Top 10 Parallels Desktop Alternatives

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

Vendor: Parallels

3.8 out of 5

2 reviews
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Top Parallels Desktop Competitors

Discover the top alternatives and competitors to Parallels Desktop based on the interviews we conducted with its users. The top alternative solutions include VMware Workstation, Workspace ONE UEM, and Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service). The alternatives are sorted based on how often peers compare the solutions. Parallels Desktop surpasses its competitors by offering seamless integration with macOS, allowing users to run Windows applications without restarting, alongside advanced features like Coherence Mode and Touch Bar support, providing an unmatched virtual machine experience on Mac.

Parallels Alternatives Report

Learn what solutions real users are comparing with Parallels, and compare use cases, valuable features, and pricing.

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VMware Workstation

4.4 out of 5

VMware Workstation

4.4 out of 5

VMware Workstation attracts tech professionals with extensive customization features. In comparison, Parallels Desktop provides seamless integration for easy operation on macOS. VMware appeals to those focused on complexity, while Parallels suits users prioritizing simplicity and intuitive deployment.

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Pricing

VMware Workstation involves a higher setup cost compared to Parallels Desktop, highlighting a potential budget difference for users considering these virtualization solutions.

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Pricing

VMware Workstation involves a higher setup cost compared to Parallels Desktop, highlighting a potential budget difference for users considering these virtualization solutions.

Workspace ONE UEM

4.0 out of 5

Workspace ONE UEM

4.0 out of 5

Parallels Desktop excels in virtualization, offering cost-effective solutions for Mac users wanting seamless OS integration. In comparison, Workspace ONE UEM delivers enhanced device management capabilities, appealing to organizations prioritizing comprehensive control and security features over initial costs, despite its higher investment.

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Pricing

Parallels Desktop has a lower setup cost compared to Workspace ONE UEM, making it more budget-friendly for initial deployment. However, Workspace ONE UEM offers robust capabilities that may justify its higher setup cost for enterprises seeking comprehensive management solutions.

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Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service)

4.2 out of 5

Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service)

4.2 out of 5

Citrix DaaS excels in enterprise environments with robust virtual desktop management and security features, suitable for organizations with dedicated IT teams. In comparison, Parallels Desktop caters to Mac users with seamless Windows integration, offering a user-friendly setup ideal for individuals or small businesses.

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Pricing

Citrix DaaS may involve higher setup costs compared to Parallels Desktop, which is generally more affordable, highlighting significant differences in initial investment between the two solutions.

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Pricing

Citrix DaaS may involve higher setup costs compared to Parallels Desktop, which is generally more affordable, highlighting significant differences in initial investment between the two solutions.

VMware Fusion Pro

4.4 out of 5

VMware Fusion Pro

4.4 out of 5

VMware Fusion Pro is popular for running Windows on Mac, server networking, and virtual machine management. It excels in usability, stability, and connectivity with Windows ESXi infrastructure. Users cite the need for improvements in snapshot management, resource demands, licensing, cloud security features, and macOS integration.

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Pricing

Starting with version 12, it is now free on a Mac for personal use. Fusion Pro has a cost.

The cost varies depending on the season and whether it is scaled up or scaled down, but I would guess that it's approximately $1,000 per month.

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Pricing

Starting with version 12, it is now free on a Mac for personal use. Fusion Pro has a cost.

The cost varies depending on the season and whether it is scaled up or scaled down, but I would guess that it's approximately $1,000 per month.

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services

4.1 out of 5

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services

4.1 out of 5

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services offers robust enterprise-level capabilities with excellent security and scalability. In comparison, Parallels Desktop excels in cross-platform flexibility, offering seamless macOS and Windows integration, appealing to users prioritizing ease of use and cost-effectiveness for smaller deployments.

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Pricing

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services generally features a high setup cost, whereas Parallels Desktop is recognized for its low initial expenses, making it a more budget-friendly option in comparison.

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Pricing

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services generally features a high setup cost, whereas Parallels Desktop is recognized for its low initial expenses, making it a more budget-friendly option in comparison.

Horizon 8

4.0 out of 5

Horizon 8

4.0 out of 5

Parallels Desktop offers seamless macOS integration, making it ideal for individuals and small businesses prioritizing ease and compatibility. In comparison, Horizon 8 excels in comprehensive virtualization management, appealing to enterprises requiring advanced features, robust security, and scalability, justifying its higher cost.

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Pricing

Parallels Desktop involves minimal setup costs, offering straightforward installation, while Horizon 8 incurs higher setup fees, reflecting its complexity and advanced features.

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Pricing

Parallels Desktop involves minimal setup costs, offering straightforward installation, while Horizon 8 incurs higher setup fees, reflecting its complexity and advanced features.

Azure Virtual Desktop

4.1 out of 5

Azure Virtual Desktop

4.1 out of 5

Organizations utilize Azure Virtual Desktop for remote work and secure application access, providing flexible multi-session environments, scalable user onboarding, and cost-effective operations. Azure's integration with Microsoft 365 enhances security through Azure Active Directory and multi-factor authentication. Challenges include cost predictability and application delivery, with potential improvements in scalability and management.

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Horizon Cloud Service

4.2 out of 5

Horizon Cloud Service

4.2 out of 5

Parallels Desktop excels in affordability and ease of deployment for individuals or small businesses needing multiple OS environments on a Mac. In comparison, Horizon Cloud Service offers enterprise-level virtualization capabilities with scalable management features, suitable for complex, distributed enterprise needs.

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Pricing

Parallels Desktop setup cost is competitive, focusing on straightforward and user-friendly integration, while Horizon Cloud Service offers a flexible setup with scalable pricing suitable for larger enterprises.

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Pricing

Amazon WorkSpaces

4.1 out of 5

Amazon WorkSpaces

4.1 out of 5

Parallels Desktop is favored for seamless macOS integration, appealing to Mac users. In comparison, Amazon WorkSpaces excels in scalability and flexibility, ideal for businesses needing cloud solutions. Parallels offers ease of use, while Amazon provides pay-as-you-go pricing for cost control.

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Pricing

Parallels Desktop has a straightforward setup with no initial cost, while Amazon WorkSpaces incurs higher setup fees. Users may find Parallels Desktop more cost-effective initially, contrasting with Amazon WorkSpaces' potentially larger financial commitment upfront.

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Pricing

Nerdio

4.8 out of 5

Nerdio

4.8 out of 5

Nerdio enables efficient deployment and management of virtual desktops, offering scalability and cost-effectiveness. Users appreciate its integration capabilities and automation tools. Improvements could be made in customer support response times and in-depth customization options, providing even greater flexibility for various business requirements.

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Related categories

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

Remote Access

Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM)