Comparison · Software
Parallels vs VMware Fusion
Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion? A side-by-side comparison for Mac users who need to run Windows or Linux, with a research-based view of who should pick which.
1 min read
Mac app · VMware
VMware Fusion
Best for: Running virtual machines on a Mac.
- 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
Visit VMware Fusion
Links to the official site. We earn nothing from this link.
Pricing options
Fusion Pro (personal use)
Free
Available for personal use under Broadcom's current terms
Commercial
Paid license
Pricing through Broadcom, subject to change
These prices are approximate and have not been checked against the vendor. Plans and prices change, so confirm on the official site before buying.
Features
- Run Windows, Linux and macOS guests
- Apple Silicon support
- Snapshots and clones
- Network configuration controls
- Interoperates with other VMware products
Benefits and disadvantages
Benefits
- Free for personal use
- Strong for developers and testing labs
- Familiar to teams already on VMware
- Flexible networking options
Disadvantages (cons)
- Less seamless Windows-on-Mac integration than Parallels
- Licensing has changed repeatedly under Broadcom
- Windows on Arm limits x86-only software
- Support and downloads sit behind Broadcom's portal
Who should use VMware Fusion
- Developers and students who want a free VM host
- Teams standardized on VMware
- Users who need flexible networking
Use cases
Jobs this app is used for. Select one to see every app in the directory for that job.
Reviews & coverage
No rating yet. We only rate apps after documented hands-on testing. There is no full review of this app yet. How we review
Comparisons
Alternatives
Alternatives · Software
Best Parallels Desktop Alternatives
Virtualization options for Mac users replacing Parallels Desktop, including what each can run and when you can skip a VM altogether.
2 min read
Related guides
Software
Mac Virtualization Explained: Do You Need a Virtual Machine?
What virtual machines are, what they're for on a Mac, and the cases where you don't need one.
2 min read
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