The Best Alternatives of VirtualBox for Windows
Companies and home users alike can save money by using virtualization solutions such as VirtualBox. This software allows users to run multiple operating systems on the same computer, allowing them to access different programs and applications without having to purchase additional hardware. VirtualBox is a widely used virtualization solution for businesses and home users alike.
Oracle has released a free virtualization solution that allows users to install and run multiple operating systems on the same device. The solution offers dynamic features, enabling users to integrate Windows and Linux operating systems into one.
Users can create a virtual environment within their host machine, allowing them to save space, money and time. Businesses can benefit from using similar hardware, while home users can experiment with different operating systems.
VirtualBox may not be the best solution for everyone, as it is free and open source software. It has good features, but lacks new ones and can have low performance. Fortunately, there are several alternatives available that can better meet different user needs.
VMware Workstation Pro
VMware is a leader in operating system virtualization, with over 15 years of experience. Their Workstation Pro product is the top choice for VirtualBox alternatives, allowing users to turn their computer into a host for multiple operating systems. It offers advanced hardware support, cloud syncing of virtual machines and other features that make it an ideal choice for testing, deployment and everyday use.
VMware Workstation Player
The Workstation Player is a simplified version of its more powerful counterpart, the Workstation Pro. It allows users to create and run virtual machines without changing their operating system, but with a limit of three virtual machines at once. It’s compatible with Windows and Linux systems, including Windows 10.
Workstation Player is the perfect choice for educational institutions, as it allows them to create and run virtual machines without spending a fortune on hardware and software. Plus, these VMs are portable, so they can be easily transferred to other machines with the Player installed.
VMware Fusion / Pro
Fusion Pro is the perfect solution for Mac users who need to run Windows and Linux on their machine. It creates a “merger” between the host and client, allowing Windows apps to appear as if they’re running natively. Additionally, Fusion Pro enables users to take advantage of advanced Windows 10 features like Cortana and universal search on their Mac.
Mac users can now access up to 64GB of RAM and 16 processor threads with virtual machines, depending on their hardware. For those who don’t need as much power, VMware Fusion offers a simpler version tailored for home users who want to run Mac and Windows side-by-side. Temporary restrictions or expiration dates can also be applied.
QEMU
QEMU is a free, open source virtualization solution that offers powerful features and capabilities not found in other similar solutions. It supports a wide range of architectures beyond the traditional x86 used by PCs, and when bundled with KVM, it can run virtual machines at near-native speeds.
QEMU stands out among VirtualBox alternatives for its extensive list of features and capabilities. However, its complexity makes it the fourth-best option on our list. It does not require host graphical output to display a virtual machine, instead using an embedded VNC server.
Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop is a powerful virtualization software that rivals VMware Fusion and Fusion Pro. It offers two versions - one for personal use and one for businesses - and allows users to run Mac, Windows, Linux, Chrome OS, and Windows Boot Camp on their Macs. It is also Windows 10 ready with Cortana integration.
Parallels Desktop offers virtual machine settings tailored to your needs, whether it’s gaming, productivity or development. It costs $80 or can be purchased on an annual plan, with discounts and promotions often available.
Portable-VirtualBox
Portable-VirtualBox is a free, open-source program that allows users to run virtual machines on any host without needing to install VirtualBox. It works by virtually downloading and installing the software, meaning it can be stored on a USB drive and used anywhere. This makes it possible to run virtual machines from any location, regardless of whether the host allows software installation.
Final note
If you’re looking for a VirtualBox alternative for Windows, this list of the best options is sure to help. Share it with your friends and if you have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
