In my comparison of Parallels vs Crossover, you will get a comprehensive understanding of which platform is best for which type of user.
I have used both Crossover and Parallels to run Windows and the native .exe files on Mac, thus I will provide you first-hand review of which one is better than the other in terms of performance, simplicity in use, pricing, and other aspects.
Without further ado, let’s get started and decide for yourself whether you would pick Parallels or Crossover.
Parallels vs Crossover – Quick Overview
Here’s a quick comparison between Parallels Desktop and Crossover, which is worth taking a shot at?
| Decision Point | Parallels Desktop | Crossover (Mac) |
|---|---|---|
| App Support | Works with almost all Windows apps and games | Works only with supported apps; compatibility varies |
| Full Windows | Requires a complete Windows installation | No Windows installation needed |
| System Load | High RAM, CPU, and storage usage | Light resource usage; no VM |
| Apple Silicon | Fully optimized for M1/M2/M3 chips | Works on Apple Silicon but depends on app support |
| Gaming Needs | Strong performance for many games with GPU acceleration | Limited gaming performance; many titles are unsupported |
| Windows License | Required to activate Windows | Not required |
| Performance Stability | Consistent and reliable across most software | Stable only for apps that CrossOver supports well |
| macOS Integration | Advanced integration with Coherence, shared files, and shortcuts | Basic integration; less polished |
| USB & Devices | Supports USB pass-through and external devices | Limited device support; varies by app |
| Ease of Setup | Guided setup with straightforward installation | Simple when the app is officially supported |
| Cost Over Time | Higher cost due to subscription or a costly one-time license | Lower long-term cost |
| File Sharing | Full drag-and-drop, copy-paste across macOS and Windows | Works sometimes, but is less consistent |
| Discount | Availalbe 50% discount | Active discount 40% |
Which Platform Should You Choose: Parallels or CrossOver?
- Choose Parallels if you want maximum compatibility and are okay with dedicating system resources.
- Choose CrossOver if you only need a handful of Windows apps, want to save disk space, and avoid buying a Windows license.
What Is Parallels?
Parallels is a virtual machine app that lets you run a full Windows setup on your Mac. You install it, add Windows, and open Windows apps just like you open anything on macOS. It handles file sharing, device access, and display settings in the background, so you don’t deal with technical work.
People choose Parallels when they use Windows apps that need strong graphics support or deeper system access.
It works well for office tools, dev software, and many Windows-only games. You get a familiar Windows desktop inside macOS, and you can jump between both systems without slowing down.
Coherence Mode even places Windows apps directly on your Mac screen, making the whole setup feel natural.
It does use more storage and memory than lighter tools, but the trade-off is worth it if you want something close to a real Windows PC. If your daily routine mixes Mac tasks with Windows software, Parallels keeps everything running in one place without changing how you work.
How Parallels Desktop Works?
- Parallels Desktop uses full virtualization. That means it creates a virtual machine (VM) on your Mac.
- Inside that VM, you install Windows (or Linux). Then you can run Windows apps just like you’re on a native PC.
- This method is ideal if you need the entire Windows environment: drivers, games, business apps, etc.
What Is CrossOver?
CrossOver lets you run select Windows apps on a Mac without installing Windows. Instead of loading a virtual machine, it translates Windows calls so supported apps open directly in macOS.
This keeps the setup light, quick to launch, and easy on RAM and storage. People often pick CrossOver when they only need a few Windows programs and don’t want the extra weight of a full Windows installation.
When your app is supported, CrossOver feels simple to use. You install the app through CrossOver, open it, and it runs inside macOS without a separate Windows desktop.
Everything stays clean because it blends into your system instead of sitting inside a full Windows window.
Since CrossOver focuses on specific apps, your experience depends on what you run. Some programs work smoothly, while others may need tweaks or may not work at all.
If your Windows needs are light or you want to save storage space, CrossOver offers a practical way to run the apps you care about without slowing down your Mac.
How CrossOver Mac Works?
- CrossOver Mac is built on the Wine compatibility layer. Instead of installing Windows, it translates Windows system calls so that select Windows applications run directly on macOS.
- This method works best when you only need a few Windows apps and you don’t want the overhead of a full Windows install.
Key Features Compared
Let’s compare the features of Parallels and CrossOver to get more clarity on which one is the best for you to choose as a virtual machine.
| Feature Type | Parallels Desktop | CrossOver Mac |
| Windows Environment | Runs a full Windows OS inside macOS | Runs Windows apps without installing Windows |
| App Display Mode | Coherence Mode places Windows apps next to macOS apps | Apps run directly in macOS if supported |
| Hardware Support | Strong GPU support, USB pass-through, and DirectX | Limited hardware support; depends on each app |
| Performance Load | Higher system usage due to a full VM | Light on RAM, CPU, and storage |
| Apple Silicon Support | Fully compatible with M1/M2/M3; supports Windows 11 ARM | Works on Apple Silicon, but app support varies |
| Windows License | Required | Not required |
| App Compatibility | Works with most Windows apps and games | Hit-or-miss; some apps run well, others may not |
| Installation Style | Install Windows, then install apps normally | One-click installers for supported apps through CrossTie |
| Best For | Users needing full Windows features, drivers, or gaming | Users needing a few lightweight Windows apps |
Experience & Workflow Comparison
Using Parallels Desktop
When you run Parallels Desktop, you basically get a full Windows computer running inside your Mac. It feels like: open this Windows program, it behaves like any Windows PC app.
You can drag files between Mac & Windows, copy/paste, and share devices.
Because it uses full virtualization, it uses more CPU, RAM, and disk space—but you get high compatibility and reliability.
Using CrossOver Mac
With CrossOver, you launch a Windows app and it runs directly under macOS. No separate desktop, no rebooting into Windows. It’s faster to launch and has less system overhead. But if your required app isn’t well supported, you might face bugs, missing features, or performance issues.
So the workflow is light and convenient, when it works.
Parallels and Crossover Pricing Comparison
Cost Comparison at a Glance
| Product | Model | Typical Cost |
| Parallels Desktop | Annual subscription | ≈ US$99.99/year |
| One-time purchase | Higher, depending on the edition | |
| CrossOver Mac | 12-month license | ≈ US$ 74 |
| Lifetime license | ≈ US$ 494 |
Parallels Desktop Pricing
- According to TrustRadius, Parallels Desktop Standard Edition starts around US $ 99.99/year.
- From SoftwareSuggest, it starts from US $ 78/year.
- Parallels’ official page shows a subscription model and a one-time purchase option.
Explore each and every Parallels pricing options in-depth to choose that fits your budget and goals.
CrossOver Mac Pricing
- G2 lists CrossOver Mac at US $ 39.95 for one month, US $ 59.95 for twelve months.
- Macworld review shares a lifetime license for US$494, while the 12-month license is about US$74.
- License terms: even after support ends, you keep the last version you had.
If you only need a few apps, CrossOver might cost less overall. If you need a full Windows experience, Parallels makes more sense.
Which One Should You Choose?
If you are still confused choosing between these two as your virtual machine, look at this situation-based use case of both platforms to clear all your doubts.
| Situation | Parallels Desktop | CrossOver Mac |
| Need full Windows compatibility | ✔ Yes: apps, drivers, and games work with the full Windows environment | ✘ No: only selected apps supported |
| Want Windows-only software on Mac without compromise | ✔ Works like a real Windows PC inside macOS | ✘ May face limitations or missing features |
| Willing to dedicate more system resources | ✔ Uses more RAM, CPU, and disk because it runs full Windows | ✔ Uses fewer resources since it skips the full Windows OS |
| Have or are willing to buy a Windows license | ✔ Required | ✔ No license needed |
| Only need 1-3 Windows apps | ✘ More than needed | ✔ Ideal for a small number of apps |
| Want to save disk space and keep Mac lean | ✘ Larger footprint | ✔ Smaller footprint |
| Want a lower cost option | ✘ Higher cost due to license + VM | ✔ Lower cost overall |
| Accept that some apps may not run perfectly | ✔ Rarely an issue | ✔ Expect some compatibility issues |
Final Verdict: Crossover vs Parallels – Which One Is Best?
When comparing Parallels vs Crossover, the verdict is clear:
- Parallels Desktop delivers a full virtualized Windows environment. It is ideal for heavy usage, development, gaming, and full compatibility on macOS.
- CrossOver Mac offers a lighter, more cost-effective path when you only need a few Windows apps and want to avoid installing Windows.
Use the comparison above to match your usage scenario. Choose the path that fits your workflow and budget.
FAQs
Is CrossOver the same as Parallels?
No, both work differently. Parallels runs a full Windows system, while CrossOver runs select Windows apps without installing Windows. Parallels supports more apps, and CrossOver stays lighter on resources.
Is Parallels being discontinued?
Parallels is not discontinued. It still receives updates for Apple Silicon, Windows 11 ARM, and the latest macOS versions. Active support continues.
Is there anything better than CrossOver?
If you need full compatibility, Parallels offers a stronger setup. If you want a light and simple option, CrossOver fits better. The right choice depends on the apps you need.