32GB is usually worth it for VMs.

Yes — if you run more than one VM at a time, or your host needs to stay responsive. Virtual machines are greedy for RAM, and 32GB gives you breathing room.

Each VM needs its own chunk of memory. Windows 11 wants 4GB minimum, Linux Mint can get by on 2GB, but give them each 4–8GB if you want them usable. VMware and VirtualBox will chew into your host’s RAM too. With 16GB total, you’re constantly swapping. With 32GB, you can run two decent VMs and still browse the web without lag.

If you only run one tiny Linux VM for testing, 16GB might be fine. But most people who ask this question are the type to experiment — and 32GB lets you actually experiment instead of fighting performance. Future You will thank you when that third VM spins up without stuttering.