How to Choose a V2V Converter
Picking the right virtual-to-virtual (V2V) converter comes down to understanding what you need it to do. A few key factors can help you narrow down your options and avoid headaches during migrations.
1. Supported VM Formats
The first thing to look at is how many VM formats the tool can handle. Some converters only work one way, such as from VMDK to VHD/VHDX, or the opposite. Others can convert between a wider range of formats.
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VMware vCenter Converter supports converting various formats into VMDK.
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StarWind V2V Converter supports multiple formats across different hypervisors (Microsoft Hyper-V, VMware vSphere, Proxmox VE and other KVM flavors).
If you often work with different hypervisors, a tool that supports several formats will save time and reduce the number of utilities you need to maintain.
2. Conversion Direction
Next, check whether the converter supports one-way or two-way conversion.
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One-way tools only convert from one format to another (for example, VMDK to VHD).
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Two-way tools work both ways (VMDK ↔ VHD), which is especially useful if you run two hypervisors side by side.
StarWind V2V Converter, for example, supports bi-directional conversions, which can simplify management in mixed environments.
3. Ability to Adjust VM Parameters
Another useful feature is the option to change VM parameters during conversion. This helps prevent compatibility issues when moving between hypervisors, such as mismatched virtual hardware configurations.
Both StarWind V2V Converter and VMware vCenter Converter support this feature.
4. Price Isn’t a Barrier
Price isn’t really a deciding factor here, since many capable V2V converters are completely free, including all three mentioned above. So, you can focus on functionality without worrying about budget.
Conclusion
There’s no single “best” V2V converter – it depends on your environment and where you are planning to migrate. If you only need to work with two formats, a simpler tool may be enough. But if you often move VMs between different platforms, choose a converter that is free to use, supports a broad range of formats, works both ways, and lets you adjust VM parameters during conversion. That’s right – I’m talking about StarWind V2V Converter.
