Parallels Desktop vs VMware Server

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

Parallels Desktop is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like virtualization, macos, windows, linux, parallel-computing.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including 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.

On the other hand, VMware Server is a Virtualization product tagged with virtualization, vm, server, data-center.

Its standout features include Virtual machine management, Resource allocation, Remote access, VM cloning, VM snapshots, and it shines with pros like Free and easy to use, Good performance, Easy VM migration, Good community support.

Feature	Parallels Desktop	VMware Server
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Os & Utilities	Virtualization

Product Overview

Parallels Desktop

Description: 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.

VMware Server

Description: VMware Server is a free virtualization product that allows users to run multiple virtual machines on a single physical server. It provides a simple interface for creating, running, and managing virtual machines.

Key Features Comparison

Parallels Desktop Features

• 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

VMware Server Features

• Virtual machine management
• Resource allocation
• Remote access
• VM cloning
• VM snapshots

Pros & Cons Analysis

Parallels Desktop

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

VMware Server

Pros

• Free and easy to use
• Good performance
• Easy VM migration
• Good community support

Cons

• Limited features compared to paid versions
• No live VM migration
• No fault tolerance

Pricing Comparison

Parallels Desktop

• Subscription
• One-time Purchase

VMware Server

• Free