VMware Workstation Player vs Parallels Desktop

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

VMware Workstation Player is a Virtualization solution with tags like virtualization, desktop-virtualization, vmware, virtual-machine.

It boasts features such as 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 pros including Free for personal non-commercial use, Easy to set up and use, Good performance, Feature-rich, Supports many operating systems and hardware configurations.

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.

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.

VMware Workstation Player

VMware Workstation Player

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.

Categories:
virtualization desktop-virtualization vmware virtual-machine

VMware Workstation Player Features

  1. Run multiple operating systems simultaneously
  2. Isolate applications and services
  3. Test software in different environments
  4. Snapshot and revert virtual machine states
  5. Drag-and-drop files across virtual machines
  6. Virtual networking and sharing
  7. 3D graphics acceleration
  8. Unity mode for running Windows apps seamlessly

Pricing

  • Free
  • Freemium

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


Parallels Desktop

Parallels Desktop

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.

Categories:
virtualization macos windows linux parallel-computing

Parallels Desktop Features

  1. Run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems virtually alongside macOS
  2. Seamless integration and usability with macOS
  3. Shared folders allow easy file transfer between macOS and virtual machines
  4. Resource optimization for improved performance
  5. Easy installation and setup of virtual machines
  6. Snapshots allow you to save and restore virtual machine state
  7. Travel mode to easily move virtual machines between Macs
  8. 3D graphics acceleration support
  9. Retina display support
  10. Touch Bar support
  11. Virtual printing and other peripherals

Pricing

  • Subscription
  • One-time Purchase

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