Manage libvirt virtual machines through virt-manager, a desktop interface primarily targeting KVM.
QEMU
QEMU emulates and virtualizes systems, including full operating systems and individual programs across architectures.
About QEMU
QEMU is a machine emulator and virtualizer. It can run full operating systems on supported architectures, and it can also run individual programs built for another Linux or BSD target on a different architecture. The homepage says it can run KVM and Xen virtual machines with near-native performance.
The homepage lists QEMU as a member of the Software Freedom Conservancy and links to related projects including KVM, Libguestfs, Libvirt, and Xen. Full release history and a blog are also linked. Pricing is unknown.
Key features
- Full-system emulation to run operating systems on supported architectures
- User-mode emulation to run programs built for another Linux or BSD target
- Runs KVM and Xen virtual machines, which the homepage describes as near-native performance
- Cross-architecture operation across any supported architecture
- Published release history with versioned releases, linked from the homepage
- Related projects listed on the homepage: KVM, Libguestfs, Libvirt, and Xen
Best for: Users on Linux or BSD who need to run operating systems or programs built for other architectures.
Good for
- Covers both full-system emulation and user-mode emulation in one project
- Homepage lists active releases and links to a full release history
Watch out for
- User-mode emulation is described as targeting Linux or BSD programs only
- Full-system emulation is limited to supported architectures
QEMU at a glance
- Website
- qemu.org
- Category
- Software & Utilities › Virtualization
- Type
- Website
- Pricing
- Not confirmed. Check the site
- Platforms
- Linux, Web
- Open source
- Not stated
- Language
- English
- Last checked
- Oct 6, 2026 · Online when checked
- Listed
- Oct 5, 2026
QEMU alternatives
Tools and sites you could use instead, ranked by how closely they match.
JSLinux runs Linux and other operating systems in a browser through emulated systems.
The Virtual OS Museum collects preinstalled operating systems in a Linux virtual machine with launchers for Windows and Linux.
Infinite Mac runs classic Mac operating systems and software in a browser-based interactive environment.
Windows Subsystem for Linux lets users run Linux environments within the Windows operating system.
Open source
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