Parallels Desktop AlternativesOnly apps categorised as Compatibility Layer Tools

The best Compatibility Layer alternative to Parallels Desktop is Wine, which is both free and Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 50 alternatives to Parallels Desktop and 14 are Compatibility Layer Tools so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting Compatibility Layer Tool alternatives to Parallels Desktop are WinBoat, Proton, CrossOver and Darling.

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Parallels Desktop alternatives are mainly Compatibility Layer Tools, but if you're looking for Virtualization Tools you can filter on that. Other popular filters include Free, Mac, Open Source, Mac + Open Source, Virtualization and Mac + Free. You can also filter by region, for example EU-based alternatives if you prefer software developed in the European Union. These are just examples - use the filter bar below to find more specific alternatives to Parallels Desktop.
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Alternatives list

  1. Wine icon

    Wine

     751 likes

    An advanced, free open-source tool enabling Windows applications to run on Linux and other systems without emulation. It offers configuration options, supports diverse operating systems, and benefits from continuous updates and robust community support to enhance Windows app compatibility.

    48 Wine alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • Flathub
    Wine screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about Wine as an Alternative to Parallels Desktop
    Kelson V
    0

    Not quite the same thing. Parallels runs a whole Windows computer inside your Mac. Wine adds compatibility to run Windows apps directly on macOS. A lot of apps run great, but not everything translates between systems, and trying to match Windows is a moving target.

    Wine icon
    Wine icon
    • Wine is Free and Open SourceParallels Desktop is Paid and Proprietary
    • Wine is Privacy focused and LightweightParallels Desktop is not according to our users
  2. WinBoat icon

    WinBoat

     67 likes

    Runs Windows applications, individual apps, or full desktops inside Linux with native OS-level integration, sleek interface, advanced filesystem sharing, smartcard passthrough, and resource monitoring while supporting simple installation and ongoing feature updates.

    52 WinBoat alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Application types

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Docker
    WinBoat screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about WinBoat as an Alternative to Parallels Desktop
    Victor Ferreira
    Positive
    0

    I think WinBoat is the best alternative to Parallels Desktop because it works the same way, with a similar workflow and an interface that's just as beautiful and user-friendly.

    Review by a new / low-activity user.
    WinBoat icon
    WinBoat icon
    • WinBoat is Free and Open SourceParallels Desktop is Paid and Proprietary
    • WinBoat is Privacy focusedParallels Desktop is not according to our users
  5. Ad
  6. CrossOver icon

    CrossOver

     75 likes

    Cross-platform utility enables seamless installation and execution of Windows applications on macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS. No Windows license required—facilitates easy app management with a few clicks, eliminates the need for virtual machines and reboots, delivering efficient compatibility layer operation.

    45 CrossOver alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Chrome OS
    CrossOver screenshot 1
     
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    1
    Comments about CrossOver as an Alternative to Parallels Desktop
    Kelson V
    Positive
    0

    Crossover serves a slightly different purpose. Parallels runs an entire other operating system inside macOS, and you can run Windows applications in that guest OS. Crossover adds compatibility to run Windows applications directly on macOS, but because not everything translates exactly, it can't run every Windows app.

    CrossOver icon
    CrossOver icon
    • CrossOver is Paid and ProprietaryParallels Desktop is also Paid and Proprietary
  8. WinApps icon

    WinApps

     8 likes

    Run Windows apps such as Microsoft Office/Adobe in Linux (Ubuntu/Fedora) and GNOME/KDE as if they were a part of the native OS, including Nautilus integration.

    38 WinApps alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    WinApps screenshot 1
     
  10. ProtonUp-Qt icon

    ProtonUp-Qt

     5 likes

    Install and manage GE-Proton, Luxtorpeda & more for Steam and Wine-GE & more for Lutris with this graphical user interface.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • AppImageHub
    • Arch Linux
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    ProtonUp-Qt screenshot 1
     
  12. MiceWine icon

    MiceWine

     4 likes

    MiceWine is a project that aims to run Windows applications and games on Android smartphones.

    46 MiceWine alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
     
  13. Goldberg Emulator icon

    Goldberg Emulator

     7 likes

    Steam emulator that emulates steam online features. Lets you play games that use the steam multiplayer APIs on a LAN without steam or an internet connection.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Windows
    • Linux
    • Steam
    Goldberg Emulator screenshot 1
     
  14. Winetricks icon

    Winetricks

     2 likes

    Winetricks is an easy way to work around problems in Wine.

    41 Winetricks alternatives

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    • Gentoo
    • Fedora
    • Wine
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    • FreeBSD
    • MacPorts
    • Homebrew
    • Slackware
     
  15. Karton icon

    Karton

     4 likes

    Run Linux programs on macOS, a different Linux distro, or a different architecture.

    26 Karton alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
     
12 of 14 Parallels Desktop alternatives