What is Parallels Desktop used for?

Parallels Desktop is virtualization software for running Windows and Linux alongside macOS, including Windows 11 on Apple silicon Macs. It is a good fit for running Windows-only business apps on a Mac, testing software across operating systems and playing Windows games on a Mac.

How much does Parallels Desktop cost?

Parallels Desktop is a paid product with no free plan.

Is Parallels Desktop open source?

No. Parallels Desktop is proprietary (closed-source) software. Open-source alternatives to Parallels Desktop include Quickemu, UTM and VirtualBox.

What are some alternatives to Parallels Desktop?

Parallels Desktop competes with VMware Workstation and OrbStack. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Parallels Desktop alternatives.

Parallels Desktop: features, pricing and alternatives

About Parallels Desktop

Parallels Desktop is a commercial virtualization app for Mac that runs Windows in a virtual machine so people can use Windows-only software without a separate computer. The product page highlights Windows 11 on Apple silicon and describes the offering as Microsoft-authorized.

Typical uses named by the vendor include Excel, AutoCAD, QuickBooks, and legacy or in-house apps, and it works offline without needing a virtual desktop infrastructure. Use cases pages cover developers, education, gaming and Microsoft Office. The line includes editions for individuals, a Pro version, and business and enterprise editions, plus other Parallels products such as Toolbox, remote application server and desktop-as-a-service offerings.

Parallels Desktop is proprietary software installed on the user's Mac. The vendor offers a free trial and publishes plans, including an education page.

Key features

Windows 11 virtual machines on Apple silicon
Microsoft-authorized Windows licensing path
Runs offline without VDI
Pro, Business and Enterprise editions
Integrations for developer tools
Linux guests alongside Windows

Good fit for

→Running Windows-only business apps on a Mac
→Testing software across operating systems
→Playing Windows games on a Mac

Tags: virtualization; macos; windows; virtual-machines; apple-silicon; parallels; desktop

Parallels Desktop: questions and answers

What is Parallels Desktop used for?: Parallels Desktop is virtualization software for running Windows and Linux alongside macOS, including Windows 11 on Apple silicon Macs. It is a good fit for running Windows-only business apps on a Mac, testing software across operating systems and playing Windows games on a Mac.
How much does Parallels Desktop cost?: Parallels Desktop is a paid product with no free plan.
Is Parallels Desktop open source?: No. Parallels Desktop is proprietary (closed-source) software. Open-source alternatives to Parallels Desktop include Quickemu, UTM and VirtualBox.
What are some alternatives to Parallels Desktop?: Parallels Desktop competes with VMware Workstation and OrbStack. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Parallels Desktop alternatives.