OpenVZ
OpenVZ: A focused Linux container engine for self-hosted legacy virtualization. Ranked #25 of 31 in Container Engines by our editors (6.8/10); pricing: Free plan; best for legacy Linux container virtualization.
At a glance
- Editor score6.8 / 10
- PricingFree plan
- Best forLegacy Linux container virtualization
- Free planYes
- Paid fromFree
- Facts checked22 Sep 2026
Where it wins
- Runs multiple isolated Linux containers on one physical server
- Includes resource, networking, storage, and lifecycle management
- Integrates with Docker, Kubernetes, Vagrant, and Amazon EC2
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted deployment is limited to Linux environments
- Does not provide a verified Kubernetes CRI
- Windows containers are not supported
Our verdict on OpenVZ
OpenVZ is an open-source virtualization platform for running multiple isolated Linux containers on a single physical server. It suits administrators who need independent container environments with their own processes, files, networking, users, and resource settings. Each container can operate and reboot independently, while the platform supports multiple Linux distributions on one host. Its scope is deliberately focused: self-hosted Linux container virtualization rather than broad, cross-platform container management.
The platform includes the core tools needed to create and manage containers. The vzctl utility handles container management, while ploop provides storage and container image management. OS templates support container creation and packing, and the modified Linux kernel supplies the virtualization layer. These components cover lifecycle, configuration, resource, networking, storage, and image-related tasks in one Linux-oriented stack. OpenVZ documentation also describes deployment alongside Docker and Kubernetes, with additional integrations for Vagrant and Amazon EC2.
OpenVZ is free and open source, making it suitable for teams that prefer to operate infrastructure themselves without a paid plan structure. Its trade-offs are important for platform selection: the host environment is Linux, Windows containers are not supported, and the runtime interface is not a verified Kubernetes CRI. The official documentation is old in places, although the release lifecycle page lists OpenVZ 7 as supported. Choose OpenVZ for established Linux container virtualization and direct control over the host. Teams that require Windows support, broad platform coverage, or a verified Kubernetes-native runtime should choose an alternative.
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OpenVZ pricing
OpenVZ fact sheet
| Free plan | Yes |
|---|---|
| Paid from | Free |
| Rootless mode | Not verified |
| Image building | Not verified |
| Kubernetes CRI | Not verified |
| Windows containers | No |
| Image format | Not verified |
| Runtime interface | Other |
| Supported host OS | Linux |
| Deployment | Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Linux |
| Support | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise (editorial estimate) |
| Integrations | 2 integrations: OpenStack, Libvirt |
| Pricing | Free plan |
| Website | openvz.org |
| Facts checked | 22 Sep 2026 |
OpenVZ integrations
OpenVZ lists 2 integrations on its own site.
- OpenStack
- Libvirt
Alternatives to OpenVZ
- Docker EngineA broad container engine for building, running, and managing applications across major platforms.9.4
- PodmanA free, Docker-compatible container engine with rootless execution and Kubernetes YAML support.9.2
- containerdA focused open-source runtime for Kubernetes and production infrastructure.9.0
Also Ranked In
OpenVZ is ranked in 2 of our directories.
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Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
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