Which is better, VMware Fusion or Parallels for running Windows or Linux on a Mac?

Hi I'm looking to switch with coding to a macbook, although there are some situation when i have to use windows or linux.


My question is which one is the best way to run this two, VMWare fusion or Parallels Desktop, and why?



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Posted on Mar 20, 2025 7:58 AM

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Posted on Mar 21, 2025 7:01 PM

Both are fine, especially for general use. VMWare does have a free version still I believe, where Parallels doesn't. VMWare has more fine-grained advanced features and ability to tweak some aspects of the VM.


Parallels specializes in Windows on macOS as their primary core feature set, and generally performs better, especially for more graphics intensive uses like games, better overall macOS integration and more frequent updates. That said, there are limits to what you can do in VMs for 3D accelerated gaming.

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Mar 21, 2025 7:01 PM in response to Sashok_G

Both are fine, especially for general use. VMWare does have a free version still I believe, where Parallels doesn't. VMWare has more fine-grained advanced features and ability to tweak some aspects of the VM.


Parallels specializes in Windows on macOS as their primary core feature set, and generally performs better, especially for more graphics intensive uses like games, better overall macOS integration and more frequent updates. That said, there are limits to what you can do in VMs for 3D accelerated gaming.

Mar 20, 2025 7:56 PM in response to Sashok_G

"Which is better, VMware Fusion or Parallels for running Windows or Linux on a Mac?: Hi I'm looking to switch with coding to a macbook, although there are some situation when i have to use windows or linux. My question is which one is the best way to run this two, VMWare fusion or Parallels Desktop, and why?"

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VMWare Fusion Vs. Parallels:

VMWare Fusion is what I have always used. you can go back to Windows 95 on an Intel-based Mac. On a Silicon-based Mac, you can start at Windows 11. Since the day they were bought out by another developer, VMWare Fusion is not an annual subscription. Parallels, on the otherhand, is less restrictive, when it comes other licensing and use. You can start with Windows 10, and one-time license is still available. So, for me, I'd say go with Parallels.

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Which is better, VMware Fusion or Parallels for running Windows or Linux on a Mac?

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