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# Crossover vs Parallels Desktop for Mac Comparison - What are their main differences?

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CrossoverParallels Desktop for Mac[+ Add Product](#)

Pricing

**Crossover**
 **$39.95** 1 Month · CrossOver Mac - 1 Month

**Parallels Desktop for Mac**
Free Trial

**$99.99** 1 seat Per Year · Parallels Desktop Business Edition

**Pricing Insights**
from reviews

Time to Implement

**Crossover**
Not enough reviews yet

**Parallels Desktop for Mac**
Not enough reviews yet

Return on Investment

**Crossover**
Not enough reviews yet

**Parallels Desktop for Mac**
Not enough reviews yet

Perceived Cost

**Crossover**
$$$$$

**Parallels Desktop for Mac**
$$$$$

Average Discount

**Crossover**
Not enough reviews yet

**Parallels Desktop for Mac**
Not enough reviews yet

 ![Crossover](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_031e1042ed24b072fea408b135c284cb/crossover.png "Crossover")

 ![Parallels Desktop for Mac](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_5e1b5452e117df38de219f88f606c40b/parallels-desktop-for-mac.jpeg "Parallels Desktop for Mac")

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**Pros & Cons**
from reviews

**Crossover**
Not enough data

**Parallels Desktop for Mac**
[
Connection Speed (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1331462&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Cross-Platform (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1331353&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Expensive (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1331496&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[
Feature Limitations (1)
](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2150847&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)

Screenshots

**Crossover**
No screenshot available

**Parallels Desktop for Mac**
 ![Parallels Desktop for Mac screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/197870/home-pd-xs-upd-2_2x.jpg)

**Ratings**
from reviews

Meets Requirements

**Crossover**

6.9

6.918

**Parallels Desktop for Mac**

8.9

8.949

Ease of Use

**Crossover**

8.6

8.618

**Parallels Desktop for Mac**

8.6

8.651

Ease of Setup

**Crossover**

8.3

8.35

**Parallels Desktop for Mac**

8.8

8.812

Ease of Admin

**Crossover**
Not enough data

**Parallels Desktop for Mac**

9.0

9.08

Quality of Support

**Crossover**

8.3

8.312

**Parallels Desktop for Mac**

8.4

8.438

Has the product been a good partner in doing business?

**Crossover**
Not enough data

**Parallels Desktop for Mac**

8.3

8.36

Product Direction (% positive)

**Crossover**

4.8

4.818

**Parallels Desktop for Mac**

8.0

8.047

**Features**
ratings from reviews

Remote Desktop

Not enough data

8.6

43

User Insights

**Reviewers' Company Size**

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
52.6%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
15.8%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
31.6%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
52.6%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
15.8%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
31.6%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
67.8%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
15.3%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
16.9%

Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.)
67.8%

Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.)
15.3%

Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.)
16.9%

**Reviewers' Industry**

[![Crossover](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_031e1042ed24b072fea408b135c284cb/crossover.png "Crossover")](https://www.g2.com/products/crossover/reviews)
Crossover

Information Technology and Services
21.1%

Computer Networking
15.8%

Internet
10.5%

Architecture & Planning
10.5%

Writing and Editing
5.3%

Other
36.8%

[![Parallels Desktop for Mac](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_5e1b5452e117df38de219f88f606c40b/parallels-desktop-for-mac.jpeg "Parallels Desktop for Mac")](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews)
Parallels Desktop for Mac

Information Technology and Services
16.9%

Computer Software
8.5%

Financial Services
6.8%

Marketing and Advertising
6.8%

Arts and Crafts
5.1%

Other
55.9%

FAQs

## Crossover vs Parallels Desktop for Mac FAQs

Generated using AI

Last updated: August 14, 2026

### What is the difference between Crossover vs Parallels Desktop for Mac?

Parallels Desktop for Mac stands out for higher reviewer satisfaction, broader compatibility, and a higher Meets Requirements score, while Crossover is valued for its cost-effectiveness and ability to run Windows applications without a Windows license.

| | [Crossover](https://www.g2.com/products/crossover/reviews) | [Parallels Desktop for Mac](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| G2 Rating (reviews) | 3.8/5 (22 reviews) | 4.3/5 (59 reviews) |
| Largest Segment | Small-Business | Small-Business |
| Ease of Setup score | 8.3 | 8.8 |
| Quality of Support score | 8.3 | 8.4 |
| Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | Cost-effective way to run Windows applications on Mac without a Windows license | High compatibility, ease of use, and strong integration between Mac and Windows environments |

### How do the pricing models of Crossover and Parallels Desktop for Mac compare?

Parallels Desktop for Mac is rated higher for value, with reviewers expressing greater satisfaction with its pricing compared to Crossover.

- **Crossover:** Reviewers highlight its affordability and cost-effectiveness, especially for running Windows applications without needing a Windows license.
- **Parallels Desktop for Mac:** Reviewers note the higher price but express satisfaction with the value provided, citing robust features and integration as justifying the cost.
- **Switching reasons:** In recent reviews, buyers mention switching to Parallels Desktop for Mac for its broader compatibility and more reliable performance with Windows applications on Mac.

### What are the best alternatives to Crossover and Parallels Desktop for Mac?

The top three alternatives to Crossover and Parallels Desktop for Mac are QEMU, TeamViewer, and VirtualBox.

| Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Crossover](https://www.g2.com/products/crossover/reviews) | 3.8/5 (22 reviews) | Small-Business | Reviewers highlight affordability and cost-effectiveness | Runs Windows applications on Mac without a Windows license |
| [Parallels Desktop for Mac](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews) | 4.3/5 (59 reviews) | Small-Business | Reviewers note higher price but strong value for features | High compatibility and ease of use for running Windows on Mac |
| [QEMU](https://www.g2.com/products/qemu/reviews) | 4.3/5 (29 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Flexible virtualization for multiple operating systems |
| [TeamViewer](https://www.g2.com/products/teamviewer/reviews) | 4.5/5 (4154 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Remote access and support capabilities |

### Which Remote Desktop features should I prioritize when comparing Crossover and Parallels Desktop for Mac?

Buyers should prioritize compatibility, ease of setup, quality of support, meets requirements, and integration capabilities when comparing Crossover and Parallels Desktop for Mac.

- **Compatibility:** Parallels Desktop for Mac scores 8.9 on Meets Requirements, while Crossover scores 6.9, indicating broader compatibility for Parallels Desktop for Mac.
- **Ease of Setup:** Parallels Desktop for Mac scores 8.8, Crossover scores 8.3, showing both are easy to set up but Parallels Desktop for Mac is rated higher.
- **Quality of Support:** Parallels Desktop for Mac scores 8.4, Crossover scores 8.3, indicating near-parity in support satisfaction.
- **Integration Capabilities:** Recent reviews for Parallels Desktop for Mac mention strong integration between Mac and Windows environments; no integration data is cited for Crossover.

### What are the pros and cons of Crossover vs Parallels Desktop for Mac?

Crossover's headline strength is affordability and running Windows applications without a Windows license, while Parallels Desktop for Mac excels in compatibility and ease of use.

- **Crossover strengths:** Cost-effective solution for running Windows applications on Mac, no need for a Windows license, and relatively easy setup.
- **Crossover trade-offs:** Limited compatibility with some Windows applications, performance can be inconsistent, and support for major applications like Microsoft Office may be limited.
- **Parallels Desktop for Mac strengths:** High compatibility with Windows applications, strong integration with MacOS, ease of use, and robust feature set.
- **Parallels Desktop for Mac trade-offs:** Higher price, requires a separate Windows license, and can be resource-intensive on Mac hardware.

### Is Crossover or Parallels Desktop for Mac better for small businesses?

Parallels Desktop for Mac is the better fit for small businesses, with higher satisfaction scores and strong small-business reviewer sentiment.

- **Crossover:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers appreciate its affordability but note limitations in compatibility and performance.
- **Parallels Desktop for Mac:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers consistently highlight ease of use, compatibility, and integration as key benefits for small business environments.

### Which Remote Desktop platform has better integrations?

Parallels Desktop for Mac is favored for integrations, with reviewers citing strong integration between Mac and Windows environments.

- **Crossover:** No recent reviewer-cited integrations.
- **Parallels Desktop for Mac:** Recent reviews highlight integration between Mac and Windows environments, enabling file sharing and resource access across operating systems.

### How do Crossover and Parallels Desktop for Mac compare on customer support?

Parallels Desktop for Mac and Crossover are rated at near-parity on Quality of Support, with scores of 8.4 and 8.3 respectively, indicating similar reviewer satisfaction.

- **Crossover:** Reviewers describe support as responsive and helpful, though some note challenges with documentation and troubleshooting.
- **Parallels Desktop for Mac:** Reviewers consistently mention timely and effective support, with several citing well-written documentation and helpful assistance.

### Which is easier to implement, Crossover or Parallels Desktop for Mac?

Parallels Desktop for Mac is rated higher for Ease of Setup, scoring 8.8 versus Crossover's 8.3, a difference above the materiality threshold.

- **Crossover:** Reviewers describe setup as straightforward but occasionally note challenges with specific applications and documentation.
- **Parallels Desktop for Mac:** Reviewers consistently highlight easy and quick setup, even for non-technical users, with minimal maintenance required.

Alternatives

**Crossover Alternatives**

 ![QEMU](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_2e509cbdbb6beddefe5e29332965118f/qemu.png "QEMU")

[
QEMU
](/products/qemu/reviews)

 ![RealVNC](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/f99a60229ef0f9debd7c31835afd8ed9/vnc-connect.svg "RealVNC")

[
RealVNC
](/products/realvnc/reviews)

 ![TeamViewer](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/2d6f572fdd0b0f850dce61e168209cb2/teamviewer.svg "TeamViewer")

[
TeamViewer
](/products/teamviewer/reviews)

 ![MobaXTerm](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_3c47b0293b63e905b726b84b02ab0683/mobaxterm.PNG "MobaXTerm")

[
MobaXTerm
](/products/mobaxterm/reviews)

**Parallels Desktop for Mac Alternatives**

 ![QEMU](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_2e509cbdbb6beddefe5e29332965118f/qemu.png "QEMU")

[
QEMU
](/products/qemu/reviews)

 ![RealVNC](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/f99a60229ef0f9debd7c31835afd8ed9/vnc-connect.svg "RealVNC")

[
RealVNC
](/products/realvnc/reviews)

 ![Kasm Workspaces](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/0ee10e34d38102ab1a4f9be91106945c/kasm-workspaces.svg "Kasm Workspaces")

[
Kasm Workspaces
](/products/kasm-workspaces/reviews)

 ![TeamViewer](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/2d6f572fdd0b0f850dce61e168209cb2/teamviewer.svg "TeamViewer")

[
TeamViewer
](/products/teamviewer/reviews)

## Crossover vs Parallels Desktop for Mac

- Reviewers felt that Parallels Desktop for Mac meets the needs of their business better than Crossover.
- When comparing quality of ongoing product support, reviewers felt that Parallels Desktop for Mac is the preferred option.
- For feature updates and roadmaps, our reviewers preferred the direction of Parallels Desktop for Mac over Crossover.