VMware vs Virtualbox for macOS: A Re-Evaluation

As a developer who relies heavily on virtualization software for local web development, I recently revisited the two leading options, VMware Fusion and VirtualBox, to determine which one is best suited for my needs. In this article, I'll share my findings and benchmarks after testing both solutions on my macOS machine.

I've been a long-time user of VirtualBox, having switched from it to VMware Fusion a year ago due to performance concerns. At the time, several benchmarks indicated that VMware was 10-30% faster than VirtualBox. However, with the release of VirtualBox 5.0 earlier this year, I decided to re-run some tests to see if any improvements had been made.

As someone who builds and rebuilds dozens of VMs daily for local development, speed is crucial. I maintain a popular Vagrant configuration for Drupal development (Drupal VM) as well as numerous other VMs, including Ansible Vagrant Examples. My goal was to find the fastest and most reliable virtualization software for my workflow.

For years, I've used VirtualBox in conjunction with Vagrant and Ansible to create and manage my VMs. My Mac is typically running between one and a dozen VMs simultaneously during the day. With this setup, I'm able to develop code for various projects without any issues or slowdowns.

In my testing, I found that VMware Fusion remains a strong contender in terms of performance. However, VirtualBox 5.0 has made significant strides in closing the gap. While VMware still holds a slight edge, the difference is no longer as pronounced as it was during my initial tests.

Ultimately, the choice between VMware and Virtualbox for macOS depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize speed above all else, VMware Fusion may be the better option. However, if you're looking for a free virtualization solution with excellent features and compatibility, VirtualBox 5.0 is definitely worth considering.

As a developer who relies heavily on virtualization software, I'm pleased to see both options continue to evolve and improve. In this article, I've shared my findings and benchmarks after testing VMware Fusion and VirtualBox on my macOS machine. Whether you're a web developer or simply looking for a reliable virtualization solution, I hope this information is helpful in making an informed decision about which software is best suited for your needs.

Vmware vs virtualbox macos