Parallels Desktop runs Windows, Linux and other operating systems in virtual machines on a Mac. This page covers what it is built for and who it suits. It is research-based, with no ratings and no first-person impressions.
Product overview#
- Best for
- Running Windows and other operating systems in virtual machines
- Developer
- Parallels
- Price
- Price not yet verified · check the vendor for current pricing
- Our testing
- Not yet hands-on tested
Links to the official site. We earn nothing from this link.
What you are buying#
The stack Parallels manages
- What you use
Your Windows or Linux app
Guest operating system
Windows for Arm, Arm Linux or macOS on an Apple silicon Mac.
Virtual machine
A slice of your Mac's memory, disk and cores.
- This product
Parallels Desktop
The layer that creates the VM, shares files and clipboard, and can show Windows apps as Mac windows.
- Your Mac
macOS and your Mac
Is it for you?#
Should you consider Parallels?
Do you need to run Windows or Linux software on your Mac?
Pros and cons#
From the product profile. We confirm them after testing.
Pros
- Deep Windows-on-Mac integration
- Fast on Apple silicon, per its profile
- Easy setup, including downloading Windows
- Good for Windows-only apps
Cons
- Recurring cost
- Windows for Arm limits some x86-only software
- Heavy on RAM and disk
- Limited for gaming and GPU-heavy work
What it costs you besides money#
- Memory and disk. Plan the space with the storage size calculator.
- Battery and heat. A running VM draws power. See how to fix MacBook overheating.
- A Windows licence. Check the vendor and Microsoft for terms.
Pricing#
The profile lists several yearly plans and a higher-priced perpetual licence. Verified, dated prices appear in the product panel after we check the vendor.
What we will test#
- Install time and first-run setup of a Windows for Arm guest.
- Idle memory use and host responsiveness.
- File sharing, clipboard and Coherence-style window integration.
- Snapshot and restore behaviour.
Alternatives#
VMware Fusion is the main rival. See Parallels vs VMware Fusion and Parallels Desktop alternatives.
Frequently asked questions#
Does Parallels work on Apple silicon Macs?#
The vendor describes Apple silicon support. Guests are Arm builds, so check your software.
Is Parallels worth the subscription?#
If you rely on a Windows-only app, often yes. If you need it rarely, look at free options.
Can I run unknown software safely in a VM?#
It adds isolation when you disable shared folders and clipboard. Still follow safe app habits.
Written by
Guides are researched, written, and maintained by the Atypical Mac User editorial team. Every procedure is checked against the current version of macOS before it is marked as published.
Last updated . First published .
Related guides
Parallels vs VMware Fusion
Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion? A side-by-side comparison for Mac users who need to run Windows or Linux, with a research-based view of who should pick which.
1 min read
Best Parallels Desktop Alternatives
Virtualization options for Mac users replacing Parallels Desktop, including what each can run and when you can skip a VM altogether.
2 min read
Mac Virtualization Explained: Do You Need a Virtual Machine?
What virtual machines are, what they're for on a Mac, and the cases where you don't need one.
2 min read
Next recommended guide
Parallels Desktop or VMware Fusion? A side-by-side comparison for Mac users who need to run Windows or Linux, with a research-based view of who should pick which.