Parallels Desktop Reviews

Name: Parallels Desktop
Brand: Parallels
Rating: 3.8 (2 reviews)

3.8 out of 5

2 reviews
100% willing to recommend

What is Parallels Desktop?

Parallels Desktop is a virtualization software for Mac that allows users to run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems alongside macOS without rebooting. It provides a seamless experience for users who need access to different operating systems on a single machine.

Get the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Buyer's Guide and find out what your peers are saying about Parallels Desktop, VMware Workstation, Workspace ONE UEM and more!

Parallels Desktop is the #6 ranked solution in top Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions. PeerSpot users give Parallels Desktop an average rating of 7.6 out of 10. Parallels Desktop is most commonly compared to VMware Workstation: Parallels Desktop vs VMware Workstation. Parallels Desktop is popular among the large enterprise segment, accounting for 51% of users researching this solution on PeerSpot. The top industry researching this solution are professionals from a computer software company, accounting for 14% of all views.

Buyer's Guide

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

June 2025

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Helped 861,524 peers since 2012

Parallels Desktop mindshare

As of July 2025, the mindshare of Parallels Desktop in the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) category stands at 13.4%, up from 9.0% compared to the previous year, according to calculations based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

Key learnings from peers

Valuable Features

"I like how, with Parallels, you can either boot into Mac or Windows to get better control over the resources of the laptops since you're sharing the resources in dual mode."
"Parallels Desktop integrates seamlessly with macOS. It works better than VMware on Apple operating systems."

Room for Improvement

"There may have been some issues with device drivers on my Mac. Similarly, there are some issues with transferring data from Parallels to the Mac."
"The biggest challenge is compatibility between VMware and Parallels because the two systems are incompatible. It can be challenging if you are switching between Windows and Mac. I recommend sticking with one product because there isn't good compatibility between the different products."

These insights are based on the in-depth reviews provided by peers to help you make a better buying decision.

Download our Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Buyer's Guide for additional reliable information.

Top industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

14%

Comms Service Provider

13%

University

Educational Organization

Manufacturing Company

Healthcare Company

Hospitality Company

Financial Services Firm

Retailer

Government

Non Profit

Construction Company

Outsourcing Company

Energy/Utilities Company

Media Company

Legal Firm

Real Estate/Law Firm

Performing Arts

Insurance Company

Transportation Company

Logistics Company

Recreational Facilities/Services Company

Wholesaler/Distributor

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Learn more about Parallels Desktop

As a powerful cross-platform solution, Parallels Desktop is designed for developers, testers, and users who require flexibility in operating multiple systems concurrently. It efficiently manages resources, offering significant advantages for those who need Windows applications on a Mac without compromising on performance. Its intuitive setup and strong integration with macOS make it highly appealing to technical teams looking for productivity enhancements.

What features stand out in Parallels Desktop?

Coherence Mode: Integrates Windows applications with macOS for a unified user experience.
Resource Allocation: Allows users to fine-tune resources dedicated to each virtual machine for optimal performance.
Cross-Platform Data Transfer: Enables easy sharing of files and data between operating systems.

What benefits and ROI should users look for?

Increased Productivity: Seamless access to Windows applications on Mac can enhance workflow efficiency.
Cost-Effective Solution: Reduces the need for multiple devices, saving on hardware costs.
Improved Flexibility: Offers the ability to run testing environments on a single device, increasing operational flexibility.

In industries like software development and design, Parallels Desktop is often implemented to streamline operations, allowing professionals to simultaneously utilize macOS and Windows tools. This adaptability proves essential in environments that demand the use of diverse software applications, ensuring continuity and productivity.