What’s the Difference Between Xen and KVM?

Virtualization plays a crucial role in the modern IT world, enabling efficient use of computing resources and simplifying server management. Two of the most popular hypervisors, Xen and KVM, emerged as alternatives to traditional operating system-level virtualization. In this article, we’ll explore the differences between Xen and KVM so you can choose the right option for running your Virtual Machine Templates: A Step-by-Step Guide" class="internal-post-link">Virtual Machine Backup in 2 Steps: A Quick Guide" class="internal-post-link">virtual machine.

Xen

Xen was developed at the University of Cambridge and became the first open-source hypervisor. Its architecture is based on microkernel technology, which allows creating isolated virtual machines with minimal resource overhead. Xen uses para-virtualization, which requires modification of the guest operating system to ensure high performance.

  • Direct hardware access: Xen gives virtual machines access to physical resources, improving performance and fault tolerance.
  • Scalability: Xen is capable of managing dozens of virtual machines on a single server.
  • Security: Isolation between virtual machines in Xen provides a high level of security.

KVM

KVM (Kernel-based Virtual Machine) is a hypervisor integrated into the Linux kernel. It provides an interface for virtualization at the hardware level. KVM uses full virtualization with hardware virtualization on the processor. This allows running guest operating systems without modification, which improves compatibility and simplifies management.

  • Linux integration: KVM is fully integrated into the Linux kernel, which simplifies updates and support.
  • Ease of use: KVM has a simple management interface and does not require complex configuration.
  • Wide hardware support: Thanks to the use of hardware virtualization, KVM supports most modern processors.

Thus, Xen and KVM have their advantages and disadvantages, and the choice between them depends on your specific needs. If performance and security are important to you, then Xen may be the best choice. And if you need ease of use and broad support, then KVM will be preferable. Ultimately, both hypervisors do an excellent job of virtualization, and the choice depends on your individual preferences.