Bochs vs Parallels Desktop

Struggling to choose between Bochs and Parallels Desktop? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Bochs is a System & Hardware solution with tags like emulator, virtual-machine, x86, ia32, open-source.

It boasts features such as Full system emulation of x86-compatible systems, Emulation of IA-32 (x86) Intel architecture, Support for CPU simulation including protected mode, Emulated peripherals like VGA, network, disk drives, Debugging and disassembly tools, Ability to save and restore state of emulation and pros including Open source and free, Runs on many platforms, Good for testing software in different environments, Allows running x86 software on non-x86 systems.

On the other hand, Parallels Desktop is a Os & Utilities product tagged with virtualization, macos, windows, linux, parallel-computing.

Its standout features include Run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems virtually alongside macOS, Seamless integration and usability with macOS, Shared folders allow easy file transfer between macOS and virtual machines, Resource optimization for improved performance, Easy installation and setup of virtual machines, Snapshots allow you to save and restore virtual machine state, Travel mode to easily move virtual machines between Macs, 3D graphics acceleration support, Retina display support, Touch Bar support, Virtual printing and other peripherals, and it shines with pros like Excellent performance and usability, Easy to set up and use, Seamless integration with macOS, Shared folders make file transfer easy, Good virtual machine customization options.

To help you make an informed decision, we've compiled a comprehensive comparison of these two products, delving into their features, pros, cons, pricing, and more. Get ready to explore the nuances that set them apart and determine which one is the perfect fit for your requirements.

Bochs

Bochs

Bochs is an open source IA-32 emulator that can run operating systems like Windows, Linux, BSD, and others. It allows you to run x86 software on non-x86 hardware without virtualization support.

Categories:
emulator virtual-machine x86 ia32 open-source

Bochs Features

  1. Full system emulation of x86-compatible systems
  2. Emulation of IA-32 (x86) Intel architecture
  3. Support for CPU simulation including protected mode
  4. Emulated peripherals like VGA, network, disk drives
  5. Debugging and disassembly tools
  6. Ability to save and restore state of emulation

Pricing

  • Open Source

Pros

Open source and free

Runs on many platforms

Good for testing software in different environments

Allows running x86 software on non-x86 systems

Cons

Slower performance compared to virtualization

Limited hardware support compared to real systems

Not all x86 features are fully emulated


Parallels Desktop

Parallels Desktop

Parallels Desktop is a virtualization software for macOS that allows users to run multiple operating systems, including Windows and Linux, alongside macOS on a Mac computer. Known for its ease of use and performance, Parallels Desktop provides a seamless integration of virtual machines with the macOS environment.

Categories:
virtualization macos windows linux parallel-computing

Parallels Desktop Features

  1. Run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems virtually alongside macOS
  2. Seamless integration and usability with macOS
  3. Shared folders allow easy file transfer between macOS and virtual machines
  4. Resource optimization for improved performance
  5. Easy installation and setup of virtual machines
  6. Snapshots allow you to save and restore virtual machine state
  7. Travel mode to easily move virtual machines between Macs
  8. 3D graphics acceleration support
  9. Retina display support
  10. Touch Bar support
  11. Virtual printing and other peripherals

Pricing

  • Subscription
  • One-time Purchase

Pros

Excellent performance and usability

Easy to set up and use

Seamless integration with macOS

Shared folders make file transfer easy

Good virtual machine customization options

Cons

Can be resource-intensive

Expensive compared to competitors

Limited support for older macOS versions

Advanced features require paid upgrades