Parallels Desktop

Parallels Desktop · Schaffhausen, Switzerland · founded 1999

What it is

Parallels Desktop runs Windows and Linux virtual machines on a Mac, allowing Windows applications to run alongside macOS. It supports Intel Macs with macOS Catalina 10.15 or later and Apple Silicon Macs with macOS Big Sur 11 or later; Microsoft authorizes it for Windows 11 on Apple Silicon. Supported Windows apps include Excel, Power BI, Access, QuickBooks, and thousands more. Virtual machines support snapshots, nested virtualization, and GPU acceleration. Standard allows up to 8 GB of vRAM and 4 vCPUs per VM; Pro allows up to 128 GB of vRAM and 32 vCPUs. Pro also supports CLI workflows and Jenkins and Vagrant integrations. Business adds centralized administration, license management, and Jamf and Intune deployment integrations; Enterprise includes encrypted VMs under organizational control. Standard and Pro include unlimited phone and email support, and subscribers receive 24/7 chat. The product is paid and offers a 14-day trial. Qualifying direct purchases have a 30-day money-back guarantee, excluding renewals.

For and against

For

Runs Windows and Linux virtual machines on supported Macs.
Supports VM snapshots, nested virtualization, and GPU acceleration.
Microsoft-authorized for Windows 11 on Apple Silicon.
Offers a 14-day trial.

Against

No free plan is available.
Standard VMs are limited to 8 GB vRAM and 4 vCPUs.
The 30-day guarantee excludes renewals.

The verdict

Parallels Desktop offers VM capacity and management options that vary by edition. Check the supported Mac requirements and edition limits against your intended use.

Who it suits

Parallels Desktop suits Mac users who need Windows or Linux virtual machines, including people using Windows applications alongside macOS. Pro, Business, and Enterprise add controls and integrations for development and organizational use.

Plans and prices

Standard Edition

Priced on request

8 GB vRAM · 4 vCPUs

Read 20 Sep 2026 · parallels.com

Pro Edition

Priced on request

128 GB vRAM per VM · 32 vCPUs per VM

Read 20 Sep 2026 · parallels.com

Business Edition

Priced on request

Centralized administration · License management · CI/CD workflow automation · Mac provisioning tools

Read 20 Sep 2026 · parallels.com

Enterprise Edition

Priced on request

Management portal · Golden image creation and deployment · Encrypted virtual machines · Granular VM controls

Read 20 Sep 2026 · parallels.com