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Virtualization software lets you run an operating system (OS) on top of the one that shipped with your computer. For example, you can launch a Windows 11 guest system on a macOS host or older versions of macOS on the latest Apple hardware. Emulation software thus saves you the trouble of maintaining a second system just for platform-specific apps. PCMag has been writing about virtualization software for over a decade, and we currently cover three full-featured solutions: the open-source Oracle VirtualBox, the Mac-centric Parallels, and the very flexible VMware Fusion Pro (Workstation Pro for Windows and Linux users). Parallels Desktop is our current Editors’ Choice winner thanks to its ease of use and especially fast performance, but you should check out all of our top options in case one better fits your needs and budget.
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Best Overall
Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop is the fastest and most reliable emulation software for running Linux, older macOS, and Windows guest systems on Apple silicon- and Intel-based Macs. We especially like its kiosk-like Rollback Mode, which ensures that changes to your computer aren’t permanent.
Parallels Desktop is, by far, the best virtualization software for non-commercial Mac users. It works smoothly, supports ARM-based versions of Linux and Windows, and is very intuitive overall. Just be prepared to pay for a subscription if you want all its latest updates and features.
DirectX Version Support
DirectX 11
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Most Flexible
VMware Fusion Pro
VMware Fusion Pro, which is now free for non-commercial Mac users, offers deep customization options for setting up a wide range of virtual machines on both Apple silicon and Intel Macs. The version for Linux and Windows devices (Workstation Pro) is also quite capable. Advanced management systems make it suitable for enterprise environments, though you have to contact the company for pricing on that scale.
If you want to run Linux, older versions of macOS, or Windows on your modern Mac for free, VMware Fusion Pro is your best bet. IT managers should also appreciate the robust networking support and ability to emulate practically any combination of hardware.
DirectX Version Support
DirectX 11
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Best for Hobbyists
Oracle VirtualBox
Oracle’s VirtualBox is a free virtualization solution that works across Linux, macOS, and Windows devices, though it doesn’t perform on the same level as VMware Fusion Pro or Parallels Desktop. The latest version supports Apple silicon Macs and benefits from a design refresh.
VirtualBox is most suitable for hobbyists who don’t need the absolute best performance or the ability to run the latest games.
DirectX Version Support
DirectX 9
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Buying Guide: The Best Virtualization Software for 2024
Why Should You Use Virtualization Software?
Say you just bought a Mac and want to run a Windows-based app. It could be because there isn’t a Mac version of the app at all, or the Mac version isn’t as powerful or convenient. Virtualization software can help you set up a Windows guest system to use it. You can also run older 32-bit Mac apps on modern Apple machines by installing a virtual copy of macOS Mojave or earlier. Virtualization software enables you to install Linux and obsolete OSes, too. If you have an Apple Silicon Mac, keep in mind that you can use only recent ARM-based versions of Windows and Linux.
Of course, virtualization isn’t just for Macs. If you need to use Windows apps that don’t work with modern Windows versions, virtualization apps let you set up an older version of the OS as a guest system. You can similarly run Linux or ancient systems like MS-DOS, NeXTSTEP, or OS/2 in a window. Windows 10 Pro and Windows 11 Pro (as well as the Enterprise and Education editions) include Hyper-V for such needs.
If you specifically want to run old video games, you’re in luck. We have full tutorials on how to run old games on a modern PC and how to play retro video games.
How Does Virtualization Work?
Virtualization apps try to break down the barrier between the host and guest OS in different ways. All three of the apps here let you drag and drop files between existing and virtual systems, as well as copy and paste data across them. These guest-system tools are available for Linux, macOS, Windows, and some other emulated systems depending on the virtualization app. VMware’s solutions offer the widest support.
To run Windows under Parallels Desktop, VMware’s apps, VirtualBox, or Boot Camp (more on Boot Camp in a moment), you need either a Windows activation key or a full Windows installer on a DVD drive, disk image, or USB stick. You can download a Windows installer directly via Parallels Desktop and VMware’s apps.
If you don’t want to provide a full copy of Windows and you’re willing to get your hands dirty configuring software that may or may not work, you can try running individual Windows apps via the commercial CrossOver app.
What About Boot Camp?
Before Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion Pro were fast enough for everyday use, many Mac owners turned to Apple’s Boot Camp feature to run Windows. There was even a time when the best Windows laptop was likely a MacBook Pro running Windows via Boot Camp. Those days are long gone. Apple still officially supports Boot Camp, but it gets more awkward to use every year. A few years ago, when all Macs used the older HPFS file system, you could switch from a Boot Camp-based Windows system back to the main operating system simply by clicking on an icon in a Mac-style Startup Disk applet.
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Now that all current Macs use the APFS file system, the Startup Disk applet no longer works. Apple didn’t bother to update it to communicate with APFS drives. To switch back from Boot Camp-based Windows to macOS, you have to hold down the Option key when restarting the Mac and then select your Mac drive as the startup disk. If your timing is off, you end up back in Windows. Apple seems to have decided that Parallels Desktop and VMware Fusion Pro make Boot Camp irrelevant. However, many gamers will still want Boot Camp because Parallels Desktop and VMWare Fusion Pro support just DirectX 11. Boot Camp supports DirectX 11 and 12 if your Mac’s graphics hardware is compatible.
Take a Snapshot
One major advantage of running Windows or any other OS in a VM is a snapshot feature that lets you preserve and restore it at any moment. So, if you’re worried about installing something that might be malware, take a snapshot of the Windows system, install the suspected malware, and test it. If it turns out to be malign, restore the snapshot, and all traces of the malware disappear. Parallels Desktop supplements this feature with an optional Rollback Mode that automatically restores an emulated system to its original state every time you start it up.