Parallels Desktop AlternativesOnly Open Source apps categorised as Compatibility Layer Tools

The best open source Compatibility Layer alternative to Parallels Desktop is Wine. If that doesn't suit you, our users have ranked more than 50 alternatives to Parallels Desktop and 12 are open source Compatibility Layer Tools so hopefully you can find a suitable replacement. Other interesting open source Compatibility Layer Tool alternatives to Parallels Desktop are WinBoat, Proton, Darling and ProtonUp-Qt.

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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

     744 likes
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    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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    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.

    Parallels Desktop Icon
    Wine icon

    • Most users think Wine is a great Parallels Desktop alternative.

    • Wine is the most popular Android & Android Tablet alternative to Parallels Desktop.

    • 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

     62 likes
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    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.

    50 WinBoat alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    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.
    Parallels Desktop 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. ProtonUp-Qt icon

    ProtonUp-Qt

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

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • AppImageHub
    • Arch Linux
    • Flathub
    • Flatpak
    ProtonUp-Qt screenshot 1
     
  7. WinApps icon

    WinApps

     7 likes
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    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
     
  9. ProtonPlus icon

    ProtonPlus

     5 likes
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    A simple Wine and Proton-based compatibility tools manager.

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

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

    MiceWine

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

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Android
    • Android Tablet
     
  12. Winetricks icon

    Winetricks

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

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

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

    Karton

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

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
     

  14. Sikarugir

     1 like
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    Tool for running and packaging Windows apps or games on macOS 10.15.4+ with Wine, enabling users to choose DirectX backends such as Metal, Vulkan, D3DMetal, VKD3D, DXVK, DXMT, and experimental D9VK for broad compatibility and enhanced performance.

    33 Sikarugir alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
     
12 of 12 Parallels Desktop alternatives