VMware has released ESXi 8.0 Update 3e as a fully supported production hypervisor—just like its predecessors such as 8.0 Update 3d, 3c, etc. This version is intended for production environments and is eligible for use with commercial vSphere licenses and support entitlements under Broadcom.
In addition to the standard production release, VMware has also made a free hypervisor version of ESXi 8.0U3e available for download. This is a standalone deployment option for users who need basic virtualization without advanced enterprise features or official Broadcom support.
It's important to note that ESXi 8.0 Update 3e is a fully production-ready release, regardless of whether it's used with a paid or free license. The key difference lies only in the type of license applied after installation—not in the software itself."
VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3e
ESXi 8.0U3e as a Production Hypervisor
Fully supported by Broadcom under commercial licensing.
Can be added to vCenter Server and managed using vSphere features like:
vMotion
High Availability (HA)
DRS
vSphere Replication
API-based backup and monitoring
Suitable for production workloads with support entitlements.
ESXi 8.0U3e as a Free Hypervisor
VMware also provides a free license option for users who install ESXi 8.0U3e but do not require vCenter integration or advanced features. This is ideal for:
Home labs
Development/testing environments
Features included in the free version:
Run unlimited VMs within hardware limits
Up to 2 physical CPUs supported per host
8 vCPUs per virtual machine
Access to vSphere Host Client for web-based host management
Basic hardware health and logging
Limitations in the free license:
Cannot be managed by vCenter Server
No access to vMotion, DRS, HA, VADP-based backups
No official Broadcom support
How to download Free ESXi 8.0 Update 3e:
Log in to Broadcom Support Portal
Go to My Downloads
Click on the box that says "Free Software Downloads available HERE"
Search for "VMware vSphere Hypervisor"
Click "I agree to the Terms and Conditions " and download the ISO
Note:-
Once the ESXI host is installed , the hypervisor license key is embedded in the software download itself
Official statement can be found in VMware ESXi 8.0 Update 3e Release Notes