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Parallels Desktop For Mac
Global leader in cross-platform solutions, providing virtualization tools
4.4
(55)
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Parallels Desktop For Mac Reviews & Product Details

Parallels Desktop For Mac Overview
What is Parallels Desktop For Mac?

Parallels is a virtualization software that allows users to run multiple operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and macOS, simultaneously on a single hardware platform without rebooting. It's commonly used on Mac computers to run Windows applications, providing a seamless integration between the two operating systems.

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Parallels Desktop For Mac Product Details
Segment
Small Business
Mid Market
Ease of use
Beginner
Deployment Desktop Mac
Support Email/Help Desk, FAQs/Forum
Training Documentation
Languages English
Parallels Desktop For Mac Features
Access Controls/Permissions
Audio Support
Bandwidth Optimization
Chat
Clipboard Synchronization
Cross-Platform Access
Custom Branding
Customizable User Interface
File Transfer
Instant Messaging
Integrations
Mobile Access
Multi-Monitor Navigation
Multi-Session Handling
Remote Printing
Remote Reboot
Role-Based Permissions
Screen Sharing
Scripting
Security Compliance
Session Recording
Session Timeout
Session Transfer
Two-Factor Authentication
Unattended Access
Usage Reporting
User Management
Video Support
Wake-On-LAN
Whiteboard
Parallels Desktop For Mac Media
Disclaimer
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Last updated: December 07, 2024
Parallels Desktop For Mac Logo
55 Parallels Desktop For Mac Reviews
4.4 out of 5
Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Feb 12, 2019
 Source
Overall Rating:
5.0
RT
Robert T.
Compliance Officer Ccco
Share
"easy to use"
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

seamless integration with the platforms. coherence mode all the way

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

i have found nothing that i dislike about this product

What problems is Parallels Desktop For Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?

running windown programs on an apple, thats what this is all about

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Jan 20, 2024
 Source
Overall Rating:
4.5
Sameed ul hussan A. avatar
Sameed Ul Hussan A.
Unity Game Developer
Share
"Parallels Desktop for Mac"
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

Its internet speed And Compeletly same as original desktop

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

Pretty much i like It Very much only thing that distrubing is it get lag of your internet is slow

What problems is Parallels Desktop For Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?

It is providing me Mac Place and i dont need to buy a whole mac

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Nov 23, 2021
 Source
Overall Rating:
4.5
LL
Louis L.
System Administrator
Share
"Windows on a Mac - best of both worlds"
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

The ability to effortlessly switch to a Windows app on my Mac greatly increases my productivity.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

There seems to be a large number of upgrades required to keep current.

What problems is Parallels Desktop For Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?

Utilizing Windows only apps without having to switch from a Mac to a Windows PC.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Mar 11, 2020
 Source
Overall Rating:
4.5
Kelly H. avatar
Kelly H.
Attorney
Share
"Seamless Ability to Work With the Windows World While Keeping My Mac"
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

I like that Parallels gives me access to Windows-based software (in particular WordPerfect) for which there is no Mac version.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

No strong dislikes, but the interface could be a little more user-friendly.

What problems is Parallels Desktop For Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?

When I took my current job, the employer used WordPerfect and I was already a dedicated Mac user. My techy brother told me about Parallels and I've never looked back. Three Mac laptops later and I'm still a dedicated user.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
May 17, 2019
 Source
Overall Rating:
4.5
Veronica O. avatar
Veronica O.
Social Media & Research Coordinator
Share
"windows on my Mac! "
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

The best part is being able to run Windows on my Mac very easily and fast, and I can keep it in my dock like any other app. It doesn't lag at all and works great!

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

Sometimes when you want to update the software, the App gets wonky, very slow, and once I had to delete the whole thing and download it again, because it froze in blue for some reason. Maybe a bit unstable on that end.

What problems is Parallels Desktop For Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?

I was having to go back and forth from Mac to a PC every single day, for one single process on Powershell. This was taking too much time, and Powershell (with the execution command) does not run on Mac. So the fastest and most efficient solution was to acquire Parallels Desktop to be able to run Windows on my Mac and run Powershell just like any other app. sooo much faster than the PC, too.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Feb 28, 2019
 Source
Overall Rating:
4.5
Segey L. avatar
Segey L.
Blogger
Share
"Very good solution for app testing and quickly accessing Windows apps"
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

Starting fast, simple interface, easy to add a new virtual machine (and they have ready-to-use images for many free OS). Great performance as well.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

Takes too much disk space, as Mac laptops do not have much of it. By default is made for people who will use it every day, and it takes some tweaks to make it convenient for rare use.

What problems is Parallels Desktop For Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?

Very convenient for testing web applications for Windows browsers (as they work sometimes differently than Mac's). So it helps to quickly identify and remove bugs.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
Feb 16, 2019
 Source
Overall Rating:
4.5
Gabriela P. avatar
Gabriela P.
Group Packages Sales Freelancer
Share
"Convenient way to have Windows on a Mac"
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

I like how Parallels Desktop allows me to run any version of Windows I install on it, but without having to necessarily boot my laptop in order to access it. Hence the name, Parallels. It runs parallel to your regular Mac OS, on a different Desktop so you can just switch from whatever you're working on your Mac environment to a Windows based environment with just a swipe of your fingers on the trackpad.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

I find my macbook constantly running on a LOT of memory when Parallel is running. While I understand it is running a completely different and isolated OS on the side, the fan goes off like crazy as it is consuming tons of memory.

What problems is Parallels Desktop For Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?

I installed Parallels basically to use my macbook as a gaming laptop on my free time, so this is perfect for me because I can play a game and keep my regular processes running on the side. I found that some of the apps that I use for work I can use on the windows environment too so I can just minimize my game and get back to work whenever.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Jan 22, 2024
 Source
Overall Rating:
4.0
Ali J. avatar
Ali J.
I Os Engineer
Share
"Running Microsoft windows"
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

It supports windows, linux and other OS. You can run them if you have a Mac, also you can share files between the two OS.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

Nothing special in mind, the main problem is the ram distributor, but its not related to the platform

What problems is Parallels Desktop For Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?

Running windows stuff

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Jul 06, 2022
 Source
Overall Rating:
4.0
Christian I. avatar
Christian I.
Head It & Hr
Share
"Parallel Desktop - A relief solution to Virtual Environment on Mac Systems"
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

I think as a Mac user, Parallel desktop gives me the option of virtualization. Which is very important to me as an IT administrator that has to test quite a lot of applications and their behavior in different Operating system environments.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

I dare say why I loud Parallel desktop as one of the best in the virtual environment application for MAC OS, it is expensive. Another drawback I have noticed is the issues and many times errors from the Microsoft Windows environment. I wouldn't know whether it is a function of the OS being virtualized or the Parallel desktop application.

What problems is Parallels Desktop For Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?

I don't think there are more competitors, but Parallel Desktop is solving the problem of virtualization and testing of apps before deploying to their various native environments.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Feb 28, 2019
 Source
Overall Rating:
4.0
JJ
Jess J.
Copy Freelancer
Share
"Speedy to launch and switch between Windows and Mac without interfering; not as strong for gaming"
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

Parallels enables for a speedy and smooth switch between the Windows and Mac platforms while keeping them separate and without distractions. Quick file sharing via a shared folder rather than drag and drop, the location of the files not changing even after editing. It enables remote access to the computer desktop. The Windows platform can be left paused in the background which saves time when starting up apps.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

A limitation when it come to gaming is that Parallels only uses the allocated hardware resources. And I find the limitation of 8GB ram getting in the way. The in-built DirectX support enables Windows-based gaming but overall it takes a toll on battery life.

What problems is Parallels Desktop For Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?

If you do a lot of work on both Windows and macOS, Parallels is not a steep investment. It's decently priced. It enables Windows apps to be run as if they were native Mac apps, and being able to pause Windows in the background saves time when starting up apps.

Mid Market (51-1000 emp.)
Feb 25, 2019
 Source
Overall Rating:
4.0
DG
Daniel G.
Employee
Share
"Convienent and Efficient "
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

During my time using this program, I've really enjoyed the user-friendly design, making it easy for beginners to navigate through the menu and easily setup a remote connection of their desires. Considering how easy and simple the setup becomes, it becomes very effiecient and effective to use this software for those who wish to access another operating system right from their Mac. Over time this software has become my main driver as I'm able to use this on the go for right at home, without the worry of needing another devoce that runs the opertaiing system that I require to do the tasks I typically do on a day to day basis.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

Though this program provides a useful tool, the only issue I've encountered is minor freezes or a slow connection to the desktop I am using this program for. Though my wifi connection is stable and the connection as well, there are some hiccups in the connection that cause minor freezes or screen lag.

What problems is Parallels Desktop For Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?

If I wish to access another operating system, such as Windows, while I'm on a Mac and the applications I wish to use for compatible only on Windows OS, making this connection from my Mac via Parallels provides that bridge to make the connction. This provides a fast, easy, and efficient solution when I wish to use another operating system on my Mac. As more time has passed since using this program, I have greatly increased my productivity.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Feb 21, 2019
 Source
Overall Rating:
4.0
MW
Meghan W.
Visual Designer & President
Share
"Gets The Job Done Reasonably Well"
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

I like how I’m able to run both Mac and Windows based software on my MacBook Pro laptop. Super helpful in loading a publication library originally designed to run on on Microsoft PCs.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

I think that at the time I paid $200 for the license which I think is a big high. The program also consumed a lot of memory and was difficult to close and reopen whilst working with other programs open.

What problems is Parallels Desktop For Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?

I’m able to use the computer that I love to run any software that I need; regardless of its ideal platform.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Dec 31, 2021
 Source
Overall Rating:
3.5
AP
Aaron P.
Owner
Share
"Great virtualization software, but advanced features require an annual subscription"
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

Parallels is hands down the fastest and most feature-rich virtualization software for the Mac. Parallels is consistently on the cutting edge of virtualization technology, even providing ARM-based Windows virtualization on Macs with Apple's ARM-based M1 process. In addition, Parallels support DirectX 11, allowing you to run several Windows-based games on Macs.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

As a result of being on the cutting edge technology wise, major releases of Parallels tend to be quite buggy. These bugs are often worked out in point releases, but they are nonetheless frustrating. In addition, in order to get the most advanced features from Parallels, you must have either the Pro or Business edition, both of which require a perpetual annual subscription. This subscription is only suitable for a single computer. As such, if you would like to run Parallels on multiple computers, you must have multiple licenses - each one at $99/year.

What problems is Parallels Desktop For Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?

My primary use of Parallels is to run Windows and Windows-based software on Mac computers. In addition, I use Parallels to virtualize older versions of macOS, which allows me to run older Mac programs that newer versions of macOS cannot run - specifically 32-bit applications. In both of these regards, Parallels does a fantastic job.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Sep 20, 2019
 Source
Overall Rating:
3.5
FM
Francis M.
Administrator
Share
"Brilliant Performance Virtualization Software"
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

What I like most about Parallels Desktop for Mac is its performance. I can both use the real machine (macbook pro), and use the virtual machine (window) but all operations between the two machines are still very smooth. I can even play a few games on the virtual machine. In addition, Parallels Desktop for Mac is also very easy to install, the interface is also very clear, so I only took a few minutes to get used to. In addition, Parallels Desktop for Mac also provides a lot of tools to support users, such as drag & drog, retina support, DirectX support, multi monitor support,... In general, very useful.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

What I dislike most about Parallels Desktop for Mac is the Pro and Business Editions require annual subscription. I prefer to pay one time and use it life-time. In addition, if you want the Parallels Desktop for Mac to run smoothly and stably, your computer needs to have a lot of RAM, otherwise it will cause crashes or lag.

What problems is Parallels Desktop For Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?

I have been using Parallels Desktop for Mac for 2 years. Because some of the apps I need only support Windows OS, I have to use Parallels Desktop for Mac to create a virtual machine running Windows operating system. Although there are still some compatibility issues, Parallels Desktop for Mac generally meets most of my needs.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Jan 17, 2018
 Source
Overall Rating:
3.5
Elizabeth S. avatar
Elizabeth S.
Director Of Finance And Office Operations
Share
"Only Option I have to Fix a Specific Issue, Would Not Use Otherwise"
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

It allows me to access the businesses banking information and utilize the functionality of their website, where I would not be able to do so utilizing my Mac OS based system otherwise.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

It is VERY slow, take a while to boot, the graphics look like I'm on a computer from 2008, fonts on the web pages are minuscule and I am unable to resize the windows or adjust the fonts properly in order to be able to read them correctly. In short, I use this software because it's the only option I have, NOT because I like it and enjoy it.

What problems is Parallels Desktop For Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?

My firm, as a creative firm, operates on an entirely Mac based OS. The firm's banking website functionality only properly works on Windows based browsers such as Internet Explorer and Edge. Because you cannot run those browsers on an Apple system, I had to find a way to access our banking information. Parallels allows us to do that.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Aug 01, 2020
 Source
Overall Rating:
1.5
Albert G. avatar
Albert G.
Founder
Share
"Still can upgrade >= Win7 to 64-bit Win10 for free in Parallels (and you should if it's 32-bit)"
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

Easy configuration controls and forward compatibility (I'm still on Parallels 12 with Windows 10). Scenario 3 worked for me upgrading my 32-bit Win 7 VM: https://www.parallels.com/blogs/install-windows-10-parallels-desktop

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

Don't completely trust how secure it is, especially if not isolated from Mac OS.

What problems is Parallels Desktop For Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?

I need to run some obscure PC-only code and Parallels lets me do that (and only that) while quarantining Windows from the rest of my activities under Mac OSX.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Mar 25, 2021
 Source
Overall Rating:
1.0
Minji C. avatar
Minji C.
Managing Partner
Share
"Bad after sales service, Parallels not good for Mac"
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

The program was easy to install but didn't work well on my Macbook.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

1) Parallles requires a lot of space and ate up even more space on my Macbook. Made my computer extremely slow and lagging. 2) Parallels takes over my Macbook. I found it hard to "share" between Windows and Mac overall 3) When I requested for a refund from them, they didn't want to return the unused portion. never had this kind of problem before.

What problems is Parallels Desktop For Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?

I ended up buying a second computer that runs on Windows. And still need to pay for my unused Parallels program.

Small Business (50 or fewer emp.)
Jul 18, 2023
 Source
Overall Rating:
5.0
AG
Verified Reviewer
Founder
Share
"Amazing and must have for Mac users!"
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

I love how easy and simple it is to use. It's virtually painless to get it up and running and works near flawlessly! I have no overall need to use another computer or windows laptop to get my work done as it can run windows programs in MacOs.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

The price has been increasing and now the previous price for a permanent license is now the price for a 1-year subscription. It would also be nice to have a little more flexibility with the Virtual RAM and Virtual CPUs in the standard edition now that Macs in general are becoming more powerful.

What problems is Parallels Desktop For Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?

Parallels has absolutley removed the necessity to require a windows PC for work. It has made my computing needs and traveling far easier by having the ability to use both Mac and Windows in a single device. I can now use any type of program I could possibly want on my Macbook Pro!

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
Jun 27, 2023
 Source
Overall Rating:
5.0
AG
Verified Reviewer
Founder
Share
"Smooth"
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

The look and feel are great: It seems to be just a regular tab you are using, it is smooth to work and the VM refreshes quickly. Easy to use. The IT guy who configured my VM mentioned that Parallels may be having some issues with Apple M2 Chip machines, however, mine is working perfectly,

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

So far I like it all, there is nothing to complain about.

What problems is Parallels Desktop For Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?

There are some business Apps that do not run on MAC machines, which is why Parallels VM helps me to run those Apps on a Microsoft VM.

Enterprise (> 1000 emp.)
Mar 18, 2022
 Source
Overall Rating:
5.0
AG
Verified Reviewer
Founder
Share
"The best virtual machine handler for Macintosh !"
What do you like best about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

Parallels is very easy to use and does not come up with updates all the time like some other products.

What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop For Mac?

It has happened once that I had a VM that got stuck but it was probably due to a hard drive failure.

What problems is Parallels Desktop For Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?

I used other virtualization software on Mac, but Parallels is the only one that makes it easy for me to have Windows VM on Mac. VirtualBox failed at this, for example.

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