--- 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: '2026-07-17' parent_category: name: IT Infrastructure url: https://www.g2.com/categories/it-infrastructure --- # Parallels Desktop for Mac Reviews **Vendor:** Corel Corporation **Category:** [Remote Desktop Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/remote-desktop) **Average Rating:** 4.3/5.0 **Total Reviews:** 59 ## About Parallels Desktop for Mac 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. ## Parallels Desktop for Mac Pros & Cons **What users like:** - Users praise the **fast connection speed** of Parallels Desktop, ensuring quick switching between Mac and Windows environments. (1 reviews) - Users find **cross-platform integration** invaluable, enabling seamless multitasking between macOS and Windows for engineering tasks. (1 reviews) - Users enjoy the **ease of use** with Parallels Desktop, facilitating quick transitions between Mac and Windows. (1 reviews) - Users appreciate the **easy deployment** of Parallels Desktop for Mac, enabling quick access to multiple operating systems. (1 reviews) - Users value the **mobile compatibility** of Parallels Desktop, seamlessly integrating Windows tools with macOS for efficient multitasking. (1 reviews) - Seamless Integration (1 reviews) **What users dislike:** - Users criticize Parallels for being **expensive and deceptive** , citing auto-renewal issues and poor customer service. (1 reviews) - Users find the **feature limitations** of Parallels Desktop a hassle, especially regarding Windows licenses and app performance. (1 reviews) - Users experience **subscription issues** with Parallels, including auto-renewal without consent and lack of refund support. (1 reviews) - Users face **update issues** that complicate the experience, including installation hassles and performance problems with certain applications. (1 reviews) ## Parallels Desktop for Mac Reviews ### 1. Parallels makes running engineering software on Mac easily **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Fauzi D. | Electrical Instrument Engineer, Oil & Energy, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** June 16, 2025 **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 **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 **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 ### 2. Unethical Renewal Practices and Subpar Performance **Rating:** 0.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Sarah S. | Senior Manager, Revenue Marketing, Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** May 19, 2025 **What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac?** The product claims to be useful for testing web page experience on multiple devices. **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. **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. ### 3. Paralles desktop is the best for create virtual machine **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Valter M. | Sys Admin, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** November 05, 2024 **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. **What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac?** I do not dislike , the transition is perfect and the device sharing to Vm **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 ### 4. Provides same user experience as you are running on PC desktop/laptop **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Marketing and Advertising | Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** September 13, 2024 **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. **What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac?** Notthing on the down side really, so far so good **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. ### 5. Seamless Windows Integration: Parallels Desktop for Mac **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Yasith W. | Software Engineer, Enterprise (> 1000 emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 15, 2024 **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. **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. **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! ### 6. parallels on Mac Pros and cons **Rating:** 3.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Verified User in Design | Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 18, 2023 **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. **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. **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 ### 7. The best tool for virtualization on Mac **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Takasur A. | Mobile Engineer | iOS Apps Developer (Swift/SwiftUI), Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 17, 2024 **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. **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. **What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?** The ability to run windows on Apple silicon. ### 8. Great Virtual Software For Mac **Rating:** 5.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Manuel H. | Manager, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** December 14, 2023 **What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac?** It was easy to install, and is easy to use with well written documentation. **What do you dislike about Parallels Desktop for Mac?** It takes up more disk space than I expected. **What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?** I am now able to run another operating system. ### 9. Running Microsoft windows **Rating:** 4.0/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Ali J. | iOS Engineer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 22, 2024 **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. **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 **What problems is Parallels Desktop for Mac solving and how is that benefiting you?** Running windows stuff ### 10. Parallels Desktop for Mac **Rating:** 4.5/5.0 stars **Reviewed by:** Sameed ul hussan A. | Unity Game Developer, Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) **Reviewed Date:** January 20, 2024 **What do you like best about Parallels Desktop for Mac?** Its internet speed And Compeletly same as original desktop **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 **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 ## Parallels Desktop for Mac Discussions - [Is parallels Free for Mac?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-parallels-free-for-mac) - 1 comment - [How does parallel desktop work on Mac?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/how-does-parallel-desktop-work-on-mac) - 1 comment - [View Parallels Desktop for Mac pricing details and edition comparison](https://www.g2.com/products/parallels-desktop-for-mac/reviews/parallels-desktop-for-mac-review-5014731?section=pricing&secure%5Bexpires_at%5D=2026-07-19+17%3A28%3A59+-0500&secure%5Bsession_id%5D=e13d2d46-66e4-4892-bd44-6b59a569edf3&secure%5Btoken%5D=420f805b24372b8fa685acc6ea59130176617a3b70081dc4e4a844991e6b53df&format=llm_user) ## Parallels Desktop for Mac Features **Administration** - Usage Information - Integrations - Diagnostics - Session Recording - Session Transfer - Unattended Access - File Sharing **Platform** - Cross-Platform Access - Mobile Device Access - Applications Management - Remote Device Control **Security** - Remote Wipe - Device Management - Device Enrollment ## Top Parallels Desktop for Mac Alternatives - [QEMU](https://www.g2.com/products/qemu/reviews) - 4.3/5.0 (26 reviews) - [Crossover](https://www.g2.com/products/crossover/reviews) - 3.7/5.0 (19 reviews) - [RealVNC](https://www.g2.com/products/realvnc/reviews) - 4.7/5.0 (417 reviews)