Downloads and Coupons
Download 14-days trial Parallels Desktop 8 for MAC
Download 15-days trial VMware Workstation 9
$20 off Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac and Kaspersky Security for Mac bundle
(regular price:$119.98 our price: $99.99)
$20 off Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac and Kaspersky Internet Security bundle
(regular price:$119.98 our price: $99.99)
25% off Parallels Desktop 8 for MAC
(regular price:$79.99 our price: $59.99)
$30 off coupon code Parallels Desktop 8 for MAC Upgrade
(regular price:$79.99 our price: $49.99)
5% off coupon code VMware Fusion 5
(regular price:$63.23 our price: $60.06)
Coupon: vmf3aff
$47 off coupon code VMware Fusion 5 Professional Upgrade
(regular price:$109.98 our price: $63.23)
Download 14-days trial Parallels Desktop 8 for MAC
Download 15-days trial VMware Workstation 9
$20 off Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac and Kaspersky Security for Mac bundle
(regular price:
$20 off Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac and Kaspersky Internet Security bundle
(regular price:
25% off Parallels Desktop 8 for MAC
(regular price:
$30 off coupon code Parallels Desktop 8 for MAC Upgrade
(regular price:
5% off coupon code VMware Fusion 5
(regular price:
Coupon: vmf3aff
$47 off coupon code VMware Fusion 5 Professional Upgrade
(regular price:
Parallels Desktop 8 for MAC vs VMware Fusion 5
Due to the similarities in features and performance between Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac and VMware Fusion 5, choosing one over the other might seem a little too simple. However, if what you want is to play virtual games in a Windows installation, Parallels 8 seems to be the better choice. On the other hand, if you want to experiment with different virtual operating systems, Fusion 5 seems to be the one to get due to its vast library of operating systems that are ready to run. Beyond that, it comes down to mostly small things. Overall, Parallels 8 offers better gaming and 3D performance, and Fusion 5 offers a business-oriented professional edition with extra features. Regardless, while both seem like great programs, they each come with their own set of pros and cons. So depending upon your needs, you just might go wrong when choosing one over the other.
Due to the similarities in features and performance between Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac and VMware Fusion 5, choosing one over the other might seem a little too simple. However, if what you want is to play virtual games in a Windows installation, Parallels 8 seems to be the better choice. On the other hand, if you want to experiment with different virtual operating systems, Fusion 5 seems to be the one to get due to its vast library of operating systems that are ready to run. Beyond that, it comes down to mostly small things. Overall, Parallels 8 offers better gaming and 3D performance, and Fusion 5 offers a business-oriented professional edition with extra features. Regardless, while both seem like great programs, they each come with their own set of pros and cons. So depending upon your needs, you just might go wrong when choosing one over the other.
Parallels Desktop 8 for MAC wizard
When deciding whether you want Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac or VMware Fusion 5, there are a few things you should consider first. Take note, however, that neither Parallels 8 nor Fusion 5 come with a lot of new enhancements or options. So, to help you decide, here is a list of some pros and cons of each:
Parallels' Pros
- User interface components, windows, and icons are sharper than Fusion's retina implementation
- Mountain Lion dictation works great
- Windows 8 OpenGL support is more consistent
- Has great 3D performance
- Offers a free trial
Fusion's Pros
- Professional version offers more support and greater ease of use
- Offers a better virtualization of Mountain Lion
- Allows one license for several computers
- Offers a free trial
Parallels' Cons
- Keyboard synchronization feature has some issues
- Parallels' management of app windows is weaker than Fusion's
- Requires a per-machine license
Fusion's Cons
- Cannot easily implement Linux OpenGL because it relies on latest Mesa libraries
- Uses pixel-doubled retina, so retina support isn't nearly as sharp as Parallels'
- Reported issues with Linux OpenGL not always working with Windows 8 apps
Parallels' Pros
- User interface components, windows, and icons are sharper than Fusion's retina implementation
- Mountain Lion dictation works great
- Windows 8 OpenGL support is more consistent
- Has great 3D performance
- Offers a free trial
Fusion's Pros
- Professional version offers more support and greater ease of use
- Offers a better virtualization of Mountain Lion
- Allows one license for several computers
- Offers a free trial
Parallels' Cons
- Keyboard synchronization feature has some issues
- Parallels' management of app windows is weaker than Fusion's
- Requires a per-machine license
Fusion's Cons
- Cannot easily implement Linux OpenGL because it relies on latest Mesa libraries
- Uses pixel-doubled retina, so retina support isn't nearly as sharp as Parallels'
- Reported issues with Linux OpenGL not always working with Windows 8 apps
VMware Fusion 5 wizard
Overall, the consensus seems to be that the Parallels Desktop 8 for Mac update from version 7 is useful for Windows 8 or retina MacBook support in Windows 7 or 8. So, if you want the retina support, Parallels 8 is the better choice than VMware Fusion 5. Additionally, due to a restricted implementation of the Linux system 3D support in Fusion 5, its 3D performance doesn't even compare to what you can get with Parallels 8's 3D capabilities. However, because Fusion 5 offers a pro edition that is great for mass deployment and business use, it might be the best option for a MacBook. Otherwise, the non-Pro edition is really a nonessential update, unless you just have to have the retina support or the Windows 8 support. Thus, considering Fusion 5's pixel-doubled retina support and poor Linux system OpenGL implementation, it doesn't seem to offer much to users except what's in its professional edition, an IT department-minded feature set. So, unless you are using a retina MacBook or need to run Windows 8, Parallels 8 is a necessary upgrade and therefore the best choice on the market. Check also VMware Workstation 9 Review.
