# Page 3 | Parallels Desktop for Mac Reviews 2026. Verified Reviews, Pros & Cons | Capterra > Page 3 - 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 3 - Reviews of Parallels Desktop for Mac ## Showing most helpful reviews Showing 51-75 of 147 Reviews Sort by: Most Helpful Rating Company Size Reviewer's Role Length of Use Frequency of Use Andrew H. Technical Director Non-Profit Organization Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Best of both worlds...almost!" January 8, 2019 5.0 I run Parallels Desktop 13 on a Macbook Pro, 2016 model running 10.14. I've been a user for several years now and love it. Pros Parallels works for most users who need dual OS environments on their Mac machine. The pricing is a positive for me...it's not terribly expensive and the company is continually rolling out updates...some are paid some are not depending on the size of the update. It runs quietly in the background of your machine and once it's installed and setup, it's very easy to seamlessly switch between the two operating systems. One particular positive is that you can share files between the two operating systems natively. So, if you have a file on the desktop of your Mac OS, you can easily grab it from your Windows OS. Cons For "Pro" level users, sometimes the Network bridge options don't work for what you need it to do. For example, I often need to connect a Pro-Audio software to our local network that my Mac is located on and sometimes Windows cannot communicate correctly with the device. SO, while it's awesome for your basic things, for more specific network communications, it gets it's wires crossed. That said, I can get it to work about half the time or more. Review Source Mark J. IT Infrastructure Manager Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Running Windows programs in a Mac environment sets Parallels apart from their competitors" June 12, 2018 5.0 Pros The ability for Windows to run in the background while using macOS and opening Windows applications makes life so much easier for our Developers who write code for Windows an macOS. they dont need to shut down and boot into the Windows partition, they run the Windows Apps from within macOS Cons The only con for me is that this program is not a installed by default with every macOS. Other then that, this product is a win Review Source David M. Director of Technical Services Information Technology and Services Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Parallels for Mac is essential for our support team!" May 21, 2018 5.0 Parallels Desktop for Mac is the best solution for our support team to assist our clients with both Mac and Windows! Pros The ease and flexibility of Parallels for Mac allow our project team use Mac and Windows simultaneously no need to reboot! Parallels Desktop allows us to have the best of both worlds at our fingertips... literally! Cons The one thing that many users look for in Parallels is a perpetual license versus the yearly subscription. Review Source Stephen B. IT Manager Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Multiple Operating Systems in One Powerful Computer" May 9, 2021 5.0 Parallels Desktop for Mac is an amazing tool that helps you run two of the most powerful operating systems in a single powerful computer. With the newest version of Parallels, you can seamlessly switch between MacOS and Windows 10, taking full advantage of programs, drivers and peripherals that are operating system specific. Parallels gives you granular control over your storage, ram and CPU resources allowing you to pick the configuration that is right for you. You will never have to chose a computer based on your operating system again. Get Parallels Desktop for Mac and take advantage of two operating systems in on computer. Pros I love that I can quickly switch between Mac and Windows applications and that the user interface is so easy to use. Cons Parallels Desktop for Mac is not a cheap tool. You will pay quite a bit for a new license and a percentage for upgrades from year to year. Review Source Felipe M. Professor Higher Education Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Best Virtual Machine Software for Mac" August 15, 2018 5.0 I am an engineer student and all the time I am needing applications that are only developed for windows. Parallels is my perfect ally to do my homework and projects. Pros Parallels allows a really smooth integration of a virtual machine on Mac. The folders belonging to Mac system are easily accessible from the virtual machine. The coherence mode is really impressive since allows the opening of applications of the virtual machine on the Mac as they were native Mac application. Another thing that I personally like is that the programs installed in the virtual machine are available in the open with menu on the Mac system. Cons Actually, I have no complaints about Parallels. This software exceeds my expectations of a virtual machine software Review Source David D. Artistic Director Arts and Crafts Used the software for: 2+ years ### "When in a pinch... Parallels is the place!" December 21, 2018 5.0 I am a Die Hard fan of Quicbkooks but also a great fan of Mac, unfortunately up to this date its not possible to use Quickbooks on Mac (at least the Desktop version, which is my favorite), once they recommended me to use Parallels I jumped on it and it has served me greatly, no need for a clumsy PC on my desk :) Pros The ability to use PC software on a Mac... priceless Cons Customer service is a bit hard to get ahold of, but not impossible. Review Source Maurice A M. Operations Director Outsourcing/Offshoring Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Windows when you need it" January 15, 2019 5.0 Pros Downloading and setting up a Windows 10 VM is quick and easy, the longest part of it was downloading Windows directly from the Microsoft store. It's nice that it gives you the option to set it up this way; however, you're able to run other local ISOs as well. I use Parallels primarily to run legacy Windows applications on my Mac. I've tried before to use Bootcamp to run Windows, but I found it to be a hassle because I only needed to use those specific Windows Apps for a brief time during the week and I do prefer work with macOS. Windows works very efficiently with, and you can customise how much RAM, storage, and so on. Cons I haven't had any issues working with Parallels, as I only use it to boot Windows, use the two apps I need to work and presto. However, having a powerful Mac (or close unnecessary apps) is advised. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Senior Engineer Design Used the software for: 2+ years ### "A must have for people needing Windows Apps" January 30, 2019 4.0 Pros Super streamlined, does everything it says on the tin. OS's boot quickly, with minimal compatibility issues Cons The subscription vs one-time fee differences. Essentially you pay the same amount if you continue to upgrade every year, however the one-time fee version is cut down in features which does affect my use case. Review Source PSM Prabhjit Singh M. Website Developer and Marketer Online Media Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Parallels Desktop for Mac : Only Solution You Need to Run Windows on your MacBooks" June 22, 2023 5.0 My overall experience has been outstanding with this one! If someone is in mood for fun, go ahead download it and let your friends know the feeling of running Windows operating system on your MacBook! Pros Did you just buy a new MacBook? If MacOS is not your thing and for some reason you want to try running Windows on your machine then Parallels is a software that you'll definitely need. This thing transforms your MacBook into a whole new machine! You can create virtual computer in which you can assign dedicated storage space and RAM and after the initial setup you'll have Windows OS running withing minutes. Whenever I have used this, it was able to do the job flawlessly and my new virtual machine did all the basic tasks with ease. The UI is also user friendly and you can get started without reading any guides if you have the technical knowledge. I don't think this one will get any competitors soon. Definitely recommended. Cons Parallels Desktop literally comes with no cons. You gotta trust me on this because I've used it for a while now and I never faced any issues. No random crashes, no lag on the virtual machine! This thing is perfect. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Marketing Manager Computer Software Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great Windows 10 VM Performance on Mac" January 24, 2018 4.0 I get a full-featured Windows PC on my Mac when I need it. Pros I used both Parallels and VMware Fusion for Windows VM work on my Mac and have long preferred Parallels. Performance is generally better, and more importantly I seem to have less issues as far as stability and random "VM-related" problems. There have been numerous things over the past few years with Fusion that became annoying enough that they hampered my productivity. Conversely, with Parallels I can rely on it as I would a stable Windows PC. Cons Nagging pop-up windows when a new version is released. Aggressive push toward subscription SaaS model. Less license flexibility than VMware Fusion. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer President & CEO Entertainment Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great For When You Need to Use Windows" March 14, 2019 5.0 Pros I am an avid Apple Mac users. Nowadays, software developers recognize how many of us are out there and have developed versions of their software that run on Mac. However, once in a while I need to use a program that will only run on Windows. At these times, Parallels is priceless. I really like how it concurrently runs two operating systems on my Mac so I can easily and quickly switch between Mac and Windows without rebooting my computer. Cons It would be nice if Parallels offered an option to buy MS Windows through them at the same time one orders Parallels. I had to go out and separately buy a licensed version of Windows 10 when I installed Parallels. I bet they could create a software partnership with MS similar to that which exists with computer hardware manufacturers where the Windows OS is bundled with the computer. A bundled Parallels offering would probably be less expensive than me shopping for a separate version of Windows. Review Source CR Chaz R. Manager Automotive Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Shady business practices, bloated and unusable" March 20, 2024 1.0 Shady business practices for a product that's become bloated and unusable. Make sure to turn off auto-renew on your payment center. It's on by default. The "Your Subscription is about to renew" email was sent out more than 24 hours after the company took my funds. I, of course, was denied a refund. This is the hallmark of a shady business. Do not give them money. There are much better alternatives out there. Pros The name is pretty apt for what the product is. Cons Mostly with the company's auto-renewal practices, and denial of a refund request. Hallmark of a shady company. The product itself used to be brilliant. Each successive version has become more bloated. Incompatibility issues are also present. Review Source Jonathan A. Attorney Law Practice Used the software for: 2+ years ### "My Parallels Desktop experience" August 18, 2021 5.0 Excellent. Definitely one of my top 5 favorite software of all time. Pros So I had an issue with my Macbook Air, it has 256 gb of space on the SSD, and I didn't want to use Bootcamp to install Windows which would take up further space, but I needed access to Windows, as there are certain programs that I just wouldn't get on Mac, and alot of times, I just prefer the Windows version of certain softwares. Hence, Parallels Desktop has been a life saver with it's virtual machine (VM) capability. I can now remained logged in MacOS and I can run Windows through Parallels. Parallels is snappy, doesn't lag, I have access to a Windows environment and I don't have to log out of my macOS to log into Windows if I had gone down the Bootcamp route, so it's saves time, space and I have access to both Windows and Mac at the same time. Cons Could be a memory hog, but considering what the software does, it's understandable. Review Source TI Therese I. Sole Proprieter Law Practice Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Love Mac But Need Windows Softwares" January 31, 2023 5.0 I have a really good experience overall with this software, except as I've said, getting a new computer and having to re-purchase a windows license. Pros Really, really love the ability to use both apple products/apps on my mac as well as windows software. The best of both worlds. There are just some things you can only get on windows, and it is easier to just have one computer rather than two. I also love and use their parallels toolbox kit with several useful apps. Cons In switching macs, I was unable to get the same windows license and therefore had to purchase a new one. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Creative Technical Lead Hospitality Used the software for: 6-12 months ### "Total game changer for people working on Mac in a PC office." January 18, 2018 5.0 Pros Parallels allows me to run a Windows Desktop on one screen while still having Mac OS running in my other screen. I love that it allows me to use PC software on my Mac without any issues. It was really easy to setup with Windows 10. Much easier than other VM software I've used before. Cons It can be pretty pricing getting it for a large team in a business, but it was still totally worth it. I wouldn't run any intense programs or games on here because it wouldn't perform as well running natively on PC. Review Source Zack S. Sound & Media Director Religious Institutions Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Parallels is a MUST for every Mac owner!" January 29, 2019 5.0 I think this is software that every Mac owner should have. You never know when you'll run into that one piece of software that just isn't Mac compatible. Pros My work computer is a Macbook pro, but there are certain pieces of software I need for work that just isn't compatible with Mac OS. That's where Parallels comes in! I can run every piece of software I need and it works flawlessly. It also allows me to test projects out in different user environments. Cons It does take up a large amount of space on hard drives, but that's to be expected when installing a secondary OS. Review Source Juan M. Autónomo Design Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Instalar un sistema operativo diferente a MacOs" March 30, 2023 5.0 Parallels Desktop for Mac me ayuda a realizar comprobaciones de programación y ejecutar archivos de otros sistemas, como Windows o Linux, que Mac no admite. Pros Parallels Desktop me permite instalar Windows y Linux en un ordenador Mac sin necesidad de hacer particiones en el disco duro o tocar archivos de sistema. Cons Puede llegar a consumir muchos recursos que tiene que coger del sistema principal para ejecutar programas de virtualización. Switched from [VirtualBox](https://www.capterra.com/p/169939/VirtualBox/)[VMware Fusion](https://www.capterra.com/p/212917/VMware-Fusion/) Con las actualizaciones de MacOs no funcionaban las virtualizaciones correctamente y ralentizaba el ordenador. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Assistant Education Management Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Parallels, Windows on Mac" November 7, 2018 4.0 Pros I needed to be able to write on windows formatted Drives so I decided to use parallels desktop. I have found that it is easy to use and make things a lot easier because I don't have to have two computers anymore. I would recommend for anyone who is trying to get a virtual machine on their mac. Cons Sometimes when I would try to switch the drives to windows or mac, it would have an error and I would have to do things like restart the computer. But don't let this decide. I think it is a great app. Review Source EK Earle K. CIO/CEO Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "Great product-Great for Multi-Platform users - Upgrade Pricing needs work" February 21, 2018 4.0 Pros I love the integrated view... being able to launch a Windows program from the System Dock on the Mac is wonderful. Instead of having to switch windows or spaces. I love that! It was easy enough to set up and get running. Cons The upgrade path is ridiculous! I understand the need for companies to make money, and offering FREE upgrades may not work for all products and all companies, but having to pay FULL-PRICE every year for the newest version just to stay compatible with the newest MacOS (which is free) is really hard on the budget. This is a great product, but I had to drop it in lieu of an inferior solution, but that solution is free, so the pocketbook wins, unfortunately. Review Source Alejandro T. General Manager Wine and Spirits Used the software for: 2+ years ### "WONDERFUL" July 6, 2021 3.0 Good experience working with parallels Pros It let me use MS Access on my Mac, that's the best Cons It performance is not the best, it consumes a lot of RAM Review Source Subeesh P. IT Analyst Semiconductors Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Review for Parallels Desktop for Mac (Two years of hands own)" November 3, 2018 4.0 Pros Easy to use Simple interface to start Customizable configurations Faster Cons Random crashes Need minimum 16 GB RAM for a better performance Review Source TR Thomas R. Development Manager Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Easy Way to run Windows or Linux on Your Mac Without Rebooting" April 10, 2018 5.0 Pros Parallels Desktop is one of the two best apps to run a virtual client OS on your Mac. Parallels makes it easy to have multiple guest OS machines available- they can be configured for specific purposes (testing a specific OS version, running different versions of software, etc.). It is far more convenient to use than installing Windows or Linux on a disk partition and rebooting to use, at least if intense processing power and maximum speed are not needed. Certain OS's can be easily installed as a pre-configured VM. Very good integration between the guest OS and the native Mac OS. Cons Biggest con is that, by definition, the guest OS will not run as quickly as if it were running natively. That's to be expected, of course, and any apps that really require maximum use of your computer's hardware should be run in a native OS instead of a guest OS. Review Source VR Verified Reviewer Accounting Teaching Assistant Higher Education Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Great for Excel for Windows Use" January 29, 2019 4.0 Pros As someone who uses many advanced functions within Microsoft Excel that are not available on the Mac version of the software, I find Parallels very useful. The product runs smoothly for the most part and definitely gets the job done. If you need to use the PC version of a program, I would recommend it over other alternatives such as Bootcamp. Cons The software can lag sometimes and is definitely not great if you need to be using the software all day, every day. Review Source DE Daniel E. ceo E-Learning Used the software for: 2+ years ### "Windows on Mac" April 16, 2020 5.0 We need several tools that run better on the Windows operating system or can even be run at all. However, we do not want to do without the great possibilities of Mac devices. With Parallels, we have both in one. Pros Parallels makes it possible to run virtual desktops on a Mac. The interaction between the two operating systems works smoothly and almost unnoticed with Parallels. The speed is hardly limited. Cons Parallels must be re-licensed repeatedly or an upgrade is recommended. However, the better performance promised is hardly noticeable. Review Source Fiona R. Freelance Project Manager Construction Used the software for: 1-2 years ### "For when you need to pretend to have a Windows PC" January 31, 2019 4.0 Needed to run a Windows only piece of software and it does that perfectly. Pros So I initially got Parallels Desktop when using a product that isn't supported on Mac. It was incredibly easy to install and I was up and running within an hour. Parallels will let you choose if you want to share devices and apps between MacOS and Windows - so you can decide if you want to be able to trigger windows apps from the Mac launcher. You can also share printers, external devices and the clipboard. I don't keep it running all the time (to save resources) but when I need the windows app it's up and running pretty fast - as long as the Windows Update behemoth is under control! Cons I did have an issue when it got stuck in a loop and I had to completely trash it and start again. Hasn't happened since so I'm hopeful that it's more stable. Can be resource hungry so if your mac is a little older (as mine is) you have to watch the impact on the general running of your mac. Review Source Similar Products Featured