Best VMware Fusion alternatives for macOS
VMware Fusion is a virtualization program for Mac computers; it allows the users to install other operating systems on their Mac and run them alongside macOS. Most commonly, it is used to install Windows to run Windows-exclusive programs and games. Since VMware Fusion supports hardware virtualization, even demanding applications and 3D games can run decently well as long as you have a powerful Mac. It even has a free version. But Fusion has certain downsides too; it can be somewhat tricky to use and doesn’t work well on weak computers. Thankfully, there are certain VMWare Fusion alternatives for Mac that don’t share its issues. Parallels Desktop runs Windows just as well as Fusion does, but it’s also incredibly streamlined and easy to use. CrossOver, meanwhile, is better suited for weak Macs; it uses a different technology that places less strain on the hardware. And if you have an old Intel Mac, BootCamp is also an option.
Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop is easily the best virtualization program for macOS currently on the market. Unlike other such programs, Parallels is very user-friendly, and doesn’t require any complicated actions or computer knowledge. Installing Windows with Parallels takes just a couple of clicks, and installing other operating systems isn’t much harder, either. Though it might struggle to run on weaker Macs, there’s a free trial available, so you can check how well it runs on yours.
CrossOver
CrossOver is a Windows compatibility layer; it allows you to run Windows programs and games on Mac without actually installing Windows. This makes it easier to run, but might introduce some compatibility issues. Still, it works just fine most of the time, and there’s even an unofficial tool that adds DirectX12 support. Though CrossOver is not free, it does have a free trial, and the full version is much cheaper than Parallels.
BootCamp
BootCamp is an official, Apple-developed method of installing Windows (and other systems) on Intel-based Mac machines. Unlike VMware Fusion and Parallels Desktop, BootCamp doesn’t force your Mac to run both systems simultaneously; instead, you will have to choose which one to use whenever you turn on your Mac. Though inconvenient, this means that BootCamp puts no additional strain on your hardware.
Conclusion
Out of all VMware Fusion alternatives for Mac, Parallels Desktop is the best . However, if you have a weak computer (like MacBook Air), you might prefer CrossOver, since it’s a less demanding program. If you have an Intel-based Mac, you may also try BootCamp.