Parallels Desktop vs VMware Workstation : Which is Better?

Parallels Desktop icon

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

Apps available for Mac OS X

VS
VS
VMware Workstation icon

VMware Workstation

VMware Workstation is a hosted hypervisor that runs on x64 versions of Windows and Linux operating systems. Developed by VMware

License: Commercial

Categories: Network & Admin

Apps available for Windows Linux

Parallels Desktop VS VMware Workstation

Parallels Desktop is optimized for macOS users, offering seamless integration and an easy setup, making it ideal for running Windows apps on Mac. In contrast, VMware Workstation provides broader cross-platform support and advanced virtualization features, catering to power users and enterprise environments.

Parallels Desktop

Pros:

  • Seamless integration with macOS
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Supports DirectX and OpenGL
  • Run Windows applications alongside Mac apps
  • Supports Touch Bar and Retina displays

Cons:

  • Limited to macOS
  • Higher cost compared to VMware
  • Less extensive enterprise features

VMware Workstation

Pros:

  • Cross-platform compatibility (Windows, Linux, macOS)
  • Advanced 3D graphics support
  • Snapshot and clone features
  • Integration with vSphere
  • Powerful virtual networking capabilities

Cons:

  • Steeper learning curve for beginners
  • Higher system resource usage
  • Less seamless integration with macOS compared to Parallels

Compare Parallels Desktop

vs
Compare bochs and Parallels Desktop and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare CrossOver and Parallels Desktop and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare MobaLiveCD and Parallels Desktop and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare Portable Virtualbox and Parallels Desktop and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare QEMU and Parallels Desktop and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare virt-manager and Parallels Desktop and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare VirtualBox and Parallels Desktop and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare VMware Fusion and Parallels Desktop and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare VMware Workstation Player and Parallels Desktop and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare Wine and Parallels Desktop and decide which is most suitable for you.
vs
Compare Wineskin Winery and Parallels Desktop and decide which is most suitable for you.