Windows Sandbox vs Parallels Desktop

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

Windows Sandbox is a Os & Utilities solution with tags like sandbox, isolation, security, testing.

It boasts features such as Isolated desktop environment, Disposable sandbox instances, Preinstalled Windows tools and utilities, Integrated with Windows 10 and 11, Hardware-based virtualization, Easy to use and configure and pros including Improved security and privacy, Prevents malware infections, Allows testing unknown software, No need to set up VMs or dual boot, Lightweight and fast, Free with Windows 10/11.

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	Windows Sandbox	Parallels Desktop
Overall Score	N/A	N/A
Primary Category	Os & Utilities	Os & Utilities

Product Overview

Windows Sandbox

Description: Windows Sandbox is a lightweight desktop environment included in Windows 10 and 11 that allows users to safely run untrusted applications in isolation. It provides a secure way to test software without risking the host device.

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

Windows Sandbox Features

• Isolated desktop environment
• Disposable sandbox instances
• Preinstalled Windows tools and utilities
• Integrated with Windows 10 and 11
• Hardware-based virtualization
• Easy to use and configure

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

Windows Sandbox

Pros

• Improved security and privacy
• Prevents malware infections
• Allows testing unknown software
• No need to set up VMs or dual boot
• Lightweight and fast
• Free with Windows 10/11

Cons

• Limited hardware access
• Temporary instances only
• Requires virtualization support
• Limited customization options
• Not suitable for long-term use

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

Windows Sandbox

• Free

Parallels Desktop

• Subscription
• One-time Purchase