VMware vSphere 6.x
We often receive questions regarding the differences between the Free and Paid version of VMware vSphere 6.x. We hope this article will help you to discover the differences between both versions of VMware vSphere 6.x.
At Snel.com we offer the free version of VMware vSphere 6.x (which is called VMware Hypervisor) because the Free version is identical to the paid VMware vSphere 6.x version. This means that you will get the exact same ISO image at free charge. However, the Free VMware vSphere 6.x version only stays unlocked for 60 days.
So the Hypervisor works as a full version for 2 months. When the trial period ends some features will be disabled. In order to use the full version again, you need to enter a serial number but before you upgrade to the paid VMware vSphere 6.x version you should consider whether the upgrade really is necessary. Below the limitations of the Free version have been highlighted.
What are the VMware Hypervisor (Free) limitations?
The main difference between the free version and paid version of VMware server are the below restrictions:
- You are not able to manage via vCenter Server
- Only 1 physical server is allowed (cluster with more physical servers not allowed)
- Only 2 physical CPU per Hypervisor is allowed
- Only 128 vCPU per Hypervisor is allowed
- Maximum amount of vCPUs you can assign to a VM is limited to 8
- Physical RAM limit of 12TB per Hypervisor is allowed
- You need to acquire VM support
If you would like to upgrade to the paid version, then the only thing different between the free and the paid versions are the license keys. The software contains all of the functions, but you need to enable it with the keys. You do not have to install anything other than the new key and you need to configure the new functions.
VMware vSphere 6.x Editions Comparison Table
| Feature | VMware Hypervisor (prev. ESXi Single Server) | Essentials | Essentials Plus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phys. RAM limit | Host limit 12TB | Host limit 12TB | Host limit 12TB |
| vCenter Server compatibility | None | vCenter Server for Essentials (up to 3 physical servers) | vCenter Server for Essentials (up to 3 physical servers) |
| Licenses | For 1 physical server | For 3 physical servers (max. 2 processors per server) | For 3 physical servers (max. 2 processors per server) |
| Unlimited number of virtual machines? | No known limit | No known limit | No known limit |
| vCPU limit | 128 | 128 | 128 |
| Per VM vCPU limit | 8 | No | No |
| vCenter Server for Essentials Agent | No | Yes | Yes |
| Update Manager | No | Yes | Yes |
| vStorage APIs for Data Protection | No | Yes | Yes |
| HA functionality | No | No | Yes |
| Data recovery | No | No | Yes |
| vMotion | No | No | Yes |
| vSAN | No | No | Yes, optional |
| Cores per CPU | No limits | No limits | No limits |
| Support and subscriptions | Can be acquired separately | One-year subscription is included in price1 | Must be acquired with min. 12 months Basic or Production Support |
| Upgradeable? | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Price | Take a look at the website of VMware vSphere for the prices | ||
1 Support is acquired per incident basis, more information is available on the website of VMware. No Basic or Production Level subscriptions possible. Multi-year subscriptions can be purchased.
Click to the link below for a more detailed comparison:Product offerings for vSphere 6.x
You're missing one of the most important limitations of the free VMware Hypervisor – maximum 8 vCPUs per VM.
It seems you are right, I have updated the article to reflect this. Thank you.
How many virtual machines can I create in the free version? thank you
There is no known limit on the amount of virtual machines you can create in the free edition.
How to manage it? Since vCenter cannot be used
You can use vSphere client to manage hosts directly and deploy virtual machines without vCenter .
Any idea about updates for the free version?
If there is a new version out, can I run the new ISO and choose update?
And do I have to require a new free license each time I update (assuming that it's possible)?
What are the possibilities of Backup for Esxi 6.0 Freeware Edition (Physical Host) ?
There are multiple options to backup the VMware ESXi host. For example, you can use Acronis.
Do you know if vvols are disabled in the trial version of VSphere?
"So the Hypervisor works as a full version for 2 months".
Hi All,
Is it a volume capacity limitation with the free version ?
I cannot go about 2 TB. Is it normal?
Rgds,
Patrick
Could you explain and provide more information ?
Hi, I saw somewhere that free version has
Evaluation time: 60-day trial of Enterprise Plus features
What does that means .?
this means that you get a trial license for 60 days or you can get a license through VMware.
then what is free in that ?
its evaluation .
You can contact vmware to get a license.
vStorage APIs for Data Protection : No
"The main disadvantages of using free VMware ESXi are the inability to use vStorage APIs and, as a result, use native backup applications for performing host-level VM backup, as well as lack of access to centralized management with VMware vCenter Server."
So, Free ESXi – Can we configure real-time replication Azure cloud Disaster recovery for VMs?
How much of this information is still correct for VMware 7 and 8?
Unfortunately we can't comment on this one.
PSA: Due to security issues using VMware ESXi 6.x is not recommended at all.