Microsoft Hyper-V Server vs Parallels Workstation

Struggling to choose between Microsoft Hyper-V Server and Parallels Workstation? Both products offer unique advantages, making it a tough decision.

Microsoft Hyper-V Server is a System & Hardware solution with tags like hypervisor, virtualization, virtual-machines.

It boasts features such as Hypervisor-based virtualization, Live Migration, Dynamic Memory, RemoteFX, Storage Spaces Direct, Shielded VMs, Storage Replica, Storage QoS and pros including Free and standalone product, Small footprint, Built on Windows Server, Integrates with System Center and Microsoft Azure, Supports Windows and Linux VMs.

On the other hand, Parallels Workstation is a Os & Utilities product tagged with virtualization, multios, windows, macos, linux.

Its standout features include Run multiple operating systems on one machine, Seamless integration between host and guest OS, Easy switching between virtual machines, Resource optimization for virtual machines, 3D graphics support, Drag-and-drop files between host and guest OS, Virtual networking and sharing options, Snapshotting and cloning of VMs, Remote access to VMs, and it shines with pros like Good performance, User-friendly interface, Powerful customization options, Integration with macOS, Ability to run Windows on Mac, Cost-effective compared to buying multiple computers.

Feature	Microsoft Hyper-V Server	Parallels Workstation
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	System & Hardware	Os & Utilities

Product Overview

Microsoft Hyper-V Server

Description: Microsoft Hyper-V Server is a free, standalone product that provides a hypervisor-based virtualization platform for running virtual machines on x64 Windows servers. It has a small footprint and basic management tools.

Parallels Workstation

Description: Parallels Workstation is a virtualization software that allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single physical computer. It provides an easy way to switch between Windows, macOS, Linux, and other operating systems without rebooting.

Key Features Comparison

Microsoft Hyper-V Server Features

• Hypervisor-based virtualization
• Live Migration
• Dynamic Memory
• RemoteFX
• Storage Spaces Direct
• Shielded VMs
• Storage Replica
• Storage QoS

Parallels Workstation Features

• Run multiple operating systems on one machine
• Seamless integration between host and guest OS
• Easy switching between virtual machines
• Resource optimization for virtual machines
• 3D graphics support
• Drag-and-drop files between host and guest OS
• Virtual networking and sharing options
• Snapshotting and cloning of VMs
• Remote access to VMs

Pros & Cons Analysis

Microsoft Hyper-V Server

Pros

• Free and standalone product
• Small footprint
• Built on Windows Server
• Integrates with System Center and Microsoft Azure
• Supports Windows and Linux VMs

Cons

• Limited management tools
• No live storage migration
• No dynamic resizing of VHDX
• Limited to 64 logical processors

Parallels Workstation

Pros

• Good performance
• User-friendly interface
• Powerful customization options
• Integration with macOS
• Ability to run Windows on Mac
• Cost-effective compared to buying multiple computers

Cons

• Can be resource intensive
• Limited support for Linux guests
• Steep learning curve for advanced features
• Occasional bugs or crashes
• Lacks features of paid competitors like VMWare

Pricing Comparison

Microsoft Hyper-V Server

• Free

Parallels Workstation

• Subscription-Based