VirtualBuddy for Mac
Virtualize macOS 12 and later on Apple Silicon.
Free
In English
Version 2.1When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission
VirtualBuddy overview
VirtualBuddy can virtualize macOS 12 and later on Apple Silicon, with the goal of offering features that are useful to developers who need to test their apps on multiple versions of macOS, especially betas.
What’s new in version 2.1
- VirtualBuddy can now import macOS virtual machines from UTM; drag a UTM virtual machine file into the VirtualBuddy icon in the Dock or right click a UTM virtual machine file and choose “Open With > VirtualBuddy” ¹
- A new option in macOS virtual machine settings allows enabling or disabling the VirtualBuddyGuest app disk image which is automatically mounted by default
- VirtualBuddy now ensures that the guest app disk image is up to date before starting a virtual machine
- Refresh catalog: use Command+R or the toolbar refresh button to reload the OS version catalog without caching; this is handy for viewing the latest OS releases right after a new build becomes available
- Redesigned app settings screen
- If you try to quit VirtualBuddy while virtual machines are running, a confirmation dialog will appear. This allows you to shut down your machines properly before exiting
- For macOS installations requiring updated device support files, a clearer warning is now shown, along with improved instructions for updating
- Enhanced user interface for empty or deleted libraries
- Updated background for the library view
- New Linux virtual machines now default to a 1080p display resolution to simplify setup with live installers
- A new 4K display preset is now available for Mac and Linux virtual machines
- Right-clicking a macOS version that’s already been downloaded now shows an option to delete the downloaded IPSW
- Virtual machine thumbnails now use a blurred version of the desktop picture from the guest
- Various enhancements & bug fixes
VirtualBuddy for Mac
Free
In English
Version 2.1
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(3 Reviews of VirtualBuddy)
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User Ratings
Jun 30 2025
Version: 2.0.1
Lacks some of the bells and whistles of Parallels Desktop, but is FREE. Excellent product, have found it to be very stable on Sequoia, running Sequoia guests, and expect it to be even better under Tahoe, as Apple continues to tweak the underlying hypervisor framework.
Jul 31 2024
Version: 1.6
Adding to Mcr's helpful comment below: MU isn't up on ALL the wonderful things at The Eclectic Light Company. And Howard Oakley, it's master, isn't any kind of organized business person. As such, it's a bit challenging for anyone to keep up with him. AS SUCH, the Viable app isn't listed here at MU. But you can get it AT: https://eclecticlight.co/2022/07/14/introducing-viable-to-virtualise-macos-on-apple-silicon-macs/
Jun 28 2024
Version: 1.5
I have had very good results with this product. The key is you should use Sonoma or later, even though product supports Monterey and Ventura. Apple has improved the hypervisor framework from macos 12 on, you will get best performance and functionality with Sonoma. execution speed of the guest is almost native. Use standard file sharing, rather than drag / drop, not huge deal. I've also had very good results with Viable. Both products are ONLY for virtualizing macOS guests, ARM only. No Windows.
