The Best Virtual Machines for 2026

Many Mac users (including students, developers, and SMBs) want to stick with the hardware they love, while still accessing Windows-only tools. The solution is simple: you can use a virtual machine (VM), which allows your Mac computer to safely run another operating system, without rebooting or buying a second device.

In 2026 and beyond, virtual machines are becoming even more important. Macs dominate classrooms, creative teams, and modern workplaces, but critical software is often still developed across Windows and Linux. 

If you’re feeling compatibility anxiety when thinking of using a VM, you’re not alone. People often have practical and urgent questions: Will my Windows-only app actually run? What about Excel macros, Power Query models, ERP add-ins, tax software, and engineering utilities? 

The best virtual machines are built for fast, simple, and reliable performance. Local tools like Parallels Desktop allow you to run full versions of Windows on your Mac, with performance that feels native. 

This guide explores the best virtual machine software on the market, so you can confidently choose the top option for your needs. 

How to evaluate the best VM software

Choosing the best virtual machine comes down to how well it fits real workflows, not abstract specs. Consider factors like:

• Performance expectations: On today’s M-series Macs, performance should feel predictable and responsive. The best VM software takes advantage of Apple silicon acceleration, using the Mac’s native virtualization capabilities instead of layering workarounds on top.
• Support for Windows 11: Windows 11 compatibility is non-negotiable. On Apple silicon, the strongest VM solutions support Windows 11 on Arm and rely on Prism inside Windows to run traditional x86 and x64 apps.
• Graphics, GPU usage, fast boot: Strong 3D acceleration, sensible GPU usage, and fast boot speeds ensures your VM is one you can rely on, and enjoy using.
• Flexibility beyond Windows: Even if Windows is your primary need, flexibility counts. A strong VM platform should also handle Linux/macOS for development and testing.
• Beginner-friendly setup: For most users, setup should be simple: install the VM software, click a button, and get a working OS. Features like two-click Windows provisioning remove friction for students, switchers, and busy professionals.
• Enterprise security controls: For teams, VM software must meet modern security expectations – encryption, SSO, SAML/SCIM, policy controls, and monitoring.

Editor’s pick: Best virtual machine for Mac users

Parallels Desktop (Standard / Pro / Business / Enterprise)

If you’re looking for the overall best Mac virtual machine, Parallels Desktop virtual machines are the top choice. It’s built specifically for Mac-first users who still depend on Windows, and want their experience to feel fast, reliable, and familiar.

There are three plans available:

• Standard → Everyday users who need essential Windows apps on Macs, without complexity. Ideal for students and professionals who just want things to work.
• Pro → Developers, testers, and power users running multi-OS workflows. Designed for people who spin up Windows, Linux, or macOS VMs side-by-side and care about performance tuning and automation.
• Business/Enterprise → IT-managed Mac fleets that require centralized licensing, identity integration, policy enforcement, encryption, and Jamf-driven deployment and monitoring. 

Why Parallels Desktop is the best VM on macOS in 2026

There are several reasons why Parallels Desktop ranks as the best virtual machine for running macOS in 2026:

• Fast Windows apps on Apple silicon: Optimized for M-series Macs, Parallels Desktop delivers predictable, near-native performance for both everyday business apps and demanding professional tools.
• Easy install: With guided, two-click Windows provisioning, you’ll be up and running in minutes.
• Deep macOS integration: Windows apps work naturally alongside Mac apps, with shared folders, clipboard, printers, camera, sound, and flexible networking.
• Reliable compatibility: Parallels Desktop is compatible with hundreds of thousands of apps.
• Policy controls for IT: Granular policies let teams control USB access, network modes, shared folders, and encryption for tight security.
• Enterprise-grade security posture: Built with business and regulated environments in mind, including SOC 2 Type 2 alignment and modern identity integrations.

Parallels Desktop is ideal for:

• Students who need Windows-only courseware or lab software on a Mac.
• Professionals running tax, finance, ERP, engineering, CAD, analytics, or data tools that don’t exist on macOS. Research shows that a majority of companies report increased agility due to virtualization adoption.
• Developers and technical teams who need to run Windows on Mac, alongside Linux and macOS VMs for development or testing.

Best alternatives when you’re not on a Mac

Not everyone runs macOS, and virtualization looks different depending on your host operating system. Here’s how to think about the best VM options when you’re on Windows, Linux, or the cloud.

• VM options for Windows hosts: Modern Windows editions typically include native hypervisors. You can also use third-party hypervisor platforms available for enterprise Windows environments. These use cases are suitable for dev/test, sandboxing, and isolated workloads.
• VM options for Linux hosts: Linux has some of the most mature virtualization technology available, especially for technical users. Many Linux VMs rely on kernel-level virtualization that’s built directly into the OS. They’re good for low-level control, passthrough, and specialized workloads.
• Cloud VMs: Cloud-based virtual machines solve a different problem than desktop virtualization. They’re useful for scaling workloads up or down on demand, supporting distributed or remote teams, and running always-on services and shared environments. But they’re often a poor fit for running apps locally on a Mac – you can struggle with latency and offline work isn’t possible.

Best virtual machine for developers & testers

Parallels Desktop Pro/Business

If you’re looking for virtualization for developers and testers working on macOS, Parallels Desktop for Mac Pro and Business editions are the strongest choices in 2026.

• Supports Windows, Linux, macOS VMs: Run full Windows 11, popular Linux distributions, and macOS virtual machines on the same Mac.
• Developer-focused integrations: Built-in integrations with tools like VS Code extension, plus support for workflows using Vagrant and Packer, help teams automate VM creation and keep environments consistent across machines.
• Snapshot and rollback workflows: Snapshots let you checkpoint a clean state before installing dependencies, testing risky changes, or running experiments. Roll back instantly when you want to return to a previous state.

Best virtual machine for IT admins & business teams

Parallels Desktop Business / Enterprise

For IT admins and business teams managing Macs at scale, Parallels Desktop for Mac Business and Enterprise editions are designed for controlled, secure Windows delivery. Studies show that more than 90% of employees are frustrated by their work tech. Parallels Desktop provides high-speed performance virtualization for teams, even at the enterprise level, removing bottlenecks and frustration. 

Other virtual machine benefits for teams include: 

• Centralized licensing and provisioning: IT teams can manage licenses centrally and provision Windows environments consistently across users and devices, reducing manual setup and onboarding time.
• SSO-only activation: Support for SSO-only activation, along with SAML and SCIM, ensures Windows VMs align with corporate identity providers
• Policy enforcement: Granular policies allow admins to enforce rules around shared folders, clipboard direction, USB devices, and network modes, keeping sensitive data protected.
• Jamf Pro integration: Deep integration with Jamf Pro enables standardized deployment and update monitoring. 

Quick comparison table

The best virtual machine for 2026

Choosing the best virtual machine in 2026 is all about compatibility, speed, and ease of setup. The best VM software removes friction: it runs the apps you need, performs well on modern hardware, and doesn’t require you to become a virtualization expert just to get started.

For Mac users, Parallels Desktop for Mac addresses the biggest concerns head-on. Windows apps run fast on Apple silicon, x86 apps work via Prism, IT teams get guardrails, and individuals get simplicity.

Ready to see it for yourself? Start a free trial of Parallels Desktop and run the Windows apps you rely on – without changing how you work.

FAQs

Do virtual machines run fast on modern Macs?

Yes. On modern Macs with Apple silicon (M-series chips), virtual machines can run fast and predictably when the VM software is optimized for the hardware.

Can I run Windows 11 apps on a Mac with a VM?

Yes. A VM lets you run Windows 11 on a Mac, including the apps that matter most. On Apple silicon Macs, Windows 11 runs as the Arm version, and x86 and x64 Windows apps work through Prism, Microsoft’s built-in translation layer.

Is it easy for beginners to set up a virtual machine on a Mac?

Definitely, with the right VM software. Beginner-friendly tools guide users through setup with automated Windows downloads and minimal configuration, often reducing the process to just a couple of clicks.