What is Proxmox vs VMware?

Proxmox VE and VMware vSphere are both type-1 hypervisor platforms used to run virtual infrastructure. VMware is proprietary with a long enterprise track record. Proxmox is open source and built on Debian Linux and KVM.

VMware is known for a mature commercial ecosystem and deep third-party integrations, while Proxmox is often chosen for lower cost, transparency, and reduced vendor lock-in. Recent VMware licensing changes have accelerated interest in migration alternatives.

The right choice depends on your workload needs, support model, and budget constraints, especially for multi-year infrastructure planning.