01/ Proxmox VE
Best for: Running VMs and containers on your own hardware.
Free to use; paid support subscriptions are optional.
Runs on: Server
Visit Proxmox VEWeb Hosting & Cloud · Cloud computing
Amazon Web Services (AWS) by Amazon: The largest public cloud: virtual servers, databases, storage and hundreds of managed services. Pricing: pay as you go (limited free tier). Here are 3 free options that cover the same job.
| Alternative | Type | Platforms | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Proxmox VEFree to use; paid support subscriptions are optional. | Open source | Server | Running VMs and containers on your own hardware | Get it |
OpenStack | Open source | Self-hosted | Building a full private cloud for a company or provider | Get it |
![]() Oracle Cloud Free TierCheck the current free-tier limits before you rely on it. | Free plan | Web | Always-free virtual machines and databases for small projects | Get it |
Amazon Web Services (AWS)The paid original | Pay as you go (limited free tier) | – | Cloud computing | Visit |
Best for: Running VMs and containers on your own hardware.
Free to use; paid support subscriptions are optional.
Runs on: Server
Visit Proxmox VEBest for: Building a full private cloud for a company or provider.
Runs on: Self-hosted
Visit OpenStack
Best for: Always-free virtual machines and databases for small projects.
Check the current free-tier limits before you rely on it.
Runs on: Web
Visit Oracle Cloud Free TierYes. Proxmox VE is a strong free option for running vms and containers on your own hardware. Other choices include OpenStack, Oracle Cloud Free Tier.
Proxmox VE, OpenStack are open source.