# Page 2 | Parallels Desktop for Mac Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Page 2 - Is Parallels Desktop for Mac the right Virtualization solution for you? Explore 147 verified user reviews from people in industries like yours to make a confident choice. Source: https://www.capterra.com/p/170006/Parallels-Desktop-for-Mac/reviews --- Parallels Desktop for Mac 4.4 (147) [View alternatives](https://www.capterra.com/p/170006/Parallels-Desktop-for-Mac/alternatives/) Provider data verified by our Software Research team, and reviews moderated by our Reviews Verification team. [Learn more](https://www.capterra.com/our-story/) * * * Last updated March 13th, 2026 # Page 2 - Reviews of Parallels Desktop for Mac ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 26-50 of 147 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use RA Raghav A. Student Education Management Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Review on Parallels Desktop for Mac(personal desktop)" May 1, 2023 5.0 Overall experience is superb. I use the software for accounting purposes. Pros 1\. Switching between the both platforms.2. Apps which doesn’t support Mac now by installing windows through Parallels can use them easily.3. File management: can access files in both the platforms.4. Fast, reliable, constant updates keeps it bugs free, secure, works without crashes.5. Using the Mac shortcuts in windows. Cons The price for subscription based module is quite high. If the prices can be reduced. Alternatives considered [VMware Fusion](https://www.capterra.com/p/212917/VMware-Fusion/) Reason for choosing Parallels Desktop for Mac Reviews were goodMore user base Review Source SG Serge G. Direction Computer Software Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Logiciel bâclé avec des versions en régression" December 11, 2023 1.0 J’ai acheté la v17 pour créer des machines virtuelles MacOS dans un Mac sous Monterey. Mauvaise, très mauvaise solution, une vraie galère à installer, pas d’options d’installation, pas de paramétrage, une taille d’écran fixe. J’ai mis à jour en v18, croyant que cela allait s’améliorer. J’ai perdu le copier/coller entre la machine virtuelle et ma machine physique. J’ai pu agrandir la taille du disque, pas par paramétrage, non, par bidouille lors de l’installation. J’ai passé mon Mac sous SONOMA. Désastre ! La taille d’écran de ma machine virtuelle était toujours fixe, mais cette fois avec une taille calquée sur la taille de mon écran physique. Comme j’utilise un 3840×1080, l’écran affiché était long et étroit, c’était inutilisable ! Pas assez échaudé, j’ai mis à jour Parallels Desktop en v19 et créé une machine virtuelle MacOS sous SONOMA. La fenêtre de virtualisation est enfin de taille réglable ! Par contre, il m’est désormais interdit de choisir ma taille de disque, la possibilité en a été retirée par Parallels dans la version du logiciel que j’utilise (Achat unique). RÉGRESSION ! J’ai adressé 2 messages à Parallels, je n’ai pas obtenu la moindre réponse. J’ai tenté de me faire rembourser (c’est dit sur leur site), mais rien ne permet de le faire ! Bref : Mauvais logiciel, régressions, pas de SAV, c’est terminé pour moi avec ces incompétents à la limite de la malhonnêteté ! Pros Les promesses de virtualisation MacOS en plus de la virtualisation de Windows. Cons Installation sans paramétrage possible Limitations importantes en v17, v18 et v19 Régression des possibilités entre la v18 et la v19 Aucun SAV Reason for choosing Parallels Desktop for Mac Les promesses de virtualisation MacOS en plus de windows. Switched from [VMware Fusion](https://www.capterra.com/p/212917/VMware-Fusion/) Pour virtualiser MacOS en plus de windows. Review Source AA Andrew A. Owner / Field Techician Computer Hardware Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Parallels software, a Mac professional best choice in virtualization... " August 15, 2023 5.0 It's a positive experience, when running Windows 10 or 11 on a Mac computer, Parallels creates a very stable and usable virtualization. Pros The ability to either go in full Window mode or use both Windows and Mac OS on the main desktop, allowing one to switch very easily between OS platforms. Cons It's low ability to run all Windows drivers through the Windows virtualization on the Mac, for example, for when using certain USB driven devices that need full driver support. Reason for choosing Parallels Desktop for Mac There really aren't many alternative in the virtualization software for running Windows on the Mac, and Parallels continues to update and improve its product in a changing market. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Senior Global eCommerce Manager Consumer Goods Used the software for: 2+ years ### "If you work on a mac this is the most powerful tool to use Windows on it" May 20, 2018 4.0 Pros Parallels work great as you can work as if you were on a Windows from your mac. In order to launch Windows you don't even need to restart your machine, you just need to run Parallels and it will open on as any other application does. You can maximise the window so that you can switch from your mac to Windows with just a swipe. It will feel as if you were running Windows at all its effects. You can fine-tune how you want to distribute your machine's resources while running Parallels, so that you can give more or less to one or the other depending on your needs. Another option is to have Windows in integration mode, that means that you won't see Windows as a separate application running on your mac but integrated on it so that you can run Windows applications from your mac directly while running Parallels like this. Cons The integration mode is good but sometimes it can be a bit confusing if you're not used to it. In my opinion, I prefer the separate mode and switch from one screen to the other. If you need Windows to run applications that need a lot of resources it can really slow your mac down as once you run Parallels, the defined resources will be fully dedicated to it and therefore not available to your mac. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer IP and Technology Specialist Used the software for: 2+ years ### "There are tons of amazing SW, unfortunately not all for High Sierra. With Parallels you run it." March 13, 2018 5.0 It enables me running my favorite Approach on my Mac and whenever I need to test something as if from a different computer, I just open one ready virtual machine, log in, and it's done. Pros Parallels desktop allows creating as many virtual computers as you need (disk space permitting ;-) ). If you need to run a piece of serious SW available only for Windows or Linux, just create the respective virtual computer. With Windows and Coherence, you even have the Windows applications seamlessly available from the familiar Mac desktop. I use to run it the Lotus Approach, legacy, yet still unbeaten powerful database GUI and report/form creator for dummies. Alternatively, if you just want to test something without putting your Mac at risk, create an isolated throwaway virtual machine, test your new fancy SW, and if anything happens (or you just don't like it anymore), discard the virtual machine. Cons Parallels could be a bit sluggish if there is not enough physical memory and processing power available, this makes virtualization of computationally demanding tasks a bit difficult. But in most case you won't notice your Gnumeric is not running in MacOS but in virtual Ubuntu ... Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Accountant Accounting Used the software for: 2+ years ### "This has been essential in my line of work." September 27, 2018 5.0 Overall, this product does exactly what it needs to, and I have been very happy with its overall quality, ease of use, and other functionalities. Pros I own an accounting business, but use Mac's instead of windows PC's. In my line of work, quickbooks has been essential for me. I have used quickbooks for mac, but found that it didnt measure up to the windows version. That is where parallels has come in to play. I am able to run a windows environment virtually on my mac, while still being able to use everything I need to for my business! I am so glad I can do this instead of feeling forced back to using an actual windows PC. Cons Honestly, the only thing I don't like is the constant need to upgrade. pretty much any time I install an new operating system on my mac, Parallels requires that I re purchase their software because the old version isn't compatible. I will note that when this happens they give pretty big discount, but it is still a little bit frustrating to have to re purchase basically the same software over and over. Review Source Steve B. Lead User Experience Engineer Financial Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "If you use a Mac, there's really no alternative for Windows compatibility" September 11, 2018 5.0 Microsoft has spent a lot of effort trying to build parity between its Office offerings across platforms, but one area it consistently falls short is Outlook. It is still only possible to propose a new time for a meeting using the Windows version, and on a Mac, that means some virtualization of Windows. For that, Parallels is the best solution. Apple's Bootcamp allows a full switch from MacOS to Windows, and while it is robust in its support with device drivers and new versions of Windows, Parallels truly allows seamless switching between the two. Indeed, if they could come up with a model to virtualize MacOS on the PC (a restriction of Apple's, to be fair, prevents this) they'd sell millions of copies. Again, it bears repeating that if a MacOS users needs to run Windows, this is the only software that really bears consideration. Pros The business world runs mostly on Windows, and if you are running on MacOS, and need to run Windows software, there isn't a better tool out there. Cons While likely a limitation of MacOS, some notifications from Windows Apps don't appear when in the MacOS desktop from the virtual Windows desktop, and that can be important if it's a meeting reminder. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Owner & CEO Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Parallels 13 is Not Worth an Upgrade" February 24, 2018 3.0 I have purchased Parallels in their version 3 or 4 about 8 or 9 years ago. I mainly needed Parallels so that I can use Microsoft Office apps and to run Microsoft Explorer for some sites that insisted on using it (especially my bank). However, in the past few years the Office apps on Mac has become just as good and almost completely identical in how they present files that were generated on Windows platforms and also, Explorer has lost its dominance and there are no sites that require me to access them from Windows only. Therefore, this need has died. There are only 2 apps now that I still sometimes use on Windows and for which I don't have licenses on Mac: MS Project and Visio. Pros Running Windows 10 inside Parallels on my MacBook simply works as if it's completely native and it can connect and transfer files to and from my MacOS seamlessly. Cons \* The price they charge for upgrading older versions. \* Version 13 was promised to be much quicker than 12 but in fact, it made my virtual Windows run a lot slower than before. \* Improvements from version to version are insignificant but they present them as they are breakthroughs. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Happiness Engineer Internet Used the software for: 2+ years ### "You get what you pay for (That's a good thing!)" March 17, 2020 5.0 Pros Parallels Desktop is a step above any other VM software I've used. It's stable, customisable, reliable, fast, intuitive. I've tested alternatives just to say aware of the market and ALWAYS come back to Parallels. I find myself endlessly searching for (non-existent) help docs and forum posts for the competitors for tasks that are a complete no-brainer in Parallels. I run macOS, Windows and Linux VMs within Parallels and have not once been dissatisfied. Cons Parallels has solved all VM needs and I have no complaints or Wishlist. That is hard to say for such complex software. Well done Parallels. Alternatives considered [VirtualBox](https://www.capterra.com/p/169939/VirtualBox/) Review Source Matthew B. Systems Administrator/Analyst Publishing Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Stable and fast virtual machine management." January 2, 2018 5.0 This software lets me virtualize other versions of macOS, which allows me to test software on various OS's without having a separate Mac for each one. Pros The two best things for me are: 1. The website they provide for managing subscriptions and licenses. We have about 15 business edition licenses and only one license key to keep track of which is very nice. Their site makes it very easy to see when your licenses are up for renewal, to revoke a license from a machine, to assign new licenses, and just to see who is currently using the licenses. Love it! 2. We have a number of users who have a separate Boot Camp partition on their Macs to run Microsoft Windows natively. But with Parallels you can run that partition (when booted into macOS) as a VM with very little setup. This gives them both options of booting natively or using a VM with Windows. Cons What I like least is that sometimes I have trouble with or just can't setup a new VM for a macOS guest right after it's released. So that's macOS running another macOS VM, just to be clear. This always gets cleared up later, but when I want to check out a new version of macOS in a safe VM environment, I usually have to wait a few weeks, or just check back in a month or so. By then it will be easy to setup without wasting time trying to figure out what's wrong. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Responsable S.A.T. Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Virtualización sencilla " October 27, 2023 4.0 Pros En mi caso es una herramienta imprescindible para poder ejecutar Microsoft Windows en mi sistema Apple Cons No hace falta tener grandes conocimientos, pero necesitas los básicos para poder instalar la máquina virtual. Review Source Frank R. Co-Founder, CTO and Product Lead Hospitality Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Likely the best OS emulator out there for Mac" February 9, 2019 5.0 Overall, Parallels works in the way it says it does. Its integration between the two OSes is best in class as well as its speed. However, its licensing model really makes you consider alternatives, and in some cases if all you need is an OS to boot into every once in a while, then you're likely better off with cheaper alternatives like VirtualBox or BootCamp, which are both free. Pros Parallels integrates the guest OS with the host OS in a way that no other provider does with the exception of VMware, it's biggest competitor. It allows you to use the guest OS without having to worry about not having a common clipboard, or accessing the folders on your host OS, or even quickly bringing up apps. Everything has been thoughtfully integrated. It also provides more speed that is definitely not there when comparing it to other options like VirtualBox. Cons Parallels licensing is reminiscent of Windows licensing. Overall, it's a burden and they tend to force you to need to upgrade every year with the corresponding OS update. This makes it an expensive proposition since you're likely going to need the newer versions of Parallels for better compatibility once you update your host OS. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer attorney Legal Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A pretty good system, but the support sucks" December 21, 2021 4.0 It's great in allowing me to run Windows programs when there isn't an adequate Mac substitute. It's increadibly frustrating when malfunctions interfere with communications between the two systems. Pros Makes it pretty easy to run Windows and Mac OS on the same machine essentially simultaneously. Cons There are constantly "upgrades" happening - often automatically, and they can totally disrupt the system's operation. Once disrupted, it's almost impossible to get help to correct the problem. The only option is to reinstall the system and hope that works. Their customer support is a bad joke. Reason for choosing Parallels Desktop for Mac It was pretty much the only alternative I could find. Review Source Robert G. Project Manager Construction Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Mac/Windows seamless" December 6, 2018 5.0 Pros Parallels makes running Windows on a Mac as easy as anything. The ability to go back and forth between Windows and Mac and the seamless interface that can be either a window or take up your full screen is amazing. Plus the directory legwork Parallels does where you can store information locally on your device within the Parallels application really gives you a fully functional PC on a Mac. Cons There really is not much I dont like about this software. I would say integrating it through flash is the biggest issue now that we have moved away from CD-Rom drives in laptops. This took some time to figure out but in the end once it works, its a must for Mac users. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Network Security Intern Computer & Network Security Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Parallels is a game changer" December 29, 2018 5.0 I started using Parallels three years ago when I first purchased my macbook and I must say that I loved this software due it its user-friendliness. Pros Parallels allow users to create any number of virtual machines and these virtual machines will work seamlessly. Also, this has this unique feature which allows users to shift between virtual machines with three finger trackpad gesture. That feature is one of my favorites in Parallels. Not like other solutions, you will not need to go through a lot of troubles when deleting a virtual machine completely from your computer. Cons There is no negative feedback I can give to this software. It does what it should do and Parallels make everything easy. Review Source Todd M. IT Technical Specialist II Telecommunications Used the software for: 2+ years ### "VM integration made easy!" August 23, 2018 5.0 We use Parallels Desktop for Mac on all of our Macs in our company. It makes it easy for our mac users to run the few needed Windows applications while still keeping the look and feel of the Mac OS that they are used to. Pros Parallels makes it easy to run virtual machines on a mac. What's even better is the ability to integrate the VM into the current OS so it acts like your running windows applications within the Mac OS interface. You don't need to leave your Mac OS desktop to run windows apps. Parallels offers great features for a price much less than say VMWare Workstation for Mac. Cons THe fact that the payment model has been moved to a subscription-based model vs just purchasing the software out right. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer PhD Student Higher Education Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Fast & easy Windows virtual machines with (slightly intrusive) macOS integration" March 19, 2018 4.0 Pros I love the fact that Parallels automatically detects any Bootcamp partition, and makes it possible to boot it as a VM. As long as the VM is properly shutdown, rebooting into the Bootcamp partition (e.g. for gaming performance) remains as easy as before. This perfectly fits my use-case, where I need to compile and test programs under Windows (perfect for a virtual machine), but occasionally want to play games (perfect for a boot partition). All the main features expected of a virtualization software are present and work effortlessly: network sharing, shared folders, dynamic resolution (including support for fullscreen), etc. But, most importantly, performance is great! Cons Parallels automatically installs all kinds of tools and shortcuts in both the Windows and macOS systems. This is both a curse and a blessing: it enabled nice integration between the systems (e.g. well-matched keyboard mappings), but sometimes feel intrusive (e.g. many application shortcuts are created, and the Windows performance plan is modified). I feel like high-dpi screens are supported, but not optimally. I often find myself needing to manually zoom on thinks inside the VM, as Windows does not seems to be able to figure out a reasonable zoom factor from the virtual screen exposed by Parallels. Review Source JB Jennifer B. Sr. Development Director Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Parallels is POWERFUL!" May 4, 2018 5.0 Pros This software never ceases to impress me. It's almost unbelievable just how powerful this software really is, and I couldn't be happier with it. It's fast, it's easy (but certainly easier if you're tech savvy), and enables me to run Microsoft Windows 10 Pro alongside Mac OSX, simultaneously, and I can also use it to remotely connect to either the virtual Windows machine or my Mac, from any other computer I want. Those are only the main features, too. There are tons more awesome tools built in to the software, such as being able to send files between the two OS' and even copy & paste from Windows to Mac and vice versa. Their customer service is also outstanding... I had to reach out for an issue and I received a reply and a recommended course of action the very same day, just a few hours later. Cons It's not completely intuitive, so if you aren't computer savvy or have little patience, you'll probably be a little frustrated in the beginning. It takes a little bit of time to get it configured, and I'd highly recommend watching any instructional videos they send. I didn't, so it took me a while to figure out even some of the basic features. Review Source Giuseppe N. Software Engineer Manager Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "If you need Virtual Machine, you must use Parallels" May 8, 2022 5.0 Pros I am using the Pro edition and it is very powerful and offers in addition to virtualization also two other very useful tools which are "parallels access" which allows you to remotely access and manage devices and "parallels toolbox" which offers various widgets useful in managing the your computer. Cons I find no fault with "parallels desktop" it does everything it needs to do and does it very well. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer editor Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: I used a free trial ### "Ottimo software di emulazione per SO" July 10, 2023 4.0 Software di riferimento per l'emulazione di Windows o altri SO, che elimina quasi qualsiasi restrizione di determinati applicativi disponibili solo su specifiche piattaforme.Non ho più avuto quelle situazioni scomode dove non potessi eseguire un software perchè non disponibile la versione Mac, giochi permettendo. Pros Facilità d'uso incredibile: è come usare un qualsiasi applicativo per Mac, facendo dimenticare all'utente che stia emulando e non facendo girare nativamente il SO.Comodissima la possibilità di gestione del disco, lasciando all'utente il controllo dei file sulla "partizione" Mac anche su Windows. Cons Essendo comunque un applicativo abbastanza esoso a livello di risorse, surriscalda abbastanza il mio Macbook Air M1 (configurazione base), pertanto non lo uso mai per periodi troppo prolungati.Non supporta le DirectX12, almeno per la versione che ho usato in prova io. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Specialist HR Consultant Financial Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Parallels is the one app for mac users to install windows" April 19, 2020 4.0 I works well. It saves me time, and money. Unfortunately I had to purchase from an unofficial vendor an enterprise license because the official one is too expensive for me. I tried to negotiate a discount with their customer representative but the discount they offered was less than commercial discount they offered by email marketing. Such lame Pros Forget about bootcamp. You have to restart computer to log in to windows, interrupt your work, etc. I used parallels because it is seamlessly integrated with mac os environment. I'm a mac user but I also use windows for some apps that are windows only or the mac version is lacking features. Parallels is easy to setup, to use and works flawlessly Cons Where should I start... Oh yes, the price. It is beyond my budget and the fact that is is somehow subscription based (you purchase a licence that can only be updated for one year, then you have to pay again or get stuck with the last version from the last year) Review Source James D. President Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Works well for what it's supposed to do" February 10, 2019 4.0 Pros This software works well for mac virtualization. This is more stable compared to vmware and had plenty of features. This is software is very easy to install and manage. This is an IT persons dream. Cons My biggest issue with this software is it seams like you need to be on the annual subscription plan for long term stability. Every major MacOS update, it requires an update to parallels. This can make the software kind of expensive. With that said, if you're a student buy the student version as it will save you a lot of money. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Information security Intern Computer & Network Security Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Parallels to use Virtual Machines parallel " November 7, 2018 4.0 I have Parallels on my Mac since 2015 and all my networking related assignments are done using Parallels. My overall experience with Parallels is amazing. It never disappointed me. Pros Parallels allows users to setup any number of virtual machines on top of Mac and these virtual machines can be used parallel. Three finger swipe feature in Parallels is a game changer. Switching between up and running virtual machines is pretty easy because of this feature. Cons There is no complaint from me. Parallel does what it is supposed to do and all the features are working fine. Review Source Gustavo P. Coordinador Soporte Tecnico de Aplicaciones Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A very complete and practical software to use, helps in the daily operations of the organization" June 12, 2018 5.0 In the organization, it allowed us to use the best of Mac and the functionalities of windows since the business required it so Pros I like it, that allows to have operative Windows knowledge features on a Mac, in this way generates a win - win in the organization that translates into profit Cons What I like the least, is that it becomes heavy at the moment of wanting to update versions of windows, also generates a high impact in time for the technical support department since it is not an agile practice, it can be improved Review Source TM Tyler M. Social Media Specialist Marketing and Advertising Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Great Option to Access Windows on Mac" March 25, 2022 5.0 I love Parallels. Just the ability to not have to be limited by my computer's OS has truly opened the doors of what my computer is capable of. Pros I love that I am able to access Windows on my Mac computer. When switching to an M1 Mac, I was nervous about not being able to access windows anymore, but Parallels has come to the rescue! It works great for being able to access windows programs. I wouldn't use it personally for some seriously heavy applications, but for other light tasks this has saved me from having to carry around 2 different computers! Cons Although it takes you step by step through the inital set up and installation, it is still a little confusing to get up and running. Once you get past that, it works as advertised! It's a little frustrating that sometimes the display settings keep resetting every time you reopen the software. I have to go through and go back into settings and setting up my display resolution. It would be nice if this wasn't an issue. The settings resetting also causes some glitches with bluetooth devices. Review Source Similar Products Featured