UTM

UTM is a system emulator and virtual-machine host for macOS and iOS that runs Windows, Linux and other operating systems. It uses QEMU, whose backend supports more than 30 processor types, and can also use Apple Virtualization for macOS and Linux on Apple Silicon. On Apple Silicon, UTM uses Apple’s Hypervisor framework for ARM64 systems; Intel Macs can virtualize x86/x64, while Apple Silicon can emulate x86/x64 at lower performance. Virtual machines can run with a graphical display, terminal console or headless, and the app supports snapshots, nested virtualization and multiple displays. The Mac app supports USB devices, bridged or shared networking and external-drive storage; the iOS product supports shared directories, clipboard sharing and port forwarding. macOS guests are limited to ARM-based Macs running macOS Monterey or higher. UTM has a free open-source GitHub version with no automatic updates, and a Mac App Store version for $9.99 once with automatic updates and identical features. Windows GPU acceleration is unavailable, and Linux hardware OpenGL support is experimental.

UTM offers a free route to system emulation, with a one-time Mac App Store option that adds automatic updates but not extra features. Graphics support differs by guest system, and macOS virtualization has a specific hardware and operating-system requirement.

UTM may suit people who want to run other operating systems in virtual machines on a Mac or iOS device. Its different processor modes and GUI, terminal and headless options may also appeal to users with varied virtualization needs.

UTM is a system emulator and virtual-machine host for Mac and iOS that runs Windows, Linux and other operating systems. It suits people exploring operating systems or working across processor architectures; its broad emulation support is balanced by important graphics and guest-system limits.

The free version covers the core software, while a one-time Mac App Store purchase adds automatic updates without changing the features. It is a strong fit for flexible, local virtualization—not for Windows guests that need 3D acceleration.

Overview

UTM combines QEMU emulation with Apple’s virtualization technology where supported. On Apple Silicon, ARM64 systems can use Apple’s Hypervisor framework and run at near-native speeds. Intel Macs can virtualize x86/x64 systems; Apple Silicon can emulate those architectures, but with lower performance. That distinction makes the guest’s processor architecture central to the experience.

QEMU supports more than 30 processor types, including x86_64, ARM64, ARM32, MIPS, PPC and RISC-V. UTM can also use Apple Virtualization for macOS and Linux on Apple Silicon. macOS guests require an ARM-based Mac running macOS Monterey or higher, so UTM is not a route to macOS virtualization on Intel Macs or older systems.

Key features

Flexible VM operation

Graphical display, terminal-console and headless modes accommodate interactive use as well as systems that do not need a desktop. Multiple-display support, snapshots and nested virtualization add flexibility for managing and working with guests.

The Mac app supports USB device attachment, bridged or shared networking, and storing virtual machines on external drives. On iOS, shared directories, clipboard sharing and port forwarding support interaction between the app and its environment.

Graphics and security

Windows guests do not get GPU emulation or virtualization, leaving 3D acceleration such as OpenGL and DirectX unavailable. Linux hardware OpenGL acceleration is experimental. UTM is therefore a poor match for graphics-intensive Windows work, and Linux users should treat hardware graphics support as a qualification rather than a dependable strength.

UTM uses the macOS sandbox to protect host data from viruses or malware inside an emulated operating system. The project says it does not collect personal information directly; update checks request release notes from api.github.com.

Pricing

UTM has two ways to get the software. The Free open-source version costs nothing, is downloaded through GitHub and does not include automatic updates. It suits users comfortable getting updates through that route.

The Mac App Store option costs $9.99, paid once, is Mac-only and adds automatic updates. Its features are identical to the free version, so the purchase is for update convenience rather than added capabilities. Both plans are free of recurring subscription charges, and the free version keeps the core feature set.

Platforms

UTM is available for iOS and macOS, with the host platform listed as macOS and a desktop management interface. The Mac app includes USB attachment, networking options and external-drive storage; iOS supports shared directories, clipboard sharing and port forwarding. Apple Silicon enables near-native ARM64 virtualization, while Intel Macs can virtualize x86/x64 guests.

Who it's for

UTM is suited to Mac users who need to run or explore multiple operating systems, especially ARM64 guests on Apple Silicon, and to users who value QEMU’s broad processor coverage. Snapshots, headless operation and networking choices also serve technical users managing varied guest environments. It is less suitable for people who require Windows 3D acceleration or dependable experimental Linux OpenGL support, or who need macOS guests on Intel hardware.

Pros and cons

• Pro: QEMU supports more than 30 processor types, making UTM useful for work across varied architectures.
• Pro: Apple Silicon can run ARM64 operating systems at near-native speeds through Apple’s Hypervisor framework.
• Pro: The free version has the same features as the paid Mac App Store version.
• Con: Windows guests lack GPU acceleration, ruling out OpenGL and DirectX 3D acceleration.
• Con: Linux hardware OpenGL remains experimental, limiting confidence for graphics-dependent use.
• Con: macOS guests require an ARM-based Mac with macOS Monterey or higher.
• Con: The Mac App Store purchase is limited to Mac and adds automatic updates, not extra features.

Alternatives

For a wider selection of virtualization and hypervisor software, browse Hypervisor Software or Virtual machine software.

Proxmox VE is worth considering for readers seeking a freemium option across Linux, Windows, web and self-hosted platforms; its Premium plan is priced per occupied physical CPU socket.

crosvm is a free, BSD-3-Clause-licensed option for readers whose platform needs include Android, Linux or Windows. Cloud Hypervisor is a free choice for API, Linux and self-hosted environments, while Firecracker is a free Apache 2.0-licensed VMM for those same platform categories.

Linux users seeking a free desktop application can consider GNOME Boxes. Harvester is a free, open-source option for API, Linux, self-hosted and web platforms; KVM is open-source software for Linux and self-hosted use. Multipass is free across Linux, macOS and Windows for users interested in launching local cloud prototypes.

Verdict

Choose UTM if you want a free, adaptable way to run or emulate operating systems on Mac, particularly ARM64 guests on Apple Silicon or less common processor architectures. Its broad guest coverage and full-featured free version are the main reasons to choose it. Look elsewhere if Windows 3D acceleration is essential, Linux hardware graphics must be reliable, or your Mac cannot meet the requirements for a macOS guest.