Parallels Desktop AlternativesOnly Free apps categorised as Compatibility Layer Tools

The best free Compatibility Layer alternative to Parallels Desktop is Wine, which is also Open Source. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 50 alternatives to Parallels Desktop and 13 are free Compatibility Layer Tools so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting free Compatibility Layer Tool alternatives to Parallels Desktop are WinBoat, Proton, Darling and WinApps.

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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
  6. 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
     
  7. 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
     
  9. ProtonPlus icon

    ProtonPlus

     5 likes

    A simple Wine and Proton-based compatibility tools manager.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    • Flathub
    • Fedora
    • Nix Package Manager
    • Wine
    • Flatpak
    • Vala
    • Proton
    ProtonPlus screenshot 1
     
  10. 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
     
  12. Winetricks icon

    Winetricks

     2 likes

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

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Arch Linux
    • Gentoo
    • Fedora
    • Wine
    • Ubuntu
    • Debian
    • FreeBSD
    • MacPorts
    • Homebrew
    • Slackware
     
  13. 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
     
  14. Porting Kit icon

    Porting Kit

     14 likes

    Using Wineskin technology, Porting Kit is a PaulTheTall.com app that can install games and apps compiled for Microsoft Windows® in Mac OS X. It has access to a server where we store WSI files for more than 300 games, which can be installed by any Porting Kit user.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    Skyrim on Porting Kit
     
12 of 13 Parallels Desktop alternatives