KubeVirt and VMware both run virtual machines, but how they do it — and what they’re built for — is completely different. VMware is the go-to for traditional virtual infrastructure. KubeVirt brings VMs into Kubernetes, so you can manage them the same way you handle containers.
This article breaks down where each works best, how they differ, and how teams are using them together to bridge old and new infrastructure.
What Is VMware
VMware is a virtualization platform designed to run virtual machines directly on physical servers using its hypervisor, ESXi. It’s built for large-scale, centralized infrastructure with high availability, dedicated storage, and strong operational control. VMware is often used in enterprise data centers and private cloud environments that require predictable performance and vendor-backed support.
Its core strength is stability. Tools like vCenter offer cluster-wide management, automation, and integrations with networking and backup systems. While it’s a well-established solution, it’s also tightly coupled to its ecosystem and follows a licensing model that can be costly at scale.
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Use Cases for VMware
VMware is ideal when you’re running legacy applications that need specific OS versions or kernel access. It’s common in regulated industries like finance or healthcare where infrastructure requires certified components and vendor-backed compliance. It’s also widely used for private cloud deployments, virtual desktop infrastructure, and hybrid cloud integrations with services like VMware Cloud on AWS.
Benefits of VMware
- Full OS-level isolation with enterprise-grade availability
- Mature tooling and a broad partner ecosystem
- Seamless support for enterprise backup and disaster recovery
- High stability in long-running, high-compliance environments
- Vendor-backed support and long-term upgrade paths
What Is KubeVirt
KubeVirt is an open-source project that allows you to run virtual machines inside Kubernetes clusters. Instead of managing separate platforms for VMs and containers, KubeVirt lets you use the same control plane — kubectl, YAML, GitOps, Operators — for both.
Under the hood, KubeVirt uses KVM for virtualization but wraps VM definitions into native Kubernetes objects. This makes it easier to integrate VM-based apps into Kubernetes workflows, reducing operational overhead and avoiding the need for a separate orchestration platform.
Use Cases for KubeVirt
KubeVirt is best for Kubernetes-native environments where teams still need to support virtual machine workloads. Common examples include CI/CD pipelines that require OS-level test environments, edge deployments with lightweight footprints, or infrastructure teams migrating from legacy VMs to containers. It’s also used in hybrid environments to consolidate operations without managing two stacks.
Benefits of KubeVirt
- Unified management for VMs and containers in Kubernetes
- Native integration with GitOps, Helm, and CI/CD workflows
- No need for separate VM orchestration platforms
- Lower operational overhead in container-first environments
- Open-source, no licensing fees, and full Kubernetes compatibility
KubeVirt vs VMware Simplified Comparison
Choosing between KubeVirt and VMware can impact how you manage virtual machines. Here’s a brief comparison to highlight their core differences.
| Feature | VMware | KubeVirt |
|---|---|---|
| Virtualization Layer | ESXi (bare-metal) | KVM inside Kubernetes |
| Management Tools | vCenter, ESXi CLI | Kubernetes-native (kubectl, CRDs) |
| License | Commercial | Open source |
| Container Support | Requires external tools | Native integration |
| Automation | Scripts, vRealize | YAML, Operators, GitOps |
| Ideal Use Case | Enterprise VM infrastructure | Kubernetes-first environments |
Can These Platforms Work Side by Side
Yes — and many teams are already doing it. VMware continues to support legacy applications and critical workloads, while KubeVirt runs in parallel to support container-native environments. This hybrid approach allows teams to modernize at their own pace while still meeting compliance or operational stability requirements.
Some organizations run KubeVirt alongside VMware Tanzu or on top of platforms like OpenShift or Rancher. Others use KubeVirt as a low-overhead alternative for edge deployments or VM-based testing environments inside Kubernetes clusters.
The Role of Simplyblock in Mixed Environments
Storage often becomes the friction point in mixed setups. Simplyblock solves this by providing one fast, scalable block storage layer that supports both Kubernetes and virtual machines. It delivers low-latency storage through CSI for KubeVirt while also meeting the IOPS and reliability needs of VMware clusters.
Whether you’re backing up workloads, building multi-AZ disaster recovery, or optimizing your hybrid cloud stack, Simplyblock lets you unify storage and reduce complexity — without giving up performance.
How to Choose the Right Virtualization Platform
If you rely heavily on enterprise virtualization, VMware is a strong and stable choice. But if your infrastructure is evolving toward container-first, KubeVirt lets you run virtual machines without fragmenting your tooling or workflows.
You don’t need to commit to just one. Many teams run both — VMware for what’s already working, KubeVirt for what’s next — and use platforms like Simplyblock to tie it all together.
Questions and answers
KubeVirt enables teams to manage virtual machines within Kubernetes environments using the same API and CI/CD workflows as containers. It’s designed for infrastructure teams transitioning from VM-based to container-native operations while maintaining legacy workloads.
VMware delivers a comprehensive suite of virtualization tools, including vSphere, DRS, HA, and vMotion. These features ensure stability, uptime, and scalability for enterprise-grade infrastructure. For compatible storage backends, see our VMware virtualization support.
For hybrid environments where Kubernetes and traditional VMs coexist, KubeVirt offers a native solution within the Kubernetes control plane. VMware, on the other hand, provides a more mature stack for complex VM management with integrations outside the Kubernetes ecosystem.
KubeVirt is open-source and integrates with Kubernetes-native multi-tenancy models, reducing software and licensing costs. VMware offers enterprise support and features, but with licensing overhead. For dynamic, cost-efficient workloads, consider Simplyblock’s Kubernetes-native storage.
KubeVirt scales using Kubernetes-native primitives and fits well into GitOps and DevOps workflows. VMware scales vertically with features like vCenter and NSX. Integration-wise, KubeVirt relies on CSI and CNI, while VMware uses proprietary protocols and stacks.
