VirtualBox as a Linux alternative to VMware Workstation
Updated
Our verdict
VirtualBox is a solid replacement for VMware Workstation for most desktop users who need to run multiple operating systems on a Linux host. It covers the core functions—creating VMs, snapshots, advanced networking, and hardware acceleration—without the cost. The experience is slightly less polished than VMware, especially in performance tuning and integration with professional workflows, but for casual or development use it works well.
- License
- GPL-2.0
- Price
- Free
- Latest version
- 7.2.20
- Rating
- —
What works the same
- Creates and runs virtual machines with multiple OS guests
- Provides snapshot and restore functionality
- Supports bridged, NAT, and host‑only networking
- Allows USB 2.0/3.0 passthrough (with extension pack)
- Offers command‑line management via VBoxManage
What is different
- Free and open source, whereas VMware Workstation is commercial
- Performance can be lower on high‑end workloads
- No native macOS guest support on Linux hosts
- Less advanced GPU passthrough and 3D acceleration options
- GUI is less polished and lacks some enterprise features
Opening your VMware Workstation files
VirtualBox can import VMware VMs using the .ovf/.ova formats, but it does not directly open .vmx files. Exporting from VMware to an OVF package and then importing into VirtualBox works reliably. For complex setups, manual adjustment of configuration files may be needed.
Switching from VMware Workstation to VirtualBox, step by step
- Export the VMware VM as an OVF/OVA package via VMware Workstation.
- Copy the OVF/OVA files to the Linux host.
- Open VirtualBox, choose "Import Appliance" and select the OVF/OVA file.
- Adjust network and storage settings if necessary.
- Start the VM and install VirtualBox Guest Additions for better integration.
- Test all critical applications before decommissioning the old VM.
Key features of VirtualBox
- Support for Windows, Linux, macOS, Solaris guests
- Snapshot and cloning capabilities
- Seamless mode and shared folders
- USB 2.0/3.0 pass‑through (extension pack)
- Virtual networking (NAT, bridged, host‑only)
- Command‑line interface (VBoxManage)
- Guest Additions for improved performance
- Cross‑platform GUI
How to install VirtualBox on Linux
sudo apt install virtualboxsudo apt install virtualbox-guest-additions-isosudo dnf install virtualbox-guest-additionssudo pacman -S virtualboxsudo zypper install virtualboxFrequently asked questions
Can I run the same VM on both VMware Workstation and VirtualBox?
Yes, if you export the VM to OVF/OVA from VMware, it can be imported into VirtualBox. However, some VMware‑specific settings may need tweaking.
Is there any performance loss compared to VMware?
On typical workloads, VirtualBox performance is comparable, but for GPU‑heavy or high‑I/O tasks VMware may have a slight edge due to proprietary optimizations.
Do I need the Extension Pack for USB 3.0 support?
Yes, the free core VirtualBox package only supports USB 2.0. Install the Extension Pack to enable USB 3.0 passthrough.
2 other alternatives to VMware Workstation
Virtual Machine ManagerVirtual Machine Manager is a graphical front‑end for libvirt that lets you create, run, and monitor KVM, Xen…Open sourceFreeFlatpakVirtual Machine Manager vs VMware Workstation