Effectiveness
4.5 out of 5
Responsive, integrated Windows experience

Parallels Or Vmware
Fusion Or Parallels For Mac
Vmware Or Parallels For Mac
Mac Parallels Vs Vmware Fusion

price
4.5 out of 5
One time payment starting at $79.99

In this review, a long time user of VMware Fusion for Mac tries Parallels Desktop for the first time with macOS Mojave. Parallels Desktop is celebrating its tenth birthday this year, and its regular cycle of annual updates has helped to consolidate its position as the leading virtualization tool for Mac users who. Running the current generations of these two virtualization programs—Parallels 8 Desktop for Mac () and VMware Fusion 5 ()—on one of today’s ultrafast Macs, only the most hardcore Windows.

ease of use
4 out of 5
Once installed, fast and intuitive

support
4 out of 5
Documentation available, paid support

Quick Summary

VMWare Fusion allows you to install additional operating systems on your Mac, Windows or Linux computer. So, for example, you can install Windows on your Mac to have access to any Windows apps you rely on.

Is it worth it? While the basic version costs about the same as Parallels Desktop, its closest competitor, in many ways it’s less suitable for a normal home or business user. The narrower system requirements, need for support contracts and advanced features will feel more at home in a professional IT environment.

But unlike Parallels, VMware is cross-platform, and it has more features and is more responsive than the free alternatives. So if you’re an advanced user or would like to run the same virtualization solution on non-Mac computers, VMware Fusion is a strong contender.

What I Like
Vmware Or Parallels For Mac

It runs on Mac, Windows and Linux.
Unity View allows you to run Windows apps like Mac apps.
You can run Linux and older versions of macOS.

What I Don't Like

It's more difficult to install than Parallels Desktop.
No support without additional payment.

VMware Fusion

macOS, 30-day Trial ($79.99+)

Quick Navigation

// Why Should You Trust Me
// What Is VMware Fusion?
// VMware Fusion: What's In It For You?
// Reasons Behind My Reviews and Ratings
// Alternatives to VMware Fusion
// Conclusion

Why Should You Trust Me

My name is Adrian Try. After using Microsoft Windows for over a decade, I made a deliberate move away from the operating system to Linux in 2003 and Mac in 2009. There were still some Windows apps that I wanted to use from time to time, so I found myself using a combination of dual boot, virtualization (using VMware Player and VirtualBox) and Wine. See the “Alternatives” section of this review.

I hadn’t tried VMware Fusion before, so I installed a 30-day trial on my macOS High Sierra based MacBook Air. I did try running it on my 2009 iMac, but VMware requires newer hardware. For the last week or two I’ve been putting it through its paces, installing Windows 10 and several other operating systems, and trying just about every feature in the program.

This review reflects the Mac version of the newly-released VMware Fusion, though it’s also available for Windows and Linux. I’ll share what the software is capable of, including what I like and dislike. Read on for the details!

What Is VMware Fusion?

VMware Fusion allows you to run Windows apps on your Mac. Well, technically Windows is running on a virtual machine, a computer emulated in software. Your virtual computer is assigned a portion of the RAM, processor and disk space of your real computer, so it will be slower and have less resources.

You’re not limited to just running Windows: you can install other operating systems including Linux and macOS — including older versions of macOS and OS X. VMware Fusion requires a Mac launched in 2011 or later that must be running OS X 10.11 El Capitan or later.

Is VMware Fusion Free for Mac?

No, VMware Fusion is not free, but a 30-day trial is available so you can evaluate the software before purchase. VMware Fusion costs $79.99, or you can upgrade for $49.99. The Pro version costs $159.99, and upgrade pricing of $119.00 is also available.

You’ll also have to pay for Microsoft Windows and your Windows applications if you don’t already own them.

VMware Fusion vs Fusion Pro

What is the difference between Fusion and Fusion Pro? Basic features are identical for each, but the Pro version has some advanced features that may appeal to advanced users, developers and IT professionals. These include:

Creating linked and full clones of virtual machines
Advanced networking
Secure VM encryption
Connecting to vSphere/ESXi Server
Fusion API
Virtual network customization and simulation.

In this review we focus on the basic features that will be of interest to all users.

How to Install VMware Fusion on Mac

Here is an overview of the full process of getting the app up and running. I ran into a few roadblocks, so you’ll find more detailed instructions below.

Download and install VMware Fusion for Mac, Windows or Linux, depending on which operating system is already running on your computer.
If you’re running macOS High Sierra, you will have to explicitly allow VMware to install system extensions in your Mac System Preferences under Security and Privacy.
Create a new virtual machine and install Windows. You’ll need to purchase Windows if you don’t already own a copy, and install it either from an ISO disk image, a DVD, or a current install on Bootcamp or another computer. You won’t be able to install directly from a flash drive or DMG disk image.
Install the Windows applications of your choice.

VMware Fusion: What’s In It For You?

VMWare Fusion is all about running Windows apps (and more) on your Mac. I’ll cover its main features in the following five sections. In each subsection, I’ll first explore what the app offers and then share my personal take.

1. Turn Your Mac Into Several Computers with Virtualization

VMware Fusion is virtualization software — it emulates a new computer in software, a “virtual machine”. On that virtual computer you can run any operating system you like, including Windows, and any software that runs on that operating system, which is especially useful if you still rely on some non-Mac software.

Of course, you could install Windows on your Mac directly — you can even have both macOS and Windows installed at the same time, and use Bootcamp to switch between them. Of course, that means rebooting your computer each time you switch, which isn’t always convenient. Running Windows in a virtual machine means you can use it at the same time as macOS.

A virtual machine will run slower than your real computer, but VMware has worked hard to optimize performance, especially when running Windows. I found VMware’s performance very snappy.

My personal take: Virtualization technology provides a convenient way of accessing non-Mac software while using macOS.

2. Run Windows on Your Mac Without Rebooting

Why run Windows on your Mac? Here are some common reasons:

Developers can test their software on Windows and other operating systems.
Web developers can test their websites on a variety of Windows browsers.
Writers can create documentation and reviews about Windows software.

VMware provides the virtual machine, you need to supply Microsoft Windows. You can do that by:

Purchasing it directly from Microsoft and downloading an .IOS disk image.
Purchasing it from a store and install from a DVD.
Transferring an already-installed version of Windows from your PC or Mac.

In my case, I purchased a shrink-wrapped version of Windows 10 Home (with an enclosed USB stick) from a store. The price was the same as downloading from Microsoft: $179 Aussie dollars.

I purchased it a few months ago when evaluating one of VMware’s competitors: Parallels Desktop.