Multipass review
A free, open-source way to run and manage Ubuntu VMs across desktop platforms.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Multipass is a lightweight virtual machine manager for developers who need Ubuntu environments on desktop workstations. It runs on Windows, macOS and Linux, using platform-specific hypervisors to launch Ubuntu instances. Command-line controls suit repeatable development workflows, while the graphical desktop client provides an alternative management interface. It is aimed at users who want isolated Linux environments, cloud-style provisioning or a way to prototype cloud deployments without dual booting.
Its strongest feature set centers on creating and managing Ubuntu instances. Cloud-init supports customized instance configuration, while curated Ubuntu images and appliances provide a focused starting point. Multipass also supports host-folder sharing, private and bridged networking, and VM snapshots that can be created, listed, restored and deleted. The combination of CLI and GUI management gives it flexibility across workflows, and support for QEMU, Hyper-V and VirtualBox helps it fit different host platforms.
Multipass is a strong choice for developers who specifically need Ubuntu VMs and want an open-source tool with no purchase cost across major desktop operating systems. Its narrow guest focus is less suitable for users who need to run a wide range of operating systems. Snapshot planning also requires attention on macOS, where snapshots are unavailable when using the Apple Virtualization framework. Choose Multipass for straightforward Ubuntu development, testing and cloud-environment prototyping; choose a broader virtual machine manager when guest operating-system variety is the priority.
Multipass pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Free and open source on Windows, macOS and Linux
- Combines CLI and GUI control with cloud-init customization
- Supports snapshots, file sharing and configurable networking
- Where it doesn't
- Ubuntu-focused guests limit its fit for other operating systems
- Snapshots are unavailable with Apple's Virtualization framework
- Hypervisor behavior varies by host platform
Multipass fact sheet, pricing and score →
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