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Parallels Desktop

Paid virtual machine app for running Windows and Linux alongside macOS on a Mac.

PaidVirtual machine and container apps
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About Parallels Desktop

Parallels Desktop is the best-known commercial way to run Windows on a Mac. It sets up Windows 11 in a couple of clicks, and Microsoft has authorised it for running the Arm versions of Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise on Apple silicon Macs. Coherence mode lets Windows apps open in their own Mac windows next to macOS apps, and the app handles shared folders, clipboard, printers and display scaling automatically. Linux and macOS guests are also supported. It is sold as a yearly subscription in Standard, Pro and Business editions, with a one-time purchase option for Standard; Pro raises per-VM memory and CPU limits and adds developer tools. A free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee are offered. It is Mac only, x86 Windows apps run through Windows' own emulation layer on Apple silicon, and the subscription costs add up compared with free tools.

Best for: Mac users who depend on Windows-only apps and want them to run smoothly.

Pros and cons

What works

  • Microsoft-authorised Windows 11 on Apple silicon
  • Coherence mode mixes Windows and Mac apps on one desktop
  • Quick Windows setup and strong graphics performance

Why people leave

  • Subscription pricing, with higher limits only in Pro
  • Mac only
  • Standard edition caps each VM at 8 GB vRAM and 4 vCPUs

Top Parallels Desktop alternatives

See all 3
  1. 1UTM logo
    UTM

    Free and open source; fine for Linux and lighter Windows use if you can give up some polish.

    66.5
  2. 2VirtualBox logo
    VirtualBox

    Free VM app that also runs on Windows and Linux hosts, useful for cross-platform labs.

    62.6
  3. 3OrbStack logo
    OrbStack

    Lighter and cheaper if what you actually need is Linux machines and containers for development.

    59.6

Why people left Parallels Desktop

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Parallels Desktop: common questions

Is Parallels Desktop free?

No, Parallels Desktop is a paid product.

Is Parallels Desktop open source?

No, Parallels Desktop is not open source. Open-source alternatives include UTM and VirtualBox.

What platforms does Parallels Desktop run on?

Parallels Desktop is available for macOS.

What are the best alternatives to Parallels Desktop?

The highest-ranked Parallels Desktop alternatives right now are UTM, VirtualBox and OrbStack. See the full ranked list for pricing, platforms and verified facts.

See all 3 Parallels Desktop alternatives