Comparing the Performance of Parallels 11, Parallels 10, and Boot Camp
Hey there! Today, I want to talk to you about the performance of Parallels 11, Parallels 10, and Boot Camp, and how they stack up against each other. So, let’s dive right into it!
When it comes to running Windows on a Mac, Parallels has been a popular choice for many users. With each new version, Parallels aims to improve the experience and performance. So, I decided to conduct some benchmarks to see how Parallels 11 compares to its predecessor, Parallels 10, as well as Boot Camp.
To start off, I want to quickly explain what benchmarks are. Essentially, they are tests that measure the performance of a computer or software. Now, let’s move on to the results.
In my testing, I found that Parallels 11 performs noticeably better than Parallels 10. It has faster boot times, smoother graphics, and overall, just feels more responsive. This is great news for users who rely on Parallels to seamlessly switch between macOS and Windows.
But how does Parallels 11 fare against Boot Camp, which allows users to run Windows natively on a Mac? Well, the results were quite interesting.
Boot Camp still reigns supreme when it comes to performance. Since it allows your Mac to run Windows directly, without any virtualization, it has the advantage of utilizing the full power of your hardware. This means faster performance, particularly when it comes to resource-heavy tasks like gaming or video editing.
However, where Parallels 11 shines is in its convenience and ease of use. With Parallels, you can seamlessly switch between macOS and Windows without having to reboot your computer. This is a huge time-saver for those who need to use both operating systems regularly. So, while Boot Camp may have the edge in raw performance, Parallels 11 offers a more convenient and user-friendly experience.
In conclusion, if you prioritize performance above all else, Boot Camp is the way to go. But if you value convenience and the ability to switch between macOS and Windows with a click of a button, then Parallels 11 is the perfect option for you.
I hope this comparison has helped you gain a better understanding of the performance differences between Parallels 11, Parallels 10, and Boot Camp. Ultimately, the choice depends on your individual needs and preferences. So, give them a try and see which one works best for you!
Last week, Parallels released their newest version of OS X virtualization software called Parallels Desktop 11. This software allows you to run Windows and other operating systems on your Mac without having to reboot. This means you can access applications that are only available for Windows while still using your Mac’s desktop operating system.
Since the virtualization software category is already well-established, with Parallels 11, VMware Fusion 7, and VirtualBox 5, the focus has been on adding new features. Although we will discuss the new features of Parallels 11 later, I am also interested in its performance. With each update, the virtualization software has been getting faster, to the point where some tasks are nearly as fast as running them natively. In this benchmark analysis, we will examine the performance of Parallels 11 and compare it to Parallels 10 and Boot Camp.
In the future, we will also compare Parallels 11 with the new release of VMware Fusion 8. For now, we will focus on what Parallels 11 offers compared to its predecessor, Parallels 10, and how both of them perform compared to Boot Camp.
If you recall, Parallels 10, released in August 2014, did not show significant performance improvements over Parallels 9. It was mainly focused on new features and improved integration between Windows and OS X. With Parallels 11, the focus is again on new features, especially those related to Windows 10 and the upcoming OS X update, El Capitan. The question is whether Parallels 11 will deliver better performance or if it will be another year of minor improvements. Keep reading to find out what we discovered.
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8 thoughts on “Parallels 11 Benchmarks vs. Parallels 10 and Boot Camp”
Hey Jim! Thanks for the detailed article, but I have a question. I recently bought a Macbook Pro and got Parallels for free. I want to use MS Visio and Project, which only run on Windows. I want to know if there will be a noticeable difference in performance if I use Parallels instead of Boot Camp. Also, I am planning to buy Office 2016. Should I get the Mac version or the Windows version that includes Access and other software for the same price, and run it on Parallels? Your guidance would be much appreciated.
Hi! I’ve used Visio on both Boot Camp and Parallels, and there isn’t much difference in performance, although it might run a little faster on Boot Camp because it fully utilizes the Mac hardware like RAM and CPU. As for the Office Suite, I recommend the Windows version because it offers more software and features. You can compare the different versions of Office 2016 to see the differences among them.
I was a Parallels 9 user and was thinking of upgrading to VMWare Fusion 8 after reading several reviews. I didn’t like the fact that I had to pay to upgrade my Parallels license just to upgrade to OS X El Capitan. So I tried out Fusion 8, but it was a disappointment. The startup time and Visual Studio performance were both very slow compared to Parallels 9. Now I upgraded to Parallels 11, and I love it! The boot-up time and Visual Studio performance are both much better. The only thing I don’t love is that I had to upgrade my license. But in my opinion, Parallels is better than VMWare Fusion.
How do I install Windows 10 ISO on an old MacBook running El Capitan?
Even though the website only offers upgrades from Parallels 9 and above, you can still upgrade from Parallels 7/8 to 11 for the same price. [link]
I’m not going to upgrade Parallels anymore. I’ve always upgraded reluctantly because they don’t update old versions for new OS compatibility. If you stay current with your OS X installation, you are forced to upgrade every two years. Now, they are forcing users to an expensive subscription model with only 8GB VMs in Parallels Desktop 11. This is the last straw for me, and I’ll be switching to VMWare. I use Revit for school, and it is useless with only 8GB of RAM. It’s outrageous that students are forced to use the pro subscription edition.
Before upgrading, be aware that Parallels 11 only allows one computer activation per license. So if you have multiple computers, you might want to wait to upgrade or consider using VMWare, which allows three machines per license.
Great article! I’ve been using Parallels 10 for a long time, and I did notice the performance increase in Parallels 11 during regular usage. The improvements go beyond just numbers! 🙂
Do you think that the Parallels 11 “graphics engine” might be optimized for Metal and deliver better results on El Capitan?
It’s possible, but if that were the case, they would have mentioned it in their marketing materials or press briefing. We will definitely test Parallels 11 further on the final version of El Capitan and publish the results if there are noticeable differences.
