Try it for free for 30 days. [Learn more about VM Backup](https://www.capterra.com/p/122717/Hyper-V-Backup/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring 93% recommend this product [## Amazon EC2](https://www.capterra.com/p/219781/EC2/) [4.7 (173)](https://www.capterra.com/p/219781/EC2/reviews/) Secure and resizable compute capacity in the cloud. Launch applications when needed without upfront commitments. [Learn more about Amazon EC2](https://www.capterra.com/p/219781/EC2/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring 83% recommend this product [## Citrix DaaS](https://www.capterra.com/p/116275/XenDesktop/) [4.3 (154)](https://www.capterra.com/p/116275/XenDesktop/reviews/) Reduce IT costs and increase efficiency with cloud VDI solutions on Microsoft Azure [Learn more about Citrix DaaS](https://www.capterra.com/p/116275/XenDesktop/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring [## ConnectWise Automate](https://www.capterra.com/p/142789/ConnectWise-Automate/) [4.2 (145)](https://www.capterra.com/p/142789/ConnectWise-Automate/reviews/) Automate's Virtualization Manager provides infrastructure monitoring and management along with pre-configured thresholds & alerting. [Learn more about ConnectWise Automate](https://www.capterra.com/p/142789/ConnectWise-Automate/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring [## vCenter Server](https://www.capterra.com/p/33977/VMware-VirtualCenter/) [4.7 (91)](https://www.capterra.com/p/33977/VMware-VirtualCenter/reviews/) Virtual infrastructure management software, provides a central point of control for virtual computing resources. [Learn more about vCenter Server](https://www.capterra.com/p/33977/VMware-VirtualCenter/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring [## SAP HANA Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/227383/SAP-HANA-Cloud/) [4.5 (79)](https://www.capterra.com/p/227383/SAP-HANA-Cloud/reviews/) SAP HANA Cloud is a multi-model database system enabling users to build and deploy intelligent data applications at scale. [Learn more about SAP HANA Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/227383/SAP-HANA-Cloud/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring [## Neverinstall](https://www.capterra.com/p/266876/Neverinstall/) [4.4 (69)](https://www.capterra.com/p/266876/Neverinstall/reviews/) A complete virtual desktop platform with the fastest deployment, ease of controls, and intuitive user interface.  [Learn more about Neverinstall](https://www.capterra.com/p/266876/Neverinstall/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring [## Earth Class Mail](https://www.capterra.com/p/150908/Earth-Class-Mail/) [4.3 (52)](https://www.capterra.com/p/150908/Earth-Class-Mail/reviews/) Manage your postal mail and important documents from anywhere, on any device to focus on more important things. [Learn more about Earth Class Mail](https://www.capterra.com/p/150908/Earth-Class-Mail/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring [## Commvault Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/196129/Commvault-Cloud/) [4.6 (48)](https://www.capterra.com/p/196129/Commvault-Cloud/reviews/) Commvault® Cloud is the only cyber resilience platform built to meet the demands of the hybrid enterprise at the lowest TCO. [Learn more about Commvault Cloud](https://www.capterra.com/p/196129/Commvault-Cloud/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring [## OpManager Nexus](https://www.capterra.com/p/10008506/ManageEngine-OpManager-Plus/) [4.6 (46)](https://www.capterra.com/p/10008506/ManageEngine-OpManager-Plus/#reviews) Don't just monitor your network and application stack; fully observe them with OpManager Plus, the unified observability solution. [Learn more about OpManager Nexus](https://www.capterra.com/p/10008506/ManageEngine-OpManager-Plus/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring [## Runecast](https://www.capterra.com/p/175477/Runecast-Analyzer/) [4.9 (34)](https://www.capterra.com/p/175477/Runecast-Analyzer/reviews/) Proactive Best Practice & Security Analysis for AWS, Azure, GCP, Kubernetes, VMware, Windows and Linux OS. [Learn more about Runecast](https://www.capterra.com/p/175477/Runecast-Analyzer/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring [## Paperspace](https://www.capterra.com/p/160790/Paperspace/) [3.3 (26)](https://www.capterra.com/p/160790/Paperspace/reviews/) Fast virtual desktops to supercharge your business with the next generation of computing infrastructure. [Learn more about Paperspace](https://www.capterra.com/p/160790/Paperspace/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring [## VMware Fusion](https://www.capterra.com/p/212917/VMware-Fusion/) [4.9 (24)](https://www.capterra.com/p/212917/VMware-Fusion/reviews/) VMware Fusion gives Mac users the power to run Windows on Mac along with hundreds of other operating systems. [Learn more about VMware Fusion](https://www.capterra.com/p/212917/VMware-Fusion/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring [## Parallels Secure Workspace](https://www.capterra.com/p/160716/Awingu/) [4.5 (21)](https://www.capterra.com/p/160716/Awingu/reviews/) Awingu is a unified workspace that offers a highly secure and audited access to all your company applications and files on any device. [Learn more about Parallels Secure Workspace](https://www.capterra.com/p/160716/Awingu/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring [## Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS)](https://www.capterra.com/p/169024/Call-Center/) [4.0 (21)](https://www.capterra.com/p/169024/Call-Center/reviews/) Evolve IP’s DaaS hosts cloud-enabled applications inside its virtual desktop environment via a multi-cloud, multi-protocol platform. [Learn more about Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS)](https://www.capterra.com/p/169024/Call-Center/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring [## Proxmox VE](https://www.capterra.com/p/210797/Proxmox-VE/) [4.8 (20)](https://www.capterra.com/p/210797/Proxmox-VE/#reviews) Open-source server virtualization platform that helps businesses manage and restore virtual machines, containers, and physical host. [Learn more about Proxmox VE](https://www.capterra.com/p/210797/Proxmox-VE/) Virtualization features reviewers most value Access Controls/Permissions Backup and Recovery Configuration Management Data Migration Disaster Recovery Load Balancing Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Virtual Machine Monitoring Page 1 of 3 ## Top-rated software of 2026 ### Fill out the form and we'll send a list of the top-rated software based on real user reviews directly to your inbox. Filter (122) Products: Sort By: Featured Partners * * * Plan Type Free Trial Popular 85% of professionals opt for a 30-day trial before the software purchase Other subsciption plans: Free Version Monthly Subscription Annual Subscription One-Time License Key Features All key features Popular We have selected the most important and critical features as defined by Capterra user reviews Access Controls/Permissions AI Copilot Backup and Recovery Capacity Management Configuration Management [Data Migration](https://www.capterra.com/virtualization-software/features/data-migration/) Data Storage Management Disaster Recovery Generative AI Load Balancing Namespace Management Performance Monitoring Real-Time Monitoring Secure Data Storage Version Control [Virtual Machine Monitoring](https://www.capterra.com/virtualization-software/features/virtual-machine-monitoring/) Virtual Machine Provisioning Deployment Cloud, SaaS, Web-Based Desktop Mac Desktop Windows Desktop Linux On-Premise Windows On-Premise Linux Desktop Chromebook Mobile Android Mobile iPhone Mobile iPad Related Software Category: [Server Management Software](https://www.capterra.com/server-management-software/)[VDI Software](https://www.capterra.com/vdi-software/)[Virtual Machine Software](https://www.capterra.com/virtual-machine-software/)[Server Monitoring Software](https://www.capterra.com/server-monitoring-software/)[Data Center Management Software](https://www.capterra.com/data-center-management-software/)[Cloud PBX Software](https://www.capterra.com/cloud-pbx-software/)[Desktop as a Service (DaaS) Software](https://www.capterra.com/daas-software/)[Operating Systems Software](https://www.capterra.com/operating-systems-software/)[Remote Desktop Software](https://www.capterra.com/remote-desktop-software/) I'm looking for Virtualization Software that is: [Free](https://www.capterra.com/virtualization-software/s/free/)[For Mac](https://www.capterra.com/virtualization-software/s/mac/)[For Small Businesses](https://www.capterra.com/virtualization-software/s/small-businesses/) Table of Contents - [The benefits of virtualization software](#the-benefits-of-virtualization-software) - [Typical features of virtualization software](#typical-features-of-virtualization-software) - [The cost of virtualization software](#the-cost-of-virtualization-software) - [Considerations when purchasing virtualization software](#considerations-when-purchasing-virtualization-software) - [Relevant virtualization software trends](#relevant-virtualization-software-trends) ## The benefits of virtualization software - **Improved IT operations:** Virtualization allows businesses to configure, monitor, and update all virtual machines from a single physical machine, instead of managing individual physical servers. This reduces the time it takes to deploy updates, apply security fixes, and install new software apps. The IT team has less physical hardware to manage and, therefore, spends less time on maintenance. This helps improve the efficiency of IT operations. - **Reduced expenses:** A virtualization tool runs multiple virtual machines on a single physical server, reducing the overall cost of acquiring and storing physical servers. With virtualization, businesses can also get multiple virtual server licenses per physical server, which reduces the cost of software licensing.  - **Minimized downtime:** In case a system or application crashes, IT professionals can use virtualization software to replicate or clone the affected virtual machine. The recovery takes minutes in a virtualized environment, unlike the hours it takes to deploy and set up a new physical server.  - **Easy testing and development:** IT developers need to update and maintain assets by running periodic tests. Virtualization software replicates a virtual machine to create a testing environment wherein developers can test features and fix software glitches without affecting the live production environment. It accelerates the software testing process, improves system quality, and maintains a balance between development and deployment. * * * ## Typical features of virtualization software - **Virtual machine monitoring:** Create and monitor multiple virtual environments on a single physical machine, each with its own operating system and software apps. - **Configuration management:** Configure a virtual environment as per business requirements. Prevent unauthorized modifications that may cause inconsistencies and compliance issues on your virtual machines and host system.  - **Data migration:** Relocate data from a physical server to a virtual machine, and vice versa, without any data loss or downtime. - **Access controls/permissions:** Regulate who can run, alter, or suspend virtual environments by setting access permissions and passwords. - **Backup and recovery:** Maintain local or remote backups of your virtual machines to keep your data and configuration organized. Recover your data within minutes in case of a system breakdown. - **Performance monitoring:** Monitor the performance of virtual machines and generate reports of oversized, downsized, or underused virtual machines. - **Capacity management:** Monitor and analyze service demand and performance to plan for adequate resources to meet current or future business requirements. * * * ## The cost of virtualization software Most products in the market are priced on a “per user, per month” basis and can be divided into three tiers based on their starting price. **Price ranges\*:** - $2.5 - $5 - $5 - $10 - $10+ _\*The pricing included is for the entry-level/lowest-priced offering found on vendor websites on September 23, 2021. These ranges correspond to the 25th, 75th, and 100th percentiles of pricing information gathered from vendor websites of sample products._ The above list summarizes pricing for the base plans of most products. An enterprise or premium product that is priced higher may include additional features such as graphics processing unit (GPU) support, cloud usage, and on-demand server time. * * * ## Considerations when purchasing virtualization software - **OS compatibility:** Check if your shortlisted software supports your existing operating system. While some products offer cross operating system compatibility, many cater to a specific operating system, such as Windows, Mac, or Linux. - **Integration with existing resources:** Virtualization software works alongside different applications and operating systems. Therefore, ensure your shortlisted solution integrates with your existing business systems. Software that integrates well with your existing resources will facilitate seamless virtualization without compromising the physical environment, saving you from any kind of system glitches. - **Total cost of purchase:** When purchasing software, price of the tool isn't the only factor to consider. You should also consider additional or hidden costs such as guest OS licenses, training, maintenance, and support. Be sure to check all related expenses with the vendor before signing on the dotted line. * * * ## Relevant virtualization software trends - **Growing focus on hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) and DevOps.** HCI is software-defined IT infrastructure that includes virtualization of all parts, including storage, memory, and network, of a standard hardware-defined system. Many businesses are using hyperconvergence as a solution critical to IT priorities for its ability to simplify management, consolidate resources, and reduce costs by integrating storage and network into a single virtualized system.  - Simultaneously, many software tools are supporting DevOps and cloud-native technologies, such as containerization, microservices, and serverless computing, to help businesses improve their scalability, applications, and services ([full content available to Gartner clients](https://www.gartner.com/doc/3992699)). In the near future, more vendors are expected to introduce this capability in their products to support the software development trends. - **Virtual environments are moving to the cloud.** Businesses are increasingly moving from [conventional computer methods toward cloud computing](https://www.spiceworks.com/marketing/reports/state-of-virtualization/) to facilitate easy collaboration between IT and other business units and to scale up data analysis for rapid software deployment. Many businesses have already implemented cloud computing in their daily operations. In the near future, more businesses are expected to move their entire server virtualization environment to the cloud. * * * **Sources** Products evaluated for the pricing calculation were taken from [Capterra’s virtualization software directory](https://www.capterra.com/virtualization-software/). The pricing ranges exclude freemium versions of the products. The features highlighted were identified based on their relevance and the percentage of products in Capterra’s directory that offer them. The following sources were used for this document: 1\. [Server Virtualization Isn’t Dead - But It Is Evolving](https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/3992699) (Date accessed: Sep. 23, 2021) 2\. [The 2020 State of Virtualization](https://www.spiceworks.com/marketing/reports/state-of-virtualization/) (Date accessed: Sep. 23, 2021)