Parallels Desktop is a popular virtualization software that allows users to run multiple operating systems on their Mac computers. While Parallels Desktop has gained a significant following over the years, there are several alternatives and competitors in the market that offer similar or even better features. In this article, we will explore the 10 best Parallels Desktop alternatives and competitors in 2024.

1. VMware Fusion

VMware Fusion is a powerful virtualization software that enables Mac users to run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems on their computers. It offers seamless integration with macOS and provides advanced features such as Unity mode, which allows users to run Windows applications directly from their Mac's desktop. With its robust performance and extensive compatibility, VMware Fusion is a top alternative to Parallels Desktop.

2. VirtualBox

VirtualBox is a free and open-source virtualization software that is widely used by both individuals and businesses. It supports a wide range of operating systems and provides features such as snapshotting, which allows users to save and restore virtual machine states. VirtualBox also offers remote desktop functionality and seamless mouse and keyboard integration. With its cost-effectiveness and versatility, VirtualBox is a strong competitor to Parallels Desktop.

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3. QEMU

QEMU is another open-source virtualization software that allows users to run multiple operating systems on their Mac computers. It provides full system emulation and dynamic translation, making it suitable for running different architectures and operating systems. QEMU also offers support for hardware virtualization, allowing users to take advantage of their Mac's CPU capabilities. With its flexibility and extensive hardware support, QEMU is a compelling alternative to Parallels Desktop.

4. Hyper-V

Hyper-V is a virtualization platform developed by Microsoft that allows users to create and manage virtual machines on their Mac computers. It provides features such as live migration, which enables users to move running virtual machines between physical hosts without downtime. Hyper-V also offers support for containers and integration with other Microsoft products and services. With its enterprise-grade capabilities and strong integration with the Windows ecosystem, Hyper-V is a great alternative to Parallels Desktop.

5. Xen

Xen is a powerful open-source hypervisor that allows users to run multiple operating systems on their Mac computers. It provides features such as paravirtualization, which offers high performance and efficiency. Xen also offers live migration and fault tolerance capabilities, making it suitable for both enterprise and individual users. With its robustness and advanced features, Xen is a strong competitor to Parallels Desktop.

6. Boot Camp

Boot Camp is a built-in utility in macOS that allows users to install Windows on their Mac computers. Unlike virtualization software, Boot Camp enables users to run Windows natively on their Mac hardware, providing maximum performance and compatibility. While using Boot Camp requires rebooting the computer to switch between macOS and Windows, it offers a seamless Windows experience. With its simplicity and performance, Boot Camp is a compelling alternative to Parallels Desktop for users primarily focused on running Windows.

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7. CrossOver

CrossOver is a commercial software that enables Mac users to run Windows applications without the need for a full Windows installation. It utilizes Wine, an open-source compatibility layer, to provide a Windows environment within macOS. CrossOver offers a range of compatibility and customization options and supports a wide variety of Windows applications. With its streamlined approach and focus on application compatibility, CrossOver is a great alternative to Parallels Desktop.

8. Proxmox VE

Proxmox VE is an open-source virtualization management platform that offers comprehensive features for running virtual machines and containers. It provides a web-based interface for managing virtualized environments and supports various hypervisors, including KVM and LXC. Proxmox VE also offers high availability and clustering capabilities, making it suitable for both small businesses and enterprise users. With its advanced management features and scalability, Proxmox VE is a strong competitor to Parallels Desktop.

9. KVM

Kernel-based Virtual Machine (KVM) is a virtualization infrastructure for the Linux kernel that allows users to run multiple operating systems on their Mac computers. It provides full virtualization and leverages hardware virtualization extensions for optimal performance. KVM also offers live migration and dynamic memory management capabilities. With its native integration with the Linux kernel and efficient performance, KVM is a compelling alternative to Parallels Desktop.

10. Docker

Docker is a popular platform for running applications in containers. While it differs from traditional virtualization software, Docker provides a lightweight and efficient way to isolate applications and their dependencies. Users can run different operating systems and applications in separate containers on their Mac computers. With its focus on application-level virtualization and resource efficiency, Docker is a unique alternative to Parallels Desktop for users primarily interested in containerization.

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In conclusion, while Parallels Desktop has been a popular choice for running multiple operating systems on Mac computers, there are several alternatives and competitors available in the market that offer similar or even better features. VMware Fusion, VirtualBox, QEMU, Hyper-V, Xen, Boot Camp, CrossOver, Proxmox VE, KVM, and Docker are the top 10 Parallels Desktop alternatives and competitors in 2024. Each platform brings its own strengths and benefits, so it's important to carefully assess your requirements and choose the platform that best aligns with your specific needs and preferences.