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Citrix XenServer Reviews

Vendor: Citrix
4.0 out of 5
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What is Citrix XenServer?

Citrix XenServer provides virtualization with high availability and robust security, offering seamless VM migration and centralized management through XenCenter. Its expansive compatibility and integration enhance its appeal, particularly for SMBs.

Get the Citrix XenServer Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about Citrix XenServer, VMware vSphere, Proxmox VE and more!
Citrix XenServer is the #11 ranked solution in best Server Virtualization Software. PeerSpot users give Citrix XenServer an average rating of 8.0 out of 10. Citrix XenServer is most commonly compared to VMware vSphere: Citrix XenServer vs VMware vSphere. Citrix XenServer is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 51% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 13% of all views.
Buyer's Guide
Citrix XenServer
August 2025
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Citrix XenServer mindshare

As of August 2025, the mindshare of Citrix XenServer in the Server Virtualization Software category stands at 4.8%, up from 4.5% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.
Server Virtualization Software Market Share Distribution
ProductMarket Share (%)
Citrix XenServer4.8%
Proxmox VE17.0%
VMware vSphere16.4%
Other61.8%
Server Virtualization Software

PeerResearch reports based on Citrix XenServer reviews

TypeTitleDate
CategoryServer Virtualization SoftwareAug 29, 2025Download
ProductReviews, tips, and advice from real usersAug 29, 2025Download
ComparisonCitrix XenServer vs Proxmox VEAug 29, 2025Download
ComparisonCitrix XenServer vs VMware vSphereAug 29, 2025Download
ComparisonCitrix XenServer vs Hyper-VAug 29, 2025Download
Suggested products
TitleRatingMindshareRecommending
VMware vSphere4.416.4%94%456 interviewsAdd to research
Proxmox VE4.317.0%98%62 interviewsAdd to research
 
 
Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

Citrix XenServer offers salient features such as cost-effectiveness, high availability, and efficient resource management. It integrates well with Windows-based management applications, supporting live migration and seamless backup. Users appreciate its user-friendly interface, stability, scalability, and compatibility with various operating systems. The ability to virtualize servers and create virtual machine templates enhances productivity. Its open-source nature and straightforward deployment make it a valuable choice for small to medium-sized businesses seeking reliable virtualization.
  • "I haven't had any significant issues with Citrix XenServer installations over the last 10-15 years."
  • "Licensing with Citrix XenServer is very cost-effective, and organizations save substantial money because competing solutions, such as VMware, cost double or triple."
  • "The most valuable feature is transferring and sharing applications that allow users to move files between devices, including smartphones, tablets, and computers without needing USB cables, internet connections, or data usage."

Room for Improvement

Citrix XenServer requires enhancements in automatic startup options, memory usage efficiency, and high availability features. Its management console lacks web-based accessibility and only supports Windows. Backup solutions and integration with third-party tools and Linux compatibility need development. Licensing costs are high and community support is limited. Networking, storage management, and user interface improvements are needed. Enhanced security, performance, and customer support response times would benefit users significantly.
  • "Something that could be improved in Citrix XenServer is its centralized management since the Citrix XenServer Center should be deployed in Windows."
  • "There appear to be very few engineers at Citrix who understand the problems, and we experience considerable delays in support."
  • "While Citrix Hypervisor remains a reliable virtualization platform, several areas could be improved to better meet enterprise needs."

ROI

Management appreciates Citrix XenServer for its significant ROI, achieving cost-effectiveness and operational efficiency. Virtualization reduces hardware and environmental expenses. Users achieve satisfaction, enhancing their experience. Although ROI isn't simple to quantify, benefits like server consolidation, energy savings, and streamlined IT management support the investment. The platform's stability and established reputation maintain client loyalty. Even with substantial licensing, deployment, and ongoing costs, organizations realize tangible improvements over traditional environments.

Pricing

Enterprise users find Citrix XenServer pricing appealing due to its cost-effectiveness compared to competitors like VMware. The solution offers a free version, while paid versions provide additional features and commercial support. The licensing model, though generally straightforward, may become more expensive with advanced editions or cloud licenses. Organizations appreciate the affordability for server virtualization, while the comprehensive commercial support is highly rated. Some users note concerns over price increases and licensing transparency.
  • "Citrix Hypervisor can be fairly expensive."
  • "Citrix Hypervisor is expensive."
  • "We used it only for some desktop licenses, so the pricing is great. We used the free licenses for server virtualization."

Popular Use Cases

Citrix XenServer is used by organizations for virtualization, server virtualization, desktop virtualization, and cloud automation. It supports major operating systems like Windows and Linux, providing infrastructure for virtual machines and VDI scenarios. Users find it cost-effective, particularly for replacing VMware and for applications like Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops. It serves as the primary computing platform for enterprise software, ERP systems, and supporting Citrix worker resources, enabling centralized application delivery and management.

Service and Support

Citrix XenServer customer service varies, with some experiencing expert assistance and speedy relocation to qualified engineers, while others find support responses slow with reseller involvement. Technical support is often knowledgeable and helpful, but response times and quality can differ, particularly when dealing with older versions or reseller challenges. Many users report satisfaction with community resources and the tiered support options available based on subscription, though some encounter difficulties due to inadequate local support.

Deployment

Citrix XenServer's initial setup is simple, with most reporting it can be completed quickly, often in less than five minutes. Many find it straightforward and easy, although complex hardware requirements can pose challenges. Advanced configurations, like shared storage and fail-over design, require planning and expertise. Small installations often take a few hours, while larger environments may need days. Those with IT knowledge find the installation manageable, especially with support from Citrix or VMware experience.

Scalability

Citrix XenServer is highly scalable and fits well with both small and large enterprises. Users have successfully expanded environments from a few nodes to larger configurations. While some mention limitations in disk management and minor hardware integration challenges, most express satisfaction with its scalability and ease of adding resources. Citrix XenServer supports enterprise-level growth, though some users note VMware has scaling advantages in larger settings. It integrates efficiently with existing infrastructure.

Stability

Citrix XenServer demonstrates impressive stability for many users, with numerous reports of minimal issues. While occasional bugs occur, they tend to be rare. Many users appreciate its robustness, citing smooth operation, reliable performance, and successful updates. However, some experience glitches or instability, especially with older hardware versions or without needed manpower. Regular updates, responsive support, and best practices contribute to its overall stability. Many users rate it very highly for reliability and performance.
These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.
Download our Citrix XenServer Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Review data by company size

By reviewers
Company SizeCount
Small Business23
Midsize Enterprise6
Large Enterprise17
By reviewers
By visitors reading reviews
Company SizeCount
Small Business277
Midsize Enterprise173
Large Enterprise477
By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews
Computer Software Company
13%
Manufacturing Company
9%
Educational Organization
8%
Comms Service Provider
8%
Financial Services Firm
7%
Government
7%
University
6%
Healthcare Company
5%
Construction Company
4%
Energy/Utilities Company
4%
Retailer
3%
Media Company
3%
Non Profit
3%
Real Estate/Law Firm
2%
Insurance Company
2%
Performing Arts
2%
Outsourcing Company
2%
Wholesaler/Distributor
2%
Hospitality Company
1%
Pharma/Biotech Company
1%
Recreational Facilities/Services Company
1%
Legal Firm
1%
Aerospace/Defense Firm
1%
Transportation Company
1%
Logistics Company
1%
Consumer Goods Company
1%

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Learn more about Citrix XenServer

Citrix XenServer is recognized for its user-friendly virtualization capabilities, facilitating dynamic scalability and efficient resource management. It supports a wide range of operating systems and integrates with Citrix solutions for improved operations. Businesses benefit from its affordability and ease of deployment. Despite its strengths, users seek improvements in third-party tool integration, network and backup management, and storage flexibility. High costs, limited Linux support, system complexity, technical support, and hardware compatibility remain challenges. An updated and intuitive interface is in demand for more seamless operations across platforms.

What are the key features of Citrix XenServer?
  • User-Friendly Virtualization: Simplifies virtualization operations with efficient management tools.
  • High Availability: Ensures continuous access to virtualized resources.
  • Robust Security: Protects virtual environments with comprehensive security protocols.
  • Seamless VM Migration: Facilitates easy migration of virtual machines across environments.
  • Centralized Management: XenCenter provides centralized control for resource management.
  • Dynamic Scalability: Supports scaling of resources as per business requirements.
  • Real-Time Performance Monitoring: Enables monitoring and optimizing of system performance actively.
  • Unlimited Virtual Machines: Offers the capacity for deploying numerous virtual machines without limitations.
What benefits and ROI can users expect?
  • Cost Efficiency: Competitive pricing model reduces virtualization costs.
  • Comprehensive Virtualization: Complete solution for desktop and server virtualization needs.
  • Ease of Deployment: Quick and straightforward setup process minimizes downtime.
  • Integration with Citrix Solutions: Enhances functionality with existing Citrix technologies.

In diverse industries, Citrix XenServer is leveraged for server and desktop virtualization, cloud automation, and infrastructure management. Many deploy it for virtual desktop infrastructure, application delivery, on-premises data centers, and to support Citrix application delivery like XenApp and XenDesktop. Enterprises migrating from VMware often find Citrix XenServer cost-efficient for these applications, serving as a main computing platform for enterprise applications including ERP systems and SQL Servers.

Citrix XenServer was previously known as Hypervisor.

Citrix XenServer customers

U.S. Army Shared Services Center, SoftLayer, Educational Services of America, Independent Bank, and SK Telecom.

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Citrix XenServer Reviews Summary
Author infoRatingReview Summary
Citrix Specialist at a tech vendor with 10,001+ employees4.5I use Citrix XenServer to maintain services using PVS streaming technology. Its file-sharing feature is valuable, but improvements in performance, interface, and support for containerization are needed. Sometimes I consider alternatives like Proxmox VE for better management.
Owner at AvalisNT AG3.5I’ve used Citrix XenServer extensively for virtualization due to its cost-effectiveness and stability, though it lacks advanced disk management features and scaling capabilities, making it better suited for smaller, on-premises environments.
Co-Founder at Virajo3.5I use Citrix XenServer for server virtualization, supporting Windows and Linux without significant compatibility issues. While live migration and heterogeneous resource pools are valuable, backup software support and fast storage recovery need improvement for better disaster recovery solutions.
Solutions Manager at ICSI4.0No summary available
Shipping Manager at a energy/utilities company with 10,001+ employees3.5I've used Citrix XenServer for three months to evaluate alternatives to VMware and found its centralized management UI and migration features useful, though deployment requires Windows, which could be improved with a virtual appliance.
Virtualization Architect & Managing Owner at AnyThin', Jerzy Fronczak3.5No summary available
Pre-Sales at a computer software company with 11-50 employees3.0I use Citrix XenServer primarily for deploying Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops, attracted by its essential VDI capabilities and stability. However, improvements in compatibility, backup support, and overall support are needed. Previously, I found it challenging compared to Red Hat for AI workloads.
Enterprise Architect at Wipro Limited4.0We primarily use Citrix XenServer for VDI, benefiting from its virtualization, resource management, and scalability. Although valuable, it poses challenges with costs, complexity, and support. Despite its expense, its server consolidation and management benefits often justify the investment.