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Parallels Desktop for Mac

Parallels Desktop for Mac

Overview

What is Parallels Desktop for Mac?

Parallels® Desktop for Mac is used to run Windows on Intel or Apple silicon. Users can switch between Mac and Windows applications, while retaining the macOS appearance, or use the familiar Windows desktop aesthetic.

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Reviewer Pros & Cons

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Pricing

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Parallels Desktop Standard Edition

$99.99

On Premise
per year

Mac App Store

$99.99

On Premise
per year

Parallels Desktop Pro Edition

$119.99

On Premise
per year

Entry-level set up fee?

  • No setup fee
For the latest information on pricing, visithttps://www.parallels.com/products/desk…

Offerings

  • Free Trial
  • Free/Freemium Version
  • Premium Consulting/Integration Services

Starting price (does not include set up fee)

  • $99.99 per year
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Product Details

What is Parallels Desktop for Mac?

Parallels® Desktop for Mac is used to run Windows on Intel or Apple silicon. Users can switch between Mac and Windows applications, while retaining the macOS appearance, or use the familiar Windows desktop aesthetic.


The application's 3D performance can fuel demanding graphical applications, games, and a wide array of OSes, including Windows and Linux VMs.


As a subscription license bonus, Parallels Toolbox offers 40+ practical tools to simplify everyday tasks like recording the screen, cleaning the drive, taking screenshots, or downloading a video.


Parallels Desktop for Mac Features

Application Virtualization Features

  • Supported: Application support
  • Supported: Ease of deployment
  • Supported: Security

Parallels Desktop for Mac Screenshots

Screenshot of Parallels Desktop running Windows applications, on a Mac.Screenshot of the ability to switch between operating systems without rebooting.Screenshot of Coherence Mode, which minimizes distraction.Screenshot of file sharing between Mac and Windows.Screenshot of application development and testing in Windows, Linux, and virtual macOS (Pro & Business Edition).Screenshot of license management in Parallels Desktop (Business Edition).

Parallels Desktop for Mac Videos

Windows on a Mac with Parallels Desktop 19
Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac Business Edition

Parallels Desktop for Mac Competitors

Parallels Desktop for Mac Technical Details

Deployment TypesOn-premise
Operating SystemsWindows, Linux, Mac
Mobile ApplicationNo

Frequently Asked Questions

Parallels® Desktop for Mac is used to run Windows on Intel or Apple silicon. Users can switch between Mac and Windows applications, while retaining the macOS appearance, or use the familiar Windows desktop aesthetic.

Parallels Desktop for Mac starts at $99.99.

Oracle VM VirtualBox, VMware Fusion, and CrossOver are common alternatives for Parallels Desktop for Mac.

Reviewers rate Usability highest, with a score of 10.

The most common users of Parallels Desktop for Mac are from Small Businesses (1-50 employees).
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Comparisons

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Reviews and Ratings

(87)

Community Insights

TrustRadius Insights are summaries of user sentiment data from TrustRadius reviews and, when necessary, 3rd-party data sources. Have feedback on this content? Let us know!

Fast Loading and Running: Users have commented positively on the swift loading and operation of Windows on Parallels Desktop, noting it surpasses the speed experienced on a PC.

Seamless Multitasking: Reviewers appreciate the ease of accessing documents and applications within the virtual environment, enabling smooth multitasking without interruptions.

Coherence Mode Integration: Many users value the Coherence mode feature for seamlessly merging Windows applications with the Mac system, providing a cohesive user experience that enhances productivity.

Efficient File Sharing: Users commend Parallels Desktop for its easy file sharing capabilities between virtualized desktops and host systems, offering features like copy-and-paste functionality and drag-and-drop options.

High Cost and Frequent Upgrades: Some users have criticized the software for its high cost, annual upgrade requirements, and default settings that may not align with user preferences. They feel burdened by the need to purchase a new upgrade with each Apple OS release.

Confusing Configuration Options: Users have expressed feeling overwhelmed by the numerous configuration options available in managing virtual machines, leading to confusion during operation. They find it challenging to navigate through the various settings efficiently.

Performance Impact on System Resources: Several reviewers have pointed out issues such as high memory consumption, overheating, decreased battery life on MacBooks, and potential slowdowns over time attributed to Windows bloating. These factors significantly impact the overall performance of their systems while using the software.

Reviews

(1-2 of 2)
Companies can't remove reviews or game the system. Here's why

If you need to run Windows Apps and are Mac User, buy Parallels. Best decision you can make.

Rating: 10 out of 10
March 21, 2022
WG
Vetted Review
Verified User
Parallels Desktop for Mac
4 years of experience
Parallels Desktop is used in my organization and with our customers to support Windows Apps when there is no Mac Application or the Mac Application is not fully featured.
We have a legacy application where only administrative functions can be performed in a Windows App. For some of our customers, all users are Mac users. Parallels and their Coherence Mode provide a near-seamless virtual machine/desktop experience for these users. Coherence Mode means they don't have to deal with a windows environment and can work side by side with our app and their other Mac apps (Adobe Creative Cloud apps, for example).
  • Windows (or other OS) virtualization on machines running MacOS
  • Using Windows apps side by side your Mac apps
  • Coherence Mode allows you to hide the Windows Virtual Machine and only interact with the Windows Apps (no Windows desktop in browser window)
Do you have to use Windows Apps, but don't want to leave your Mac Environment? If so, you need to use Parallels. I love Windows, but I'm so embedded in the Mac ecosystem that I don't want to go back to Windows. Parallels make that possible. Do you need to copy/paste/share files and information between your Mac and Windows environments? Parallels make that seamless and better than Bootcamp or other virtualization options.
Application Virtualization
N/A
N/A
  • It has allowed us to keep customers and keep them happy.
  • It has allowed me to keep my current computer.
  • It has made it possible for me to experience our app the way all customers see it without having to switch machines.
If you can follow a prompt and click a button, you can install Parallels. We chose Parallels because they make it so simple to buy, install, set up, and add licenses. I work with Creatives and getting them to run a Windows environment is a painful task. With Parallels, we can do it for them in minutes and "hide" Windows.
12
We have 2 internal users of Parallels and 10 clients who use the tool. Internally, they are CS and Engineering. On the customer side, they represent marketing/creative users within their respective organizations.
1
Are you able to follow simple software installation instructions? The tool is so simple to install and it just works. Once you download the .pkg file, the installation is guided with the system doing most of the work for you, as long as you can read and click. Advanced functions like switching to coherence or setting memory limits is very simple also.
  • Ability for mac users to access critical windows apps from their Macs
  • Need for the VM to be installed on the local machine (not accessed remotely)
  • Need for the ability to remove as much of the VM/Windows environment as possible
  • Need to share files and copy/paste between local MacOS and local Windows VM
  • It has allowed us to keep providing a fully featured application to clients using Mac instead of Windows.
  • I believe we are utilizing it fully for our needs.
The software just works. I will say the renewal process is frustrating if you are decreasing seats, but otherwise the software and the account management is simple and perfect.
Yes
VIrtual Box - It was not easy for non-technical users to install. Parallels makes it simple to install and work on a VM. Virtual Box does not, in my opinion. I'm sure it works well for tech savvy users like devs. But for folks who just need the software to work, Parallels is hands-down superior.
  • Price
  • Product Features
  • Product Usability
Coherence mode in Parallels allows a user to use Windows apps on their Mac machine, while hiding so much of the windows environment, including the desktop. This was a game changer, as I had to go to creatives who love Mac and hate Windows and persuade them to use a Windows vm. Could not have done it otherwise.
I would have bought Parallels Desktop sooner and not tried other software or workarounds.
  • Implemented in-house
No
Change management was minimal
Use Coherence mode, as it makes disruption minimal.
  • Installing a new OS can sometimes be tricky
Follow the download instructions and you will be great.
They have been easy to reach and helped greatly with technical questions, as well as sales questions. With sales questions, I did not like the answer, but it was prompt.
No, it is not offered.
No
No, because the software works.
Super easy to set up and get running. If you can read and click, you will be fine. Love this.
  • Installation is easy
  • Setting memory and other setting is easy
  • Coherence mode makes it easy to forget you are using a virtual machine.
  • Downgrading licenses is my only issue
No

Parallels Desktop for Mac bridging the GAP

Rating: 9 out of 10
March 25, 2016
DW
Vetted Review
Verified User
Parallels Desktop for Mac
9 years of experience
I deployed Parallels Desktop to 40 Macs. Parallels is mainly used on MacBooks; Parallels Desktop for Mac was deployed to Mac users who need Windows to run some applications but wanted a stable operating system to run on. Once deployed we were able to recoup PCs and redeploy them to other users. We also used Parallels Desktop for Mac in a classroom with 15 Macs. The setup saved the school $15,000 for three semesters because the classroom could accommodate Windows or Mac users so the school wouldn’t have to rent outside space.
  • Parallels Desktop is very stable and over the year has improved tremendously. I particularly love the migration, this feature allows a user to convert a desktop image to virtual image.
  • Parallels Desktop is very user friendly and users actually believe they are working on a real Windows Desktop. I use Parallels Desktop to constantly test applications that need to run in both a Windows and Mac environment.
  • I love the snapshot feature I recovered several users VM with this feature it's one of best backup options I have ever used.
Parallels Desktop for Mac works great in a lab or classroom environment. I can't really think a situation where I wouldn't use it.
Application Virtualization
N/A
N/A
  • It saved the school $15,000 dollars for three semesters - classrooms used with a dual purpose (Windows and Mac).
Parallels Desktop for Mac was chosen because of its robust features and great price. Even though VirtualBox is free it does not provide the same features. In Parallels you can download extra patches to accommodate printer and usb drivers.
  • Implemented in-house
Yes
There were two phases testing and deployment. I created a VM then deployed to a test group based on their feedback. I made changes and improvements before deployed the finished product.
Change management was minimal
I learned testing and re-testing and documentation is crucial before deploying any product. Creating easy to read documentation made it easier for users to use the product.
  • The issue I encountered was scheduling the deployment based on the user's availability.
The only advice I can provide is think about who is using the product and build the image based on the true needs of the user.
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