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UTM

UTM

Free, open-source virtual machine app for Mac using Apple Virtualization and QEMU.

softwareVirtualizationvirtualizationqemuopen-source
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Our Verdict

Best for

Mac users who want a free, open-source way to run Windows, Linux, or legacy OSes via virtualization or emulation.

Skip if

You need GPU-accelerated 3D graphics or gaming inside a Windows VM.

What is UTM?

UTM is a free and open-source virtualization app built specifically for macOS. It uses Apple's Hypervisor framework to run ARM64 operating systems on Apple Silicon at near-native speed, and can virtualize x86/x64 systems on Intel Macs; emulation additionally lets Apple Silicon Macs run x86/x64 and Intel Macs run ARM64, plus other architectures like ARM32, MIPS, PPC, and RISC-V. Built on QEMU with an added native macOS interface, UTM also supports running multiple macOS virtual machines on Apple Silicon (macOS Monterey or later) and can emulate classic, older operating systems on PowerPC, SPARC, or x86_64. It is completely free and open source; a Mac App Store version is available at a price for convenience and automatic updates but includes no extra features over the free direct download.

SpecificationsAI-estimated

deploymentDesktop App
open source✅ Yes
api available❌ No
support optionsGitHub, Discord, and documentation/guide
key integrationsQEMU, Apple Virtualization framework

Key Features of UTM

Uses Apple's Hypervisor virtualization framework to run ARM64 operating systems on Apple Silicon Macs at near-native speed.
Virtualizes x86/x64 operating systems on Intel Macs using hardware virtualization.
Emulates x86/x64 on Apple Silicon and ARM64 on Intel Macs when native virtualization is not possible.
Supports additional emulated architectures including ARM32, MIPS, PowerPC, and RISC-V for developers and enthusiasts.
Runs multiple macOS virtual machines on Apple Silicon Macs running macOS Monterey or later.
Emulates classic and older operating systems on PowerPC, SPARC, or x86_64 hardware.
Wraps QEMU in a native macOS interface, removing the need for its command-line configuration.
Ships as free, open-source software with an optional paid Mac App Store listing that adds only automatic updates.

Use Cases for UTM

1

Running Windows or Linux on Apple Silicon

Users virtualize ARM64 builds of Windows or Linux at near-native speed using Apple's Hypervisor framework.

2

Testing on legacy operating systems

Developers emulate classic OSes on PowerPC, SPARC, or x86_64 for compatibility testing or retrocomputing.

3

Running multiple macOS instances

Security-conscious users or developers run isolated macOS VMs on Apple Silicon for testing.

4

Cross-architecture development

Engineers emulate ARM32, MIPS, PPC, or RISC-V systems to build and test software for those platforms.

Pros & Cons of UTM

Pros

  • Completely free and open source
  • Runs both virtualized and emulated architectures, including ARM32, MIPS, PPC, RISC-V
  • Can run multiple macOS VMs on Apple Silicon
  • No feature differences between free and App Store versions

Cons

  • No GPU acceleration for Windows guests, so 3D games are not well supported
  • macOS VM support limited to Apple Silicon running Monterey or newer
  • QEMU emulation of unsupported architectures runs slower than native virtualization

Frequently Asked Questions

Is UTM free?

Yes, UTM is completely free and open source. The Mac App Store version costs money but has identical features, adding only automatic updates.

Can UTM run 3D games or accelerated graphics?

No. UTM does not support GPU emulation/virtualization for Windows guests, so 3D-accelerated games are not supported, though older software with software rendering may work.

Can UTM run macOS as a guest?

Yes, but only on Apple Silicon Macs running macOS Monterey or later.

What virtualization technology does UTM use?

UTM uses QEMU for emulation and can also use Apple's native Virtualization framework for virtualizing macOS and Linux on Apple Silicon.

Pricing Overview

View full pricing →
Free

Free (Direct Download)

$0

Mac App Store

Paid (one-time)

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About the Product

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Platforms
Mac
Target AudienceMac users and developers who need to run other operating systems or architectures

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