List of the Top 7 Hypervisors for Mac in 2025

VirtualBox is a powerful virtualization application that supports both x86 and AMD64/Intel64 architectures, making it suitable for use in both business environments and personal settings. This software is distinguished not only by its extensive feature set and impressive performance aimed at corporate users but also by being the only high-quality virtualization tool available for free as Open Source Software under the GNU General Public License (GPL) version 2. For those seeking a detailed overview, the section titled "About VirtualBox" provides valuable insights. Currently, VirtualBox can be run on a variety of host operating systems, including Windows, Linux, macOS, and Solaris, and it supports an impressive range of guest operating systems, from numerous Windows versions (starting from NT 4.0 up to Windows 10) to DOS/Windows 3.x, several Linux distributions, Solaris, OpenSolaris, OS/2, and OpenBSD. The ongoing development of VirtualBox includes regular updates, which add new features and expand the range of supported guest operating systems, ensuring that it remains competitive in the virtualization market. Furthermore, its evolution is fueled by a lively community that collaborates closely with a dedicated company, guaranteeing its consistent enhancement and adaptation to the needs of users. As a result, VirtualBox continues to be a reliable choice for anyone interested in virtualization solutions.

Numerous people actively participate in conversations surrounding open source software, yet mere dialogue does not yield advancements; we must implement our ideas through coding. CrossOver empowers you to run Windows® applications effortlessly on MacOS, Linux, or ChromeOS. While some may prefer to buy Windows® licenses, others can take advantage of CrossOver's simple alternative for running various Microsoft applications on their Mac, avoiding the hassle typically associated with conventional Windows emulators. Have you ever felt the frustrating lag that comes with emulators on your Mac? Unlike those, CrossOver is not an emulator; it translates Windows commands into Mac commands, enabling you to use Windows software as if it were designed specifically for Mac. This adaptable tool accommodates a broad spectrum of software, from productivity applications to utility tools and even games, all available through one application. For the dedicated Linux users, the thought of installing a Windows OS on your sophisticated system can seem like a betrayal to your principles. With CrossOver, you can uphold the integrity of your system while steering clear of the need to buy a Windows license or compromise your resources by using a virtual machine. This innovative solution grants you the ability to experience the advantages of both operating systems without sacrificing your values or your machine's efficiency. Ultimately, CrossOver ensures that you can have the functionality you desire without the drawbacks that often accompany traditional methods.

Create virtualization solutions using a lightweight hypervisor that functions without relying on external kernel extensions. This hypervisor provides C APIs, allowing direct interaction with virtualization technologies in user space, thus removing the necessity for kernel extensions (KEXTs). As a result, applications developed with this framework can be easily distributed through the Mac App Store. Utilize this framework to create and oversee hardware-assisted virtual machines and virtual processors (VMs and vCPUs) within your authorized and sandboxed user-space application. The Hypervisor treats virtual machines as processes and virtual processors as threads, which streamlines the development experience. It is crucial to understand that the Hypervisor framework requires specific hardware capabilities to effectively virtualize resources. For devices running on Apple silicon, this involves the essential Virtualization Extensions, while Intel-based Macs must have systems that feature Intel VT-x technologies, including Extended Page Tables (EPT) and Unrestricted Mode. This framework, therefore, lays down a solid groundwork for crafting sophisticated virtualization solutions that are well-suited for contemporary computing environments, ensuring both performance and reliability. Furthermore, the emphasis on user-space applications enhances security by isolating the virtualization processes from the core operating system.

Parallels Desktop allows you to seamlessly run Windows applications on your Mac, making it an excellent solution for those transitioning from a PC to a Mac who need to migrate their data. You can create and utilize a virtual machine on your Mac to test and develop across various operating systems, including access to Microsoft Office for Windows and Internet Explorer. Enjoy the benefits of running Windows applications efficiently without impacting the performance of your Mac. The software facilitates easy transfer of files, applications, and other data from your previous computer to your new Mac. You can operate Windows alongside your Mac without the need for any restarts on devices such as MacBook Pro or iMac Pro. Sharing files and folders, as well as copying and pasting text and images, is straightforward, and you can drag and drop files between both Windows and Mac applications effortlessly. Parallels Desktop simplifies setup by automatically identifying the necessary files to get you started swiftly. During the setup process, you will have the option to download and install Windows 10 or select from your existing Windows, Linux Ubuntu, or Bootcamp installation for a personalized experience. This flexibility ensures that you can maintain your workflow without interruption regardless of which operating system you prefer.

QEMU is a dynamic and open-source tool that functions as both a machine emulator and a virtualizer, permitting users to run various operating systems on multiple architectures. This allows for applications created for different Linux or BSD systems to be executed seamlessly on any compatible architecture. In addition, it offers the capability to run KVM and Xen virtual machines with impressive performance that is comparable to native execution. Recently, a host of new features has been incorporated, including comprehensive guest memory dumps, pre-copy/post-copy migration, and the ability to take background snapshots of guests. Furthermore, support for DEVICE_UNPLUG_GUEST_ERROR has been introduced, enabling the identification of hotplug failures as reported by guests. For macOS users utilizing Apple Silicon CPUs, the introduction of the ‘hvf’ accelerator significantly enhances AArch64 guest support. The integration of the M-profile MVE extension for the Cortex-M55 processor represents another noteworthy advancement. Additionally, AMD SEV guests can now conduct kernel binary measurement during direct kernel boot without the need for a bootloader. Enhanced vhost-user and NUMA memory options have also been made available across all supported boards, reflecting a significant commitment to compatibility. This expansion of capabilities underscores QEMU's dedication to delivering powerful virtualization solutions that adapt to a broad spectrum of user requirements and technological advancements.

Discover a robust bare-metal hypervisor that can be installed directly on your physical server. VMware ESXi grants immediate access to and control over the essential hardware resources, skillfully partitioning the server's capabilities to integrate applications and drive down costs. It is widely acknowledged as the benchmark within the industry for effective architecture, showcasing attributes such as reliability, outstanding performance, and exceptional support. As IT teams continuously navigate the challenges of evolving market demands and rising customer expectations, it becomes imperative for them to optimize resources for increasingly intricate projects. Fortunately, ESXi plays a crucial role in achieving a harmonious balance, fostering enhanced business outcomes while also facilitating cost efficiencies in IT operations. Its innovative design not only boosts operational performance but also allows organizations to pursue new ideas without straining their financial resources, ultimately paving the way for sustained growth and advancement.

VMware Fusion allows Mac users to run Windows and various other operating systems alongside their native Mac applications without requiring a reboot. This software is designed to serve both casual users and IT professionals, making it highly adaptable for developers and businesses. The ability to run Windows on a Mac is merely the beginning; VMware Fusion provides access to numerous supported operating systems, including specialized Linux distributions and the latest Windows 10 version, all while seamlessly coexisting with macOS. It streamlines the testing of virtually any operating system and application right on a Mac, enabling users to develop and assess applications in a controlled environment, while also facilitating the easy sharing of local files and folders. Furthermore, Fusion Pro introduces a RESTful API, allowing integration with modern development tools such as Docker, Vagrant, Ansible, and Chef, which aligns VMware's powerful capabilities with the needs of contemporary Agile and DevOps practices, thereby significantly boosting user productivity. By effectively connecting different operating systems, VMware Fusion enhances the overall user experience on Mac and allows for greater flexibility in managing diverse workloads. This level of versatility ensures that users can tailor their computing environment to suit their specific needs, fostering innovation and efficiency.