Parallels is one of several ways to run another operating system on a Mac. Replacing it can mean a different VM app, or no VM at all. This guide covers both.
Why people look elsewhere#
Typical reasons are recurring cost, guest-system support, or performance on a particular Mac. Parallels' profile lists the recurring cost, heavy RAM and disk use, and limits on gaming among its cons. We will add linked sources once we have them. Our Parallels Desktop review covers the product itself.
Do you need a VM at all?#
Replace it, or skip it?
What do you use Parallels for?
Quick comparison#
| Software | Best for | Price | Rating | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parallels DesktopParallels | Running Windows and other operating systems in virtual machines | Price not yet verifiedCheck the vendor for current pricing | Not yet rated | Visit |
| VMware FusionVMware | Running virtual machines on a Mac | Price not yet verifiedCheck the vendor for current pricing | Not yet rated | Visit |
These links go to the official sites; none are affiliate links yet. Ratings appear only after we have tested a product. See how we test.
The options#
From lightest to most integrated
- Lightest
A web app or remote desktop
No VM on your Mac at all.
- Light
Containers
Linux tools without a full desktop.
- Free
Free, open-source VM apps
Full guest systems, with more setup and fewer conveniences. Check Apple silicon support.
- Mainstream
VMware Fusion
A mainstream VM host with flexible networking.
- Most polished
Parallels Desktop
The most integrated Windows-on-Mac experience, per its profile.
VMware Fusion#
- Best for
- Running virtual machines on a Mac
- Developer
- VMware
- Price
- Price not yet verified · check the vendor for current pricing
- Our testing
- Not yet hands-on tested
Links to the official site. We earn nothing from this link.
Pros
- Free for personal use under current terms, per its profile
- Strong for developers and testing
- Flexible networking
Cons
- Less seamless Windows integration than Parallels
- Licensing has changed repeatedly
- Downloads sit behind a vendor portal
Free options#
Free, open-source VM apps exist for Apple silicon Macs. They suit people who are comfortable with more manual setup. Confirm current Apple silicon and macOS support on each project's site before you commit time.
Paid options#
Paid VM apps buy you integration, support and polish. Prices appear in the table once verified. To compare a subscription with a one-off price over several years, use the calculator in free vs paid Mac apps.
Feature comparison#
| Parallels | Fusion | |
|---|---|---|
| Windows for Arm guests on Apple silicon | Yes | Yes |
| Linux guests | Yes | Yes |
| Windows apps in Mac windows | Yes | Check the vendor |
| Free for personal use | No | Partly |
| Snapshots | Yes | Yes |
Choosing the right alternative#
- One Windows app, rarely used: try a web version or remote desktop first.
- Developer: containers or Fusion.
- Daily Windows user who wants smooth integration: stay with Parallels, or compare it in Parallels vs VMware Fusion.
- Worried about the host slowing down: budget memory using the storage size calculator and read why a MacBook runs slowly.
Frequently asked questions#
Is there a free alternative to Parallels?#
VMware Fusion has been offered free for personal use, and open-source VM apps exist. Confirm current terms and support.
Can I move my Parallels VM to another app?#
Sometimes, through disk-image conversion. It is not seamless, so back up first and follow each vendor's guidance.
Do I need a VM on an Apple silicon Mac?#
Only for software that has no Mac, web or Arm-compatible equivalent. Read Mac virtualization explained.
Can a VM be a safe place to test unknown apps?#
With shared folders and clipboard off, it adds isolation. See how to check whether an app is safe.
Written by
Guides are researched, written, and maintained by the Atypical Mac User editorial team. Every procedure is checked against the current version of macOS before it is marked as published.
Last updated . First published .
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