Pricing and availability
Parallels Desktop for Mac is a popular virtualization software that allows users to run Windows and other operating systems on their Mac without rebooting. The software is compatible with Apple M1, M2, and M-series chips, ensuring smooth performance across different Mac models. Parallels Desktop offers various editions tailored to different user needs, including the Standard Edition, Pro Edition, and Business Edition. The Standard Edition is designed for basic use on entry-level Mac computers and is available as a subscription for $99.99 per year or as a one-time purchase, which includes major updates to support new versions of macOS, Windows, Linux, and new Mac models. The Pro Edition, aimed at developers, individual business users, and gamers, offers advanced features such as more virtual RAM and CPUs for each virtual machine, and is priced at $119.99 per year. The Business Edition provides additional tools for centralized administration and management, with pricing starting from $149.99 per year. All purchases come with a 30-day money-back guarantee for peace of mind, and there are special offers available for students and educators. It’s important to note that prices may vary, and it’s recommended to check the official Parallels website or authorized retailers for the most current pricing and availability information.
Standard Edition vs Pro Edition
When choosing between Parallels Desktop for Mac Standard Edition and Pro Edition, it’s essential to consider your specific virtualization needs. The Standard Edition is designed for everyday users who need to run Windows applications on their Mac without requiring advanced features. It offers up to 8GB of virtual RAM and 4 virtual CPUs for each virtual machine, which is sufficient for general tasks. On the other hand, the Pro Edition is tailored for developers, power users, and professionals who demand more robust capabilities. It provides up to 128GB of virtual RAM and 32 virtual CPUs, along with features like nested virtualization, rollback mode, and support for business use. The Pro Edition also includes a subscription to Parallels Toolbox, offering a suite of essential Mac tools. Ultimately, the choice depends on whether the additional features and increased power of the Pro Edition align with your virtualization objectives. If you’re a professional looking to optimize productivity and tackle complex tasks, the Pro Edition may be the right choice for you.
Virtualization options
Parallels Desktop for Mac is a robust virtualization solution that allows users to run multiple operating systems, including Windows and Linux, on their Macintosh computers. With its latest updates, Parallels has introduced several advanced features that enhance the virtualization experience. For instance, nested virtualization enables users to run a virtual machine within another virtual machine, which is particularly useful for developers who need to test software in different environments. To enable this feature on macOS Big Sur, users must set the hypervisor type to Parallels in the virtual machine’s configuration.
Moreover, Parallels Desktop 19 has been optimized for Mac computers with Apple silicon, offering improved performance and efficiency. Users can configure their macOS virtual machines by modifying settings such as the number of CPU cores, amount of RAM, and network adapter mode through the configuration interface or command line options. This flexibility allows for a tailored virtualization experience to fit the user’s specific needs.
Additionally, Parallels Desktop 19 supports Touch ID and Mac input devices, providing a seamless integration between the Mac host and the virtual machines. The coherence mode, a standout feature, allows Mac and Windows apps to run simultaneously, blurring the lines between the two operating systems and offering a unified workflow.
For those running virtual machines on a Mac with an Apple silicon chip, it’s important to note that some features, like resizing the primary macOS virtual hard drive, may have limitations due to the Apple Recovery Partition restricting disk resizing. However, Parallels continues to work on enhancing compatibility and functionality to provide the best possible virtualization experience on the latest hardware.
In summary, Parallels Desktop for Mac stands out as a powerful tool for users who require a versatile and efficient virtualization environment. Its continuous updates and support for the latest macOS versions and hardware make it a top choice for professionals and enthusiasts alike. Whether it’s for software development, testing, or simply running applications not available on macOS, Parallels provides a comprehensive solution that integrates seamlessly with the Mac ecosystem.
Windows 11
Running Windows 11 on a Mac has become a seamless experience thanks to Parallels Desktop, especially with the introduction of Apple’s M-series chips. This virtualization software has been certified by Microsoft, ensuring a high level of integration and performance. Users can enjoy the full power of Windows 11 on their Mac, benefiting from features like virtual TPM chip technology and Secure Boot, which align with the latest security standards. Parallels Desktop also offers volume license key activation and single sign-on integration, making it an ideal solution for corporate environments. With centralized administration of users and licenses through the Parallels My Account web application, IT administrators can deploy Parallels Desktop across organizations using tools like Apple Remote Desktop, Jamf, Microsoft Intune, and Munki. This facilitates the provision of a corporate Windows image to specific users within the organization, ensuring a consistent and controlled computing environment. Moreover, premium uninterrupted technical support is available for Parallels Desktop users, adding an extra layer of assurance for both individual and enterprise users. For those with Intel-based Macs, Parallels Desktop continues to provide robust support, allowing the creation of Windows 11 virtual machines with ease. The process has been simplified with automatic virtual TPM chip addition to new Windows 11 VMs starting from Parallels Desktop 17.1.0. Users can download the official Windows 11 installation image and follow the Installation Assistant’s guidance to complete the setup. Additionally, the latest version of Parallels Desktop has streamlined the installation of Windows 11, enabling users to set up a new virtual machine with just a few clicks. This convenience is extended to Mac computers with Apple silicon, ensuring that users can access Windows 11 regardless of their hardware platform.
Can you game?
Gaming on a Mac using Parallels has become an increasingly viable option, especially with the advent of Apple’s M1 and M1 Pro chips. Parallels Desktop, a popular virtualization software, allows users to run Windows on their Mac, providing access to a vast library of games that are traditionally only available on Windows. The performance of gaming on Parallels can vary depending on several factors such as the specific Mac model, the allocated resources to the virtual machine, and the game’s requirements. For instance, while some users have reported satisfactory gaming experiences with certain titles running at full speed, others have encountered limitations due to the ARM architecture of the M1 chips and the emulation of x64 applications.
The introduction of Windows 11 ARM version has brought improvements, but there are still challenges with games that rely heavily on DirectX, which may not be fully supported. Moreover, the performance can also be influenced by the amount of RAM and the number of CPU cores assigned to the virtual machine. Users with 16GB of RAM have reported better gaming experiences, as more RAM allows for more graphics memory allocation, which is crucial for gaming.
It’s important to note that while Parallels Desktop 17 and later versions have made strides in compatibility and performance, including better DirectX 11 support and energy efficiency, there are still inherent limitations when compared to gaming on a native Windows PC. Games that are optimized for the ARM architecture or have lower system requirements are more likely to run smoothly. For those looking to game on their Mac via Parallels, it’s recommended to check compatibility lists and user forums for specific game performance insights.
In summary, while Parallels Mac provides a bridge to Windows gaming for Mac users, it’s essential to manage expectations regarding performance and compatibility. The experience will not be identical to that of a dedicated gaming PC, but for many, it offers a sufficient level of playability for a wide range of games. As technology advances and both Parallels and Apple’s hardware continue to improve, the gap in gaming performance is expected to narrow, providing an even better experience for gamers who prefer Mac systems.
What’s new in version 19?
Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac has introduced a suite of new features and improvements that enhance the user experience and system performance. The latest version supports the newest operating systems, including the upcoming macOS Sonoma, ensuring compatibility and smooth operation post-upgrade. A significant redesign aligns with modern macOS design guidelines, presenting a fresh and intuitive interface. Users can now enjoy the convenience of using Touch ID for Windows sign-in, streamlining access to their virtual environments. Performance enhancements have been made, particularly for professional software, which is crucial for developers and creatives who rely on Parallels Desktop for their workflow.
For those in the business sector, Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac Business Edition has been tailored to unite Mac and Windows environments like never before. It offers features such as drag-and-drop file sharing, centralized administration, and management, as well as high performance and stability, especially for Windows 11 Pro and Enterprise on Macs with Apple silicon.
Gamers will be pleased to know that Parallels Desktop 19 enables hundreds of Windows games on Macs with Apple silicon, making it easier to play favorite titles. However, it’s important to note that some limitations exist, such as the inability to run games requiring DirectX 12 as a minimum graphics level or the use of anti-cheat software.
For developers, there’s the introduction of a new way to run Microsoft SQL Server, which can be a boon for development or learning purposes. The update also includes critical fixes and quality improvements to frequently used functionalities, reflecting Parallels’ commitment to continuous innovation based on customer feedback.
Clipboard synchronization modes have been introduced, offering more flexibility and improved data security when copying and pasting between Mac and virtual machines. This feature is particularly beneficial for Pro and Business edition users, who can now control the flow of clipboard data more precisely.
Linux users haven’t been left out either. The update brings smoother scrolling experiences across the entire Linux OS, not just within browsers. This improvement applies to Mac computers with both Intel processors and Apple silicon chips, ensuring a more seamless interaction for users who rely on Linux virtual machines.
Lastly, the new release has addressed design details, such as the app icon and in-product visuals, to better integrate with the macOS ecosystem and reflect the Parallels branding. This attention to detail demonstrates Parallels’ dedication to providing a product that not only performs well but also feels at home on a Mac.
In summary, Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac is a significant update that caters to a wide range of users, from professionals and developers to gamers and Linux enthusiasts, all while maintaining a strong focus on design, performance, and user experience. Whether it’s for productivity, development, entertainment, or education, Parallels Desktop 19 seems to have something for everyone. For a more detailed look at all the new features and improvements, you can visit the official Parallels blog or check out the latest video overviews on their YouTube channel.
Should you buy Parallels 19?
Deciding whether to purchase Parallels Desktop 19 for Mac involves considering various factors such as your specific needs for running different operating systems, the performance of your Mac, and the cost of the software. Parallels Desktop 19 is highly praised for its ease of use, fast performance, and the ability to run multiple operating systems on a Mac, which is particularly beneficial for users who require Windows or Linux environments for certain applications or development work. The software’s compatibility with the latest macOS updates ensures a smooth integration for Mac users.
However, it’s important to note that Parallels Desktop can be quite resource-intensive, requiring a significant amount of computing power, which could impact the performance of your Mac if it’s not equipped with sufficient hardware capabilities. Additionally, the cost of Parallels Desktop 19 can be a consideration, as it is relatively expensive compared to other solutions, and it operates on a subscription model that may require constant upgrades.
For casual users, the Standard edition might suffice, but for those who need more power and resources, the Pro edition offers up to 128 GB vRAM for a single virtual machine and supports up to 32 virtual machines on a single Mac PC. Businesses might find the Business edition more suitable, as it is tailored to enterprise needs and includes upgrade costs in the annual subscription fee.
Students and educators can benefit from significant discounts, making it a more affordable option for educational purposes. Special offers are also available for military, government, and nonprofit personnel, which can help reduce the cost further.
Ultimately, the decision to purchase Parallels Desktop 19 should be based on a careful assessment of your requirements, the specifications of your Mac, and your budget. If the ability to run virtual machines efficiently is crucial for your work or studies, and you are willing to invest in a robust solution, then Parallels Desktop 19 could be a worthwhile investment. On the other hand, if your needs are minimal or you’re concerned about the ongoing costs, you might want to explore alternative virtualization options or consider whether you need the functionality provided by Parallels Desktop at all.