Parallels Desktop vs VMware Workstation Player

Professional comparison and analysis to help you choose the right software solution for your needs. Compare features, pricing, pros & cons, and make an informed decision.

Parallels Desktop icon
Parallels Desktop
VMware Workstation Player icon
VMware Workstation Player

Expert Analysis & Comparison

Struggling to choose between Parallels Desktop and VMware Workstation Player? 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 Workstation Player is a Virtualization product tagged with virtualization, desktop-virtualization, vmware, virtual-machine.

Its standout features include Run multiple operating systems simultaneously, Isolate applications and services, Test software in different environments, Snapshot and revert virtual machine states, Drag-and-drop files across virtual machines, Virtual networking and sharing, 3D graphics acceleration, Unity mode for running Windows apps seamlessly, and it shines with pros like Free for personal non-commercial use, Easy to set up and use, Good performance, Feature-rich, Supports many operating systems and hardware configurations.

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.

Why Compare Parallels Desktop and VMware Workstation Player?

When evaluating Parallels Desktop versus VMware Workstation Player, both solutions serve different needs within the os & utilities ecosystem. This comparison helps determine which solution aligns with your specific requirements and technical approach.

Market Position & Industry Recognition

Parallels Desktop and VMware Workstation Player have established themselves in the os & utilities market. Key areas include virtualization, macos, windows.

Technical Architecture & Implementation

The architectural differences between Parallels Desktop and VMware Workstation Player significantly impact implementation and maintenance approaches. Related technologies include virtualization, macos, windows, linux.

Integration & Ecosystem

Both solutions integrate with various tools and platforms. Common integration points include virtualization, macos and virtualization, desktop-virtualization.

Decision Framework

Consider your technical requirements, team expertise, and integration needs when choosing between Parallels Desktop and VMware Workstation Player. You might also explore virtualization, macos, windows for alternative approaches.

Feature Parallels Desktop VMware Workstation Player
Overall Score N/A N/A
Primary Category Os & Utilities Virtualization
Target Users Developers, QA Engineers QA Teams, Non-technical Users
Deployment Self-hosted, Cloud Cloud-based, SaaS
Learning Curve Moderate to Steep Easy to Moderate

Product Overview

Parallels Desktop
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.

Type: Open Source Test Automation Framework

Founded: 2011

Primary Use: Mobile app testing automation

Supported Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows

VMware Workstation Player
VMware Workstation Player

Description: VMware Workstation Player is a virtualization software that allows users to run multiple virtual machines on a single physical machine. It enables testing software, running different operating systems, and consolidating physical hardware.

Type: Cloud-based Test Automation Platform

Founded: 2015

Primary Use: Web, mobile, and API testing

Supported Platforms: Web, iOS, Android, API

Key Features Comparison

Parallels Desktop
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 Workstation Player
VMware Workstation Player Features
  • Run multiple operating systems simultaneously
  • Isolate applications and services
  • Test software in different environments
  • Snapshot and revert virtual machine states
  • Drag-and-drop files across virtual machines
  • Virtual networking and sharing
  • 3D graphics acceleration
  • Unity mode for running Windows apps seamlessly

Pros & Cons Analysis

Parallels Desktop
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 Workstation Player
VMware Workstation Player
Pros
  • Free for personal non-commercial use
  • Easy to set up and use
  • Good performance
  • Feature-rich
  • Supports many operating systems and hardware configurations
Cons
  • Limited to non-commercial use
  • Less features than paid VMware Workstation Pro
  • No live migration of VMs
  • No remote management features

Pricing Comparison

Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop
  • Subscription
  • One-time Purchase
VMware Workstation Player
VMware Workstation Player
  • Free
  • Freemium

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