The popular virtualization software Parallels Desktop is the best virtual machine for running Windows on a Mac we’ve tested, and this March the maker is offering 25% off Parallels Desktop 20. That’s a tempting offer in anyone’s book.
In our review of Parallels Desktop we described it as one of the best options for Mac users who need to run Windows, Linux or even macOS as a virtual machine on their system. Parallels Desktop 20, which arrived in September 2024, is an impressive upgrade, and a strong focus on developers and AI means it’s now a powerful tool for developers on all platforms.
Parallels Desktop 20 brought support for the new Apple Intelligence features that arrived with macOS Sequoia. With Parallels Desktop installed on your Mac you can enjoy Apple Intelligence features in Windows as well as use various tools, such as Coherence mode, in which the Windows desktop is hidden and your applications are run directly from your Mac desktop in a separate window. You can also access Windows tools such as the Start menu via your Mac’s menu bar.
In addition, the latest update makes it possible to run the Intel version of Windows on an M-series Mac.
Price comparison: How good this deal is
The standard price for the 12-month subscription to Parallels Desktop 20 for Mac is normally $89.99 per year. This means you can save around $25 compared to the usual price with this deal!
You can currently get the the standard version of Parallels Desktop 20 for Mac on a 12-month subscription for $74.99 / £67.49 / CA$97.49 / AU$86.25.
That’s a 25 percent saving on the usual price of $99.99 / £89.99 / CA$129.99 / AU$115.
| U.S. | U.K. | Canada | Australia | |
| Usual price | $99.99 | £89.99 | $129.99 | $115 |
| Deal price | $74.99 | £67.49 | $97.49 | $86.25 |
| Saving | $25 | £22.50 | $32.50 | $28.75 |
If you’re based in the U.K. or Australia you can even save on the perpetual licence for Parallels Desktop 20. Usually a one-time purchase for £104.99 or AU$179.99, this is currently £78.74 or AU$134.25 in those two countries respectively.
