The Windows 11 emulator for Mac, VMware Fusion Pro 13, is now free for personal use as the software developer has waived the previous $199 fee.
Announced in a blog post, VMware Fusion Pro 13 creates a Windows virtual machine for macOS devices, allowing you to run Windows applications on MacBooks and iMacs powered by Apple's M-class silicon.
It's undoubtedly among the best virtual machine software available, but its price was previously alienating to casual consumers. However, professional use will still require a license, but if you want to boot it up and play with the software, you can do so without spending a dime, which is exciting.
Note that running VMware Fusion Pro 13 on Apple's own silicon, such as the M2 and M3 chip, means you'll be restricted to SoC performance. While today's large number of Apple laptops and computers are powerful, with respectable integrated graphics, they can't compare to what the best graphics cards can do.
To use VMware Fusion Pro 13 you will need an account which can be created through Broadcom's support website and you can then download the software. It's bittersweet news considering the company's Fusion Player will be discontinued but will receive a big update.
Unlike Fusion Player, you'll be able to run multiple virtual machines with Fusion Pro 13, meaning you can basically have your own virtual network located on one device. This is interesting news for the creation and launch of servers or for cloud computing, among other uses.
An excellent move in favor of the consumer
VMware's decision to make its Fusion Pro 13 software free is an excellent move by the company to gain visibility for the application. While there's nothing to fault in the performance capabilities, asking $200 out the door seriously limited the overall install base. Now people who were using Fusion Player can get the full user experience at no cost.
We've had great things to say about VMware Workstation Player over the years and consider it the best virtual machine on the market. Now that Fusion 13 Pro is free, it gives VirtualBox (also free) and Parallels Desktop a run for their money, especially since you're not spending anything either.
