Parallels Desktop vs OrbStack
Side-by-side comparison for macOS
Parallels Desktop
8.0Desktop virtualization software
OrbStack
8.5Replacement for Docker Desktop
| Metric | Parallels Desktop | OrbStack |
|---|---|---|
| Category | System Tools | Developer Tools |
| AI Score | 8.0 | 8.5 |
| 30-day Installs | 481 | 21.7K |
| 90-day Installs | 1.5K | 56.1K |
| 365-day Installs | 6.0K | 137.2K |
| Version | 26.3.2-57398 | 2.1.1,20026 |
| Auto-updates | Yes | Yes |
| Deprecated | No | No |
| GitHub Stars | 4 | 8.2K |
| GitHub Forks | 3 | 84 |
| Open Issues | - | 446 |
| License | — | MIT |
| Language | — | Shell |
| Last GitHub Commit | 7mo ago | 8mo ago |
| First Seen | Aug 9, 2023 | Mar 24, 2023 |
Reviews
Parallels Desktop
Parallels Desktop is a leading virtualization tool that enables users to run multiple operating systems on their Mac. It offers high performance, seamless integration with macOS, and a user-friendly interface, making it ideal for developers, designers, and anyone needing to run multiple OS environments.
Parallels Desktop allows users to run various operating systems on a Mac within virtual machines, providing isolated environments for different OS.
Pros
- + High performance, especially on Apple Silicon Macs
- + Seamless integration with macOS
- + User-friendly interface
Cons
- - Occasional intrusive ads
- - Security vulnerabilities reported
OrbStack
OrbStack is a lightweight and fast alternative to Docker Desktop, designed for macOS users who need simple containerization without the overhead of traditional solutions. It offers an easy-to-use interface for running Linux machines and Docker containers, making it ideal for developers seeking a streamlined workflow.
OrbStack provides a fast and simple solution for running Docker containers and Linux machines on macOS.
Pros
- + Lightweight and fast performance
- + Seamless integration with existing development workflows
- + Active and engaged developer community
- + Support for running Linux VMs on macOS
Cons
- - High number of open GitHub issues
- - Primarily developed in Shell, which may limit accessibility for some users