HipHop Virtual Machine (HHVM)
HipHop Virtual Machine (HHVM): A Hack execution runtime with JIT compilation, not a tool for managing virtual machines. Ranked #23 of 24 in Virtual Machine Software by our editors (6.1/10); pricing: Free plan; best for hack developers seeking a runtime, not VM software.
At a glance
- Editor score6.1 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forHack developers seeking a runtime, not VM software
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Host platformsLinux
- Facts checked24 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Runs Hack programs with just-in-time compilation and a built-in typechecker.
- Supports standalone scripts and web serving through Proxygen or FastCGI.
- Open-source, self-hosted deployment with Docker images for Linux.
Where it doesn't
- Official prebuilt support focuses on x86_64 Linux.
- It focuses on Hack execution, not virtual machine creation or management.
- Support channels are documentation and community.
Our verdict on HipHop Virtual Machine (HHVM)
HipHop Virtual Machine (HHVM) is an open-source runtime for executing Hack programs, aimed at developers building or running Hack applications. It combines the Hack runtime and typechecker with just-in-time compilation. Despite its name, HHVM’s described role is program execution, not creating or managing virtual machines. That distinction matters for buyers comparing products in a virtual machine software category: Hack developers looking for a runtime may find a fit, while teams seeking VM provisioning or lifecycle management should look elsewhere.
For application delivery, HHVM can run standalone command-line scripts or serve web applications through its built-in Proxygen server. It also supports FastCGI integration with web servers such as nginx and Apache. Its HNI extension interface, built-in and dynamic extensions, and hphpd debugger address extension and debugging needs within the Hack runtime. Deployment is self-hosted, with official packages focused on x86_64 Linux and Docker images available for containerized deployment. These options suit teams that can operate a Linux-based runtime or use Docker; they do not make HHVM a general-purpose VM manager.
HHVM is open source and has a free plan, with documentation and community support as its listed support channels. That makes it a candidate for organizations of different sizes that specifically need to execute Hack code, provided Linux platform requirements fit their environment. The trade-off is category scope: the listed capabilities center on a language runtime, JIT compilation, web serving, and extensions rather than virtual machine creation or management. Choose HHVM for Hack execution and its associated serving options; choose another product if the main requirement is managing virtual machines.
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HipHop Virtual Machine (HHVM) pricing
HipHop Virtual Machine (HHVM) fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Host platforms | Linux |
| Guest architecture | X86_64 |
| VM snapshots | Not verified |
| Nested virtualization | Not verified |
| GPU acceleration | Not verified |
| Management interface | Not verified |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Docs, Community |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 5 integrations: Proxygen, FastCGI, nginx, Apache, Docker |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | hhvm.com |
| Facts checked | 24 Sep 2026 |
HipHop Virtual Machine (HHVM) integrations
HipHop Virtual Machine (HHVM) lists 5 integrations on its own site.
- Proxygen
- FastCGI
- nginx
- Apache
- Docker
Alternatives to HipHop Virtual Machine (HHVM)
- Proxmox VEA broad self-hosted virtualization stack with free core software and paid support options.9.3
- Oracle VirtualBoxA capable free desktop hypervisor with broad host support and advanced VM controls.8.9
- VMware Workstation ProA free desktop hypervisor with strong VM lifecycle, security, and developer tooling.8.8
See all HipHop Virtual Machine (HHVM) alternatives →
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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