---
description: Compare VirtualBox vs Parallels Desktop for Mac. Learn more about each of the software’s price, features, and helpful software reviews for South African business users.
image: https://gdm-localsites-assets-gfprod.imgix.net/images/capterra/og_logo-e5a8c001ed0bd1bb922639230fcea71a.png?auto=format%2Cenhance%2Ccompress
title: Compare VirtualBox vs Parallels Desktop for Mac - Capterra South Africa 2026
---

Breadcrumb: [Home](/) > [Virtual Machine Software](/directory/31078/virtual-machine/software) > [VirtualBox \<span\>vs\</span\> Parallels Desktop for Mac](https://www.capterra.co.za/compare/169939/170006/virtualbox/vs/parallels-desktop-for-mac)

# Compare VirtualBox vs Parallels Desktop for Mac

Canonical: https://www.capterra.co.za/compare/169939/170006/virtualbox/vs/parallels-desktop-for-mac

> Detailed comparison between VirtualBox and Parallels Desktop for Mac. Check ratings, reviews, pricing, and features to make the best decision for your business.

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## At a Glance

| Metric | VirtualBox | Parallels Desktop for Mac |
| **Overall rating** | 4.6/5 | 4.4/5 |
| **Total Reviews** | 885 | 147 |
| **Starting Price** | - | - |
| **Free Trial** | - | - |
| **Free Version** | Yes | No |
| **Deployment** | Cloud, SaaS, Web-based, Mac (Desktop), Windows (Desktop), Linux (Desktop), Windows (On-Premise), Linux (On-Premise) | - |
| **Support** | Email/Help Desk, Knowledge Base, Phone Support | - |
| **Training** | - | - |

## Best for

### VirtualBox

Designed for enterprise and home use, it is a virtual machine solution that helps control multiple virtual machines, manage multiscreen resolutions, connect with iSCSI storage servers, and more.

### Parallels Desktop for Mac

\-

## Key features

### VirtualBox

- API
- Authentication
- Configuration Management
- DaaS
- Data Synchronization
- Desktop Virtualization
- Desktop/Application Virtualization
- Graphical User Interface
- Multi-Device Support
- Remote Access/Control
- Remote Monitoring & Management
- Remote Update/Installation
- VDI
- Virtual Server
- Virtualization

### Parallels Desktop for Mac

- Configuration Management
- Desktop Virtualization
- VDI
- Virtual Machine Encryption
- Virtualization

## Links

- [View VirtualBox Profile](https://www.capterra.co.za/software/169939/virtualbox)
- [View Parallels Desktop for Mac Profile](https://www.capterra.co.za/software/170006/parallels-desktop-for-mac)
- [View Original Comparison](https://www.capterra.co.za/compare/169939/170006/virtualbox/vs/parallels-desktop-for-mac)

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