virt-manager vs Parallels Desktop

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

virt-manager is a Network & Admin solution with tags like virtualization, kvm, xen, libvirt, open-source.

It boasts features such as Graphical interface to manage virtual machines, Supports KVM and Xen hypervisors, Create, start, pause, and stop VMs, Live migration of VMs between hosts, Remote connection via SSH/TLS, VM console access, Storage and network management, VM snapshots and pros including Open source and free, Simple and easy to use GUI, Good for managing multiple VMs, Active development and community support.

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.

Feature	virt-manager	Parallels Desktop
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Network & Admin	Os & Utilities

Product Overview

virt-manager

Description: virt-manager is an open-source graphical tool for managing virtual machines using libvirt. It provides a simple way to view, control, and manage guest virtual machines running on the KVM and Xen hypervisors.

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.

Key Features Comparison

virt-manager Features

• Graphical interface to manage virtual machines
• Supports KVM and Xen hypervisors
• Create, start, pause, and stop VMs
• Live migration of VMs between hosts
• Remote connection via SSH/TLS
• VM console access
• Storage and network management
• VM snapshots

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

Pros & Cons Analysis

virt-manager

Pros

• Open source and free
• Simple and easy to use GUI
• Good for managing multiple VMs
• Active development and community support

Cons

• Limited features compared to paid solutions
• Steep learning curve for beginners
• No native support for other hypervisors like VMware
• Buggy release sometimes

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

Pricing Comparison

virt-manager

• Open Source

Parallels Desktop

• Subscription
• One-time Purchase