Are you tired of juggling between your Mac and Windows devices?
Have you ever wished you could run Windows applications seamlessly on your macOS without the hassle of rebooting?
Parallels Desktop could be your answer.
This powerful virtualization software lets you run Windows, Linux, and other operating systems side-by-side with macOS on your Mac.
But is it worth the investment?
In this comprehensive Parallels review we find out if it’s the right solution for your needs.
Ready to unleash your Mac’s full potential? Millions of users trust Parallels Desktop. Try it today and experience the difference!
What is Parallels?
Imagine having a mini-computer inside your Mac.
That’s the magic of Parallels Desktop for Mac.
It’s like a virtual machine that lets you run Windows apps alongside your usual Mac programs. No more rebooting or switching computers!
With Parallels, you can seamlessly use popular Windows software, games, and tools right on your Mac desktop.
Think of it as the ultimate bridge between two different worlds of computing, bringing the best of both to your fingertips.
Who Created Parallels?
Parallels, a company founded in 1999 by Serguei Beloussov, had a vision: to bridge the gap between different operating systems.
They wanted to create a solution where Mac users could seamlessly access Windows virtual machines, running both Mac apps and Windows software on their Mac desktop.
And so, Parallels Desktop for Mac was born!
It revolutionized the way people worked, played, and created, proving that you didn’t have to choose between macOS and Windows anymore.
Top benefits of Parallels
- Run Windows apps on your Mac: Seamlessly use your favorite Windows apps alongside your usual Mac apps without needing a separate Windows PC. It’s like having two computers in one!
- Best of both worlds: No need to choose between macOS and Windows! Enjoy the flexibility of having both operating systems at your fingertips.
- Blazing fast performance: Parallels is optimized for the latest Apple Silicon Macs, ensuring smooth and responsive performance even when running demanding Windows apps.
- Effortless Windows installation: Say goodbye to complicated setups. Parallels Desktop makes installing Windows 10 or 11 on your Mac a breeze.
- Beyond Windows: While Windows is a popular choice, Parallels also lets you explore other operating systems like Linux or even older versions of macOS as a guest operating system within your Mac.
- Seamless Integration: Copy and paste, drag and drop files between Mac and Windows as if they were running natively on the same machine.
- Coherence Mode: Hide the Windows desktop and run Windows apps like they’re native Mac apps right from your Dock or Launchpad.
- Travel Mode: Extend your Mac’s battery life when you’re on the go by temporarily optimizing Parallels Desktop’s resource usage.
- Regular Updates: Parallels is constantly updated to ensure compatibility with the latest macOS and Windows releases, providing a consistently smooth experience.
Best Features of Parallels
Parallels isn’t just about running Windows on your Mac. It’s a suite of tools designed to increase your workflow and productivity. Let’s explore some of its standout features.
1. Parallels for Mac
This is the core product that lets you run Windows, Linux, or other operating systems alongside macOS on your Mac.
It’s incredibly easy to set up, and thanks to optimization for Apple Silicon Macs, you’ll experience smooth performance even with demanding apps.
2. Parallels Toolbox
Think of this as a Swiss Army knife for your Mac.
It’s packed with over 40 handy tools for everyday tasks, like taking screenshots, converting videos, downloading videos, cleaning your drive, and much more.
It’s a time-saver for both Mac and Windows users.
3. Parallels RAS
Designed for businesses, Parallels RAS enables centralized management & delivery of virtual desktops & applications to any device.
It streamlines IT management and provides a secure, consistent work environment for employees.
4. Parallels Secure Workplace
This solution helps organizations create and manage secure virtual workspaces for employees.
It allows for secure access to corporate resources from any device, ensuring data protection and compliance.
5. Parallels DaaS
Parallels DaaS is a cloud-based solution that enables service providers to offer virtual desktops and applications to their customers.
It’s a scalable and cost-effective way to deliver high-performance virtual environments.
Pricing
| Plan | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Standard Edition | 8 GB vRAM, 4 vCPUs | $99.99/year |
| Pro Edition | 128 GB vRAM, 32 vCPUs | $89.99/year |
| Business Edition | Business friendly billing, New Automate CI/CD workflows | $112.49/year |
Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
Alternatives of Parallels
If Parallels doesn’t quite fit the bill, there are other virtualization software options worth considering:
- VMware Fusion: Another popular choice for running Windows on Mac, offering similar features to Parallels but with its own distinct interface and performance optimizations.
- VirtualBox: A free and open-source virtualization solution that supports a long range of guest operating systems. While it offers flexibility, it may not be as user-friendly or performant as commercial options.
- Boot Camp: A built-in macOS utility that allows you to install Windows directly on your Mac’s hard drive, partitioning it into separate macOS and Windows sections. It offers native performance but requires rebooting to switch between operating systems.
- CrossOver: A compatibility layer that allows you to sprint certain Windows apps directly on macOS without needing a full Windows installation. It’s a lighter-weight solution but with limited app support.
Personal Experience with Parallels
Our team, composed of both Mac and Windows users, recently adopted Parallels Desktop to streamline our workflow. It was a game-changer!
We could finally run essential Windows applications right alongside our Mac apps, eliminating the need for separate Windows machines.
Here are some key benefits we experienced:
- Seamless collaboration: Shared files and data effortlessly between macOS and Windows, fostering a more cohesive team environment.
- Increased productivity: No more time wasted switching between devices or rebooting. We could access all the tools we needed instantly.
- Optimized performance: Even on our Apple Silicon Macs, Parallels delivered a smooth and responsive experience, handling both Mac and Windows applications with ease.
- Flexibility: Team members could choose their preferred operating system, knowing they had access to all the necessary software regardless.
- Cost savings: By eliminating the need for additional Windows PCs, we saved on hardware costs and IT maintenance.
Overall, Parallels empowered us to break down barriers between Mac and Windows, enabling a more efficient and productive workflow.
Final Thoughts
Parallels Desktop is a powerful tool.
That bridges the gap between Mac and Windows, letting you run both Mac and Windows apps seamlessly on a single machine.
It’s particularly beneficial for those needing specific Windows software on their Mac, offering a smooth and integrated experience, especially on Apple Silicon Macs.
While it comes at a cost and can be resource-intensive, its benefits, especially for users relying on both operating systems, often outweigh the drawbacks.
If you’re tired of juggling between two worlds, give Parallels a try – it might just be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the system requirements for Parallels Desktop?
To run Parallels Desktop smoothly, you’ll need a Mac with an Intel or Apple M series chip, at least 4GB of RAM (8GB recommended), and enough free storage space for both macOS and the guest operating system you plan to install.
Can I play Windows games on my Mac using Parallels?
Yes, you can! Parallels Desktop allows you to run many popular Windows games on your Mac, even graphically demanding ones. However, performance may very depending on your Mac’s specifications and the game’s requirements.
Is Parallels Desktop easy to use?
Absolutely! Parallels Desktop is designed with user-friendliness in mind. The installation process is straightforward, and the interface is intuitive, making it very easy to set up & manage your virtual machines.
Can I transfer my existing Windows license to Parallels Desktop?
Yes, you can! If you already have a valid Windows license, you can use it to activate Windows within Parallels Desktop. You don’t need to purchase a new license.
Is Parallels Desktop worth the price?
If you frequently need to use Windows apps on your Mac, Parallels Desktop is definitely worth considering. Its seamless integration, performance, and ease of use make it a valuable tool for many Mac users. However, if you only occasionally need Windows, exploring free alternatives like VirtualBox might be a better option.
