--- title: Parallels Desktop for Mac Reviews meta\_title: 'Parallels Desktop for Mac Reviews 2026: Details, Pricing, & Features | G2' meta\_description: Filter 59 reviews by the users' company size, role or industry to find out how Parallels Desktop for Mac works for a business like yours. aggregate\_rating: rating\_value: 4.3 review\_count: 59 scale: '5' date\_modified: '2026-08-07' parent\_category: name: IT Infrastructure url: https://www.g2.com/categories/it-infrastructure --- # Parallels Desktop for Mac Reviews & Product Details Claimed ###### Profile Status This profile is currently managed by Parallels Desktop for Mac but has limited features. Are you part of the Parallels Desktop for Mac team? [Upgrade your plan](https://sell.g2.com) to enhance your branding and engage with visitors to your profile! A fast, easy and powerful application for running Windows on your Intel or Apple M1 Mac—all without rebooting. Includes 30+ one-touch tools to simplify everyday tasks on Mac and Windows. * * * Seller [Corel Corporation](https://www.g2.com/sellers/corel-corporation-10b41cd4-0594-4f58-8f0a-212c911385c6) Discussions [Parallels Desktop for Mac Community](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/discuss) Languages Supported German, English, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Russian, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional) Solution Type Best-of-Breed Overview by Reed Younger (Internal and Corporate Communications Specialist at Alludo) Show More ## Pricing Pricing provided by Parallels Desktop for Mac. ### Parallels Desktop Business Edition $99.99 1 seat Per Year ### Parallels Desktop Pro Edition $99.99 1 seat Per Year [ View More Pricing Information ](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/pricing) ## Top-Rated Alternatives [ ![QEMU](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "QEMU") QEMU 4.3/5(29) ](https://www.g2.com/products/qemu/reviews) [ ![Crossover](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Crossover") Crossover 3.7/5(21) ](https://www.g2.com/products/crossover/reviews) [ ![RealVNC](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "RealVNC") RealVNC 4.7/5(439) ](https://www.g2.com/products/realvnc/reviews) [ View All Alternatives ](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/competitors/alternatives) ## User Insights Average based on 59 real user reviews. Perceived Cost $$$$$ Typical contract price $0k - $0k [Sign in to view](/login) Per Year [Log in to unlock pricing and user insights](/login) ![Star M.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Star M.") SM Star M. Marketing Co-ordinator Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 11/14/2019 "Ideal solution for running Windows on Mac" 5/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? Parallels allows me to run Windows programs on a Mac computer within an office that is predominantly Windows-based. With Parallels I do not have to power down and boot into Windows like I would with Bootcamp which saves me valuable time and allows me to multitask between Windows and Mac. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? Parallels itself is fantastic as it's easy to use, fast to operate and easy to setup. Windows however insists on updating every time I use it which can be an inconvenience and requires Parallels to restart. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Parallels Desktop for Mac: Fantastic tool with using a Mac within a Windows-based business. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? Without Parallels it would be difficult to access Windows-only software which is critical within the business. As the only Mac user in the company, this tool is extremely valuable to me. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Kelly H.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Kelly H.") KH Kelly H. Attorney Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 3/11/2020 "Seamless Ability to Work With the Windows World While Keeping My Mac" 4.5/5 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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? No strong dislikes, but the interface could be a little more user-friendly. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. 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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite FM Francis M. Administrator Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 9/20/2019 "Brilliant Performance Virtualization Software" 3.5/5 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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. 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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Parallels Desktop for Mac: Parallels Desktop for Mac is suitable for those who need to create virtual machines to run applications that only support the Windows operating system. If compared to some other services, Parallels Desktop for Mac works quite stable, easy to use interface suitable for everyone. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. 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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in E-Learning](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in E-Learning") UE Verified User in E-Learning Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 10/4/2019 "Excellent Virtual Desktop when Windows is Required" 5/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? It can function in it's own window or integrated with MacOS. It saves it's state well, and can read files back and forth with MacOS. It starts quickly and I have not found any major limitations in function as of yet. Installing programs is easy, can be done from MacOS or Windows. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? I have not tested high performance 3D graphics, or any development applications so I cannot speak to how well it would work in those scenarios. Note that a product key for Windows is also required, not included in the cost of Parallels software, which is substantial. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Parallels Desktop for Mac: It is an excellent solution to running Windows only programs on your Mac! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? It allows be to run software required for school/work that is only available for Windows, without having to reboot my Mac to boot with Windows. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Information Technology and Services](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Information Technology and Services") UI Verified User in Information Technology and Services Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 7/15/2020 "Parallels Desktop for macOS" 5/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? Speed. Extremely fast boot of virtual machines Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? Actually nothing. Used for many years and have not encountered any problems using it Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? Development of Windows Application. Faster than competitors and easier to use Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Veronica O.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Veronica O.") VO Veronica O. Content Marketing Manager Marketing and Advertising Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 5/17/2019 "windows on my Mac! " 4.5/5 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! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. 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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Parallels Desktop for Mac: Honestly, if you just need to run another OS for simple processes, Parallels Desktop works great! I haven't tested it for bigger things like running games, but I'd imagine the app would lag a bit. Although I'm not really sure Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. 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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Non-Profit Organization Management](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Non-Profit Organization Management") UN Verified User in Non-Profit Organization Management Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 6/15/2019 "beginner user to access windows apps for remote nonprofit organization" 3.5/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? i like that this program exists because there are some softwares and plugins that are only available on windows (such as fuzzy lookup in excel, which was made by windows developers). this allows for more precise approximate data matching, which isnt possible with excel otherwise Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? once i open excel files with parallels, ive found that it will auto default to open parallels. its very annoying and hard to change back permanently without accidently triggering it. it can also crash my computer when loading. I have included a screenshot in the attribution for reference. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Parallels Desktop for Mac: Parallels works best when there isnt too many other processes or softwares running at the same time. It is very useful in having widespread access to softwares. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? I am solving data issues that I cannot otherwise use on Mac. I have had the benefits of being able to use any software regardless of compatibility. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Marc V.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Marc V.") MV Marc V. Network and Solutions Architect Information Technology and Services Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 8/21/2019 "Parallels Desktop for Mac Extremely efficient use of resources" 5/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? it is quick compared to the other vendors. I like the coherence feature that just plain works. apps are quick and seamless, almost as if they are installed natively on MacOS Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? the price, but they did give me a discount Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Parallels Desktop for Mac: Definitely try this over the other vendors. it is well worth the price, and is easier, in my opinion than the other solutions. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? needed to run windows apps. after the upgrade to Catalina, Wine was no longer supported, so I needed a solution that was not resource hungry Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerSource: Organic ![Verified User in Media Production](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Media Production") UM Verified User in Media Production Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 6/18/2019 "horrible." 1/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? none... literally loved it at first, but after 2 weeks, I begged IT to give me VM back since it either would not let me connect or it wouldn't slide to my secondary screen (being a video editor,having video on my secondary screen- my biggest screen, was kind of important) Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? we use this specifically for iNews and most of us either can no longer slide it to our secondary screens or log in... it worked at first, but after 2 weeks, the problems began Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? moved back to virtual machine which has its own problems, but at least we can access the one program we need to put a newscast together Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite CL Cindy L. Owner Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 2/26/2019 "Parallels is the best in the business" 5/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? I love everything about parallels, the ease of use is best. Just being able to run pc programs on my mac are the best you could ask for. I am genuinely happy with this product! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? There aren't many things I dislike except maybe the overall price Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Parallels Desktop for Mac: I recommend it to anyone that is wanting to run pc programs but doesn't want to buy another computer! This is easy to learn from the beginning. Very easy integration and no prior knowledge needed. If you want to own a mac but still run pc, then parallels is the program for you! You won't ever turn back! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? I realized I dont have to have 2 computers when you have parallels Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ## Questions about Parallels Desktop for Mac? Ask real users or explore answers from the community Get practical answers, real workflows, and honest pros and cons from the G2 community or share your insights. [ Ask about Parallels Desktop for Mac ](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/discussions/new) GU Guest User What is Parallels Desktop for Mac used for? 0 Upvotes 0 [ Join the conversation ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-parallels-desktop-for-mac-used-for) GU Guest User • Last activity about 4 years ago Is parallels Free for Mac? 0 Upvotes 1 [ Join the conversation ](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-parallels-free-for-mac) [ View all Discussions ](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/discuss) ## Pricing Options Pricing provided by Parallels Desktop for Mac. ### Parallels Desktop Business Edition $99.99 1 seat Per Year ### Parallels Desktop Pro Edition $99.99 1 seat Per Year ### Parallels Desktop Standard Edition For Home & Student Use $79.99 1 seat Per Year [ View More Pricing Information ](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/pricing) Parallels Desktop for Mac Comparisons ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/small_square/small_square_031e1042ed24b072fea408b135c284cb/crossover.png "Product Avatar Image") Crossover 3.7/5(21) [ Compare Now ](https://www.g2.com/compare/crossover-vs-parallels-desktop-for-mac) ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/small_square/small_square_2e509cbdbb6beddefe5e29332965118f/qemu.png "Product Avatar Image") QEMU 4.3/5(29) [ Compare Now ](https://www.g2.com/compare/parallels-desktop-for-mac-vs-qemu) ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/small_square/small_square_550ccbc035edd075cbaafbc493aadabf/kasm-workspaces.png "Product Avatar Image") Kasm Workspaces 4.7/5(49) [ Compare Now ](https://www.g2.com/compare/kasm-workspaces-vs-parallels-desktop-for-mac) ##### ##### Parallels Desktop for Mac Features Administration Usage Information Active Directory Integration Diagnostics Platform Cross-Platform Access Mobile Device Access Applications Management Security Remote Wipe Device Management Device Enrollment [ View More Features ](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/features) ##### Categories on G2 [Remote Desktop](https://www.g2.com/categories/remote-desktop) ##### Explore More [What are the highest-rated encryption key management software for reducing secrets sprawl across distributed teams?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-highest-rated-encryption-key-management-software-for-reducing-secrets-sprawl-across-distributed-teams%20)[Which is the best AI legal assistant for law firms?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/which-is-the-best-ai-legal-assistant-for-law-firms)[What are the best auditing services solutions with proven track records from reviews at companies with 2–10 employees in financial services?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-best-auditing-services-solutions-with-proven-track-records-from-reviews-at-companies-with-2-10-employees-in-financial-services) [What PR analytics tools work for a mid-size company that wants to track brand mentions and earned media without paying for an enterprise monitoring suite?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-pr-analytics-tools-work-for-a-mid-size-company-that-wants-to-track-brand-mentions-and-earned-media-without-paying-for-an-enterprise-monitoring-suite)[Best platforms for API monetization and usage tracking](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-best-platforms-for-api-monetization-and-usage-tracking)[Pros and Cons Details](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?qs=pros-and-cons) [Show MoreShow Less](javascript:void(0);)