Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

Parallels VS Linode

Compare Parallels VS Linode and see what are their differences

Parallels logo Parallels

Parallels Desktop is a virtualization software for Mac users to run Windows and Linux apps on OS X.

Linode logo Linode

We make it simple to develop, deploy, and scale cloud infrastructure at the best price-to-performance ratio in the market.
  • Parallels Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-09-17
  • Linode Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-06-06

See if Linode works for you with $100 in credit

Linode accelerates innovation by making cloud computing simple, accessible, and affordable to all. Founded in 2003, Linode helped pioneer the cloud computing industry and is today the largest independent open cloud provider in the world. Headquartered in Philadelphia's Old City, the company empowers more than a million developers, startups, and businesses across its global network of 11 data centers.

Linode

Website
linode.com
$ Details
paid Free Trial $5.0 / Monthly (1 Core, 1GB, 25GB SSD, 1TB of Outbound Transfer)
Platforms
Cloud
Release Date
2003 January

Parallels features and specs

  • Cross-Platform Compatibility
    Parallels allows users to run Windows, Linux, and even older versions of macOS alongside macOS without rebooting, enabling flexible environment configurations and access to a wide range of software.
  • Seamless Integration
    Parallels provides a high level of integration between macOS and the guest operating system, such as shared clipboard, file sharing, drag-and-drop support, and shared printing capabilities, which enhances productivity.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The software offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate user interface that simplifies the setup and management of virtual machines, making it accessible even for less tech-savvy users.
  • Performance Optimization
    Parallels includes performance enhancements and tools like the Parallels Toolbox, which helps to optimize the performance of virtual machines, ensuring that they run smoothly and efficiently.
  • Regular Updates
    Parallels is frequently updated to support the latest versions of macOS and Windows, ensuring compatibility and leveraging new features and improvements.
  • Coherence Mode
    Coherence Mode allows Windows applications to run as if they were native macOS apps, making it convenient for users to switch between operating systems seamlessly.

Possible disadvantages of Parallels

  • Cost
    Parallels requires a yearly subscription or a one-time purchase, which can be considered expensive compared to free alternatives like VirtualBox, especially for casual users.
  • Resource Usage
    Running virtual machines through Parallels can be resource-intensive, consuming significant CPU and RAM, which may affect the performance of the host Mac, particularly on older or less powerful hardware.
  • Limited 3D Graphics Support
    While Parallels does support 3D graphics, it may not perform as well as dedicated hardware or other more specialized virtualization solutions, making it less ideal for high-end gaming or advanced graphical applications.
  • Compatibility Issues
    Even though Parallels strives for broad compatibility, there can be occasional issues with specific software or hardware peripherals that do not function perfectly within the virtual environment.
  • Complex Licensing
    Some users may find the licensing terms and activation process to be complex or cumbersome, especially when dealing with multiple installations or migrating to a new machine.
  • Updates and Maintenance
    Frequent updates, while beneficial for new features and compatibility, can sometimes introduce bugs or require significant time to manage and install, disrupting workflow continuity.

Linode features and specs

  • Easy to Set-up and use
    Create a Linode VPS in less than a minute
  • Clean UI
    Easy to navigate and use Cloud Manager
  • Customer Service
    No-tiered, 100% free technical support to all customers
  • Free Trial
    7 day, money back guarantee
  • Headquarters
    Philadelphia, PA
  • Global Cloud
    11 data centers around the world

Analysis of Parallels

Overall verdict

  • Parallels is generally regarded as a good virtualization software, especially for those who need to run Windows applications on a Mac.

Why this product is good

  • Parallels is praised for its seamless integration with macOS, ease of use, and robust performance. It allows users to run Windows applications without rebooting their systems, offers regular updates, and supports a wide range of peripherals.

Recommended for

  • Mac users who need to run Windows applications
  • Individuals looking for an easy-to-use virtualization solution
  • Professionals who require efficient cross-platform compatibility
  • Users who prefer a well-supported and frequently updated software

Analysis of Linode

Overall verdict

  • Linode is generally a good choice for those seeking reliable and scalable cloud hosting services. It is especially favorable for developers and small to medium-sized businesses looking for solid performance and customer support. However, like any service, individual experiences may vary based on specific needs and expectations.

Why this product is good

  • Linode is considered good by many users due to its competitive pricing, high-performance SSD servers, and a wide range of available Linux distributions. The platform offers a user-friendly interface and comprehensive documentation, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced developers. Linode also provides robust customer support and a variety of cloud services and tools suitable for different development and hosting needs.

Recommended for

  • Developers looking for customizable cloud environments
  • Small to medium-sized businesses seeking affordable hosting solutions
  • Users needing high-performance virtual machines
  • Anyone who prefers a wide selection of Linux distributions
  • Organizations that value strong technical support and comprehensive documentation

Parallels videos

Parallels Access for iOS - Mini Video Tutorial

More videos:

  • Review - Parallels Desktop vs VMware Fusion Review | Best Mac Apps
  • Review - First Look: Parallels Access for iPad Pro
  • Review - Parallels 15 Review - The Top 3 Features That Will Excite You + Giveaway
  • Review - Hands-on: Windows on Mac with Parallels 13
  • Review - Parallels Desktop 18 - Test and Review. Better Performance? Get Windows on M2-M1, M1 Pro MacBook
  • Review - Parallels 18 for Apple Silicon M1 / M2 Mac Review - The Best ARM Windows experience is Still a Mac!
  • Review - My Parallels 17 first impressions | Windows 11 on a Mac

Linode videos

Linode Review : Speed, Pricing & First Hand Experience!

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to Create your Very Own Linux Cloud Instance on Linode
  • Review - Amazon-AWS or Google-GCP vs regular VPS (Linode, Digital Ocean, VULTR) for your WordPress web server
  • Review - Linode - The Fastest Cloud Computing Provider
  • Review - Linode Getting Started Guide | Linode Cloud Manager Walkthrough
  • Review - Is Amazon Web Services Really Worth It? | AWS, GCP, Azure, Vultr, Digital Ocean, & Linode Compared
  • Review - LINODE ! DON'T USE LINODE Before Watch THIS VIDEO! Web Hosting Review
  • Review - Linode, Explained

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to Parallels and Linode)
Cloud Computing
10 10%
90% 90
Virtualization
100 100%
0% 0
VPS
0 0%
100% 100
Virtualization Platform
100 100%
0% 0

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare Parallels and Linode

Parallels Reviews

Top 5 Alternatives to Citrix: Workspace Management Software for Secure Access to Applications and Desktops
One of the most notable features of Parallels RAS vs. Citrix is that it offers its service in a low price range that competes with alternatives like Inuvika. However, it needs to combine Parallels RAS and Awingu to compete with the complete feature set of Inuvika or VMware when delivering full Windows and Linux integration for digital workspace software. There is no current...
Best Alternatives of VirtualBox for Windows
No discussion of virtualization software can be complete without mentioning Parallels Desktop. Parallels Desktop is a direct competitor to VMware Fusion and Fusion Pro, and even offers two versions: one for personal use and one for business. Parallels Desktop does everything VMware Fusion does with a few subtle differences. It also allows Mac and Windows to run...
Best Free Virtual Machine Software in 2022 – Start Your New Career
Here is another excellent premium product. They are popular among Mac users. If you don’t know much about these VM programs, then you should go for the Parallels software. You can conveniently locate the ISO installation file and use this file. Moreover, you can download the hypervisor to your system with ease.
Best remote desktop software of 2021: Paid and free choices for businesses
One of our favorite things about Parallels Access is its tidy user interface. Rather than simply showing your desktop screen on a mobile device, like most of its competitors do, it presents a modified, mobile-friendly version. Overall, this program is a great choice for those who want to remotely access their computer from a mobile device.
12 Best FREE Virtual Machine (VM) Software in 2020
Parallels is the fastest, easiest, and virtual desktop application for running Windows or in Mac devices without the need to reboot. It allows you to deploy hundreds of installations in no time with Parallels.
Source: www.guru99.com

Linode Reviews

8 Best Free VPS Trials In 2024 [No Credit Card Required]
Linode provides a 60 day free VPS trial with a $100 Credit. You can use this credit for all features whatever you want. But make sure that you have to pay extra charges if you exceed your limit.
10+ Best Free 60 Day Trial Web Hosting [No Credit Card Required]
Linode also provides free website migration for some specific period of time. Technically Linode is best about technical specifications. If you are techy then we recommend you to read technical specifications on the Linodes website.
Top 50 Cheapest Cloud Services Providers | Affordable Cloud Hosting
Our infrastructure-as-a-service platform is supported by our Next Generation Network, advanced APIs, comprehensive services, and a vast library of educational resources and is deployed across 11 global markets from our data centers around the world. Linode’s products, services, and people make it easier and more cost-effective for developers and businesses to build, deploy,...
Best Vultr Alternatives and Competitor Cloud Services of 2022
Do you prefer to have a command line or terminal access to your virtual machine? If so, Linode would be an excellent option for you. Their plans are also similar to Vultr with the almost same configuration. Linode offers a simple CLI feature to manage your cloud instance using shell commands.
Top 10+ Alternatives to DigitalOcean
24/7/365 Customer Support — Linode owns a highly trained customer support team to facilitate the customers. Customers can contact anytime to get the help and support of well-trained staff at Linode. Linode believes in success through customer satisfaction. That is why it provides free support 24/7 without any delay in response.

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, Linode should be more popular than Parallels. It has been mentiond 24 times since March 2021. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

Parallels mentions (6)

  • What are JavaScript Engines?
    A ‘system virtual machine’, for example, provides a complete emulation of a platform on which an operating system can be executed. Mac users might be familiar with Parallels, a system virtual machine that allows you to run Windows on your Mac. - Source: dev.to / 5 months ago
  • How/where to download windows for macbook with M1 for free?
    I've watched multiple videos and gone to many websites to find a good way to download windows on my macbook for free but the closest thing I found was parallels.com but that's only a 14 day free trial and if I had the money to pay for the full version I'd just get a pc lol. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Can I use a Mac?
    You can use a Mac, then use Parallels or Virtual Box for any virtual machines you might need(I prefer Parallels). There are Educational versions of Windows amongst other Microsoft products available to you through NJIT. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • VBA Userforms Excel Mac 2022
    After hours of frustration and looking for add-ins and loopholes, I finally found a solution to getting userforms into VBA mac. I downloaded a virtual browser though https://parallels.com/ and have successfully been able to edit script and then run the file on my native OS through excel mac. Source: over 2 years ago
  • Please note that Boot Camp currently does not support Apple Silicon Macs (M1/Pro/Max/Ultra and later)
    Running Windows under a virtual machine is possible however with a free solution such as UTM or a paid solution such as Parallels Desktop for Mac. Source: about 3 years ago
View more

Linode mentions (24)

  • What is the cheapest VPS Hosting?
    I have an 11 GB VPS with Windows on it, and it’s running perfectly. I 100% recommend this hosting, because of it’s pricing and support. I give $8.25 a month for an 11 GB VPS. Which would cost up to $55 a month on popular hosting providers like, Linode, Vultr, and Digital Ocean. Source: about 3 years ago
  • question for any linode users
    Anyone that hosts a server using the cloud provider linode.com Do you encounter any limits regarding the CPU speed? Source: about 3 years ago
  • Linux OS
    One of my best recommendations is to spin up a linux server in the cloud, you can do it for free for a few months from linode.com for example. Setting up an online server for a game you like playing can also be a rewarding learning experience for networking and Linux in general. Source: about 3 years ago
  • A2, Krystal, 20i, Brixly or Mechanicsweb. Best one for resellers?
    Then you can buy a VPS from linode.com, katapult.io, contabo.com or hetzner.cloud, I'd recommend a 4gb VPS, and in order to run, it has to be over 2gb. For the OS, choose AlmaLinux or a supported version of CentOS. Source: about 3 years ago
  • An 'unlimited' web host has been deleting my files without any notice or warning..
    Use VPS, don't use shared web hosting when you generate content as it tends to use lots of resources like RAM, CPU %, and storage. I'd recommend hetzner.com, contabo.com, or linode.com. Source: about 3 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

When comparing Parallels and Linode, you can also consider the following products

VirtualBox - VirtualBox is a powerful x86 and AMD64/Intel64 virtualization product for enterprise as well as...

DigitalOcean - Simplifying cloud hosting. Deploy an SSD cloud server in 55 seconds.

Proxmox VE - Proxmox is an open-source server virtualization management solution that offers the ability to manage virtual server technology with the Linux OpenVZ and KVM technology.

Amazon AWS - Amazon Web Services offers reliable, scalable, and inexpensive cloud computing services. Free to join, pay only for what you use.

VMware Workstation - VMware Workstation is a multiple operating system handler to easily evaluate the any other type of new operating systems.

Vultr - VULTR Global Cloud Hosting - Brilliantly Fast SSD VPS Cloud Servers. 100% KVM Virtualization