Google Cloud VM Manager
Google Cloud VM Manager: A focused Google Cloud tool for patching, policy enforcement, and VM compliance. Ranked #3 of 26 in Configuration Management Tools by our editors (9.0/10); pricing: Free plan; best for google Cloud VM patch and policy operations.
At a glance
- Editor score9.0 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forGoogle Cloud VM patch and policy operations
- Free planYes
- Paid from$0.003/device usage-based
- Deployment modelCloud
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Patch deployment, compliance dashboards, and vulnerability reporting
- Declarative OS policies with validation and enforcement modes
- Terraform, API, CLI, and console management options
Where it doesn't
- Requires the OS Config agent on managed VMs
- Designed for Compute Engine virtual-machine fleets
- Supports English-locale operating systems
Our verdict on Google Cloud VM Manager
Google Cloud VM Manager is a cloud-based configuration management suite for Windows and Linux virtual machines running on Compute Engine. It is aimed at teams managing operating-system updates, software packages, configuration policies, inventory, and compliance across VM fleets. Management is available through the Google Cloud console, Google Cloud CLI, OS Config API, and Terraform-related resources, with VM targeting by operating system, version, labels, and zones.
Pricing uses a freemium model. The Free tier includes 100 VMs of monthly usage per Cloud Billing account. Paid usage costs $0.003 per VM per hour, billed monthly, for VMs with an active OS Config agent after the free tier is exhausted. This structure suits smaller environments that fit within the included usage and larger Compute Engine fleets that need usage-based billing. VM Manager is a practical fit when patching and policy operations are closely tied to Google Cloud infrastructure.
Its standout capability is the combination of on-demand and scheduled patch deployment, patch compliance reporting, OS inventory collection, vulnerability reporting, and declarative policies in JSON or YAML. Policies can manage packages, repositories, files, and scripts, with validation and enforcement modes. Terraform support extends to patch jobs and OS policy assignments. VM Manager is a strong choice for Google Cloud teams that need centralized OS governance across supported CentOS, Container-Optimized OS, Debian, openSUSE Leap, Oracle Linux, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Rocky Linux, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server, Ubuntu, and Windows Server environments. It is less suitable for fleets outside Compute Engine or environments that cannot run the OS Config agent.
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Google Cloud VM Manager pricing
All 3 Google Cloud VM Manager plans and prices →
Google Cloud VM Manager fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | $0.003/device usage-based |
| Deployment model | Cloud |
| Agent model | Agent_based |
| Drift detection | Yes |
| Patch management | Yes |
| Policy as code | Yes |
| Compliance reporting | Yes |
| Supported platforms | Windows Server, Red Hat Enterprise Linux, Rocky Linux, CentOS, Debian, Ubuntu, SUSE Linux Enterprise Server |
| Deployment | Cloud |
| Platforms | Web |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 4 integrations: Google Cloud console, Google Cloud CLI, OS Config API, Terraform |
| Pricing | Free plan (source) |
| Website | cloud.google.com |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
Google Cloud VM Manager integrations
Google Cloud VM Manager lists 4 integrations on its own site.
- Google Cloud console
- Google Cloud CLI
- OS Config API
- Terraform
Alternatives to Google Cloud VM Manager
- PuppetA mature hybrid automation platform with strong drift, patching, and compliance controls.9.3
- AWS Systems Manager State ManagerA free AWS service for scheduled configuration, drift management, patching, and compliance reporting.9.1
- OpenText Server AutomationA broad platform for provisioning, patching, compliance, and remediation across heterogeneous servers.8.8
See all Google Cloud VM Manager alternatives →
Google Cloud VM Manager vs the competition
- Google Cloud VM Manager vs Puppet
- Google Cloud VM Manager vs AWS Systems Manager State Manager
- Google Cloud VM Manager vs OpenText Server Automation
- Google Cloud VM Manager vs Rudder
- Google Cloud VM Manager vs Salt
- Google Cloud VM Manager vs Uyuni
Compare Google Cloud VM Manager with any tool side by side →
Also Ranked In
Google Cloud VM Manager is ranked in 4 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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