Cross-platform and virtualization software company whose products, led by Parallels Desktop, let businesses and individuals run Windows applications on Mac and deliver secure virtual apps and desktops.
Parallels is a global leader in cross-platform and virtualization software, founded in 1999. Its products make it simple for businesses and individuals to securely access applications and data on any device, across Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS, Android, and the cloud.
The company operates two core businesses. Parallels Desktop lets users run Windows applications on Mac computers, and Parallels Workspace Solutions deliver secure virtual applications and desktops through Parallels RAS, Parallels DaaS, and Parallels Browser Isolation, as an alternative to traditional VDI.
Christa Quarles serves as chief executive officer. Following a February 2026 transaction that separated Corel into two independent companies, Parallels operates as a standalone company under the ownership of funds managed by KKR.
MSPs and internal IT teams use Parallels for Parallels Desktop for Mac, Parallels RAS (Remote Application Server), Parallels DaaS.
Best for: organizations running workloads, virtualization, or productivity in the cloud.
Parallels pricing depends on your organization's size, the modules you enable, and your contract term. Tools in this category are usually licensed by subscription, billed by consumption or per user, and scale with the users, endpoints, or sites you cover.
Public rate cards are not always available, and many vendors set final pricing through a quote or their MSP and reseller channel. To get an accurate Parallels price for your environment, request a quote from Parallels directly, or ask a managed IT provider that supports Parallels to bundle licensing, deployment, and management into one predictable monthly cost.
The most common alternatives to Parallels are other Cloud & Virtualization vendors. Compare Parallels with:
Parallels is a global leader in cross-platform and virtualization software, founded in 1999. Its products let businesses and individuals securely access applications and data on any device, including running Windows applications on Mac computers.
Parallels offers Parallels Desktop for running Windows applications on Mac, plus Parallels Workspace Solutions for secure virtual apps and desktops, including Parallels RAS, Parallels DaaS, and Parallels Browser Isolation.
Parallels operates as a standalone company under the ownership of funds managed by KKR, following a February 2026 transaction that separated it from Corel.
Christa Quarles is the chief executive officer of Parallels.