Parallels Desktop vs Qemu: What are the differences?

Introduction

In this article, we will be discussing the key differences between Parallels Desktop and Qemu. Parallels Desktop and Qemu are both virtualization software that allow users to run virtual machines on their computers. However, there are several differences between the two that set them apart.

1. Performance: Parallels Desktop offers a high-performance virtualization solution, specifically designed for Mac users, providing a seamless experience with smooth integration between the host and guest operating systems. On the other hand, Qemu is a more versatile virtualization software that supports various architectures and operating systems but may have slightly lower performance compared to Parallels Desktop.

2. Ease of use: Parallels Desktop is known for its user-friendly interface and ease of use. It provides a simplified and straightforward setup, allowing users to quickly create and manage virtual machines. Qemu, on the other hand, requires a bit more technical expertise and configuration, making it a better choice for users with a deeper understanding of virtualization.

3. Platform compatibility: Parallels Desktop is primarily built for Mac users, offering seamless integration and compatibility with macOS. It provides features like Coherence mode, which integrates Windows applications into the macOS desktop. On the other hand, Qemu is a cross-platform virtualization software that can be used on different operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

4. Supported virtual machine formats: Parallels Desktop supports a wide range of pre-configured virtual machines, making it easy to set up and run popular operating systems like Windows, Linux, and even Android on Mac. Qemu, on the other hand, supports a wide variety of virtual machine disk formats, giving users greater flexibility and compatibility with different virtual machine setups.

5. Commercial vs Open-source: Parallels Desktop is a commercial virtualization software that requires a license for use. It provides dedicated customer support and regular updates. Qemu, on the other hand, is an open-source virtualization software that is free to use and has an active community of developers. However, support for Qemu may rely more on community forums and resources.

6. Advanced features and customization: Parallels Desktop offers a range of advanced features like snapshots, which enable users to save a specific state of a virtual machine. It also provides integration with Mac features like Touch Bar support. Qemu, being a more flexible and customizable virtualization software, allows users to customize virtual hardware, network configurations, and other advanced options.

In summary, Parallels Desktop is a high-performance, user-friendly virtualization solution specifically designed for Mac users, offering seamless integration with macOS and support for various pre-configured virtual machines. On the other hand, Qemu is a versatile, cross-platform, open-source virtualization software that requires more technical expertise but offers greater customization options and supports various architectures and operating systems.