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VMware/Proxmox cost comparison

Whether you're about to launch a new virtualization project or considering switching from VMware to another platform, this post is for you. It’s intended for IT decision-makers, system administrators and tech enthusiasts who want to make an informed choice.

Illustration VMware/Proxmox

Since VMware pricing has become increasingly unpredictable and on the rise a trend that caught many IT leaders off guard in 2024, here’s a cost comparison between VMware and a migration to Proxmox. This high-level overview is based on the pricing models of both platforms.

Please note: real-world costs may vary depending on specific licenses, additional services, company size and needs, number of servers, level of support chosen and vendor pricing policies.

💶 VMware Costs

  • 🔴 VMware vSphere (ESXi) :
  • Essentials: ~€950 per CPU for the base version.
  • Standard/Enterprise Plus: ~€3,600 or more per CPU for the full version.
  • 🔴 VMware vCenter : ~€5,400 for a vCenter Standard license and additional fees for support and updates.
  • 🔴 VMware vSAN (hyperconverged solution): ~€1,800 per server.
  • 🔴 VMware NSX (network virtualization): ~€3,600 per CPU.
  • 🔴 Veeam Backup (note: Veeam is a separate solution, not part of VMware): ~€900 to €1,800 per server for backup solutions.

💶 Proxmox Costs

As an open-source solution, Proxmox is free to use. You only pay for optional support; all core components are free.

  • 🟢 Proxmox License: The base version is free.

Optional support plans:

  • 🟢 Basic Support: from €75 per server per year.
  • 🟢 Standard Support: from €225 per server per year.
  • 🟢 Premium Support: from €450 per server per year.
  • 🟢 Proxmox Backup Server: free (support is optional and paid separately)

🔍 Cost Comparison

VMware:For a setup with 10 servers using VMware vSphere Enterprise Plus licenses (€3,600 per server), just the base licensing would cost around €36,000. Adding vCenter, vSAN, NSX and Veeam Backup brings the total to approximately €50,000 per year for infrastructure management.

Proxmox: For the same 10-server setup, using Standard Support (€225/server), the annual cost would be €2,250. With Premium Support (€450/server), the total would be around €5,500 per year.

💲 Estimated Savings:

👉 VMware Total Cost (10 servers): ~€50,000 per year.

👉 Proxmox Total Cost (10 servers with Standard Support): ~€5,500 per year.