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
     763 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.

    50 Wine alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Android Tablet
    • BSD
    • Flathub
     
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    1
  2. WinBoat icon
     72 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.

    53 WinBoat alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source (MIT)

    Platforms

    • Linux
    • Docker
     
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    1
  3. CrossOver icon
     77 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.

    46 CrossOver alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Paid
    • Proprietary

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
    • Android
    • Chrome OS
     
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    1
  4. Darling icon
     17 likes

    Run macOS applications on Linux.

    Cost / License

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  5. WinApps icon
     8 likes

    Allows use of Windows applications, such as Microsoft Office and Adobe software, directly within Linux desktops like GNOME or KDE, using background RDP virtualization and providing file right-click access, home directory mounting, and one-command setup.

    38 WinApps alternatives

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Linux
     
  6. ProtonUp-Qt icon
     6 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
     
  7. ProtonPlus icon
     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
     
  8. MiceWine icon
     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
     
  9. 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
     
  10. Winetricks icon
     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
     
  11. Karton icon
     4 likes

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

    Cost / License

    • Free
    • Open Source

    Application type

    Platforms

    • Mac
    • Linux
     
12 of 14 Parallels Desktop alternatives