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  1. Home
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  3. Parallels RAS
Logo of Parallels RAS

Parallels RAS

byParallels
in
4.4
Market Presence: Desktop as a Service, Server Virtualization (Transitioning to Server Virtualization Platforms)

Overview

Product Information on Parallels RAS

Updated 2nd June 2025

What is Parallels RAS?

Parallels RAS (remote application server) is a flexible, simple and secure virtual application and desktop delivery solution that empowers organizations of all sizes to work from anywhere, on any device.

Parallels RAS Pricing

Parallels RAS Product Images

Unparalleled user experience
Unparalleled user experience
High flexibility
High flexibility
Simplified IT administration
Simplified IT administration

Overall experience with Parallels RAS

Project Manager
500M - 1B USD, Consumer Goods
FAVORABLE

“Best-in-class solution for running Windows on macOS, especially on Apple Silicon”

4.0
Jan 28, 2026
Parallels Desktop has consistently delivered an excellent virtualization experience on macOS, especially on Apple Silicon. It enables seamless use of Windows applications alongside macOS's strong performance, stability, and ease of use. Setup and daily operation are straightforward, and integration between macOS and Windows feels mature and well thought out. While licensing costs and some limitations related to ARM compatibility exist, Parallels remains the most polished and reliable solution for running Windows on a Mac
SOLUTION ARCHITECT & TEAM LEADER
50M - 250M USD, IT Services
CRITICAL

“Parallels RAS Streamlines RDS Setup Yet Raises Overall Implementation Costs”

3.0
Jan 30, 2026
Parallels RAS simplifies RDS deployments but elevates costs. In general it is agile and easy to implement, but its own marketing strategy really relies on pushing the customer into the wrong idea that Microsoft CALs are not needed.

About Company

Company Details

Updated 14th April 2025
Year Founded
1999
Head office location
Canada
Website
https://www.parallels.com/

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Key Insights

A Snapshot of What Matters - Based on Validated User Reviews

User Sentiment About Parallels RAS
Reviewer Insights for: Parallels RAS
Deciding Factors: Parallels RAS Vs. Market Average
Performance of Parallels RAS Across Market Features

Parallels RAS Likes & Dislikes

Like

1) Excellent performance on Apple silicon Parallels delivers smooth and responsible Windows 11 performance on M-series Macs, even for professional applications. 2) Seamless macOS and Windows integration Features like Coherence mode, shared clipboard, drag-and-drop, shared folders, and file associations make Windows apps feel native on macOS. 3) Very easy setup and user experience Installing Windows and configuring a VM is simple, even for non-experts, with sensible defaults and automation. 4) Strong stability and reliability The VM environment is stable for daily professional use, including long sessions and frequent suspend/resume cycles.

Like

It is very easy to implement and maintain. The UX is really fluid and simple to use. Parallels licensing is straightforward in its proposition.

Like

The ability to quickly deploy virtual environments for testing software. Real-time monitoring of computer and lab performance Clear and user-friendly interface that makes tracking devices simple.

Dislike

1) Subscription-based licensing cost Ongoing subscription pricing may be perceived as expensive for occasional users. 2) ARM compatibility limitations Some Windows applications or drivers that depends on x86 architecture may not be fully compatible on Apple Silicon. 3) Limited enterprise management features Parallels is excellent for individual or small-team use but lack centralized management compared to entreprise hypervisors 4) Dependence on Microsoft Windows licensing Users must separately manage Windows licensing, which can add complexity.

Dislike

Their position in terms of Microsoft CAL is not clear enough. It's based on the RDP protocol which lacks some functionalities of newer (even Microsoft) protocols.

Dislike

I have not encountered any significant issues. The product has consistently performed as expected.

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Peer Discussions

Parallels RAS Reviews and Ratings

4.4

(68 Ratings)

Rating Distribution

5 Star
43%
4 Star
51%
3 Star
6%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Why ratings and reviews count differ?

Customer Experience

Evaluation & Contracting

4.3

Integration & Deployment

4.6

Service & Support

4.3

Product Capabilities

4.4

Filter Reviews
Sort By:
Most helpful
Last 12 Months
Star Rating
Reviewer Type
Reviewer's Company Size
Reviewer's Industry
Reviewer's Region
Reviewer's Job Function
  • Project Manager
    50M-1B USD
    Consumer Goods
    Review Source

    Best-in-class solution for running Windows on macOS, especially on Apple Silicon

    4.0
    Jan 28, 2026
    Parallels Desktop has consistently delivered an excellent virtualization experience on macOS, especially on Apple Silicon. It enables seamless use of Windows applications alongside macOS's strong performance, stability, and ease of use. Setup and daily operation are straightforward, and integration between macOS and Windows feels mature and well thought out. While licensing costs and some limitations related to ARM compatibility exist, Parallels remains the most polished and reliable solution for running Windows on a Mac
  • It Associate
    Gov't/PS/Ed
    Education
    Review Source

    Reliable and efficient solution for testing and managing computers.

    5.0
    Feb 12, 2026
    The software is reliable, intuitive and provides great visibility into many devices. It allows me to create a virtual lab environment efficiently and monitor multiple machines at once. It has streamlined our testing processes and improved productivity across the IT team.
  • VP, IT
    50M-1B USD
    Travel and Hospitality
    Review Source

    Easy Setup And Customization For Large-Scale End-User Workloads In Call Centers

    4.0
    Feb 23, 2026
    Simple to set-up, low in resource usage, low cost, suitable for generic end-user workload in a call center setup. Much easier to setup and manage than the incumbent in this market
  • IT Manager
    10B+ USD
    IT Services
    Review Source

    Staff Support Facilitates Smooth Transition and Product Adaptation for Client Needs

    5.0
    Nov 12, 2025
    Engagement. Parallels staff (especially the account rep I have dealt with since day 1) have gone out of their way to make our transition to their product as smooth as it possibly could have been
  • SOLUTION ARCHITECT & TEAM LEADER
    50M-1B USD
    IT Services
    Review Source

    Parallels RAS Streamlines RDS Setup Yet Raises Overall Implementation Costs

    3.0
    Jan 30, 2026
    Parallels RAS simplifies RDS deployments but elevates costs. In general it is agile and easy to implement, but its own marketing strategy really relies on pushing the customer into the wrong idea that Microsoft CALs are not needed.
...
Showing Result 1-5 of 75

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