Splashtop vs Parallels Desktop

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Our analysts compared Splashtop 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.

Splashtop Software Tool
Parallels Desktop Software Tool

Product Basics

Splashtop offers a robust remote desktop solution that enables users to access and control computers from anywhere, making it ideal for IT support, education, and remote work environments. Its intuitive interface and high-performance streaming ensure seamless connectivity and efficient task management. Splashtop is particularly beneficial for industries requiring secure and reliable remote access, such as healthcare, finance, and education. Users appreciate its strong security features, including encryption and multi-factor authentication, which safeguard sensitive data. Notable features include file transfer, remote printing, and multi-monitor support, enhancing productivity. Compared to similar products, Splashtop is praised for its affordability and ease of use, often highlighted in user reviews. Pricing varies based on the plan and number of users, with options for annual or monthly payments. For precise pricing tailored to specific needs, contacting SelectHub is recommended. Splashtop stands out for its balance of cost-effectiveness and comprehensive functionality.
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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

  • Cost Efficiency: Splashtop offers a budget-friendly solution for remote access, eliminating the need for expensive hardware or software licenses.
  • High Performance: Experience seamless remote sessions with low latency and high-definition quality, ensuring productivity is not compromised.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Access your desktop from any device, whether it's Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, or Chromebook, providing flexibility in diverse environments.
  • Robust Security: Benefit from advanced security features like TLS and 256-bit AES encryption, ensuring your data remains protected during remote sessions.
  • Easy Deployment: Quickly set up and manage remote access across multiple devices without the need for extensive IT support or complex configurations.
  • Scalability: Easily scale your remote access needs as your business grows, accommodating additional users and devices without hassle.
  • Remote Support Capabilities: Provide efficient IT support by remotely accessing and troubleshooting client devices, reducing downtime and improving service delivery.
  • File Transfer Functionality: Transfer files between local and remote devices effortlessly, streamlining workflows and enhancing collaboration.
  • Session Recording: Record remote sessions for training, auditing, or compliance purposes, ensuring accountability and transparency.
  • Multi-Monitor Support: View and control multiple monitors connected to a remote computer, optimizing the management of complex tasks.
  • Customizable Access Permissions: Tailor access permissions to meet specific organizational needs, ensuring users have the appropriate level of access.
  • Unattended Access: Access remote computers without requiring user intervention, ideal for after-hours maintenance or support.
  • Integration with Existing Systems: Seamlessly integrate with existing IT infrastructure and applications, enhancing overall operational efficiency.
  • Global Accessibility: Connect to your devices from anywhere in the world, supporting remote work and global collaboration initiatives.
  • User-Friendly Interface: Navigate the software with ease, thanks to an intuitive interface that minimizes the learning curve for new users.
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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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  • High-Performance Remote Access: Experience seamless remote desktop connections with low latency and high-definition quality, even on 4K monitors.
  • Cross-Platform Compatibility: Access Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux devices from any other device, ensuring flexibility across different operating systems.
  • Multi-Monitor Support: View multiple remote screens simultaneously, which is particularly useful for users who rely on multi-monitor setups for productivity.
  • File Transfer: Easily transfer files between local and remote devices without interrupting the remote session, enhancing workflow efficiency.
  • Remote Printing: Print documents from a remote computer to a local printer, making it convenient to handle physical documents from afar.
  • Session Recording: Record remote sessions for auditing, training, or troubleshooting purposes, ensuring accountability and learning opportunities.
  • Chat Functionality: Communicate with the remote user through an integrated chat feature, facilitating real-time collaboration and support.
  • Security Features: Benefit from robust security measures such as TLS and 256-bit AES encryption, device authentication, and two-factor authentication to protect sensitive data.
  • Remote Wake: Wake up a sleeping computer remotely using Wake-on-LAN, allowing access to devices that are not powered on.
  • Custom Branding: Personalize the Splashtop interface with your company’s branding, providing a professional appearance for client-facing interactions.
  • Integration with Third-Party Apps: Seamlessly integrate with popular tools like ServiceNow, Jira, and Freshdesk to streamline IT support workflows.
  • Group-Based Access Control: Manage user permissions and access rights based on groups, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access specific resources.
  • Scheduled Access: Set specific times for remote access to devices, which can help manage and control access for security and operational efficiency.
  • Session Timeout: Automatically disconnect inactive sessions after a specified period, reducing the risk of unauthorized access.
  • Customizable Alerts: Receive notifications for specific events or activities, such as login attempts or session starts, to stay informed about remote access activities.
  • Remote Reboot: Reboot a remote computer and automatically reconnect to it, simplifying the process of troubleshooting and maintenance.
  • Multi-User Collaboration: Allow multiple users to connect to a single remote session, facilitating teamwork and collaborative problem-solving.
  • Support for IoT Devices: Access and control Internet of Things (IoT) devices remotely, expanding the scope of remote management capabilities.
  • Custom Deployment Options: Deploy Splashtop in various environments, including on-premises, cloud, or hybrid setups, to meet specific organizational needs.
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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

#5

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Remote Desktop Software

#12

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Remote Desktop Software

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Synopsis of User Ratings and Reviews

Fast Performance: Users report that Splashtop is fast and responsive, making it feel like they're working on the remote computer directly.
Cross-Platform Compatibility: Splashtop supports a wide range of operating systems, allowing users to connect to their computers from various devices, such as Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Strong Security: Security is a top priority for Splashtop, with features like 256-bit AES encryption, two-factor authentication, and device authentication to protect against unauthorized access.
User-Friendly Interface: Splashtop is known for its intuitive and easy-to-use interface, making it simple for both technical and non-technical users to set up and navigate.
Competitive Pricing: Splashtop offers competitive pricing compared to other remote desktop solutions, making it a cost-effective choice for businesses of all sizes.
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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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Internet Dependency: As with any remote access service, a stable internet connection is essential for Splashtop to function correctly. Users with unreliable internet service may experience performance issues, hindering their workflow.
Subscription Model: Unlike a one-time software purchase, Splashtop operates on a subscription basis. While this can be convenient for some, it might lead to higher long-term costs for businesses compared to purchasing a perpetual license.
Mobile Device Limitations: While Splashtop offers mobile apps, controlling a desktop from a smaller touchscreen can be cumbersome. Certain tasks that require precise mouse movements or extensive typing might be less efficient on a mobile device.
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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 Splashtop really making a splash in the remote desktop market? User reviews from the last year suggest that Splashtop is a highly-regarded remote desktop software praised for its user-friendly interface, making it a breeze to set up and use, even for non-tech savvy individuals. Users rave about its speed and reliability, providing a near-seamless remote access experience.Security is a cornerstone of Splashtop, with features like TLS and 256-bit AES encryption, two-factor authentication, and device authentication ensuring that connections are fortified. Users highlight Splashtop's competitive pricing as a major plus, especially for individuals and small to medium-sized businesses, striking a balance between a robust feature set and affordability. While generally lauded for its performance, some users did mention occasional minor delays, particularly when dealing with unstable internet connections. A significant differentiating factor is its ease of use, even for non-technical users, making it ideal for businesses with varying technical expertise. For example, one user, Amy, a verified reviewer on Capterra, stated that "walking a user through downloading a mobile app or approving all of the permissions needed to use Splashtop on a newer Mac can be kind of a pain, but that is the result of built-in security features in the operating systems, not anything on Splashtop's end."In conclusion, Splashtop seems like a great fit for individuals and businesses of all sizes looking for a user-friendly, secure, and reliable remote desktop solution. Its intuitive interface, robust security features, and competitive pricing make it a compelling choice in the market. However, users seeking advanced features might need to consider higher-tier plans, as pointed out by some reviewers.

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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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