Exploring VMware Alternatives by Gartner: HCI-Focused Options for Cost Savings
If you lead infrastructure or operations today, you’ve probably heard a steady drumbeat about VMware alternatives. The conversation isn’t just about switching hypervisors; it’s about finding a simpler, more integrated way to run compute, storage, and networking without unpredictable costs.
Gartner has noted that the server virtualization market is undergoing one of its biggest shake‑ups in decades, largely due to the Broadcom–VMware changes, which have pushed many organizations to re‑evaluate their stack through a cost‑savings lens and consider Hyper‑Converged Infrastructure (HCI) as a practical path forward.
Gartner’s perspective is clear: focus on platforms that reduce complexity, support existing skills, and offer unified management. Thankfully, these are the qualities that HCI vendors emphasize.
In multiple industry notes and vendor briefings, Sangfor HCI is cited as a sample vendor for organizations seeking a tactical VMware replacement, specifically due to familiarity with VMware‑like workflows and more predictable pricing.
Gartner’s Perspective on VMware alternatives Trending
Two forces are driving the trend: licensing changes and total cost of ownership (TCO). Since Broadcom completed the VMware acquisition, pricing moved to subscription bundles, some features became add‑ons, and many customers reported steep increases, sometimes several times higher than prior years.
This has created urgency to find VMware alternatives that deliver enterprise features without unpredictable licensing swings.
Gartner stresses the use of HCI for unified management, easier migration, and consistent operating models.
This is applicable especially for teams looking to consolidate infrastructure and skills. The advice is to evaluate platforms on migration ease, hybrid‑cloud fit, and long‑term viability, not just raw feature lists.
Broadcom Acquisition Impact & The VMware Shake‑Up
Under Broadcom, VMware shifted away from perpetual licenses to subscription‑only bundles (like VCF or vSphere Foundation), introduced stricter renewal policies, and experimented with minimum core requirements that alarmed SMBs, even when rolled back later. The message was clear: costs and terms can change quickly.
Many organizations reported 2–3x price jumps or more, prompting active exploration of a VMware replacement with simpler licensing and lower TCO.
Industry groups like CISPE publicly criticized the licensing direction, and real‑world stories show many enterprises planning partial or full exits from VMware to reduce cost exposure and regain flexibility.
Top VMware Alternatives Recognized by Gartner
When it comes to finding VMware replacements or alternatives in the market, Gartner recognized several market contenders. Sangfor HCI is among the leading names we must cite.
Sangfor HCI
Sangfor HCI is one of the best VMware alternatives based on G2 and Gartner reviews. The hyperconverged infrastructure by Sangfor mirrors the VMware operational models and also wraps compute, storage, networking, and security into a single, software-defined platform. The best part? They come with “one edition fits all” licensing, built‑in security, and intuitive visual tools.
Users can depend on the perpetual licensing model or choose the subscription model—whichever suits their needs. In short, Sangfor presents itself as a strong VMware alternative available in the market for HCI.
Nutanix AHV & Microsoft Hyper‑V
Two more top VMware alternatives include Nutanix AHV and Microsoft Hyper-V. They integrate with broader ecosystems, making them ideal for enterprises that are already synced into the Nutanix cloud service or Windows Server, respectively.
For open source substitutes, Proxmox VE and KVM offer compelling value, especially for teams with strong Linux skills. They deliver virtualization and containers (Proxmox) with low licensing costs and high flexibility, though they often require more hands‑on engineering to reach the same operational polish as commercial suites.
Feature Comparison: VMware vs Sangfor vs Others
The following are the must-consider features helping enterprises differentiate between Sangfor, VMware, and other market contenders pioneering the IT industry for virtualization:
Hypervisor
Hypervisor is a key consideration for choosing the right HCI, since it’s directly linked with performance. VMware’s ESXi, paired with vSphere Enterprise Plus, is mature. But it’s costly.
That’s where Sangfor aSV comes out as a prominent alternative with enterprise‑grade features like HA, scheduling, and live migration. Both Nutanix and Hyper-V are also good choices for custom builds. However, they require deeper expertise.
Storage & Networking
VMware’s vSAN and NSX are capable. But the Broadcom acquisition separated them from the bundle licensing. Now, users have to purchase them separately. That’s where Sangfor’s aSAN (storage) and aNET (SDN) work as platform native solutions for storage and network without requiring users to subscribe to separate plans.
Similarly, Nutanix brings deep storage integration by design; Hyper‑V relies on Windows Server features and partner storage stacks; Proxmox/KVM leverages Ceph or other open components for scalable storage.
Licensing & Cost Predictability
After the Broadcom acquisition, VMware has become a pain point for users. Constantly rising subscription costs, minimum cores, late fees, and growing complexity have made many users think otherwise.
Sangfor cuts through this noise with its flexible subscription and perpetual licensing models. Users can choose whatever fits their budget and operational requirements. On the other hand, Nutanix and Hyper‑V vary by edition and support contracts; Proxmox/KVM keeps licensing costs minimal but may add operational overhead costs.
Security & DR
VMware offers advanced security with NSX and strong DR options, often via partner tools. But, with Sangfor, security comes embedded (WAF, micro‑segmentation, IPS/EDR) into the HCI platform. Users get continuous data protection (CDP) in the HCI stack for “secure by default.”
The security features also stay with Nutanix through their integrated resilience features, which pair with ecosystem tools; Hyper‑V and Proxmox/KVM depend on OS‑level and partner solutions for full coverage.
Migration Made Simple
Many enterprise IT teams fear migration. It usually comes with lots of operational hurdles and changes in security and technology stacks. However, with advanced HCI, that risk gets reduced through HCI’s migration assistance.
They provide migration utilities and familiar operation models that almost mimic VMware, making easy migration and fast adaptability.
Sangfor explicitly targets ease of migration from VMware with tooling and professional services; the platform’s VMware‑like architecture reduces retraining time and helps teams preserve operational habits while gaining integrated management and security.
Practical steps for migrating from VMware to a new HCI platform include a phased workload movement, pilot clusters, and pairing with data protection tools (e.g., Veeam/Commvault) to choreograph low‑risk cutovers.
It would be ideal to start with non‑critical VMs, validate performance, document interdependencies, and maintain a hybrid state during transition. Also, users can change windows and thorough rollback plans to ensure continuity.
Shift with the Industry
The market shift in 2025 has pushed VMware alternatives from worth-considering to mainstream IT needs. The core reasons for this shift were rising costs and licensing complexity, driving change.
Gartner highlights HCI as a practical route to unified management, cost efficiency, and smoother migrations. Options range from commercial rivals like Nutanix AHV and Hyper‑V to open‑source substitutes such as Proxmox and KVM, each suited to different budgets and skill sets.
However, when it comes to organizations that need a similar comfort and architecture of VMware, but without the complexity, Sangfor stands out with a very minimal TCO and learning curve. Reduce the total cost of ownership for your enterprise HCI needs with Gartner-approved recommendations today. Let us know which VMware alternative suits your needs and why.
