Parallels Desktop vs CrossOver : Which is Better?
Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop for Mac, by Parallels, is software providing hardware virtualization for Macintosh computers with Intel processors. Developed by Parallels IP Holdings GmbH
License: Commercial
VS
VS
Parallels Desktop VS CrossOver
CrossOver allows users to run Windows applications directly on macOS without the need for a Windows operating system, making it lightweight and faster for certain tasks. In contrast, Parallels Desktop provides a full virtualization environment, allowing users to run multiple operating systems but at the cost of higher resource usage and the requirement of a Windows license.
Parallels Desktop
Pros:
- Full-featured virtualization solution that supports running multiple operating systems
- Ability to run Windows applications and games in a virtual machine environment
- Offers features like Coherence mode for seamless integration with macOS
- Supports DirectX 11 for better gaming performance
- Regular updates and strong customer support
Cons:
- Requires a Windows license to use Windows OS
- Can be resource-intensive, requiring more RAM and CPU
- Higher cost compared to CrossOver
CrossOver
Pros:
- Runs Windows applications natively on macOS without needing a Windows license
- Lightweight and faster performance due to no virtual machine overhead
- Easy to install and set up, with a simple interface
- Offers compatibility with a wide range of Windows applications
- No need to restart the Mac to switch between macOS and Windows applications
Cons:
- Limited support for some complex Windows applications
- Not suitable for running resource-intensive applications or games
- No virtual machine functionality means less flexibility in OS management
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