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VMware ESXi Reviews

Vendor: Broadcom
4.2 out of 5
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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.

Get the VMware ESXi Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about VMware ESXi, VMware vSphere, Hyper-V and more!
VMware ESXi is the #6 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 VMware vSphere: VMware ESXi vs VMware vSphere. VMware ESXi is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 48% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a manufacturing company, accounting for 14% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
VMware ESXi
February 2026
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VMware ESXi mindshare

As of March 2026, the mindshare of VMware ESXi in the Server Virtualization Software category stands at 2.2%, up from 0.5% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Server Virtualization Software Mindshare Distribution
ProductMindshare (%)
VMware ESXi2.2%
VMware vSphere19.4%
Hyper-V19.1%
Other59.3%
Server Virtualization Software

PeerResearch reports based on VMware ESXi reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryServer Virtualization SoftwareMar 25, 2026Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersMar 25, 2026Download
ComparisonVMware ESXi vs VMware vSphereMar 25, 2026Download
ComparisonVMware ESXi vs Hyper-VMar 25, 2026Download
ComparisonVMware ESXi vs Proxmox VEMar 25, 2026Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
VMware vSphere4.419.4%94%459 interviewsAdd to research
Hyper-V4.019.1%86%145 interviewsAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

VMware ESXi is valued for high availability, reliability, and ease of use. Users appreciate vMotion for seamless migration and resource allocation. Its ability to consolidate servers, support various OS, and reduce costs is crucial. Integration capabilities with vSphere, user-friendly management, and scalability enhance its functionality. Features like DRS, HA, hyper-threading, and virtualization support efficient operations and server management. Known for stability and efficiency, it is essential for virtualization needs.
  • "The features I find most useful in VMware ESXi are definitely the hypervisor and virtualization server feature, and secondly, the storage features, such as object-based storage, S3-compatible storage systems, and also virtualized SAN, vSAN, and ESA."
  • "We are using VMware ESXi for virtualization, with vCenter being the core product—these are building blocks for having efficiency and stability in daily operations, and we cannot operate without them."
  • "All the features of VMware ESXi are very beneficial, particularly for virtualizing our infrastructure."

Room for Improvement

VMware ESXi faces criticism for its high cost and complicated licensing model after Broadcom's acquisition. Users express concerns over usability issues like the complex setup phase and the need for easier interface navigation. The need for simplified password recovery, improved downtime, and better scalability features is noted. There's also dissatisfaction with the technical support response time and the cumbersome patching process. Users call for enhanced features for server management and streamlined resource management.
  • "Licensing has become a major issue. The new subscription-based licensing model is problematic."
  • "Pricing is a major issue with VMware ESXi as it is becoming more expensive."
  • "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."

ROI

VMware ESXi enabled cost and time savings by eliminating the need for new hardware and simplifying application launches. While some noted cost-effectiveness, others experienced increased expenses. Efficiency improved, though cost concerns grew, with markedly higher expenses noted. Manual management issues present in alternatives are minimized. Cost-saving and optimization projects benefit from leveraging technology. Despite these advantages, precise measurement of return remains challenging without additional consultancy or support services, and some are considering alternatives for better cost-effectiveness.

Pricing

VMware ESXi is often viewed as more costly than alternative hypervisors, particularly in developing regions. Initial setup can range from $20,000 to $30,000, while annual costs may vary between $10,000 and $20,000. Following Broadcom's acquisition, perpetual licenses were discontinued, and pricing adjustments have led to a more complex cost structure. Licensing is core-based, and subscription models have introduced uncertainty, with changes making it cost-prohibitive for smaller users.
  • "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

Companies use VMware ESXi primarily for server virtualization, consolidating physical servers into virtual machines. It is employed in various environments, optimizing hardware by running multiple applications on limited servers. VMware ESXi supports data center operations, including high availability and redundancy. Organizations utilize it for development, production environments, and server management. It is favored for its stability and compatibility in managing virtual infrastructures across banking, insurance, and medical sectors, including support for Windows and Linux workloads.

Service and Support

VMware ESXi's customer service and support are generally regarded as good, with some noting rapid and effective assistance. However, since the Broadcom acquisition, there are reports of increased response times and some organizational challenges. Many users are satisfied with the technical support, rating it from 6 to 10 out of 10. Some emphasize the need for quicker responses at initial levels, while escalated issues receive efficient solutions. The company's previous collaboration with Dell was praised for excellent support quality.

Deployment

VMware ESXi's initial setup is generally straightforward, often rated highly for ease. Companies find substantial support and documentation available, simplifying deployment. Some setups involve multiple professionals, especially for larger infrastructures. Setup typically spans from 30 minutes to a few days depending on complexity and environment needs. Testing phases, risk assessments, and planning for future capacity are common practices. Some users note complexities with specific features or outdated versions. Integrations and maintenance are usually easy.

Scalability

VMware ESXi is praised for its scalability, suitable for enterprises and medium-sized businesses. Users find it highly adaptable, easily supporting numerous virtual machines and allowing vertical upgrades. While some face challenges with horizontal scaling and licensing, they still rate it high. Organizations appreciate its infrastructure flexibility, managing extensive deployments efficiently. ESXi meets operational needs without limitations, though some desire Kubernetes-like scale-out features. Many rate its scalability nine out of ten.

Stability

VMware ESXi is often rated highly for stability, with frequent ratings of nine or ten, despite occasional downtime and minor issues. Many users report it as stable, influencing a positive perception and making it essential for business operations. Although some have noticed a drop in stability over time, they still consider it reliable. Regular maintenance helps maintain stability, and updates typically resolve any significant problems. Many mention its stability as reason for choosing it.
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
Company SizeCount
Small Business12
Midsize Enterprise5
Large Enterprise13
By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews
Company SizeCount
Small Business73
Midsize Enterprise39
Large Enterprise102
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Manufacturing Company
14%
Financial Services Firm
11%
Computer Software Company
7%
Government
6%
Comms Service Provider
5%
Marketing Services Firm
5%
Educational Organization
5%
Healthcare Company
4%
Performing Arts
4%
Energy/Utilities Company
4%
University
3%
Retailer
3%
Insurance Company
3%
Aerospace/Defense Firm
3%
Outsourcing Company
3%
Media Company
3%
Real Estate/Law Firm
2%
Transportation Company
2%
Legal Firm
2%
Construction Company
2%
Leisure / Travel Company
1%
Logistics Company
1%
Pharma/Biotech Company
1%
Wholesaler/Distributor
1%
International Affairs Institute
1%
Non Tech Company
1%
Non Profit
1%

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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.

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VMware ESXi Reviews Summary
Author infoRatingReview Summary
Managing Partner at evercloud3.5We've relied on VMware ESXi for its stability and daily vMotion use across our data centers, but recent licensing changes under Broadcom have made it costly and frustrating, pushing us to explore alternatives like Red Hat.
IT Officer at Bank of Abyssinia4.0I use VMware ESXi to virtualize our servers, supporting both Linux and Windows environments. The features are highly beneficial for our infrastructure, but the rising cost is a significant concern, necessitating a more affordable pricing model for financial companies.
IT Manager at Defence Industry4.0I've used VMware ESXi for over 15 years to virtualize servers and applications. It's stable and scalable, though licensing is expensive and complex. I'd like easier feature selection and better support response. Overall, I rate it 8 out of 10.
Head IT at Burraq Cyber Security Solutions5.0Our primary use case for VMware ESXi is hosting VMs in a live environment, benefiting from its networking integration and efficient VM migration. However, improvements in scalability features and the addition of a mobile app for remote access would be advantageous.
Senior Manager- II | Unit Head - Technolgy Infra (Global) at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees4.0VMware ESXi is highly reliable because it works on FC rather than networks, ensuring minimal impact from network issues. However, it is costly compared to alternatives like Hyper-V, which is free with a data center version.
Team Lead Virtualization at Hybrid Tech5.0I have utilized VMware ESXi for projects in the insurance, medical, and banking sectors due to its stability, cost-saving virtualization capabilities, and centralized management via vCenter, though its high cost post-Broadcom acquisition remains a concern. Alternatives like Nutanix and SimpliVity are less powerful.
IT Manager at Synergy Computers5.0We are partners and resellers of Hitachi and VMware, focusing on data center virtualization. ESXi offers simplicity in setup, management, and scalability. However, its licensing model is costly for small users, creating gaps that competitors might exploit.
Cloud Infrastructure Engineer at Safaricom3.5I find VMware ESXi to be a mature and stable hypervisor solution with valuable ease of use and reliability, despite price increases post-Broadcom takeover. While efficiency has improved, the cost has risen, impacting return on investment.