VMware vs Parallels: Which Is Best For You? (2024 Comparison)

Want to cut right to the case? If you are looking for a less expensive software, VMware is the best option. On the other hand, if you are looking for a faster performance, Parallels is the best option.

Visualizations and Virtual Machines have been available for some time now. Due to the disparity between Mac and Windows computers, the need for virtual machines has increased over the years. With the increase in demand, there has also been an increase in the quality of virtual machines built in recent times. Virtual machines have been very helpful in terms of testing new applications and programs on a new OS or trying out a new operating system itself. While there are many visualizers available in the market, we will review two of the best virtual machines, VMware Fusion, and Parallels Desktop, in this article.

Main Difference Between VMware and Parallels Summarized

VMware Fusion	Parallels
Offers a deep customization and integration features	It is easier to set up and use
It is a bit slow	It is faster than VMware Fusion
Works better for technical users with experience in using virtual machines	Best suited for casual users

VMware Fusion vs Parallels: Features and Capabilities

Performance

One of the important factors to consider when picking an ideal virtual machine is the speed and performance. Everyone knows how frustrating it is to work with a slow computer that is always lagging. The feeling is the same with a virtual machine.

Parallels are faster than VMware Fusion. This verdict was reached after a test that used similar specifications for the two virtual machines. During the test, Parallels took about 10 seconds to boot to the system while VMware Fusion used double the time. The same thing was noticed during the shutdown process when Parallels shut down in 5 seconds and VMware used double the time again. This disparity in performance speed was also noticed when apps and programs were run on the two virtual machines. Parallels ran its programs faster and took critical snapshots quicker than VMware.

Finally, there is a Pause feature that allows you to pause the program running on the virtual machine when you are not ready on Parallels. This feature is not available with VMware Fusion and this means that the virtual machine will easily use up the system resources even when you are not actively using it.

Ease of Use and Setup

When it comes to getting started with the hypervisor, both virtual machines did a great job of making things very simple. From the setup process, there are sets of instructions on how to install and set up the virtual machines so that you don’t get lost or stuck in the process.

However, despite the simplicity employed by the two virtual machines, Parallels provide a more detailed set of instructions for installation than VMware. Also, the setup process for Parallels Desktop is so smooth and easy that users don’t have to adjust any settings or programs on their computer before setting up the virtual machine.

VMware vs Parallels: Pricing

VMware pricing plan includes a one-time licensed payment. This means that you only have to pay once for the license to use VMware. However, there are three tiers of payment. There is the VMware Fusion 12 Player that costs $149, a pro version that costs $199, and a pro version with the support that costs $241. There is a free plan that allows you to enjoy some of the basic features and a 30-day free trial on any of the paid plans.

For Parallels, there are two classes of payment plans, based on a subscription model. The home or student version costs $79.99/ year and the pro or business version costs $99.99/year. While there is no free plan, you only get a 14-day free trial period to check out the virtual machine and decide if it suits your needs.

Reasons to choose VMware over Parallels

There are two reasons why you might want to choose VMware over Parallels Desktop. The first one is the cost. VMware requires only a one-time payment, after which you don’t have to worry about paying for the virtual machine. This is unlike Parallels Desktop where you have to pay a recurring license fee every year to use the virtual machine. The fee might seem expensive, but it balances out in the long run. VMware also offers a free plan and a 30-day free trial on any of the paid plans. Secondly, if you are developing many server-side projects, you might want to stick with VMware. It integrates easily with ESXi.

Reasons to choose Parallels Desktop over VMware Fusion

There are more than enough reasons for you to choose Parallels Desktop over VMware Fusion. First off, parallels Desktop offers a better, faster, and seamless performance as a virtual machine than VMware. Parallels boots faster, run apps and programs faster, and takes snapshots quicker than VMware. It also shuts down faster than VMware. It is also faster and easier to install and set up Parallels when compared with VMware Fusion. The whole setup process takes about half an hour and you won’t need to change any settings to get it installed. Finally, Parallels also provides a reliable and functioning support system for users who might encounter problems when setting up the virtual machine.

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The Similarities between VMware Fusion and Parallels Desktop

Both VMware and Parallels Desktop are two of the leading virtual machines used in the tech world to test new OS, apps, and programs that would normally not work on your operating system. Both of these virtual machines allow you to install and set up using a very detailed set of instructions. Lastly, both of these machines require you to part with a certain amount of money to enjoy the full benefits of these virtual machines.

VMware Fusion and Parallels Desktop Alternatives

Apart from VMware and Parallels Desktop, other virtualization tools make it easy and possible to run a different OS or apps and programs meant for another OS on your computer. Some of these virtual machines that also function as alternatives for VMware and Parallels include

Portable VirtualBox
Windows Sandbox
KVM, a short form for Kernel-based Virtual Machine
VirtualBox
Darling and many more

VMware Fusion vs Parallels Desktop: Final Verdict

Despite being expensive for the two virtual machines, Parallels runs faster, better, and completes more tasks than VMware Fusion. The only edge that VMware Fusion has over Parallels Desktop is the fact that it works better for server-side applications and it is cheaper compared to Parallels Desktop.

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FAQs

Do Parallels work with Mac OS?

If you are a mac user and you require virtualization, Parallels remain the best option for you. It is affordable and comes with options that allow it works well with desktop apps on iPhone. If you have ever faced issues with Mircosoft Office 356 apps native to iPhone, Parallels can help you resolve this problem.

Do Parallels support Linux?

There are several official distributions of Parallels Desktop made for the Linux OS within the product itself. These distributions are free to download. Also, users can download .ISO files which they can use to install Parallels Desktop on the different versions of Linux OS.

Which of VMware and Parallels Desktop is better?

While VMware Fusion is more suited for technical users and comes at a cheaper price, Parallels Desktop is the better of the two. It is faster, better, and works better with Mac OS and iPhones. If you are looking to use a virtual machine as a casual user, and you don’t mind the cost, Parallels Desktop is the best option.