The prices for VMware ESXi 6.5 vary depending on the pricing tier and the number of CPU sockets. Here are some approximate prices (based on VMware's list prices):
Do not pay for ESXi 6.5. Use the free version of the current release (8.0) or pay for VMUG if you need advanced features. If this is for a business, budget for an upgrade to vSphere 8.
Finding a direct "price tag" for is complicated because the software has officially reached its end-of-life (EOL) status. Broadcom, which acquired VMware in late 2023, has also fundamentally changed how all VMware products are sold. vmware esxi 6.5 price
The famous "Free ESXi" hypervisor has been officially discontinued.
For a basic standalone server, expect to pay at least $800–$1,000 per year for a supported license that grants rights to legacy versions. 4. Risks of Running ESXi 6.5 in 2026 The prices for VMware ESXi 6
If you have older hardware collecting dust and want to build a disconnected home lab, ESXi 6.5 offers tremendous value because the software cost is effectively zero. However, for any environment connected to the internet or used for business revenue, the "price" of ESXi 6.5 is actually too high when you factor in the liability of running unsupported software.
If you are looking at an old quote or a used license, these were the list prices for vSphere 6.5 (per CPU socket): If this is for a business, budget for
ESXi 6.5 does not support newer hardware (Intel Xeon Scalable "Skylake" and newer, or consumer Ryzen 5000/6000 series).