UTM vs Parallels Desktop
UTM says it does the job of Parallels Desktop for less. Here's the price, what you get, and what you give up.
The short answer
Free vs $99.99/yr
Free instead of paying for Parallels Desktop
Pick UTM if you want
Run Windows and Linux on a Mac, including Apple Silicon.
Stay with Parallels Desktop if this is a deal-breaker
Slower graphics and less polished Windows integration than Parallels.
| UTM | Parallels Desktop | |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free vs $99.99/yr | — |
| Saving | Free | — |
| Best for | Run Windows and Linux on a Mac, including Apple Silicon. | Teams that want the biggest, most complete option |
| Trade-off | Slower graphics and less polished Windows integration than Parallels. | You pay more |
| Switching effort | Some work | — |
| Last checked | 2026-11-11 |
Questions people ask
Is UTM cheaper than Parallels Desktop?
UTM says it is, by about 100%: Free vs $99.99/yr. Check both pricing pages before you buy.
What do you give up switching from Parallels Desktop to UTM?
Slower graphics and less polished Windows integration than Parallels.
What do you get with UTM?
Run Windows and Linux on a Mac, including Apple Silicon.
How do I switch from Parallels Desktop to UTM?
Export your data first, test a small import, run both side by side for a week, then cancel before your renewal date.