GoToMyPC vs Parallels Desktop

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Our analysts compared GoToMyPC vs Parallels Desktop based on data from our 400+ point analysis of Remote Desktop Software, user reviews and our own crowdsourced data from our free software selection platform.

GoToMyPC Software Tool
Parallels Desktop Software Tool

Product Basics

GoToMyPC is a sophisticated remote desktop software that enables users to access their computers from any location with an internet connection. It is particularly beneficial for professionals who require seamless access to their office computers while traveling or working from home. Industries such as IT support, finance, and healthcare find it especially useful due to its robust security features and ease of use. Users appreciate its intuitive interface, reliable performance, and the ability to transfer files effortlessly between devices. GoToMyPC stands out for its high-speed connectivity and minimal lag, ensuring a smooth remote experience. Pricing details are not explicitly available, so potential users are encouraged to contact SelectHub for a tailored quote. Overall, GoToMyPC is praised for its dependability and user-friendly design, making it a preferred choice for remote desktop solutions.
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Parallels Desktop is a sophisticated virtualization software that enables users to run multiple operating systems, such as Windows, Linux, and macOS, on a single Mac device without rebooting. This versatile tool is particularly beneficial for professionals in industries like software development, IT, and design, where cross-platform compatibility is essential. Users appreciate its seamless integration, allowing for smooth file sharing and application switching between operating systems. Unique features include Coherence Mode, which lets Windows applications run as if they were native Mac apps, and the ability to allocate system resources dynamically for optimal performance. Compared to similar products, users often highlight its user-friendly interface and robust performance. Pricing varies based on the edition and licensing model, with options for annual subscriptions or perpetual licenses. For precise pricing tailored to specific needs, contacting SelectHub is recommended.
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Product Insights

  • Increased Productivity: Access your work computer from anywhere, allowing you to complete tasks without being physically present in the office. This flexibility can lead to more efficient use of time, especially during travel or unexpected events.
  • Enhanced Collaboration: Share your screen with colleagues in real-time, facilitating seamless collaboration on projects and presentations, regardless of geographical location.
  • Secure Access: Benefit from robust security measures, including end-to-end encryption and two-factor authentication, ensuring that your data remains protected during remote sessions.
  • Cost Savings: Reduce the need for physical office space and resources by enabling remote work, which can lead to significant savings on overhead costs such as utilities and office supplies.
  • Business Continuity: Maintain operations during emergencies or disruptions by allowing employees to access their workstations remotely, ensuring that critical business functions continue uninterrupted.
  • Improved Work-Life Balance: Empower employees to work from home or other convenient locations, helping them balance professional responsibilities with personal commitments more effectively.
  • Easy Setup and Use: Quickly install and configure the software without the need for extensive IT support, making it accessible for users with varying levels of technical expertise.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Access your desktop from a variety of devices, including PCs, Macs, tablets, and smartphones, ensuring flexibility and convenience for users with different technology preferences.
  • Real-Time Support: Provide immediate assistance to clients or team members by remotely accessing their computers to troubleshoot issues, enhancing customer service and support efficiency.
  • Scalability: Easily scale the solution to accommodate growing business needs, whether you're adding new users or expanding to new locations, without significant infrastructure changes.
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  • Seamless Integration: Parallels Desktop allows users to run Windows applications alongside macOS applications without rebooting, providing a smooth workflow for those who need both operating systems.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: It enables the use of Windows-only software on a Mac, such as Microsoft Access or Internet Explorer, which is crucial for professionals who rely on these tools.
  • Resource Efficiency: The software optimizes the use of system resources, ensuring that both the host and guest operating systems run efficiently without significant performance degradation.
  • Easy Setup: Parallels Desktop offers a straightforward installation process with a user-friendly interface, making it accessible even for those with limited technical expertise.
  • Enhanced Productivity: Features like Coherence Mode allow users to hide the Windows desktop while using Windows applications, creating a more focused and distraction-free environment.
  • Security Features: It includes robust security measures such as isolated virtual machines, which protect the host system from malware and other threats that may affect the guest OS.
  • Regular Updates: Parallels Desktop provides frequent updates to ensure compatibility with the latest macOS and Windows releases, keeping systems up-to-date and secure.
  • Customizable Settings: Users can tailor the virtual machine settings to their specific needs, such as adjusting the amount of RAM or CPU cores allocated, optimizing performance for different tasks.
  • Support for Multiple OS: Beyond Windows, Parallels Desktop supports various Linux distributions and other operating systems, offering flexibility for developers and IT professionals.
  • Snapshot Functionality: The ability to take snapshots of the virtual machine state allows users to experiment with software or system changes without risk, as they can easily revert to a previous state.
  • Business and IT Solutions: Parallels Desktop for Business includes centralized administration and management tools, making it ideal for IT departments managing multiple users and devices.
  • Cost-Effective Solution: By enabling the use of multiple operating systems on a single machine, Parallels Desktop reduces the need for additional hardware, saving costs for businesses and individuals.
  • Remote Access: With Parallels Access, users can access their virtual machines remotely from any device, providing flexibility for remote work and travel.
  • Comprehensive Support: Parallels offers extensive support resources, including tutorials, forums, and customer service, ensuring users can resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
  • Performance Optimization: The software includes tools to optimize virtual machine performance, such as disk space cleanup and memory management, ensuring smooth operation even under heavy workloads.
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  • Remote Access: Connect to your computer from anywhere with an internet connection, allowing you to work from home or while traveling.
  • File Transfer: Easily transfer files between your local and remote computers, ensuring you have access to necessary documents and resources.
  • Multi-Monitor Support: View and interact with multiple monitors connected to the remote computer, providing a seamless experience for users with complex setups.
  • Mobile Access: Use the GoToMyPC app on iOS and Android devices to access your computer on the go, offering flexibility and convenience.
  • Clipboard Sync: Copy and paste text and images between your local and remote computers, streamlining your workflow.
  • 256-Bit AES Encryption: Protect your data with robust encryption, ensuring secure connections and safeguarding sensitive information.
  • Guest Invite: Temporarily share access to your computer with others by sending a secure invitation link, facilitating collaboration and support.
  • Performance Monitoring: Monitor the performance of your remote sessions with real-time data, helping you identify and resolve connectivity issues.
  • Session Recording: Record your remote sessions for later review or training purposes, providing a valuable resource for documentation and analysis.
  • Customizable Shortcuts: Create keyboard shortcuts for frequently used commands, enhancing efficiency and productivity during remote sessions.
  • Wake-on-LAN: Wake up your sleeping computer remotely, ensuring you can access it even if it's not powered on when you need it.
  • Multi-User Access: Allow multiple users to access the same computer with individual accounts, supporting team collaboration and shared resources.
  • Remote Printing: Print documents from your remote computer to a local printer, maintaining productivity without needing to transfer files.
  • Two-Factor Authentication: Add an extra layer of security to your account with two-factor authentication, protecting against unauthorized access.
  • Admin Center: Manage user accounts, permissions, and settings from a centralized admin console, simplifying IT management for businesses.
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  • Seamless Integration: Run Windows applications alongside macOS applications without rebooting, providing a cohesive user experience.
  • Coherence Mode: Hide the Windows desktop while using Windows applications, making them appear as native macOS apps.
  • Drag and Drop Functionality: Easily transfer files, text, and images between Windows and macOS environments by dragging and dropping.
  • Touch Bar Support: Utilize the MacBook Pro's Touch Bar for Windows applications, enhancing productivity with quick access to app controls.
  • DirectX and OpenGL Support: Run demanding graphics applications and games with support for DirectX 11 and OpenGL 3.3, ensuring smooth performance.
  • Snapshot and Rollback: Create snapshots of your virtual machine to save its state and revert back if needed, providing a safety net for testing and development.
  • Shared Folders and Cloud Integration: Access files from your Mac, Windows, and cloud storage seamlessly, ensuring all your data is at your fingertips.
  • Multiple OS Support: Run a variety of operating systems including Windows, Linux, and older versions of macOS, catering to diverse testing and development needs.
  • Resource Management: Allocate CPU and memory resources to your virtual machines efficiently, optimizing performance based on your needs.
  • USB and External Device Compatibility: Connect USB devices and external hardware to your virtual machines, ensuring full functionality and integration.
  • Automatic Optimization: Parallels Desktop automatically adjusts settings for optimal performance based on your hardware and usage patterns.
  • Parallels Toolbox: Access a suite of handy tools for everyday tasks such as taking screenshots, downloading videos, and more, directly from your desktop.
  • Cross-Platform Access: Use Parallels Access to remotely access your Mac from any device, ensuring you can work from anywhere.
  • Virtual Machine Encryption: Protect your data with virtual machine encryption, ensuring sensitive information remains secure.
  • Easy Setup: Quickly set up your virtual machines with pre-configured settings and installation wizards, reducing setup time and complexity.
  • Retina Display Support: Enjoy crisp and clear visuals with full support for Retina displays, enhancing the visual experience of your virtual machines.
  • Business and Pro Editions: Access advanced features such as network conditioning and Visual Studio plug-in, tailored for professional and business use.
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Product Ranking

#6

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Remote Desktop Software

#12

among all
Remote Desktop Software

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Reliable Connections: GoToMyPC consistently receives praise for its dependable connections, ensuring users can rely on it for important work tasks.
User-Friendly Interface: The software is designed with simplicity in mind, making it easy for users of all technical skill levels to navigate and utilize its features effectively.
Strong Security: GoToMyPC prioritizes security with robust encryption, multi-factor authentication, and other measures to protect sensitive data during remote sessions.
Fast Performance: Users experience high-speed connections and minimal lag, allowing for smooth and responsive remote work, even over slower internet connections.
Feature-Rich: Beyond basic remote access, GoToMyPC offers a range of features like remote printing, file transfer, multi-monitor support, and mobile device compatibility, enhancing productivity and convenience for users.
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Run Legacy Software: Parallels Desktop enables users to run legacy Windows software on their Macs, even if it's incompatible with the latest macOS versions. This is particularly beneficial for businesses that rely on older applications that are essential to their operations.
Streamlined Workflow: By providing a way to run Windows and macOS applications side-by-side, Parallels Desktop eliminates the need to switch between operating systems, leading to a more efficient and productive work environment.
Testing Across Operating Systems: Developers and IT professionals can leverage Parallels Desktop to test software and websites across multiple operating systems, ensuring compatibility and identifying potential issues before deployment.
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Cost: GoToMyPC can be expensive, especially for small businesses or teams with limited budgets, compared to other remote desktop solutions.
Security Concerns: Some organizations have strict security policies that might prohibit third-party remote access tools like GoToMyPC, as they might require opening additional ports in firewalls or raise concerns about data privacy.
Performance Issues: Users have reported occasional slowness or lag, especially when dealing with graphically intensive tasks or experiencing network congestion, which can hinder productivity.
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High Resource Consumption: Even with resource limitations configured, some users observe significant RAM usage, potentially impacting overall system performance, especially on older hardware or when running demanding applications concurrently.
Occasional Software Glitches: While generally stable, some users report infrequent instances of Parallels Desktop freezing or requiring a restart, which can disrupt workflow and lead to minor productivity losses.
Coherence Mode UI Quirks: Although Coherence Mode enables seamless integration of Windows apps, the duplication of system icons like battery and network status in both macOS and Windows can clutter the menu bar and create a less streamlined user experience.
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Is GoToMyPC the 'go-to' solution for remote access, or will it leave users feeling 'pc-ved'? While GoToMyPC receives generally positive feedback for its reliability and user-friendly interface, its pricing strategy has sparked debate among users. GoToMyPC shines in its straightforward setup process and stable connections, ensuring a smooth and efficient remote work experience. Users particularly appreciate the software's compatibility with various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, making it a versatile choice for diverse users. The inclusion of features like remote printing, file transfer, and multi-monitor support further enhances its appeal. However, the pricing structure emerges as a potential drawback. Although a 7-day free trial is offered, the subsequent subscription fees are notably higher than those of competitors like TeamViewer and RemotePC, a point frequently raised by users. Some users also report occasional sluggishness with the mobile app. In conclusion, GoToMyPC proves to be a reliable and feature-rich remote access solution best suited for individuals and businesses prioritizing a seamless and dependable remote work experience and are willing to invest in a premium solution. However, budget-conscious users may find better value in exploring alternative options.

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Is Parallels Desktop truly parallel to its competitors, or does it fall short? User reviews from the last year paint a largely positive picture of Parallels Desktop, particularly for its ability to seamlessly blend the Windows and macOS experiences. Users rave about Coherence Mode, which allows them to run Windows applications as if they were native to macOS, making multitasking and file sharing a breeze. This tight integration is a key differentiator for Parallels Desktop, as it eliminates the need to constantly switch between operating systems, boosting productivity for users who rely on both Windows and macOS applications. Imagine having a toolbox where you can effortlessly grab the right tool for the job, regardless of whether it's designed for woodworking or metalworking – that's the kind of convenience Parallels Desktop offers.However, some users find the pricing structure to be a sticking point, especially for personal use, with some feeling that the cost outweighs the benefits if they only occasionally need Windows applications. Additionally, the App Store version of Parallels Desktop has been criticized for lacking certain features compared to the full version, which can be a source of frustration for users who unknowingly purchase the less-featured version. Overall, Parallels Desktop shines as a robust solution for Mac users who frequently require access to Windows software, particularly those who value a seamless and integrated experience. Its ability to effortlessly bridge the gap between Windows and macOS, coupled with its impressive performance, makes it a worthwhile investment for users who rely on both operating systems for their daily workflow.

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