--- 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) ![Verified User in Media Production](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Media Production") UM Verified User in Media Production Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 3/1/2019 "Review of Parallels Desktop for Mac" 5/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? I like the ability to be able to run Windows programs and apps directly on my MacBook Pro and that I can easily switch between the two operating systems quickly and without having to shut down either system or programs that I am running in them. This allows me to use programs on the Windows OS that are not available with Mac and then integrate the work that Ive done into projects that I am working on my Mac. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? I would like there to be a better pricing option on the Parallels program because I only need to use it for specific tasks on certain projects. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Parallels Desktop for Mac: If you ever need to run a Windows application and do not have easy access to this operating system this is a great solution and I highly recommend it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? I am able to utilize Windows based software and applications that are unavailable for the Mac OS and then incorporate them into projects that I am working on and this has allowed me to expand the services I can offer my clients. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite JJ Jess J. Copy Freelancer Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 2/28/2019 "Speedy to launch and switch between Windows and Mac without interfering; not as strong for gaming" 4/5 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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. 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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. 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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite DG Daniel G. Employee Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 2/25/2019 "Convienent and Efficient " 4/5 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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. 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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Parallels Desktop for Mac: The most simple yet effective program yet. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. 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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Segey L.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Segey L.") SL Segey L. Blogger Internet Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 2/28/2019 "Very good solution for app testing and quickly accessing Windows apps" 4.5/5 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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. 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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Parallels Desktop for Mac: If you are looking for a way to get quick access to Window's app in a most convenient way, it is a great choice. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. 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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Gabriela P.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Gabriela P.") GP Gabriela P. Group Packages Sales Freelancer Food & Beverages Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 2/16/2019 "Convenient way to have Windows on a Mac" 4.5/5 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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. 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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Parallels Desktop for Mac: Beware that since it is an OS that runs parallel to yours, it installs all the updates of said OS, so be patient. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. 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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite PC Philip C. Security Engineer Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 9/29/2019 "Very efficient, unlike Virtualbox" 5/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? Seamless and deep integration with macOS. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? Price is too high, I mean literally high. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Parallels Desktop for Mac: If money isn't a thing for you, just go for it. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? OS virtualisation. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Education Management](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Education Management") UE Verified User in Education Management Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 10/10/2019 "Must have for professional Mac users" 4.5/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? Fast and flawless use of Windows applications, switching between Mac and Windows Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? License model that requires to purchase annual subscriptions after expiration. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Parallels Desktop for Mac: Be aware of the 1-year subscription Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? I required native support for Microsoft Office (especially PowerPoint and Excel) and Parallels was a perfect solution - I can create presentations and spreadsheets like on a native Windows machine. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite SM Shane M. Owner Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 2/28/2019 "So much more than I imagined" 5/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? I have a MAc but sometimes I needed to use Windows-specific software, parallels allowed me to do this and so much more! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? I don't have anything that I dislike. Always worked well for me. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Parallels Desktop for Mac: Give it a try. It's a very versatile application and makes it so you can use windows specific software 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 me to use software that I could not use otherwise since I have a MAc but it is also very useful for other things. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Paul W.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Paul W.") PW Paul W. Video and Digital Media Technologist Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 2/18/2019 "Worth the effort to set up" 5/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? Parallels lets you have an isolated or invisible virtual PC for lighter-weight tasks that you just don't want to reboot your Mac (or switch devices) to accomplish. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? Setup can be a bit guess and check, mostly for system specs to strike a good balance between giving your virtual PC the oomph it needs without tanking the Mac because you aren't leaving enough processing power behind. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Parallels Desktop for Mac: It's a low cost to try, so I'd give it a shot if you are running low resource PC apps frequently and rebooting slows you down. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? Not investing in more than one piece of hardware for basic PC only tasks. It also saves time because no reboot is required like you need for BootCamp. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Non-Profit Organization Management](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Non-Profit Organization Management") IN Verified User in Non-Profit Organization Management Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 2/28/2019 "Efficient and Collaborative" 5/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? The fact that I could switch between OS and WIndows was amazing. Being able to run my windows based applications while still retaining my OS applications made myself and team extremely more efficient. This tool coupled with Mac allowed us to upgrade our tech stack across the organization. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? Not much that I didn't dislike about this product. However, its worth noting that the applications I ran didn't require much power rather they were legacy systems. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Recommendations to others considering Parallels Desktop for Mac: Make sure it has the power to implement your solutions as there can be latency in commands. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? Due to the fact that my org specialized in state and federal grants we were required to use quite a few legacy systems. On the other hand our partners were highly tech advanced and required quite a bit of processing power for us. Parrallels solved this problem for us by allowing us to access the systems while helping accelerate the learning curve for a staff whose medium age was mid 50's. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated 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);)