Citrix XenServer Reviews

Name: Citrix XenServer
Brand: Citrix
Rating: 4.1 (49 reviews)

4.1 out of 5

49 reviews
82% willing to recommend

4,135 followers

What is Citrix XenServer ?

Citrix XenServer is a virtualization platform used in industries such as banking, automotive, and data applications for cloud automation, server virtualization, and VDI scenarios. It supports infrastructure management, virtual machine hosting, and enterprise software deployment, reducing costs by migrating from other platforms.

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Citrix XenServer is the #11 ranked solution in best Server Virtualization Software. PeerSpot users give Citrix XenServer an average rating of 8.2 out of 10. Citrix XenServer is most commonly compared to Proxmox VE: Citrix XenServer vs Proxmox VE. Citrix XenServer is popular among the midsize enterprise segment, accounting for 59% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a educational organization, accounting for 54% of all views.

Helped 839,319 peers since 2012

Featured Citrix XenServer reviews

Tonatiuh Torres Zamorano

Solutions Manager at ICSI

I find Citrix XenServer valuable for small to medium-sized businesses. It is user-friendly and easy to deploy, making it an attractive option. When included with Citrix virtualization solutions, it provides a comprehensive package with existing licenses. Despite being effective for small to medium infrastructures, it may not be the best hypervisor for larger deployments.

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Siva Kuppala

Enterprise Architect at Wipro Limited

It is a scalable product and provides great benefits for virtualization needs. However, there are a few considerations: * Cost: Citrix Hypervisor can be fairly expensive. * Complexity: There's a learning curve, especially for those coming from a Microsoft background. Setting it up and managing it can introduce some complexity. * Hardware Support: Not all major hardware vendors fully support Citrix Hypervisor. * Third-party Integration: Integrating Hypervisor with other technologies within a large ecosystem can sometimes be challenging. * Community Support: Compared to solutions like Microsoft Hyper-V, the community support for Citrix Hypervisor is somewhat less extensive. It is not vast. If there are any issues or errors, the community support is not that good. Those are definitely important disadvantages.

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Filip Fronczak

Virtualization Architect & Managing Owner at AnyThin', Jerzy Fronczak

The typical use case for Citrix XenServer in my organization is to provide secure access to applications and resources. We use it primarily for offering affordable server virtualization I find Citrix XenServer valuable for its affordable server virtualization capabilities. It provides secure…

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Citrix XenServer mindshare

As of March 2025, the mindshare of Citrix XenServer in the Server Virtualization Software category stands at 5.1%, up from 4.0% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Server Virtualization Software

PeerAnalyst reports based on Citrix XenServer reviews

Type	Title	Date
Category	Server Virtualization Software	Mar 4, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Mar 4, 2025	Download
Comparison	Citrix XenServer vs Proxmox VE	Mar 4, 2025	Download
Comparison	Citrix XenServer vs VMware vSphere	Mar 4, 2025	Download
Comparison	Citrix XenServer vs Hyper-V	Mar 4, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Proxmox VE	4.3	18.4%	98%	62 interviews Add to research
VMware vSphere	4.4	17.8%	94%	452 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

Citrix XenServer offers strong virtualization capabilities with easy setup and management. Users appreciate features like live migration, high performance on bare metal, resource management, and storage integration. XenCenter enables centralized control. Cost is a significant advantage as it provides a free edition. It is compatible with various operating systems and supports GPU graphics, making it user-friendly. Users value its security, high availability, and the ability to manage multiple virtual machines efficiently.

"I find Citrix XenServer valuable for small to medium-sized businesses."
"It is user-friendly and easy to deploy, making it an attractive option."
"I find Citrix XenServer valuable for its affordable server virtualization capabilities."

Room for Improvement

Citrix XenServer users highlight several areas needing improvement. They note that the management console's limited compatibility with non-Windows operating systems is a drawback. Users mention the need for enhanced third-party integration, especially for backup solutions, and suggest a more robust web-based administration interface. Users express dissatisfaction with expensive licensing. There are suggestions for improved high availability features, enhanced network and storage management, and more responsive technical support. Security enhancements and a more intuitive user interface are also desired.

"Citrix needs to improve the hypervisor, specifically in security and performance."
"Citrix needs to improve the hypervisor, specifically in security and performance."
"The marketing of Citrix lacks effectiveness. Although the product is technically competitive, it is not widely known or used due to poor marketing."

ROI

Citrix XenServer is appreciated by management for its effective virtualization, leading to reduced hardware and environmental costs. The annual license cost can justify itself with user satisfaction and operational efficiency. Though significant costs in licensing, hardware, deployment, and training exist, benefits like server consolidation, energy savings, and simplified management offer tangible value. Clients experiencing stable and reliable operation tend to maintain their infrastructure, preferring XenServer over alternatives like VMware.

Pricing

Enterprise buyers evaluating Citrix XenServer find it cost-effective with a free version available. Commercial support costs around $6,000 annually. The solution is perceived as less expensive than VMware, though Citrix Hypervisor pricing can be higher. The licensing policy is straightforward, but some find it confusing. Costs may vary with solution complexity, with additional fees for expanded networks or premium support. Standard usage is generally affordable, with high-rated technical support enhancing value.

"Citrix Hypervisor can be fairly expensive."
"Citrix Hypervisor is expensive."
"We used it only for some desktop licenses, so the pricing is great. We used the free licenses for server virtualization."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations primarily utilize Citrix XenServer for various virtualization needs, including server and desktop virtualization, core banking, cloud automation, and infrastructure management. It is employed to virtualize web servers, manage virtual machines, and deliver applications. Some use Citrix Hypervisor for virtual desktop infrastructure and centralized application delivery. It aids in migrating servers, enhancing infrastructure control, and providing secure access to applications. Its cost efficiency and licensing benefits make it a preferred choice for many uses.

Service and Support

Many find Citrix XenServer customer service satisfactory, though initial support tiers may slow assistance. Technicians are knowledgeable once contacted, but reaching the right level of support is challenging. Users encounter varying experiences, with some appreciating community-driven support and others finding delays problematic. Paid members often report better service, whereas free version users face limitations. Feedback highlights reseller disputes and occasional performance issues, especially for remote work settings and outdated versions.

Deployment

Citrix XenServer's initial setup is simple and efficient. Users find it straightforward and quick, often taking less than five minutes for basic installation, though deployment time varies based on complexity. Shared storage and hardware setups require careful planning. Familiarity with IT and virtualization eases the process. Some users rely on external assistance for specialized cases. Compatibility with hardware is crucial, and support resources are accessible when necessary. Typically, one person can manage installation and maintenance tasks.

Scalability

Citrix XenServer is described as highly scalable, fitting well for both small and large enterprises. Users appreciate the ease of scaling, especially with features like cloning and integration with other systems. Challenges are minimal, though some express concern about shared storage implementation. Customers have expanded their resources effortlessly, benefiting from the ability to add hosts and scale up and down as needed, confirming its suitability for increased user demand and hardware upgrades.

Stability

Citrix XenServer generally demonstrates high reliability, with many users reporting minimal issues and a stable performance. Occasional bugs, especially in older environments or specific chipsets, are mentioned, but updates typically address these concerns. Users found it reliable across different setups, praising regular updates, and substantial support. However, a few note challenges in specific configurations or standalone networks, acknowledging it requires experience and attention for optimal performance. Stability ratings often range from six to nine out of ten.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Citrix XenServer Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Educational Organization

54%

Computer Software Company

Financial Services Firm

Comms Service Provider

Manufacturing Company

University

Government

Healthcare Company

Construction Company

Retailer

Energy/Utilities Company

Non Profit

Insurance Company

Media Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Hospitality Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Outsourcing Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Performing Arts

Legal Firm

Compare Citrix XenServer with alternative products

Learn more about Citrix XenServer

As a virtualization tool, Citrix XenServer stands out for its ease of maintenance, support, scalability, and centralized management. Commonly deployed on-premises and in data centers, it provides real-time monitoring, live migration, and strong security features. With compatibility across many operating systems, users benefit from a Windows-based management interface that is easy to install and navigate. Integration capabilities with active directory, storage, and load balancing contribute to resource optimization and reliability.

What are the key features of Citrix XenServer?

Cost-effectiveness: Reduces operational expenses across IT environments.
High Performance: Real-time monitoring and live migration support high efficiency.
Security: Strong safeguards protect data and processes.
Management Interface: Windows-based, offering user-friendly controls.
OS Compatibility: Works with a range of operating systems for flexibility.
Advanced Integrations: Active directory, storage, and load balancing maximize resources.

What benefits should users consider in Citrix XenServer reviews?

Scalability: Easily adapts to growing demands.
Ease of Deployment: Streamlines the installation process for quick setup.
Comprehensive Virtualization: Offers extensive capabilities for seamless operations.
Centralized Management: Facilitates control through XenCenter.

Implementation in banking, automotive, and data applications leverages Citrix XenServer's strengths in cloud automation and virtualization. Organizations manage resources, deploy services, and ensure stable operations within their infrastructure. The platform is used both on-premises and in data centers, aiding in areas such as cost reduction and maintenance efficiency.

Citrix XenServer was previously known as Hypervisor.