Parallels vs VirtualBox on M1 Macs: What You Need to Know

Apple's M1 chip has been making waves in the tech world, and for good reason. The new processor offers improved performance, efficiency, and power management, making it a compelling choice for anyone looking to upgrade their MacBook or iMac. But what about virtualization software? Can you still use Parallels or VirtualBox on your M1 Mac?

The answer is yes, but with some caveats. Both Parallels and VirtualBox are popular virtualization solutions that allow you to run multiple operating systems on a single machine. However, the M1 chip's unique architecture presents some challenges for these software applications.

Parallels, in particular, has been working on optimizing its software for the M1 chip. In fact, the company claims that its Parallels Desktop 16 app is now fully compatible with the M1 MacBook Air and Pro models. This means you can run Windows, Linux, or other operating systems alongside macOS without any issues.

VirtualBox, on the other hand, has also released an update to support the M1 chip. However, users have reported some compatibility issues with certain virtual machine configurations. Specifically, VirtualBox may not work properly if you're trying to run a 64-bit guest operating system on an M1 Mac.

So what does this mean for you? If you're looking to use Parallels or VirtualBox on your M1 Mac, here are some things to keep in mind:

* Parallels Desktop 16 is fully compatible with the M1 MacBook Air and Pro models.

* VirtualBox has released an update to support the M1 chip, but users may experience compatibility issues with certain virtual machine configurations.

* If you're trying to run a 64-bit guest operating system on an M1 Mac, you may encounter problems with VirtualBox.

In conclusion, while both Parallels and VirtualBox are compatible with the M1 chip, there may be some limitations and quirks to work around. If you're looking for a seamless virtualization experience, Parallels Desktop 16 may be the better choice. However, if you're willing to experiment and troubleshoot, VirtualBox can still be a viable option.

Regardless of which software you choose, it's clear that Apple's M1 chip is poised to revolutionize the world of computing. With improved performance, efficiency, and power management, these new Macs are sure to impress even the most demanding users. And with virtualization solutions like Parallels and VirtualBox on hand, you can explore a whole new world of possibilities without leaving the comfort of your M1 Mac.

Parallels vs virtualbox m1