Quick comparison: 5 free alternatives to Parallels Desktop
| Alternative | Price | Platforms | Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| UTM Top pick | Open Source | macOSiOS | Offline |
| VMware Fusion | Freemium | macOS | Offline |
| VirtualBox | Open Source | WindowsmacOSLinux | Offline |
| QEMU | Open Source | WindowsmacOSLinux | Offline |
| GNOME Boxes | Open Source | Linux | Offline |
A closer look at each alternative
-
UTM
Top pickOpen SourceOfflinemacOSiOS- Price
- Free and open source.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- Free virtual machines on the Mac, Apple silicon included: Windows on ARM, Linux and more.
-
VMware Fusion
FreemiumOfflinemacOS- Price
- Free, with optional paid extras.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- Professional virtualisation on the Mac, free for personal use since 2024.
-
VirtualBox
Open SourceOfflineWindowsmacOSLinux- Price
- Free and open source.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- The best-known free virtualiser, on Windows, Linux and Mac (Apple silicon included).
-
QEMU
Open SourceOfflineWindowsmacOSLinux- Price
- Free and open source.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- The open source engine behind UTM and many others; powerful, but aimed at advanced users.
-
GNOME Boxes
Open SourceOfflineLinux- Price
- Free and open source.
- Download
- Download the installer from the official site; works offline.
- Why it stands out
- The simplest way to create virtual machines on Linux: pick a system and you’re done.
Tip for students: UTM and VirtualBox are free: create a virtual machine to try Linux or class software without touching your system.
Independent: we have no commercial relationship, sponsorship or affiliation with Parallels Desktop or with these alternatives, and nobody pays us to recommend them. Links go to their official websites and are not affiliate links; the site is funded only by Google AdSense ads, which don't influence the selection. Learn more.
Frequently asked questions about alternatives to Parallels Desktop
What is the best free alternative to Parallels Desktop?
Our first pick is UTM. Free virtual machines on the Mac, Apple silicon included: Windows on ARM, Linux and more. VMware Fusion and VirtualBox are also worth trying. The best one for you depends on the features you use most.
Are there open source alternatives to Parallels Desktop?
Yes: UTM, VirtualBox, QEMU and GNOME Boxes are open source: free, licence-free and with code anyone can inspect.
Which alternatives to Parallels Desktop work offline?
UTM, VMware Fusion, VirtualBox, QEMU and GNOME Boxes install on your computer and work without a connection.
Which alternatives to Parallels Desktop are there for Mac and Linux?
VirtualBox and QEMU run on both macOS and Linux.
Can I use an alternative to Parallels Desktop on my phone?
Yes: UTM has an app for Android or iOS.