VMware Fusion Pro Reviews

Name: VMware Fusion Pro
Brand: VMware
Rating: 4.5 (8 reviews)

Vendor: VMware

4.5 out of 5

8 reviews
100% willing to recommend

489 followers

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What is VMware Fusion Pro?

VMware Fusion Pro enables Mac users to efficiently run Windows environments, serving tasks like network support and virtual server management, all while maintaining cross-platform flexibility and robust virtualization capabilities.

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VMware Fusion Pro is the #4 ranked solution in top Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions. PeerSpot users give VMware Fusion Pro an average rating of 9.0 out of 10. VMware Fusion Pro is most commonly compared to VMware Workstation: VMware Fusion Pro vs VMware Workstation. VMware Fusion Pro is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 53% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 15% of all views.

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Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

January 2025

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Featured reviews

Bruce Lundberg

Linux HPC Systems Administrator at a manufacturing company with 5,001-10,000 employees

The primary advantage of VMware Fusion Pro is its simplicity in creating custom virtual machines. It allows quick construction and provides connectivity to full VMware server systems, enabling remote management. It facilitates downloading images from main VMware servers for local testing. The ability to construct a virtual environment on my laptop meets my needs, even ones I wasn't aware of.

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Christian Kyony

Senior Security Engineer at DRS

VMware Fusion is good, especially for the graphical user interface. However, it would be beneficial to have a more developed command line interface to deploy solutions. This would allow scripting for launching specific Virtual Machines. Additionally, enhancing the API interactions could improve the ability to manage VS and deploy various kinds of guests.

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Amit Negi

Information Technology Officer at Loesche GmbH

The solution is quite heavy in terms of resources like RAM and CPU. They should minimize the number of resources. Also, the installation process could be simpler for end users to understand. They should make it compatible with Windows and Linux. Presently, it works well only with Mac systems. In addition, they should enhance essential security features.

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VMware Fusion Pro mindshare

As of January 2025, the mindshare of VMware Fusion Pro in the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) category stands at 26.5%, up from 13.8% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

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Last updated Dec 20, 2024

Valuable Features

VMware Fusion Pro is praised for enabling Windows VMs on Mac, offering versatility and ease of use. Users highlight its features like snapshots for current state capture, cloning for backup, and rapid OS launches for network simulations. It connects to backend infrastructure, allowing remote management and testing in diverse environments. It aids in creating custom virtual machines, supporting extensive server connectivity and image downloads, providing stability and cost savings with a user-friendly interface.

"For me, VMware Fusion Pro has been invaluable, allowing me to meet all my needs with a single system."
"The primary advantage of VMware Fusion Pro is its simplicity in creating custom virtual machines."
"VMware Fusion Pro offers simplicity of use and stability."

Room for Improvement

VMware Fusion Pro users indicate that snapshot handling needs refining. Backups for virtual machines should improve beyond Windows reliance. Resource usage is heavy, requiring optimization for RAM and CPU. Users desire better installation simplicity and compatibility with Windows and Linux. Licensing costs are a concern. A more developed command-line interface and better API interactions are needed. Minor issues include integration with macOS causing notifications. Enhanced security features and cloud functions are also requested.

"The only issue I've experienced with VMware Fusion Pro is that it doesn't register correctly with the main macOS system, causing repeated notifications about background installations."
"The only issue I've experienced with VMware Fusion Pro is that it doesn't register correctly with the main macOS system, causing repeated notifications about background installations. This is a minor inconvenience."
"Fusion is not meant to be scalable. It runs on desktops and laptops, indicating limitations in scalability."

Pricing

Enterprise users of VMware Fusion Pro find the pricing variable yet affordable. While Fusion Pro incurs a cost, estimated around $1,000 per month depending on scaling and timing, it offers good value. Licensing for VMware Fusion Pro is generally annual, covering minor updates, whereas major updates incur costs every three years. Despite high pricing perceptions, users report satisfaction due to the long-term coverage provided, and some see it as a cost-effective investment.

"I rate the product's pricing a seven or eight. It is highly-priced."
"The cost varies depending on the season and whether it is scaled up or scaled down, but I would guess that it's approximately $1,000 per month."
"Starting with version 12, it is now free on a Mac for personal use. Fusion Pro has a cost."

Popular Use Cases

VMware Fusion Pro is primarily used for running Windows machines on Mac, networking servers, and building test environments. Users utilize it on desktops and laptops for software evaluation, script writing, and maintaining virtual machines. It supports Cisco Modeling Labs, providing a hypervisor for virtualization needs. Developers and system administrators leverage it for testing updates, patching repositories, and supporting internet web pages. This application facilitates virtual server management on both Macs and PCs.

Service and Support

VMware Fusion Pro's customer service and support are highly regarded. Users find technical support quick and effective, valuing prompt responses during critical issues. Paying for the license enhances the service, with some rating it a nine for support quality. While many users benefit from direct support, others rely on forums and personal expertise, indicating versatile support avenues.

Deployment

Initial setup of VMware Fusion Pro is straightforward, taking approximately five to ten minutes. Users note simplicity in downloading the image and setting it up on a Mac. With single users, the process is easy, whereas multiple users may encounter complications. A minor issue can occur when VMware Fusion Pro does not properly register with macOS. Generally, the deployment and maintenance process is simple and efficient, requiring minimal personnel.

Scalability

VMware Fusion Pro is praised for its scalability by various users in organizations and individuals. It accommodates multiple roles from IT managers to software developers. While primarily a desktop application, it can efficiently scale with hardware specifications. It supports several virtual systems on a single machine when resources allow. Despite some limitations noted by individual users, many rate its scalability highly, highlighting its capacity to meet diverse needs across different user segments.

Stability

VMware Fusion Pro exhibits rock-solid performance, consistently displaying high levels of stability and reliability. It garners a rating of nine out of ten for its dependability, with users reporting minimal interruptions. Its ability to run smoothly without causing crashes indicates significant robustness. Instances of unexpected quitting are rare, further attesting to its steadfast nature. Users commend VMware Fusion Pro for delivering the anticipated stability they expect from such a platform.

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

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Review data by company size

By reviewers

By visitors reading reviews

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

15%

University

12%

Comms Service Provider

10%

Educational Organization

Financial Services Firm

Hospitality Company

Government

Manufacturing Company

Healthcare Company

Non Profit

Retailer

Construction Company

Real Estate/Law Firm

Media Company

Insurance Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Outsourcing Company

Performing Arts

Transportation Company

Aerospace/Defense Firm

Legal Firm

Consumer Goods Company

Pharma/Biotech Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

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Learn more about VMware Fusion Pro

Offering a seamless virtualization experience, VMware Fusion Pro supports a wide range of computing needs on Mac systems. It efficiently manages virtual machines, integrates well with Windows ESXi infrastructure, and eases OS deployment. The platform’s functionality includes testing on Apple devices, virtualization with Cisco Modeling Labs, and conducting virtual machine maintenance. Users appreciate its ability to facilitate a flexible, reliable virtual environment with consistent updates and support.

What are the key features of VMware Fusion Pro?

Windows VM on Mac - Run Windows operating systems seamlessly on Mac devices.
ESXi Integration - Provides compatibility and integration with Windows ESXi infrastructure.
Snapshot and Cloning - Simplifies backup and recovery with snapshot and cloning options.
Efficient OS Launch - Quick and effective operating system deployment capabilities.
User-Friendly - Intuitive interface supporting diverse computing tasks.

What benefits and returns can users expect from VMware Fusion Pro?

Versatility - Ideal for leveraging cross-platform compatibility.
Practicality and Reliability - Consistent performance with stable environment management.
Flexible Testing - Simplifies testing processes on Apple laptops.
Improved Backup Processes - Enhanced efficiency in backup management.

VMware Fusion Pro finds applications in industries requiring advanced virtualization such as IT, where it aids network server support and testing environments. Educational institutions employ it for virtual labs and environments, while enterprises use it to manage various OS applications and employee computing needs.