Best 3 Virtual Machine for Mac

Virtual Machines on Mac: A Comparison of Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, and UTM

Running a virtual machine (VM) on a Mac opens up a world of possibilities, letting you run different operating systems and applications without affecting your main OS. This article compares three leading virtualization solutions for Mac: Parallels Desktop, VMware Fusion, and UTM.

Parallels Desktop

Website: https://www.php.cn/link/91bfebe18c6b8925dac99d884b080c6d

Parallels Desktop excels in performance and ease of use, particularly on Apple Silicon Macs. Setup is straightforward, seamlessly integrating with your Mac's files and folders. Our tests on an M1 Mac mini showed excellent performance for web browsing, streaming, and even running modern applications like Notepad . 3D acceleration allows for gaming capabilities. The software offers customizable resource allocation (RAM, graphics) and supports Coherence mode, allowing Windows apps to run directly within the macOS environment. While primarily focused on Windows, it supports other operating systems. However, it's a paid solution with yearly subscriptions ranging from $99 to $149.99, or a one-time purchase option.

VMware Fusion

Website: https://www.php.cn/link/6000db4c19f0ab158c1b1bf5b06ce151

VMware Fusion offers a robust virtualization experience but presents a steeper learning curve, especially on Apple Silicon Macs. While the drag-and-drop installation process is convenient, users of M1/M2 Macs may encounter challenges installing necessary drivers and setting up internet access, requiring manual command-line intervention. Performance is adequate for everyday tasks but lacks 3D acceleration, limiting gaming capabilities. It's available in two versions: VMware Fusion Player and VMware Fusion Pro, priced at $149 and $199 respectively. The higher price point and increased complexity make it less appealing than Parallels Desktop for casual users, particularly on Apple Silicon.

UTM

Website: https://www.php.cn/link/1c2b4dfff603f33d7efc32a0e28dcfca

UTM is a free and open-source option that provides a good balance between functionality and ease of use. It supports both virtualization and emulation, offering flexibility in running different operating systems. While emulation can be slower, it's useful for specific scenarios. Setting up a Windows 11 ARM VM was relatively straightforward, with automatic internet connectivity and SPICE Guest Tools installation. Performance is decent for everyday tasks but lacks 3D acceleration. The UTM Gallery provides pre-built virtual machines, simplifying the setup process. While not as fast as Parallels Desktop, its free price point makes it a compelling alternative.

Conclusion:

The best virtualization solution depends on your needs and budget. Parallels Desktop offers superior performance and ease of use, especially on Apple Silicon, but comes at a premium. VMware Fusion provides advanced features but is more complex, particularly on Apple Silicon. UTM is a free and capable alternative, though performance may be slightly lower. Consider your technical skills and priorities when making your choice. Remember to optimize your Mac's RAM using tools like MacKeeper's Memory Cleaner for optimal performance.

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