VMware ESXi Reviews

Name: VMware ESXi
Brand: VMware
Rating: 4.2 (30 reviews)

4.2 out of 5

30 reviews
96% willing to recommend

What is VMware ESXi?

VMware ESXi serves as a hypervisor enabling virtualization by transforming physical servers into virtual infrastructures, supporting efficient server management, development, and production environments.

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VMware ESXi is the #8 ranked solution in best Server Virtualization Software. PeerSpot users give VMware ESXi an average rating of 8.4 out of 10. VMware ESXi is most commonly compared to Proxmox VE: VMware ESXi vs Proxmox VE. VMware ESXi is popular among the small business segment, accounting for 47% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a manufacturing company, accounting for 13% of all views.

Helped 837,501 peers since 2012

Featured reviews

Syed Ali Waqas

Head IT at Burraq Cyber Security Solutions

I recommend new users download and evaluate the free version from VMware's website. Once satisfied, they should purchase the professional version for a smooth and secure IT infrastructure. The professional version is cost-effective, allowing one to create multiple servers on a single server. I'd rate the solution ten out of ten.

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Syed Shahid Hasan

Senior Manager- II | Unit Head - Technolgy Infra (Global) at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees

Most people do not know why VMware is more stable than Hyper-V. Our clients use Webex after version 6.5. Before, we installed VMware Client and connected to the vCenter server. The vCenter server was connected to the vCenter host. There were a lot of version and service issues with vCenter. Things have been better after we installed Webex. The cost is very important. We have to buy the latest hardware and licenses. The license is very costly. The vendor might discontinue the perpetual license. The tool will become more costly. Customers will leave VMware and choose Hyper-V. The vendor must rethink the price. We can learn to use the solution through YouTube videos. Beginners can use the tool, but we must learn and better know the product. It is a very good product. Overall, I rate the tool an eight out of ten.

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Amar Sorro

Team Lead Virtualization at Hybrid Tech

ESXi is a virtualization platform that allows multiple applications to run on the same physical hardware, reducing costs significantly by transforming physical servers into virtual environments. It is known for its stability and reliability, allowing seamless task execution by running directly on the hardware processor. Additionally, ESXi's integration with VMware vCenter offers centralized management. Features like high availability ensure VM migration to another host in case of host failure.

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PeerAnalyst reports

Type	Title	Date
Category	Server Virtualization Software	Feb 18, 2025	Download
Product	Reviews, tips, and advice from real users	Feb 18, 2025	Download
Comparison	VMware ESXi vs Proxmox VE	Feb 18, 2025	Download
Comparison	VMware ESXi vs VMware vSphere	Feb 18, 2025	Download
Comparison	VMware ESXi vs Hyper-V	Feb 18, 2025	Download

Title	Rating	Mindshare	Recommending
Proxmox VE	4.3	18.5%	98%	62 interviews Add to research
Hyper-V	4.0	14.5%	86%	142 interviews Add to research

Valuable Features

VMware ESXi provides high availability, reliability, and efficient resource management. Users appreciate vMotion for seamless host migration without downtime. Its simple setup, affordability, and reduced physical server needs are highly valued. Integration with third-party applications and ease of managing both Linux and Windows virtual machines enhance its usability. Robust clustering, intuitive web interface, and stability further strengthen its reputation in production environments, making it favorable for server virtualization and infrastructure management.

"For enterprises seeking scalable and robust solutions, VMware ESXi is highly recommended."
"ESXi's integration with VMware vCenter offers centralized management."
"ESXi stands out for its simplicity in setup, management, and monitoring."

Room for Improvement

Users find VMware ESXi's pricing to be too high and its licensing model complex, especially after Broadcom's acquisition. The web interface and technical support response time need refinement. Simplifying the setup and patching process, enhancing scalability, and making password recovery easier are desired improvements. Adding user-friendly features like one-click operations and mobile applications for remote access would also be beneficial. Companies see benefits in improving the patching process and providing more management features.

"The cost of VMware ESXi is very high, especially after the acquisition by Broadcom, which led to price increases. Improving the cost structure would be beneficial."
"The cost of VMware ESXi is very high, especially after the acquisition by Broadcom, which led to price increases."
"The licensing model currently presents challenges. It's not cost-effective for small users and creates a gap for alternatives, while favoring larger clients."

ROI

VMware ESXi saves customers money and time by eliminating the need for new hardware and lengthy procurement processes. Users experience improved efficiency and find it easier to manage compared to Hyper-V. However, costs have significantly increased, affecting ROI. While some users find it cost-effective, others consider switching for better cost-effectiveness. Financial optimization projects within organizations aim to leverage such technology for monetary benefits, though some users feel efficiency comes at a higher expense now.

Pricing

VMware ESXi pricing is generally perceived as high, especially in developing regions, with acquisition costs between $20,000 to $30,000. Its cost structure is seen as complex and expensive due to Broadcom's recent acquisition and resulting price adjustments. While some find the licensing model adaptable to specific needs, many express dissatisfaction with increased costs, particularly small users. Rating consistency varies, often leaning towards expensive, reflecting its position as a premium-priced hypervisor solution.

"The pricing is expensive, with the cost for customers ranging from $10,000 to $20,000 yearly."
"VMware ESXi is a costly solution in Africa and other developing countries."
"Broadcom recently purchased VMware, and the pricing scheme has changed. If I need any more features in the tool, I can actually purchase them."

Popular Use Cases

Organizations use VMware ESXi for server virtualization and consolidation, hosting numerous virtual machines for various applications, including development and production workloads. It supports data center operations, enabling server and network virtualization. Users benefit from features like high availability, snapshots, and cloning. VMware ESXi integrates with tools like VMware Horizon for desktop visualization and vSphere for virtual machine management. It is favored for its stability, compatibility, and ability to optimize hardware, serving as a foundation for virtual infrastructure.

Service and Support

VMware ESXi receives mixed feedback on technical support. Some rate the service highly for its promptness and effectiveness, particularly at higher support levels. However, others highlight delays, especially post-Broadcom acquisition, attributed to initial response times and ticket handling. Many benefit from minimal need for assistance due to product reliability. While some express satisfaction with the service, rating it between six and ten, others note longer wait times since Broadcom's involvement.

Deployment

VMware ESXi's initial setup is generally straightforward, often completed in 30 minutes to a few hours. Documentation and vendor support enhance this process. Typically requiring a team for comprehensive security and network configuration, deployment times may vary based on infrastructure and requirements. Maintenance becomes manageable post setup. A few users note complexities with older versions or specific integrations. Deployment is often rated highly, with some describing it as simple and efficient.

Scalability

VMware ESXi is highly scalable, suitable for various business sizes. Users often rate its scalability between eight to nine out of ten. It's effective in managing numerous virtual machines and supports vertical and horizontal scaling. Users appreciate its capability to expand infrastructure easily, although some face challenges with licensing and resource changes. The platform's scalability largely depends on underlying hardware, and it can manage up to 1,000 servers through vCenter Server.

Stability

VMware ESXi is highly stable with many users rating it between eight to ten out of ten. They mention its reliable environment, regular maintenance, and few stability problems. Some downtime and a few performance issues occur, but these are rare. Stability decreased for some, shifting ratings from six or seven to around four, yet others continue to experience smooth operations with no significant problems. Users rate ESXi's stability highly, making it a favored choice.

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

Download our VMware ESXi Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

13%

Manufacturing Company

13%

Comms Service Provider

12%

Aerospace/Defense Firm

10%

Computer Software Company

University

Government

Healthcare Company

Insurance Company

Logistics Company

Non Tech Company

Non Profit

Real Estate/Law Firm

Transportation Company

Recruiting/Hr Firm

Retailer

Media Company

Educational Organization

Computer Retailer

Leisure / Travel Company

Compare VMware ESXi with alternative products

Learn more about VMware ESXi

Organizations utilize VMware ESXi for its high availability and ability to host diverse workloads effectively. Known for stability and maturity, it efficiently handles server, networking, and storage demands, with integral features like vMotion and memory compression. ESXi integrates well with data center operations, allowing seamless resource allocation and virtual machine migration. Despite impressive capabilities, users encounter challenges with setup complexity, licensing costs, and technical support delays, leading some to explore different solutions.

What are the main features of VMware ESXi?

High Availability: Ensures continuous operation of virtual machines.
vMotion Capabilities: Facilitates easy virtual machine migration.
Clustering: Enhances resource management and efficiency.
Server Management: Offers efficient management with third-party integration.
Resource Optimization: Utilizes memory compression technologies.

What benefits and ROI do organizations see with VMware ESXi?

Cost Savings: Reduces expenses by consolidating servers.
User-friendliness: Offers a stable and manageable interface.
Multi-OS Support: Enables running Linux and Windows environments.
High Performance: Recognized for speed and efficiency.

Industries deploying VMware ESXi benefit in sectors requiring robust IT infrastructure, including finance, healthcare, and education. Its capability to support high availability and diverse workloads proves essential for critical applications, enhancing productivity and agility in dynamic environments.