# Oracle VirtualBox

A free, open-source virtualization tool backed by Oracle, running natively on Apple Silicon since version 7.1 — the long-running default for anyone who wants a no-cost hypervisor.

- **Category:** [Utilities](https://notchlist.vercel.app/category/utilities/)
- **Price:** Free (base app, GPLv3); Extension Pack free for personal/educational use, paid Oracle license required for commercial use
- **Open source:** yes
- **Official site:** https://www.virtualbox.org/
- **Available via:** Homebrew, Direct
- **Maker:** Oracle

## Kitsmith's take

The free, cross-platform veteran of this category — GPLv3-licensed and millions of users deep, per Oracle’s own site. One real nuance: the base app is fully free and open source, but the separate Extension Pack (USB 3.0, disk encryption, and a few other extras) is free only for personal or educational use — commercial use requires a paid Oracle license.

## Features

- **Apple Silicon support:** Runs natively on macOS/Arm as of version 7.1, alongside its long-standing x86_64 support, per the developer.
- **Broad guest OS support:** Runs Windows, Linux, Solaris, and other x86_64 operating systems as guests.
- **Oracle-backed open source:** Developed as a community effort backed by Oracle, with public contribution guidelines and an active forum.

## FAQ

**Is VirtualBox really free?**

The base application is free and open source under the GPLv3. A separate Extension Pack (extra USB support, disk encryption) is free for personal/educational use only — commercial use needs a paid Oracle license.

**Does VirtualBox run on Apple Silicon Macs?**

Yes, as of version 7.1, in addition to its longer-standing x86_64 (Intel Mac) support, per the developer.

**Who makes VirtualBox?**

Oracle, building on the open-source VirtualBox project.


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Hand-verified listing on Kitsmith: https://notchlist.vercel.app/apps/virtualbox/