Cobbler
Cobbler: A focused open-source choice for PXE, bare-metal, and VM provisioning. Ranked #7 of 35 in Server Provisioning Software by our editors (8.4/10); pricing: Free plan; best for PXE-based bare-metal and VM provisioning.
At a glance
- Editor score8.4 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forPXE-based bare-metal and VM provisioning
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Supported operating systemsBoth
- Facts checked20 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Handles PXE network boot and bare-metal provisioning
- Supports Xen, QEMU/KVM, and VMware installations
- Combines OS profiles, repositories, DHCP/DNS, and automation interfaces
Where it doesn't
- Requires a self-hosted Linux deployment
- Does not include AI features
- Focuses on provisioning rather than broader tenancy administration
Our verdict on Cobbler
Cobbler is an open-source, self-hosted Linux installation and provisioning server for teams automating operating-system deployments across bare-metal servers and virtual machines. Its scope covers PXE network booting, reinstallations, OS distribution imports, profile management, package repository mirroring, and templated installation files. It can provision Linux and Windows systems using methods such as Kickstart, AutoYaST, Preseed, and Windows answer files, making it a fit for infrastructure teams that need repeatable network-based installation workflows.
The main strength is its breadth within provisioning. Cobbler supports virtualized installations through Xen, QEMU/KVM, and VMware while also handling bare-metal deployment. DHCP and DNS management are included, and configuration-management integrations cover Puppet, Chef, cfengine3, and bcfg2. Teams can work through command-line, WebUI, Python, or XML-RPC interfaces, giving the product a practical fit across scripted and administrative workflows. Package mirroring and OS profiles further connect installation with the surrounding server lifecycle.
Cobbler is free and open source, with a self-hosted operating model rather than a hosted service. That makes it suited to organizations managing their own Linux infrastructure and provisioning stack, especially where PXE and automated installation templates are central requirements. It is less suitable for buyers seeking a managed provisioning service, AI-assisted capabilities, or a product centered on broader tenancy administration. Choose Cobbler when direct control, multiple installation methods, and infrastructure integrations matter more than a hosted experience.
Your product? Our editors can test Cobbler in depth and publish a review, labelled as paid · from $149/mo →
Cobbler pricing
Cobbler fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Supported operating systems | Both |
| Server types | Both |
| Provisioning method | Both |
| Managed server limit | Not verified |
| Control panel support | Not verified |
| Multi-tenant management | Not verified |
| API access | Yes |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 9 integrations: Xen, QEMU/KVM, VMware, DHCP, DNS, Puppet … |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | cobbler.github.io |
| Facts checked | 20 Sep 2026 |
Cobbler integrations
Cobbler lists 9 integrations on its own site.
- Xen
- QEMU/KVM
- VMware
- DHCP
- DNS
- Puppet
- Chef
- cfengine3
- bcfg2
Alternatives to Cobbler
- ForemanA broad self-hosted platform for provisioning, configuration, patching, and compliance.9.4
- MAASA capable open-source choice for teams managing bare-metal and virtual machine fleets.9.2
- Digital Rebar ProvisionA broad server provisioning platform for complex, multi-site hardware operations.9.1
See all Cobbler alternatives →
Cobbler vs the competition
- Cobbler vs Foreman
- Cobbler vs MAAS
- Cobbler vs Digital Rebar Provision
- Cobbler vs OpenStack Ironic
- Cobbler vs Metal³
- Cobbler vs Tinkerbell
Compare Cobbler with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Cobbler is ranked in 7 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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