Parallels Review – Mac and Windows Virtualization, Remote Application Server, Mac Management Solutions

In this Parallels review, you'll find more information about its features, pricing, pros and cons and why you should consider using it.
9.4/10 (Expert Score)
Product is rated as #1 in category Virtual machine
9.4Expert Score
Parallels Desktop for Mac

Parallels is a powerful virtualization software that enables Mac users to operate multiple operating systems on a single device. This software grants you the flexibility to configure diverse settings, run a wide range of applications, and access multiple sets of data without having to invest in additional hardware.

Customer support
9.3
Value for money
9.4
Ease of use
9.5
Features
9.5
Pros
  • Allows you to run multiple operating systems on your Mac
  • "Coherence mode" allows seamless integration of Windows software with your Mac desktop
  • Access to USB and other devices on your Mac
  • Offers compatibility with the latest version of Windows
  • Easy setup process
Cons
  • Upgrades can be costly
  • Some users have reported compatibility issues with certain Windows applications
  • Requires a significant amount of RAM and disk space to operate

Are you seeking for virtualization software that enables you to use one computer to run several operating systems without the need for additional hardware? Consider using Parallels instead! You may run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems on your Mac without switching between devices when you use Parallels Desktop for Mac. Working with various settings, apps, and files from the comfort of your Mac is simple with Parallels, a flexible and dependable virtualization program.

To help you decide if this is the best virtualization program for you, we will examine it in more detail in this Parallels Review.

Click on “open” if you want to see exactly what we will talk about in the rest of this article.

Overview

What is Parallels?

Parallels is a virtualization tool that lets you run several operating systems on your Mac. It is intended to provide users with the freedom to work with various settings, programs, and data without the need for additional hardware. You may use Parallels to run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems on your Mac, as well as run Windows programs on your Mac desktop. It is simple to install and use because of its compatibility with the most recent version of Windows and straightforward setup procedure.

You may easily switch between Mac and Windows by using Parallels to run a version of Windows through Boot Camp. By allocating RAM and CPU resources to your virtual machines with Parallels, you can make sure that your system operates smoothly and effectively. Additionally, Parallels makes it simple to transfer files and use peripherals with your virtual machines by enabling access to USB and other devices on your Mac.

You may run Windows apps on your Mac desktop using Parallels’ “coherence mode” function, which eliminates the need to move between operating systems. You may use both the Mac OS and Windows simultaneously thanks to this technology that effortlessly blends them. If you’re thinking about using Parallels, you can test it out for free. Parallels also provide updates to the most recent version, assuring access to the most recent features and compatibility with new software releases.

Overall, it is a formidable competitor to other virtualization software, such as VMware Fusion, having comparable features and performance.

Parallels specifications

FeaturesAdvanced Tools and Features / Android and MAX Application Support / Compatibility / Customer Support / Improved Performance / Improvements for Apple Devices
Best suited forIndividuals, Freelancers, Small businesses, Mid size businesses
Website languagesEnglish
Website URLVisit official website
Support linkSupport page
Live chatNo
Company addressBellevue, WA
Year founded2006

Pricing

Parallels pricing: How much does Parallels cost?

For their desktop software, Parallels provides three distinct price tiers. For $99.99, you may get the Standard Edition, which has all the essential components. For $119.99 a year, the Pro Edition adds more features like advanced networking capabilities and development tools. The Business Edition, which is designed for corporate customers and costs $149.99 a year, comes with centralized administrative tools and a unified volume licensing key.

Although Parallels initially appears to be expensive, it’s important to remember that the program is updated frequently and offers a free trial period. Additionally, for those who already own a MacBook or Mac desktop, Parallels may be less expensive than buying a separate Windows computer.

Pricing rangeFrom $99 to $149 Per year
Pricing typesAnnual subscription
Free planNo
Free trialYes
Money back guaranteeNo
Pricing page linkSee plans

Parallels pricing plans

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Parallels Desktop Standard Edition ($99.99)

  • Run Linux in a virtual machine
  • 8 GB vRAM
  • Run Windows
  • 30-days support
  • 4 vCPUs
  • Unlimited subscription
  • Run macOS

Parallels Desktop Pro Edition ($119.99/yr)

Everything from Standard Edition, plus:

  • UNLIMITED phone & email support
  • Snapshots, linked clones, and templates
  • 128 GB vRAM
  • 32 vCPUs
  • Debug, create a dump or start an SSH session from the menu
  • Command Line Interface
  • Advanced virtual networks

Parallels Desktop Business Edition ($149.99/yr)

Everything from Pro Edition, plus:

  • Additional security settings and expired virtual machines
  • Unified Volume License Key for mass deployment
  • Enable all or selected users to Download a Corporate Windows VM
  • Centralized administration and management
  • Enroll users through automatically generated emails

Features

Parallels features: What can you do with it?

Improvements for Apple Devices

Parallels Desktop has introduced some powerful new features for Apple M-series chips that make the experience on a Mac more seamless and robust. With Parallels Desktop, Mac users can run a high-performing Windows application like Visual Studio, SolidWorks, Autodesk, and other resource-intensive apps without the need to switch to a PC. This new version has increased productivity, supports the latest macOS Monterey, macOS Big Sur 11, macOS Catalina 10.15, and macOS Mojave 10.14, and recent Linux releases.

Parallels Desktop also enables you to run classic Intel-based (x86) Windows apps on your M-series Mac. It has more than 200,000 Windows-only apps supported, which makes it an excellent choice for power users.

Android and MAX Application Support

Parallels Desktop also provides support for macOS Ventura when released. With Android and Max support, users can use their Android or Max applications on their Mac computers. The Parallels Desktop graphics feature ensures that your Windows desktop runs smoothly and efficiently, and it also makes it ideal for gaming. The ease of use of the software is enhanced with features such as the Parallels Toolbox which includes several tools to make working on your Mac or Windows PC more efficient.

The toolbox also includes pasting, copying, and capturing screenshots from your Windows clipboard to your Mac clipboard.

Improved Performance

One outstanding feature that makes Parallels Desktop a perfect option for power users who need to run graphics-intensive programs or games is its increased graphics and gaming performance. With DirectX 11 and OpenGL 3.3 support, you can play games without latency and operate demanding graphic programs without any issues. Those who like playing games on their Mac and don’t want to utilize a Windows PC to do so will find this option to be extremely helpful.

Compatibility

Parallels Desktop is compatible with Macs, including the MacBook Pro and laptop, which means you can run Windows PC applications on your Mac. The default browser of the Mac is seamlessly integrated into the Windows environment, which makes it easier for you to open web pages and switch between them. Parallels Desktop is designed to work with Apple Silicon, which is the latest technology used in Macs. It has a 14-day free trial and a knowledge base that provides assistance and answers to commonly asked questions.

Advanced Tools and Features

In addition to its graphics and gaming capabilities, Parallels Desktop comes with a range of advanced tools and features that make it easy to work seamlessly between your Mac and Windows environments. The Parallels Toolbox is a set of utilities that includes tools for screen recording, video conversion, archive extraction, and more. With the Parallels Access app, you can also access your Mac or Windows desktop from your iPad or iPhone, making it easy to stay productive on the go.

Customer Support

One area where Parallels Desktop shines is its customer support. The company offers a comprehensive knowledge base, live chat, phone support, and email support, making it easy to get the help you need when you need it. Additionally, they offer a 14-day money-back guarantee for all their plans, so you can try the software risk-free.

Conclusion

Parallels review: Why you should use it?

Parallels Desktop is an excellent solution for Mac users who want to run Windows applications seamlessly on their Macs. With its improved graphics and gaming performance, advanced tools and features, and excellent customer support, it’s easy to see why it’s one of the most popular virtualization platforms out there. This Parallels Review explains it all for you in easy words. Whether you are a power user who needs to run resource-intensive Windows applications, a gamer who wants to play Windows-only games or someone who simply needs to use a Windows app for work or school, Parallels Desktop has you covered.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Parallels Review – Mac and Windows Virtualization, Remote Application Server, Mac Management Solutions
Parallels Review – Mac and Windows Virtualization, Remote Application Server, Mac Management Solutions

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