--- 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 Pros and Cons: Top Advantages and Disadvantages #### Quick AI Summary Based on G2 Reviews Generated from real user reviews Users praise the **fast connection speed** of Parallels Desktop, ensuring quick switching between Mac and Windows environments. [(1 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1331462&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users find **cross-platform integration** invaluable, enabling seamless multitasking between macOS and Windows for engineering tasks. [(1 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1331353&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users enjoy the **ease of use** with Parallels Desktop, facilitating quick transitions between Mac and Windows. [(1 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1331102&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users appreciate the **easy deployment** of Parallels Desktop for Mac, enabling quick access to multiple operating systems. [(1 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1331279&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users value the **mobile compatibility** of Parallels Desktop, seamlessly integrating Windows tools with macOS for efficient multitasking. [(1 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2150926&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users criticize Parallels for being **expensive and deceptive** , citing auto-renewal issues and poor customer service. [(1 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1331496&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users find the **feature limitations** of Parallels Desktop a hassle, especially regarding Windows licenses and app performance. [(1 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2150847&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users experience **subscription issues** with Parallels, including auto-renewal without consent and lack of refund support. [(1 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2094366&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Users face **update issues** that complicate the experience, including installation hassles and performance problems with certain applications. [(1 mentions)](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1331305&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) ### Top Pros or Advantages of Parallels Desktop for Mac ##### 1. Connection Speed Users praise the **fast connection speed** of Parallels Desktop, ensuring quick switching between Mac and Windows environments. [ See 1 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1331462&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Valter M.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Valter M.") VM Valter M. Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 5.0/5 "Paralles desktop is the best for create virtual machine" What do you like about Parallels Desktop for Mac? PAralles Desktop is ease to use , easy for implementation and have a lot of features. The swith for mac to windows or another vm is very fast. ##### 2. Cross-Platform Users find **cross-platform integration** invaluable, enabling seamless multitasking between macOS and Windows for engineering tasks. [ See 1 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1331353&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Fauzi D.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Fauzi D.") FD Fauzi D. Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 4.5/5 "Parallels makes running engineering software on Mac easily" What do you like about Parallels Desktop for Mac? As an electrical engineer working mainly on a Mac, Parallels has been a game-changer. It allows me to run Windows-based engineering tools like AutoCAD ##### 3. Ease of Use Users enjoy the **ease of use** with Parallels Desktop, facilitating quick transitions between Mac and Windows. [ See 1 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1331102&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Valter M.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Valter M.") VM Valter M. Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 5.0/5 "Paralles desktop is the best for create virtual machine" What do you like about Parallels Desktop for Mac? PAralles Desktop is ease to use , easy for implementation and have a lot of features. The swith for mac to windows or another vm is very fast. ##### 4. Easy Deployment Users appreciate the **easy deployment** of Parallels Desktop for Mac, enabling quick access to multiple operating systems. [ See 1 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1331279&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Valter M.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Valter M.") VM Valter M. Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 5.0/5 "Paralles desktop is the best for create virtual machine" What do you like about Parallels Desktop for Mac? PAralles Desktop is ease to use , easy for implementation and have a lot of features. The swith for mac to windows or another vm is very fast. ##### 5. Mobile Compatibility Users value the **mobile compatibility** of Parallels Desktop, seamlessly integrating Windows tools with macOS for efficient multitasking. [ See 1 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2150926&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Fauzi D.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Fauzi D.") FD Fauzi D. Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 4.5/5 "Parallels makes running engineering software on Mac easily" What do you like about Parallels Desktop for Mac? As an electrical engineer working mainly on a Mac, Parallels has been a game-changer. It allows me to run Windows-based engineering tools like AutoCAD ### Top Cons or Disadvantages of Parallels Desktop for Mac ##### 1. Expensive Users criticize Parallels for being **expensive and deceptive** , citing auto-renewal issues and poor customer service. [ See 1 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1331496&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Sarah S.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Sarah S.") SS Sarah S. Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 0.0/5 "Unethical Renewal Practices and Subpar Performance" What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? Parallels auto-renewed my annual subscription without clear notice or active consent, despite zero usage for over a year. I never received a renewal r ##### 2. Feature Limitations Users find the **feature limitations** of Parallels Desktop a hassle, especially regarding Windows licenses and app performance. [ See 1 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2150847&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Fauzi D.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Fauzi D.") FD Fauzi D. Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 4.5/5 "Parallels makes running engineering software on Mac easily" What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? One limitation is the need for a separate Windows license, which can be a hassle if you're just getting started. Occasionally, I experience minor issu ##### 3. Subscription Issues Users experience **subscription issues** with Parallels, including auto-renewal without consent and lack of refund support. [ See 1 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2094366&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Sarah S.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Sarah S.") SS Sarah S. Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 0.0/5 "Unethical Renewal Practices and Subpar Performance" What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? Parallels auto-renewed my annual subscription without clear notice or active consent, despite zero usage for over a year. I never received a renewal r ##### 4. Update Issues Users face **update issues** that complicate the experience, including installation hassles and performance problems with certain applications. [ See 1 mentions ](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1331305&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) See Related User Reviews ![Fauzi D.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Fauzi D.") FD Fauzi D. Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 4.5/5 "Parallels makes running engineering software on Mac easily" What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? One limitation is the need for a separate Windows license, which can be a hassle if you're just getting started. Occasionally, I experience minor issu ## Top-Rated Alternatives [ ![QEMU](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_2e509cbdbb6beddefe5e29332965118f/qemu.png "QEMU") QEMU 4.3/5(29) ](https://www.g2.com/products/qemu/reviews) [ ![Crossover](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_031e1042ed24b072fea408b135c284cb/crossover.png "Crossover") Crossover 3.7/5(21) ](https://www.g2.com/products/crossover/reviews) [ ![RealVNC](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/f99a60229ef0f9debd7c31835afd8ed9/vnc-connect.svg "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) ![Fauzi D.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Fauzi D.") FD Fauzi D. Electrical Instrument Engineer Oil & Energy Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 6/16/2025 "Parallels makes running engineering software on Mac easily" 4.5/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? As an electrical engineer working mainly on a Mac, Parallels has been a game-changer. It allows me to run Windows-based engineering tools like AutoCAD, ETAP, and vendor specific configuration software directly on my MacBook with Apple Silicon. The performance is surprisingly smooth, especially on M1/M2 chips. The seamless integration between macOS and Windows (like shared clipboard and file sync) makes multitasking between environments incredibly efficient Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? One limitation is the need for a separate Windows license, which can be a hassle if you're just getting started. Occasionally, I experience minor issues with USB dongles or external licensing hardware not being detected properly. Also, some graphic intensive 3D CAD apps may not perform as smoothly as on native Windows hardware Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? Parallels helps bridge the gap between macOS and essential engineering software that only runs on Windows. I no longer need to switch devices or carry an extra Windows laptop to get work done. It saves time, space, and boosts my productivity especially when working remotely or on-site. It's also incredibly helpful during design reviews, quick simulations, and field modifications when Windows apps are needed Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerSource: Organic ![Sarah S.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Sarah S.") SS Sarah S. Senior Manager, Revenue Marketing Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 5/19/2025 "Unethical Renewal Practices and Subpar Performance" 0/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? The product claims to be useful for testing web page experience on multiple devices. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? Parallels auto-renewed my annual subscription without clear notice or active consent, despite zero usage for over a year. I never received a renewal reminder and was denied a refund — an issue many customers have faced. The software itself is clunky and outdated, and it's clear the company relies on deceptive billing tactics rather than delivering real value. Charging customers without explicit consent is unacceptable. I strongly warn others against using Parallels and recommend exploring more trustworthy alternatives. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? It lets you run Windows on a Mac without restarting your computer. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerSource: Organic ![Valter M.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Valter M.") VM Valter M. Sys Admin Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 11/5/2024 "Paralles desktop is the best for create virtual machine" 5/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? PAralles Desktop is ease to use , easy for implementation and have a lot of features. The swith for mac to windows or another vm is very fast. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? I do not dislike , the transition is perfect and the device sharing to Vm Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? The windows or other apps not working on mac and parallels solve the problem Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerSource: Organic ![Verified User in Marketing and Advertising](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Marketing and Advertising") UM Verified User in Marketing and Advertising Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 9/13/2024 "Provides same user experience as you are running on PC desktop/laptop" 5/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? Ease of use, ability to share HW & SW resources between different OSs, stability. Very easy to setup and use. No maintenance required. Auto snapshots are life-saver. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? Notthing on the down side really, so far so good Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? Running Windows 11 on a macbook at the same time. Solved the problem of dual boot. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More 3/14/2025 Current UserValidated ReviewerSource: Organic ![Yasith W.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Yasith W.") YW Yasith W. Software Engineer Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 1/15/2024 "Seamless Windows Integration: Parallels Desktop for Mac" 5/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? I recently tried out Parallels Desktop for Mac, and I have to say, it's been a game-changer for me. Setting it up was a breeze, and even for someone like me who isn't the most tech-savvy, the whole process was surprisingly easy. Once I got it running, I was genuinely impressed by how well it handled all those Windows applications alongside my usual Mac stuff – no lag or hiccups whatsoever. The coolest part? The integration is so seamless that I can run Windows apps right alongside my Mac ones, almost like they're all part of the same family. The interface is user-friendly, offering a bunch of viewing options to suit how you like to work. Plus, knowing that they keep it up to date and have a support team ready to help if needed gives me real peace of mind. Long story short, if you're like me and need both Windows and Mac in your life, Parallels Desktop is the way to go – it's made things a whole lot smoother and more enjoyable. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? Parallels Desktop for Mac has genuinely impressed me, and it's challenging to find substantial dislikes. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? Parallels Desktop for Mac is like having a tech wizard right on my computer, solving the headache of running Windows stuff on my beloved Mac. You know that feeling of juggling between different devices or rebooting just to use a Windows app? Well, Parallels kicked that hassle to the curb. Now, I can seamlessly dance between macOS and Windows without missing a beat. It's been a game-changer, especially for work where I need both worlds. No more choosing sides - it's like having the best of both tech universes in one happy place. Hats off to Parallels for making my computer life a whole lot smoother! Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Verified User in Design](/assets/icons/anonymous-avatar-purple-4ae1032bdb50ee5682003170c8184aee790d25958bd397abbd384ba52c596a7b.svg "Verified User in Design") UD Verified User in Design Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 12/18/2023 "parallels on Mac Pros and cons" 3/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? It great as you can use PC software on a amc rather than having to have two computers. you can alos have the mac running at the same time to swtich between things eg photoshop- NED graphics. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? its slow and i think you have to use half of your mac memory to run the programme so it rreally slows down both interfaces. it also takesges to update and restart or close down the programme. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? can use NED graphics for drisigning as this programme does not operate on a mac interface. makes design much easier for cleanign artworks etc Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Takasur A.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Takasur A.") TA Takasur A. Mobile Engineer | iOS Apps Developer (Swift/SwiftUI) Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 1/17/2024 "The best tool for virtualization on Mac" 5/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? It's seem less integration with the host machine. The virtual machine doesn't even feel like a virtual machine. It feels like an independent operating system running on actual hardware than on a virtual layer. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? I'm not an everyday user of the software so the price it bit high for someone like me. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? The ability to run windows on Apple silicon. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite MH Manuel H. Manager Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 12/14/2023 "Great Virtual Software For Mac" 5/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? It was easy to install, and is easy to use with well written documentation. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac? It takes up more disk space than I expected. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? I am now able to run another operating system. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Current UserValidated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Ali J.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Ali J.") AJ Ali J. iOS Engineer Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 1/22/2024 "Running Microsoft windows" 4/5 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. Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. 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 Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you? Running windows stuff Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. Show More Validated ReviewerIncentivizedSource: G2 invite ![Sameed ul hussan A.](/assets/transparent-ad5be28fbcd25b7b08d2cebe1d957125437fb5407d75ee717965ad22c8808791.gif "Sameed ul hussan A.") SA Sameed ul hussan A. Unity Game Developer Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 1/20/2024 "Parallels Desktop for Mac" 4.5/5 What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac? Its internet speed And Compeletly same as original desktop Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. 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 Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. 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 Review collected by and hosted on G2.com. 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