Hypervisors compared: licensing, clustering, migration and backup support
How we compared: we list only what each vendor documents, plus Veeam's own list of supported platforms, checked on 4 November 2026. Check vendor means we could not find it documented. We describe licensing models but do not list prices.
How we compared: we list only what each vendor documents, plus Veeam's own list of supported platforms, checked on 4 November 2026. Check vendor means we could not find it documented. We describe licensing models but do not list prices. Check each vendor's current pricing.
If you are leaving VMware, read our VMware alternatives guide first.
Features side by side
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| Product | Licensing model | Clustering and HA | Live migration | Veeam Backup & Replication support | V2V import tools |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VMware vSphere (VCF and vSphere Foundation)Existing VMware estates that want to stay put | Subscription per physical core, with a minimum of 16 cores counted per CPU | vSphere HA and DRS included in vSphere Foundation and VCF | vMotion and Storage vMotion | Yes | Check vendor |
| Hyper-V (Windows Server)Windows shops that already own Windows Server Datacenter licences | Windows Server per-core licences; Standard covers two OSEs, Datacenter covers any number; CALs required; pay-as-you-go through Azure Arc | Windows Server Failover Clustering | Yes, with or without Failover Clustering | Yes | Windows Admin Center VM Conversion extension from vCenter (preview) |
| Azure LocalOrganisations that want on-premises VMs managed from Azure | Billed per physical core through your Azure subscription; guest OS licensed separately | Hyperconverged clusters of up to 16 nodes | Check vendor | Yes, as Hyper-V workloads | Azure Migrate from VMware; from Hyper-V in preview; partner tools from Carbonite, Commvault and Veeam |
| Proxmox VESmall and mid-sized teams that want an open-source VMware replacement | Open source (AGPLv3) with all features free; optional per-node subscriptions for the enterprise repository and support | Multi-node clusters with an HA manager | Yes | Yes | ESXi import wizard for ESXi 6.5 to 8.0 with live-import; OVF/OVA import |
| Nutanix AHVOrganisations buying hyperconverged infrastructure | Included with Nutanix Cloud Infrastructure licences; not sold standalone | Cluster HA restarts VMs on healthy hosts | Yes, within a cluster; Cross Cluster Live Migration | Yes | Nutanix Move (free) from ESXi, Hyper-V and public clouds |
| XCP-ngTeams comfortable with Xen that want open source with optional support | Open source with no per-CPU or per-VM fees; optional Vates support subscriptions | Pools managed in Xen Orchestra; HA: Check vendor | Yes, within a pool, plus storage live migration between hosts and pools | Not on Veeam's supported platforms list; Xen Orchestra includes backup | Xen Orchestra V2V from VMware; VHD import from Hyper-V |
Features as documented by each vendor, checked 4 Nov 2026. Prices change often, so check each vendor's current pricing.
Which one fits
All features are free, it includes an ESXi import wizard, and Veeam supports it.
Datacenter licences cover any number of Windows Server VMs, and live migration works with or without clustering.
Included with Nutanix licences, with the free Nutanix Move tool for migrations.
Billed through Azure, with Azure Migrate for VMware moves.
How to choose
Count your cores. VMware and Windows Server both license by core, with minimums. Proxmox VE and XCP-ng have no licence fee for the software itself.
Check your backup tool. Veeam Backup & Replication lists vSphere, Hyper-V, Nutanix AHV and Proxmox VE, and supports Azure Local VMs as Hyper-V workloads. XCP-ng is not on Veeam's list.
Test the migration path. Run a pilot conversion of a few VMs with the vendor's own tool before you commit. See our VMware to Azure guide if you are also considering the public cloud.
Frequently asked questions
How is VMware licensed now?
Broadcom licenses VMware Cloud Foundation and vSphere Foundation by subscription per physical core, counting at least 16 cores per CPU.
Is Proxmox VE free?
Proxmox VE is open source under AGPLv3 and all features work without a subscription. Paid subscriptions add the enterprise repository and support.
Does Veeam back up Proxmox and Nutanix?
Yes. Veeam lists Proxmox VE and Nutanix AHV among its supported platforms, alongside vSphere and Hyper-V.
Can I move VMware VMs to Hyper-V with a Microsoft tool?
Microsoft offers a VM Conversion extension for Windows Admin Center that migrates VMs from vCenter to Hyper-V. Microsoft lists it as a preview.
Why are there no prices here?
Hypervisor licensing depends on cores, terms and support level, and it changes. Check each vendor's current pricing.