1VMTool vs Multipass
Multipass does one thing extremely well: an Ubuntu machine from a single command. The comparison is only interesting once you need something that is not Ubuntu, or a snapshot on the fast backend.
Side by side
| 1VMTool | Multipass | |
|---|---|---|
| Guest coverage | Linux, macOS, and Windows on the experimental engine. | Ubuntu, plus custom images as a secondary path. |
| Snapshot mechanism | APFS clone on the native backend. | QEMU backend only; unsupported on Apple Virtualization. |
| Price | One-time purchase. | Free. |
| Time to an Ubuntu shell | Create from a template or a prepared recipe — a full VM boot. | One command, with cloud-init. Hard to beat. |
| Bundled dependencies | None. | QEMU by default on macOS. |
| Cross-platform | macOS only. | macOS, Windows and Linux hosts. |
| Interface | GUI and CLI as peers. | CLI-centred with a small GUI. |
| Open source | Closed source. | GPLv3. |
Highlighted cells mark the stronger side of each row. Competitor details checked September 2026 against vendor documentation — pricing and features move, so verify anything decision-critical at the source.
When you should stay on Multipass
You want Ubuntu, specifically, with cloud-init, using a command you can hand to anyone. It is also the right answer if you need the same CLI on a Linux workstation and a Mac.
Where Multipass frustrates people
- It is an Ubuntu product. Custom images exist, but the catalog, the documentation and the muscle memory are all Ubuntu.
- The native Apple backend cannot snapshot. Canonical's own driver documentation lists snapshots and suspend as unsupported on Apple Virtualization, so the default stays on QEMU.
- Shipping QEMU on the Mac has been a recurring maintenance tax, including an emergency fix for newer Apple silicon and a networking fix for macOS 26.
- First-run friction on macOS around the installer and the firewall is documented by Canonical themselves.
Why someone moves to 1VMTool
- You want guests other than Ubuntu without leaving the supported path.
- You want snapshots on the native Apple backend rather than only under QEMU.
- You want macOS or Windows guests.
- You want an app with nothing bundled and nothing to keep patched.
Frequently asked questions
I only need Ubuntu. Should I leave Multipass?
Probably not. multipass launch is still the shortest path to a cloud-init Ubuntu machine and it is free. Switch if you need instant reset, non-Ubuntu guests, or a macOS virtual machine.
Does Multipass use Apple Virtualization?
It can, by setting the local driver. You then lose snapshots and suspend, according to Canonical's own driver table, which is why the default remains QEMU.
Can Multipass run Windows or macOS guests?
No. It is an Ubuntu tool. For Windows on ARM look at Parallels, Fusion, UTM or VirtualBox; for macOS guests look at 1VMTool, UTM, Parallels or Tart.
Try it against your own workflow
The limits are stated on every screen before you commit to anything, which is the fastest way to find out whether this is your tool.