parallels, vmware or virtualbox?

iMartijn · 03:39 PM

I need a VM, which one is the best choice for general use?

balamw · Jan 10, 2013, 05:50 PM

Which host OS? Which guest OS? Which Mac?

Is cost an issue?

B

dukebound85 · Jan 10, 2013, 05:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMartijn

I need a VM, which one is the best choice for general use?

I would try virtual box as its free. For general use, it's great. If it lacks in what you need, try the commercial offerigs

maflynn · Jan 10, 2013, 05:59 PM

Its completely personal preference.

VirtualBox - decent application, less features and performance but its free
Parallels - best performance, typically has stability issues particularly with new updates
Vmware - Stable product, has similar features as Parallels but not on the same performance level as parallels

I like Vmware, in part because it has great tech support

iMartijn · Jan 11, 2013, 03:31 AM

Thank you for your replies! I am going to a use the VM on the new 27" iMac with Windows 7 pro. I am happy to invest but it has to be well spend.

Stability is crucial, so VMware seems the product to go for.

maflynn · Jan 11, 2013, 06:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by iMartijn

Stability is crucial, so VMware seems the product to go for.

I've found that their tech support is top notch, so if you do run into an issue, they'll respond very quickly.

JoelBC · Jan 11, 2013, 11:43 PM

I have used both VirtualBox and Parallels in the last 3 months...I like them both but as to which is better depends on your personal preference but have had no problem with either.

I am using VMs on both Windows and OS X host systems and it is nice having the same interface on both.

And, both have very good technical support.

ezramoore · Jan 11, 2013, 11:45 PM

VMWare has always been the more appealing option to me. It is much more intuitive and 'Mac-like' than Parallels, which I find clunky.

Both those options are about $100 though, so if you're a casual user and don't depend on it (or require the premium features of the paid software), then use VirtualBox.

iMartijn · Jan 12, 2013, 01:24 AM

Thanks all! I have purchased a VMware Fusion 5 Pro license

scarred · Jan 14, 2013, 08:59 AM

Does anyone know which works best with retina display? I have the 13" rmbp. I think both vmware and parallels support running in full resolution, but that doesn't interest me at all (way too small). Do either of them to a better job at "best for retina"?

maflynn · Jan 14, 2013, 09:03 AM

I think both parallels and vmware are retina compatible at this point.

Jan 10, 2013, 03:33 PM	#1
iMartijn macrumors newbie Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: the Low Countries	parallels, vmware or virtualbox? I need a VM, which one is the best choice for general use? Last edited by iMartijn; Jan 10, 2013 at 03:39 PM.
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Jan 10, 2013, 05:50 PM	#2
balamw Demi-God (Moderator) Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New England, USA	Which host OS? Which guest OS? Which Mac? Is cost an issue? B
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Jan 10, 2013, 05:59 PM	#4
maflynn Demi-God (Moderator) Join Date: May 2009 Location: Boston	Its completely personal preference. VirtualBox - decent application, less features and performance but its free Parallels - best performance, typically has stability issues particularly with new updates Vmware - Stable product, has similar features as Parallels but not on the same performance level as parallels I like Vmware, in part because it has great tech support
	0

Jan 11, 2013, 03:31 AM	#5
iMartijn Thread Starter macrumors newbie Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: the Low Countries	Thank you for your replies! I am going to a use the VM on the new 27" iMac with Windows 7 pro. I am happy to invest but it has to be well spend. Stability is crucial, so VMware seems the product to go for.
	0

Jan 11, 2013, 11:43 PM	#7
JoelBC macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jun 2012	I have used both VirtualBox and Parallels in the last 3 months...I like them both but as to which is better depends on your personal preference but have had no problem with either. I am using VMs on both Windows and OS X host systems and it is nice having the same interface on both. And, both have very good technical support.
	0

Jan 11, 2013, 11:45 PM	#8
ezramoore macrumors 6502a Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Washington State	VMWare has always been the more appealing option to me. It is much more intuitive and 'Mac-like' than Parallels, which I find clunky. Both those options are about $100 though, so if you're a casual user and don't depend on it (or require the premium features of the paid software), then use VirtualBox.
	0

Jan 12, 2013, 01:24 AM	#9
iMartijn Thread Starter macrumors newbie Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: the Low Countries	Thanks all! I have purchased a VMware Fusion 5 Pro license
	0

Jan 14, 2013, 08:59 AM	#10
scarred macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jul 2011	Does anyone know which works best with retina display? I have the 13" rmbp. I think both vmware and parallels support running in full resolution, but that doesn't interest me at all (way too small). Do either of them to a better job at "best for retina"?
	0

Jan 14, 2013, 09:03 AM	#11
maflynn Demi-God (Moderator) Join Date: May 2009 Location: Boston	I think both parallels and vmware are retina compatible at this point.
	0


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