VMware Cloud on AWS review
A managed AWS path for VMware workloads, with strong migration and AWS service connectivity.
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
VMware Cloud on AWS is a managed hybrid-cloud service for organizations running vSphere-based workloads that want to migrate, extend or operate them on AWS. It delivers VMware Software-Defined Data Centers on dedicated, single-tenant AWS bare-metal hosts, while retaining vSphere, vSAN, NSX and vCenter components. The service is particularly suited to VMware environments extending into AWS and teams that want to continue using VMware operational tools while connecting to services in a customer-owned AWS account.
Its strongest fit is workload mobility and hybrid connectivity. AWS Direct Connect provides private connectivity, while Layer 2 VPN supports workload extension and migration. vMotion can move workloads between on-premises environments and VMware Cloud on AWS. The service also connects with Amazon EC2, S3, Lambda, RDS, DynamoDB, Kinesis, Redshift, EFS and Elastic Load Balancing. Kubernetes deployments are supported through VMware Tanzu services, and REST APIs, SDKs, code samples and command-line interfaces provide options for automation and administration.
The published plans are On-demand, with consumption-based billing, plus 1-year and 3-year subscriptions. Pricing is handled through sales channels rather than a simple public plan table, so the buying process is oriented toward organizations planning a managed VMware deployment. Choose VMware Cloud on AWS when dedicated AWS bare metal, VMware continuity, private connectivity and access to AWS services are central requirements. It is less suitable for teams seeking a broader multi-cloud hosting scope or a product centered on non-VMware workloads.
VMware Cloud on AWS pros and cons
- Where it wins
- Managed vSphere, vSAN, NSX and vCenter environments
- Private connectivity and vMotion support migration and extension
- Access to AWS services, Kubernetes, APIs and SDKs
- Where it doesn't
- Contact-sales pricing limits upfront cost visibility
- Single-cloud scope centers the service on AWS
- Requires VMware-based workloads and AWS infrastructure alignment
VMware Cloud on AWS fact sheet, pricing and score →
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