Parallels Workstation vs Microsoft Hyper-V Server

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

Parallels Workstation is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like virtualization, multios, windows, macos, linux.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including Good performance, User-friendly interface, Powerful customization options, Integration with macOS, Ability to run Windows on Mac, Cost-effective compared to buying multiple computers.

On the other hand, Microsoft Hyper-V Server is a System & Hardware product tagged with hypervisor, virtualization, virtual-machines.

Its standout features include Hypervisor-based virtualization, Live Migration, Dynamic Memory, RemoteFX, Storage Spaces Direct, Shielded VMs, Storage Replica, Storage QoS, and it shines with pros like Free and standalone product, Small footprint, Built on Windows Server, Integrates with System Center and Microsoft Azure, Supports Windows and Linux VMs.

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

Product Overview

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.

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.

Key Features Comparison

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

Microsoft Hyper-V Server Features

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

Pros & Cons Analysis

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

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

Pricing Comparison

Parallels Workstation

• Subscription-Based

Microsoft Hyper-V Server

• Free