When it comes to running Windows on a Mac, Parallels Desktop is one of the most popular and reliable solutions available today. With its smooth virtualization, user-friendly design, and powerful performance, it allows professionals, students, and everyday users to switch between macOS and Windows without compromise. But one of the biggest questions people ask before choosing Parallels is simple: how much does it cost, and which version should I get? In this blog, we’ll break down Parallels pricing in detail, compare the different editions, and help you choose the best plan for your specific needs.
Editions and Pricing Overview
Parallels offers multiple editions, each tailored to specific user needs:
Standard Edition (Subscription only)
- Best for light home use.
- Core features include Windows-on-Mac virtualization, 3D acceleration, support for Intel and Apple Silicon Macs, and authorization from Microsoft.
- Specifications: Up to 8 GB vRAM, 4 vCPUs
Pro Edition (Subscription only)
Tailored for power users, developers, and tech professionals. It includes everything in Standard plus advanced features such as:
- Support for graphically intensive applications.
- Multiple virtual machines and developer tools.
- Optimization utilities like registry cleaning, driver update, and disk cleanup.
- “Internet speed booster” and screen capture/recording tools.
- Specs: Up to 128 GB vRAM, 32 vCPUs
Business Edition (Subscription only)
- Designed for small teams and businesses.
- Adds centralized admin, volume licensing, CI/CD workflow automation, and advanced provisioning capabilities on top of Pro features
Enterprise Edition
- Geared towards large, IT-managed deployments.
- License management and redistribution tools.
- Golden image creation, per-user or per-device SSO/SAML/SCIM licensing.
- Premium onboarding, dedicated account support, and enhanced security controls
Pricing Tiers with Annual Rates
Pricing varies depending on promotions and billing cycles. Here’s the latest clarity:
- Standard – Discounted from $99.99/year to $64.99/year (approx. 35% off)
- Pro – Discounted from $119.99/year to $77.99/year
- Business – Discounted from $149.99/year to $97.49/year
- Enterprise – Pricing is custom and available upon contacting sales
Subscription vs. One-Time Purchase
Parallels also offers a perpetual (one-time) license option, though only for certain editions:
Perpetual (One-Time) License:
- One-off payment for a specific version.
- Does not include free upgrades to future versions.
- Includes minor updates/patches until the version reaches End-of-Life.
- Comes with 30-day support by phone/chat, and email support for two years.
- Includes a 3-month subscription to Parallels Toolbox for Mac & Windows
Subscription License:
- Automatically includes upgrades to the latest versions.
- Requires renewal; auto-renewal is enabled by default.
- Your access stops if your subscription lapses beyond a grace period
Some user accounts (e.g., on Reddit) note that the one-time purchase may be economical in the long run, with upgrades costing roughly half the price of a new license every few years.
Educational Pricing Discounts
Students, faculty, and educators can save significantly:
- Up to 50% off Standard or Pro editions with verification via school credentials.
- For example, faculty and students may pay around $49.99/year via student portals like OnTheHub
Trial & Refund Policies
Before committing, you can test the software:
- 14-day free trial of the Pro edition is available to explore the full features
- 30-day money-back guarantee – Full refund if unsatisfied during the first month, provided purchase is made via the Parallels website (not through resellers)
| Edition | Annual Price (Discounted) | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | $64.99 | Basic virtualization for home users; 8 GB vRAM, 4 vCPUs, Microsoft-authorized |
| Pro | $77.99 | Advanced tools for power users; high-performance virtualization |
| Business | $97.49 | Team/IT features: admin tools, volume licensing |
| Enterprise | Custom | Full IT deployment, license control, onboarding support |
Final Thoughts
Parallels Desktop stands out because it doesn’t just let you run Windows on a Mac—it makes the experience seamless, powerful, and customizable. With flexible pricing, student discounts, and options ranging from casual use to enterprise-level deployment, there’s a plan for every type of user. Whether you value affordability, advanced tools, or IT-level control, Parallels ensures that you get the best return on your investment while enjoying the convenience of two operating systems in one device.
