Free Parallels Desktop alternatives
Parallels Desktop is a paid app for running Windows and other operating systems on Mac computers. The annual license is a lot for occasional virtual machine use. UTM is a free, open-source virtualization app for macOS, and VirtualBox is a free option that runs on several desktop systems.
Best free alternative to Parallels Desktop: UTM. Free, open-source virtual machine app for Mac that runs Linux, Windows and other guest systems.
Side by side
| Option | What you get | What you miss |
|---|---|---|
| UTM | Free, open-source virtual machine app for Mac that runs Linux, Windows and other guest systems. | Parallels' faster Windows performance, seamless app windows on the Mac and its paid support. |
| VirtualBox | Free, open-source virtual machines with snapshots and shared folders, on Windows, Linux and Intel Macs. | Apple silicon support and Parallels' seamless integration with macOS. |
Questions people ask
What is the best free alternative to Parallels Desktop?
UTM. Free, open-source virtual machine app for Mac that runs Linux, Windows and other guest systems.
Is there a free version of Parallels Desktop?
Not a full one, but UTM and VirtualBox are free and cover most of what Parallels Desktop does.
What do you miss with a free Parallels Desktop alternative?
Parallels' faster Windows performance, seamless app windows on the Mac and its paid support.