# Top 10 Parallels Desktop for Mac Alternatives & Competitors **Average Rating:** 4.3/5 **Total Number of Reviews:** 59 Explore the best alternatives to Parallels Desktop for Mac for users who need new software features or want to try different solutions. Other important factors to consider when researching alternatives to Parallels Desktop for Mac include ease of use and reliability. The best overall Parallels Desktop for Mac alternative is QEMU. Other similar apps like Parallels Desktop for Mac are Crossover, RealVNC, Kasm Workspaces, and TeamViewer. Parallels Desktop for Mac alternatives can be found in [Remote Desktop Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/remote-desktop) but may also be in [Remote Support Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/remote-support) or [Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/virtual-desktop-infrastructure-vdi). ## Best Paid & Free Alternatives to Parallels Desktop for Mac - [QEMU](https://www.g2.com/products/qemu/reviews) - [Crossover](https://www.g2.com/products/crossover/reviews) - [RealVNC](https://www.g2.com/products/realvnc/reviews) - [Kasm Workspaces](https://www.g2.com/products/kasm-workspaces/reviews) - [TeamViewer](https://www.g2.com/products/teamviewer/reviews) - [AnyDesk](https://www.g2.com/products/anydesk/reviews) - [Citrix DaaS](https://www.g2.com/products/citrix-citrix-daas/reviews) - [ScreenConnect](https://www.g2.com/products/screenconnect/reviews) - [RemotePC](https://www.g2.com/products/remotepc/reviews) - [Splashtop Remote Access](https://www.g2.com/products/splashtop-remote-access/reviews) ## Top 10 Alternatives to Parallels Desktop for Mac Recently Reviewed By G2 Community Browse options below. Based on reviewer data, you can see how Parallels Desktop for Mac stacks up to the competition, check reviews from current & previous users in industries like Information Technology and Services, Marketing and Advertising, and Non-Profit Organization Management, and find the best product for your business. ### 1. [QEMU](https://www.g2.com/products/qemu/reviews) By Fabrice Bellard **Average Rating:** 4.3/5 **Total Reviews:** 29 QEMU is a generic and open source machine emulator and virtualizer. Categories in common with Parallels Desktop for Mac: [Remote Desktop](https://www.g2.com/categories/remote-desktop) **Compare:** [Parallels Desktop for Mac vs QEMU](https://www.g2.com/compare/parallels-desktop-for-mac-vs-qemu) **Compare QEMU with other alternatives:** - [QEMU vs Crossover](https://www.g2.com/compare/crossover-vs-qemu) - [QEMU vs RealVNC](https://www.g2.com/compare/qemu-vs-realvnc) - [QEMU vs Kasm Workspaces](https://www.g2.com/compare/kasm-workspaces-vs-qemu) - [QEMU vs TeamViewer](https://www.g2.com/compare/qemu-vs-teamviewer) - [QEMU vs AnyDesk](https://www.g2.com/compare/anydesk-vs-qemu) - [QEMU vs Citrix DaaS](https://www.g2.com/compare/citrix-citrix-daas-vs-qemu) - [QEMU vs ScreenConnect](https://www.g2.com/compare/qemu-vs-screenconnect) - [QEMU vs RemotePC](https://www.g2.com/compare/qemu-vs-remotepc) - [QEMU vs Splashtop Remote Access](https://www.g2.com/compare/qemu-vs-splashtop-remote-access) ### 2. [Crossover](https://www.g2.com/products/crossover/reviews) By codeweavers **Average Rating:** 3.7/5 **Total Reviews:** 21 Crossover allows users to run Windows on Mac and Linux, easily and affordably. Reviewers say compared to Parallels Desktop for Mac, Crossover is: - More usable Categories in common with Parallels Desktop for Mac: [Remote Desktop](https://www.g2.com/categories/remote-desktop) **Compare:** [Parallels Desktop for Mac vs Crossover](https://www.g2.com/compare/crossover-vs-parallels-desktop-for-mac) **Compare Crossover with other alternatives:** - [Crossover vs QEMU](https://www.g2.com/compare/crossover-vs-qemu) - [Crossover vs RealVNC](https://www.g2.com/compare/crossover-vs-realvnc) - [Crossover vs Kasm Workspaces](https://www.g2.com/compare/crossover-vs-kasm-workspaces) - [Crossover vs TeamViewer](https://www.g2.com/compare/crossover-vs-teamviewer) - [Crossover vs AnyDesk](https://www.g2.com/compare/anydesk-vs-crossover) - [Crossover vs Citrix DaaS](https://www.g2.com/compare/citrix-citrix-daas-vs-crossover) - [Crossover vs ScreenConnect](https://www.g2.com/compare/crossover-vs-screenconnect) - [Crossover vs RemotePC](https://www.g2.com/compare/crossover-vs-remotepc) - [Crossover vs Splashtop Remote Access](https://www.g2.com/compare/crossover-vs-splashtop-remote-access) ### 3. [RealVNC](https://www.g2.com/products/realvnc/reviews) By RealVNC **Average Rating:** 4.7/5 **Total Reviews:** 439 VNC Connect enables you to remotely access and control your devices wherever you are in the world, whenever you need to. VNC has a widespread user base from individuals to the world's largest multi-national companies utilizing the technology for a range of applications. Reviewers say compared to Parallels Desktop for Mac, RealVNC is: - Easier to do business with - More usable - Better at support Categories in common with Parallels Desktop for Mac: [Remote Desktop](https://www.g2.com/categories/remote-desktop) **Compare:** [Parallels Desktop for Mac vs RealVNC](https://www.g2.com/compare/parallels-desktop-for-mac-vs-realvnc) **Compare RealVNC with other alternatives:** - [RealVNC vs QEMU](https://www.g2.com/compare/qemu-vs-realvnc) - [RealVNC vs Crossover](https://www.g2.com/compare/crossover-vs-realvnc) - [RealVNC vs Kasm Workspaces](https://www.g2.com/compare/kasm-workspaces-vs-realvnc) - [RealVNC vs TeamViewer](https://www.g2.com/compare/realvnc-vs-teamviewer) - [RealVNC vs AnyDesk](https://www.g2.com/compare/anydesk-vs-realvnc) - [RealVNC vs Citrix DaaS](https://www.g2.com/compare/citrix-citrix-daas-vs-realvnc) - [RealVNC vs ScreenConnect](https://www.g2.com/compare/realvnc-vs-screenconnect) - [RealVNC vs RemotePC](https://www.g2.com/compare/realvnc-vs-remotepc) - [RealVNC vs Splashtop Remote Access](https://www.g2.com/compare/realvnc-vs-splashtop-remote-access) ### 4. [Kasm Workspaces](https://www.g2.com/products/kasm-workspaces/reviews) By Kasm Technologies Inc **Average Rating:** 4.7/5 **Total Reviews:** 49 Workspaces is a modern, secure and cost-effective solution for remote browser isolation (RBI), containerized application streaming (CAS), virtualized desktop infrastructure (VDI) and desktop as a service (DaaS) that provides a remote desktop and remote work solution for your distributed workforce. The Workspaces platform provides enterprise-class orchestration, data loss prevention, and web streaming technology to enable the delivery of containerized workloads to your browser. Reviewers say compared to Parallels Desktop for Mac, Kasm Workspaces is: - Slower to reach roi - Easier to do business with - Better at support Categories in common with Parallels Desktop for Mac: [Remote Desktop](https://www.g2.com/categories/remote-desktop) **Compare:** [Parallels Desktop for Mac vs Kasm Workspaces](https://www.g2.com/compare/kasm-workspaces-vs-parallels-desktop-for-mac) **Compare Kasm Workspaces with other alternatives:** - [Kasm Workspaces vs QEMU](https://www.g2.com/compare/kasm-workspaces-vs-qemu) - [Kasm Workspaces vs Crossover](https://www.g2.com/compare/crossover-vs-kasm-workspaces) - [Kasm Workspaces vs RealVNC](https://www.g2.com/compare/kasm-workspaces-vs-realvnc) - [Kasm Workspaces vs TeamViewer](https://www.g2.com/compare/kasm-workspaces-vs-teamviewer) - [Kasm Workspaces vs AnyDesk](https://www.g2.com/compare/anydesk-vs-kasm-workspaces) - [Kasm Workspaces vs Citrix DaaS](https://www.g2.com/compare/citrix-citrix-daas-vs-kasm-workspaces) - [Kasm Workspaces vs ScreenConnect](https://www.g2.com/compare/kasm-workspaces-vs-screenconnect) - [Kasm Workspaces vs RemotePC](https://www.g2.com/compare/kasm-workspaces-vs-remotepc) - [Kasm Workspaces vs Splashtop Remote Access](https://www.g2.com/compare/kasm-workspaces-vs-splashtop-remote-access) ### 5. [TeamViewer](https://www.g2.com/products/teamviewer/reviews) By TeamViewer **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 3,982 Easy-to-use remote support and access software that lets you securely connect to and monitor desktop-to-desktop, desktop-to-mobile, mobile-to-mobile, or to unattended devices like servers and IoT devices from anywhere. Reviewers say compared to Parallels Desktop for Mac, TeamViewer is: - Slower to reach roi - More usable - Easier to set up Categories in common with Parallels Desktop for Mac: [Remote Desktop](https://www.g2.com/categories/remote-desktop) **Compare:** [Parallels Desktop for Mac vs TeamViewer](https://www.g2.com/compare/parallels-desktop-for-mac-vs-teamviewer) **Compare TeamViewer with other alternatives:** - [TeamViewer vs QEMU](https://www.g2.com/compare/qemu-vs-teamviewer) - [TeamViewer vs Crossover](https://www.g2.com/compare/crossover-vs-teamviewer) - [TeamViewer vs RealVNC](https://www.g2.com/compare/realvnc-vs-teamviewer) - [TeamViewer vs Kasm Workspaces](https://www.g2.com/compare/kasm-workspaces-vs-teamviewer) - [TeamViewer vs AnyDesk](https://www.g2.com/compare/anydesk-vs-teamviewer) - [TeamViewer vs Citrix DaaS](https://www.g2.com/compare/citrix-citrix-daas-vs-teamviewer) - [TeamViewer vs ScreenConnect](https://www.g2.com/compare/screenconnect-vs-teamviewer) - [TeamViewer vs RemotePC](https://www.g2.com/compare/remotepc-vs-teamviewer) - [TeamViewer vs Splashtop Remote Access](https://www.g2.com/compare/splashtop-remote-access-vs-teamviewer) ### 6. [AnyDesk](https://www.g2.com/products/anydesk/reviews) By AnyDesk Software GmbH **Average Rating:** 4.5/5 **Total Reviews:** 1,099 AnyDesk is a fast remote desktop software that allows for new usage scenarios and applications that have not been possible with current remote desktop software. Reviewers say compared to Parallels Desktop for Mac, AnyDesk is: - Slower to reach roi - More usable - Easier to set up Categories in common with Parallels Desktop for Mac: [Remote Desktop](https://www.g2.com/categories/remote-desktop) **Compare:** [Parallels Desktop for Mac vs AnyDesk](https://www.g2.com/compare/anydesk-vs-parallels-desktop-for-mac) **Compare AnyDesk with other alternatives:** - [AnyDesk vs QEMU](https://www.g2.com/compare/anydesk-vs-qemu) - [AnyDesk vs Crossover](https://www.g2.com/compare/anydesk-vs-crossover) - [AnyDesk vs RealVNC](https://www.g2.com/compare/anydesk-vs-realvnc) - [AnyDesk vs Kasm Workspaces](https://www.g2.com/compare/anydesk-vs-kasm-workspaces) - [AnyDesk vs TeamViewer](https://www.g2.com/compare/anydesk-vs-teamviewer) - [AnyDesk vs Citrix DaaS](https://www.g2.com/compare/anydesk-vs-citrix-citrix-daas) - [AnyDesk vs ScreenConnect](https://www.g2.com/compare/anydesk-vs-screenconnect) - [AnyDesk vs RemotePC](https://www.g2.com/compare/anydesk-vs-remotepc) - [AnyDesk vs Splashtop Remote Access](https://www.g2.com/compare/anydesk-vs-splashtop-remote-access) ### 7. [Citrix DaaS](https://www.g2.com/products/citrix-citrix-daas/reviews) By Citrix **Average Rating:** 4.1/5 **Total Reviews:** 546 Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops lead the industry in desktop and app virtualization. Deliver Windows, Linux, and web business applications or full virtual desktops from any cloud—public, on-premises or hybrid—within a modern digital workspace Reviewers say compared to Parallels Desktop for Mac, Citrix DaaS is: - Slower to reach roi - Easier to do business with - More expensive Categories in common with Parallels Desktop for Mac: [Remote Desktop](https://www.g2.com/categories/remote-desktop) **Compare:** [Parallels Desktop for Mac vs Citrix DaaS](https://www.g2.com/compare/citrix-citrix-daas-vs-parallels-desktop-for-mac) **Compare Citrix DaaS with other alternatives:** - [Citrix DaaS vs QEMU](https://www.g2.com/compare/citrix-citrix-daas-vs-qemu) - [Citrix DaaS vs Crossover](https://www.g2.com/compare/citrix-citrix-daas-vs-crossover) - [Citrix DaaS vs RealVNC](https://www.g2.com/compare/citrix-citrix-daas-vs-realvnc) - [Citrix DaaS vs Kasm Workspaces](https://www.g2.com/compare/citrix-citrix-daas-vs-kasm-workspaces) - [Citrix DaaS vs TeamViewer](https://www.g2.com/compare/citrix-citrix-daas-vs-teamviewer) - [Citrix DaaS vs AnyDesk](https://www.g2.com/compare/anydesk-vs-citrix-citrix-daas) - [Citrix DaaS vs ScreenConnect](https://www.g2.com/compare/citrix-citrix-daas-vs-screenconnect) - [Citrix DaaS vs RemotePC](https://www.g2.com/compare/citrix-citrix-daas-vs-remotepc) - [Citrix DaaS vs Splashtop Remote Access](https://www.g2.com/compare/citrix-citrix-daas-vs-splashtop-remote-access) ### 8. [ScreenConnect](https://www.g2.com/products/screenconnect/reviews) By ConnectWise **Average Rating:** 4.7/5 **Total Reviews:** 503 ConnectWise ScreenConnect's universal remote access software provides an all-inclusive solution for remote support, remote access, and remote meetings. Reviewers say compared to Parallels Desktop for Mac, ScreenConnect is: - Easier to do business with - More usable - Better at meeting requirements Categories in common with Parallels Desktop for Mac: [Remote Desktop](https://www.g2.com/categories/remote-desktop) **Compare:** [Parallels Desktop for Mac vs ScreenConnect](https://www.g2.com/compare/parallels-desktop-for-mac-vs-screenconnect) **Compare ScreenConnect with other alternatives:** - [ScreenConnect vs QEMU](https://www.g2.com/compare/qemu-vs-screenconnect) - [ScreenConnect vs Crossover](https://www.g2.com/compare/crossover-vs-screenconnect) - [ScreenConnect vs RealVNC](https://www.g2.com/compare/realvnc-vs-screenconnect) - [ScreenConnect vs Kasm Workspaces](https://www.g2.com/compare/kasm-workspaces-vs-screenconnect) - [ScreenConnect vs TeamViewer](https://www.g2.com/compare/screenconnect-vs-teamviewer) - [ScreenConnect vs AnyDesk](https://www.g2.com/compare/anydesk-vs-screenconnect) - [ScreenConnect vs Citrix DaaS](https://www.g2.com/compare/citrix-citrix-daas-vs-screenconnect) - [ScreenConnect vs RemotePC](https://www.g2.com/compare/remotepc-vs-screenconnect) - [ScreenConnect vs Splashtop Remote Access](https://www.g2.com/compare/screenconnect-vs-splashtop-remote-access) ### 9. [RemotePC](https://www.g2.com/products/remotepc/reviews) By IDrive **Average Rating:** 4.7/5 **Total Reviews:** 651 RemotePC allows you to access and manage your far away computers anytime, from any device - given that the computer has an active Internet connection and the RemotePC application is installed on it. You can login to your office or home computer, manage your files and work on your computer - as though you were sitting right in front of it. You can also invite an associate to access your computer to work on a presentation or help troubleshoot. Reviewers say compared to Parallels Desktop for Mac, RemotePC is: - Easier to do business with - More usable - Better at support Categories in common with Parallels Desktop for Mac: [Remote Desktop](https://www.g2.com/categories/remote-desktop) **Compare:** [Parallels Desktop for Mac vs RemotePC](https://www.g2.com/compare/parallels-desktop-for-mac-vs-remotepc) **Compare RemotePC with other alternatives:** - [RemotePC vs QEMU](https://www.g2.com/compare/qemu-vs-remotepc) - [RemotePC vs Crossover](https://www.g2.com/compare/crossover-vs-remotepc) - [RemotePC vs RealVNC](https://www.g2.com/compare/realvnc-vs-remotepc) - [RemotePC vs Kasm Workspaces](https://www.g2.com/compare/kasm-workspaces-vs-remotepc) - [RemotePC vs TeamViewer](https://www.g2.com/compare/remotepc-vs-teamviewer) - [RemotePC vs AnyDesk](https://www.g2.com/compare/anydesk-vs-remotepc) - [RemotePC vs Citrix DaaS](https://www.g2.com/compare/citrix-citrix-daas-vs-remotepc) - [RemotePC vs ScreenConnect](https://www.g2.com/compare/remotepc-vs-screenconnect) - [RemotePC vs Splashtop Remote Access](https://www.g2.com/compare/remotepc-vs-splashtop-remote-access) ### 10. [Splashtop Remote Access](https://www.g2.com/products/splashtop-remote-access/reviews) By Splashtop Inc. **Average Rating:** 4.8/5 **Total Reviews:** 513 Splashtop Remote Access is a remote desktop for business professionals and teams. It offers a fast, simple, secure remote computer access for individuals and teams. Reviewers say compared to Parallels Desktop for Mac, Splashtop Remote Access is: - Easier to do business with - More usable - Better at support Categories in common with Parallels Desktop for Mac: [Remote Desktop](https://www.g2.com/categories/remote-desktop) **Compare:** [Parallels Desktop for Mac vs Splashtop Remote Access](https://www.g2.com/compare/parallels-desktop-for-mac-vs-splashtop-remote-access) **Compare Splashtop Remote Access with other alternatives:** - [Splashtop Remote Access vs QEMU](https://www.g2.com/compare/qemu-vs-splashtop-remote-access) - [Splashtop Remote Access vs Crossover](https://www.g2.com/compare/crossover-vs-splashtop-remote-access) - [Splashtop Remote Access vs RealVNC](https://www.g2.com/compare/realvnc-vs-splashtop-remote-access) - [Splashtop Remote Access vs Kasm Workspaces](https://www.g2.com/compare/kasm-workspaces-vs-splashtop-remote-access) - [Splashtop Remote Access vs TeamViewer](https://www.g2.com/compare/splashtop-remote-access-vs-teamviewer) - [Splashtop Remote Access vs AnyDesk](https://www.g2.com/compare/anydesk-vs-splashtop-remote-access) - [Splashtop Remote Access vs Citrix DaaS](https://www.g2.com/compare/citrix-citrix-daas-vs-splashtop-remote-access) - [Splashtop Remote Access vs ScreenConnect](https://www.g2.com/compare/screenconnect-vs-splashtop-remote-access) - [Splashtop Remote Access vs RemotePC](https://www.g2.com/compare/remotepc-vs-splashtop-remote-access) --- ## Parallels Desktop for Mac Alternatives FAQs ### How does Parallels Desktop for Mac compare to QEMU? According to G2 data, [Parallels Desktop for Mac](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews) and [QEMU](https://www.g2.com/products/qemu/reviews) both hold an average rating of 4.3 out of 5, with Parallels having 59 reviews and QEMU 29 reviews. Parallels scores higher across key usability dimensions: it leads by 0.6 points in Meeting Requirements (8.9 vs 8.3), by 2.7 points in Usability (8.6 vs 5.9), by 8.8 vs no comparable score in Ease of Setup, by 9.0 vs no comparable score in Ease of Administration, by 1.8 points in Support (8.4 vs 6.6), and by 8.3 vs no comparable score in Ease of Doing Business. User reviews highlight Parallels’ seamless integration with macOS, smooth performance on Apple Silicon chips, ease of use, and fast switching between Mac and Windows environments. However, some users note subscription pricing concerns and occasional hardware compatibility issues. Overall, Parallels offers a more polished, user-friendly experience with stronger support and integration features, while QEMU’s lower usability scores suggest a steeper learning curve and less refined user experience. ### Why do users choose QEMU over Parallels Desktop for Mac? Users choose [QEMU](https://www.g2.com/products/qemu/reviews) over Parallels Desktop for Mac primarily due to cost considerations and open-source flexibility, as implied by the absence of subscription complaints and the lack of negative pricing feedback in QEMU reviews. While Parallels users frequently mention subscription pricing as a downside, QEMU’s free and open-source nature appeals to users seeking a no-cost virtualization solution. Additionally, QEMU’s moderate score of 8.3 in Meeting Requirements indicates it sufficiently meets technical needs for users comfortable with a less user-friendly interface. This suggests that users prioritizing budget and customization over ease of use and support choose QEMU as a viable alternative to Parallels Desktop for Mac. ### What are the best alternatives to Parallels Desktop for Mac? The best alternatives to Parallels Desktop for Mac include [QEMU](https://www.g2.com/products/qemu/reviews) (4.3/5 rating from 29 reviews), [Crossover](https://www.g2.com/products/crossover/reviews) (3.7/5 rating from 21 reviews), [RealVNC](https://www.g2.com/products/realvnc/reviews) (4.7/5 rating from 438 reviews), and [Kasm Workspaces](https://www.g2.com/products/kasm-workspaces/reviews) (4.7/5 rating from 49 reviews). These alternatives vary in focus from open-source machine emulation (QEMU), running Windows applications on Mac without a full Windows OS (Crossover), to secure remote desktop access (RealVNC) and containerized virtual desktop infrastructure (Kasm Workspaces). ### Which Remote Desktop tools do reviewers recommend instead of Parallels Desktop for Mac? Reviewers recommend [RealVNC](https://www.g2.com/products/realvnc/reviews) for its reliability, ease of use, strong security features, and excellent cross-platform support, making it a top choice for remote desktop needs. [Kasm Workspaces](https://www.g2.com/products/kasm-workspaces/reviews) is praised for its secure, containerized desktop environments and ease of deployment, especially for cybersecurity and remote workforce scenarios. [Crossover](https://www.g2.com/products/crossover/reviews) is recommended for users wanting to run Windows applications on Mac without installing Windows OS, offering a cost-effective and user-friendly solution. [QEMU](https://www.g2.com/products/qemu/reviews) is favored for its open-source flexibility, broad architecture support, and near-native performance virtualization, suitable for advanced users needing versatile emulation. ## Explore Articles - [Which encryption solutions for financial services firms meet HIPAA and PCI compliance requirements?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-encryption-solutions-for-financial-services-firms-meet-hipaa-and-pci-compliance-requirements) - [Most effective conversation intelligence software to buy](https://www.g2.com/discussions/most-effective-conversation-intelligence-software-to-buy) - [Best client portals for professional services firms](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-best-client-portals-for-professional-services-firms) - [How do organizations use Box to keep content secure and compliant when adopting AI?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-do-organizations-use-box-to-keep-content-secure-and-compliant-when-adopting-ai) - [What lease administration tool offers the fastest setup?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-lease-administration-tool-offers-the-fastest-setup) - [Best accounts payable automation solutions](https://www.g2.com/discussions/best-accounts-payable-automation-solutions) ## Spotlight Categories - [Chatbots Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/chatbots) - [Conversation Intelligence Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/conversation-intelligence) - [Operational Risk Management Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/operational-risk-management)