There is a wide variety of software used for virtual machines running on a Mac, however the question is which software to choose? In this article we look into the most common softwares out there both open source and paid services to help decide which one to choose. Before we delve into that software options we do need to understand what is a virtual machine?
A virtual machine is basically a computer inside your computer.
You run a complete second operating system (the “guest OS”) inside macOS (the “host OS”). That guest OS thinks it’s running on real hardware, but it’s actually running inside an app on your Mac.
Common uses on Mac include:
Security testing/sandboxing risky apps/files
Running Windows (or specific Windows-only software/games)
Testing Linux distributions
Developing software in isolated, clean environments
Running older macOS versions (for testing or legacy software)
UTM Open Source for Mac
UTM is a powerful, free, and open-source virtualization tool designed specifically for macOS (and iOS), allowing users to run a wide variety of operating systems on their Macs. Built as a user-friendly frontend for the renowned QEMU emulator, UTM combines the flexibility of QEMU with an intuitive macOS-native interface, making it accessible even for those who find raw QEMU configuration daunting.
Key Features and Capabilities
UTM stands out for its dual approach to running virtual machines:
- On Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, M3, and later), it leverages Apple’s Hypervisor framework to achieve near-native speeds when virtualizing ARM64-based operating systems, such as Windows 11 on Arm, various Linuxdistributions (e.g., Ubuntu ARM), and even ARM versions of macOS guests (on compatible hardware running macOS Monterey or later).
- For broader compatibility, it falls back to QEMU’s emulation mode, enabling it to run x86/x64 systems (like Intel-based Windows or older software), and even exotic architectures such as PowerPC or RISC-V. This makes UTM one of the few tools capable of resurrecting classic Mac OS (8.x/9.x), Windows 95/98, or other legacy environments.
Additional highlights include:
- Support for SPICE display, USB redirection, file sharing, and networking.
- A clean, Mac-like design with privacy and security features aligned with Apple’s ecosystem.
- No subscription required—it’s completely free and open source.
Parallels Desktop for Mac
Parallels Desktop is a leading virtualization software developed by Parallels (a Corel subsidiary) that enables Mac users to run Windows, Linux, and even additional macOS instances seamlessly on their Apple computers.
Using hardware-assisted virtualization technology, it creates virtual machines (VMs) that allow Windows applications and the full Windows operating system to operate side-by-side with macOS—without rebooting or partitioning the drive. Key features include Coherence mode (where Windows apps appear natively on the Mac desktop), easy drag-and-drop file sharing, clipboard synchronization, and optimized performance on both Intel and Apple silicon Macs.
As of 2026, the latest version (Parallels Desktop 26) offers full support for macOS Tahoe, enhanced compatibility with Windows 11 updates, improved developer tools, and enterprise-grade management features—making it a top choice for professionals, developers, gamers, and anyone needing cross-platform access on a single Mac.
This powerful yet user-friendly solution bridges the gap between ecosystems, unlocking access to over 200,000 Windows apps while preserving the native Mac experience.
VMware for Mac: Virtualization Made Easy on macOS
VMware for Mac, primarily available through VMware Fusion, enables Mac users to run multiple operating systems on a single macOS device. With VMware Fusion, users can install and operate Windows, Linux, and other operating systems alongside macOS without restarting their computer.
Designed for developers, IT professionals, students, and everyday users, VMware Fusion offers powerful virtualization features with a user-friendly interface. It supports Apple silicon and Intel-based Macs, providing smooth performance, hardware acceleration, and strong integration with macOS features such as drag-and-drop, copy-and-paste, and shared folders.
VMware for Mac is widely used for software testing, application development, and running Windows-only applications on macOS. By combining flexibility, performance, and security, VMware Fusion helps Mac users maximize the capabilities of their devices.
VirtualBox Open Source by Oracle
VirtualBox is a free, open-source virtualization software developed by Oracle that allows users to run multiple operating systems on a single physical computer. By creating virtual machines (VMs), VirtualBox enables users to install and use different operating systems—such as Windows, Linux, or macOS—simultaneously, without affecting the host system. This makes it a popular tool for developers, IT professionals, students, and anyone who needs a flexible testing or learning environment.
One of VirtualBox’s key strengths is its ease of use combined with powerful features. It supports snapshots, which let users save and restore VM states, as well as shared folders, USB device support, and network configuration options. Because it runs on major host platforms like Windows, macOS, and Linux, VirtualBox is widely accessible and commonly used for software testing, system administration training, and experimenting with new operating systems in a safe, isolated environment.
Here is a list of not so well known products:
Wine for Virtual Machines Running on macOS
Running Windows applications on macOS has long been a challenge for users who rely on software not natively available for Apple’s operating system. One popular solution is Wine, a compatibility layer that allows Windows applications to run on non-Windows platforms. When combined with virtual machines (VMs) on macOS, Wine offers flexible and sometimes lightweight alternatives to full Windows installations.
What Is Wine?
Wine (short for Wine Is Not an Emulator) is an open-source compatibility layer that translates Windows system calls into POSIX-compliant calls used by Unix-like systems, including macOS. Unlike traditional emulators or virtual machines, Wine does not require a licensed copy of Windows to run Windows applications.
Wine remains a powerful tool for running Windows applications without Windows. On modern macOS systems—especially Apple Silicon—using Wine inside a Linux virtual machine provides a practical balance between compatibility, performance, and cost. While it is not a universal replacement for Windows virtualization, it is an excellent option for many everyday workloads and legacy applications.
As macOS and hardware continue to evolve, Wine combined with virtual machines is likely to remain an important solution for cross-platform software access.
Windows 365 cloud PC: click here
Windows 365 is a Microsoft cloud service that streams a full Windows desktop from the Microsoft Cloud to any device. Instead of running Windows locally, users access a Cloud PC through a web browser or the Windows app, with their apps, files, and settings always available.
Key points:
- Cloud-based Windows PC:Â A persistent Windows 10 or Windows 11 experience hosted in the cloud.
- Access from anywhere: Works on PCs, Macs, tablets, and even thin clients, as long as there’s an internet connection.
- Secure by design:Â Data stays in the cloud, integrated with Microsoft security tools like Entra ID (Azure AD) and Intune.
- Easy IT management:Â Simple provisioning, scaling, and management without traditional on-prem hardware.
- Ideal for hybrid work:Â Great for remote employees, contractors, and temporary staff.
In short, Windows 365 turns Windows into a service, making it easier to deliver secure, consistent desktops to users anywhere.
Whisky for Mac: Running Windows Software on macOS Made Simple
For decades, Mac users have faced limitations when it comes to running Windows-only applications and games. While virtualization tools and dual-boot solutions like Boot Camp once filled the gap, Apple’s transition to Apple Silicon created new challenges. Enter Whisky for Mac—a modern, lightweight solution designed to run Windows applications on macOS with impressive performance and minimal complexity.
What Is Whisky for Mac?
Whisky is a free, open-source macOS application that allows users to run Windows software using Wine, enhanced by Apple’s Game Porting Toolkit (GPTK). Rather than being a traditional virtual machine, Whisky acts as a compatibility layer, translating Windows API calls into macOS-compatible instructions in real time.
This approach avoids the heavy resource usage of full virtualization and delivers near-native performance, particularly on Apple Silicon Macs (M1, M2, and newer).
Codeweaver CrossOver for Mac
CrossOver, developed by CodeWeavers, is a powerful compatibility layer that allows Mac users to run thousands of Windows applications and games directly on macOS—without needing a Windows license, a full virtual machine, or dual-booting.
Unlike traditional virtualization solutions (such as Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion) that run an entire Windows operating system inside a virtual environment, CrossOver is built on the open-source Wine project. It translates Windows API calls into macOS equivalents on the fly, providing a lighter-weight, more integrated experience. This makes it especially appealing for users who want quick access to specific Windows software while staying firmly in the macOS ecosystem.
Conclusion
So a lot to choose from each with advantages and disadvantages including costings. One thing you need to ask is what virtual machine do you plan to run on your Mac? Once you have that question answered it will help you decide which one to choose. Anything using Microsoft Windows (11 etc) will need a registered key or license to run the program. There are plenty of options out there to get a discount on a license including education, so hunt around for a the best deal. Get out there and have a look see. You maybe surprised how easy it is to setup a virtual system.