This means that all Windows applications will work with Parallels, however there are performance trade-offs as a result of the virtualization process. Unlike CrossOver, Parallels runs a seperate Windows virtual machine on your computer.

Performance cuts (due to RAM being taken up by virtualization).

Runs Windows applications on a 'seperate' desktop on your computer.

Requires a beefy computer, less than 16GB RAM may result in an electrical fire.

If you're looking for a functional way to run Windows apps on Mac (M1 and Intel), CrossOver is the best option for those who don't want performance cuts, however understand the possibility of incompatibility for some applications. Although this technology works wonders on thousands of Windows applications, some applications are incompatible.ĬrossOver uses Windows 'bottles' that can be customized to use different versions of Windows, depending on the applications that will be installed using CrossOver.Īs of release 22, CrossOver now adopts a 'defaults' approach instead of an installation wizard to download applications. CrossOver uses Wine and other open source software to accomplish this. CrossOver works by translating Windows commands into native Mac commands. This brings many advantages such as less RAM usage (VMs use 1/2 of your RAM) and smoother performance in games and applications.

Run Windows applications without rebootingĬrossOver is not an emulator or virtual machine, unlike Parallels.

Community and official support available.

Runs Windows applications at native speed, no 'external' virtual machine.

Beta testing ( BetterTester) program and gamified XP system to earn swag.

Can run Windows apps without Windows OS.

CrossOver is NOT an emulator, so there's no massive RAM usage and no fires starting in your computer.

Still don't believe me? Here's a detailed analysis on CrossOver and Parallels Desktop - bias-free (mostly 😉) CrossOver Screenshots My conclusion isn't due to the fact that CodeWeavers, the creators of CrossOver, is extremely cool 😎 - I've done my research and I've tried both products. Both of these options are great - but CrossOver takes the cake 🍰

When it comes to running Windows apps on Mac, you can choose CrossOver or Parallels Desktop.

Crossover m1 macbook