Azure Virtual Desktop vs Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) comparison

Microsoft and Parallels are both solutions in the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) category. Microsoft is ranked #6 with an average rating of 8.3, while Parallels is ranked #13. Microsoft holds a 11.2% mindshare in VD, compared to Parallels’s 2.9% mindshare. Additionally, 100% of Microsoft users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 96% of Parallels users who would recommend it.

Azure Virtual Desktop

Read 11 Azure Virtual Desktop reviews

2,778 Views
2,778 Comparison Views

100% willing to recommend

Parallels Remote Applicatio...

Read 25 Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) reviews

1,729 Views
1,643 Comparison Views

96% willing to recommend

Azure Virtual Desktop

Parallels Remote Applicatio...

Comparison Buyer's Guide

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Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Azure Virtual Desktop and Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out in this report how the two Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) solutions compare in terms of features, pricing, service and support, easy of deployment, and ROI.

To learn more, read our detailed Azure Virtual Desktop vs. Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) Report (Updated: December 2025).

Buyer's Guide

Azure Virtual Desktop vs. Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)

December 2025

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Helped 881,082 peers since 2012

Review summaries and opinions

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Categories and Ranking

Azure Virtual Desktop

Ranking in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

6th

Average Rating

8.2

Reviews Sentiment

6.3

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Parallels Remote Applicatio...

Ranking in Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

13th

Average Rating

8.8

Reviews Sentiment

7.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Application Virtualization (4th)

Mindshare comparison

As of January 2026, in the Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) category, the mindshare of Azure Virtual Desktop is 11.2%, up from 0.3% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is 2.9%, up from 2.2% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) Market Share Distribution
Product	Market Share (%)
Azure Virtual Desktop	11.2%
Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)	2.9%
Other	85.9%

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI)

Featured Reviews

Rajan Chandrasekaran

Senior Advisor at a financial services firm with 1,001-5,000 employees

Enhanced collaboration and security with seamless remote access has transformed work efficiency

We can integrate anything with Azure Virtual Desktop from an application perspective. The App-V has evolved into MSIX. To deliver an application to Azure Virtual Desktop, MSIX can be used by expanding it as a virtual hard disk and attaching it to the virtual machine. When this is done, users who need the application will have immediate access through Active Directory group assignment. One challenge with Virtual Desktop infrastructure is application delivery. From an infrastructure perspective, it's beneficial as we can have a fallback point - if one machine is down, we can have a disaster recovery site for redirection. The delivery of applications is a tedious process. Microsoft is working on building new products for efficient application installation. This feature might be included in upcoming releases. Currently, it's burdensome for IT administrators to create applications compatible with Virtual Desktop infrastructure, unlike traditional machines where direct installation is possible.

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JohanSkibdahl

CEO at Etcetera Networks

Secure access across devices with cost-effective seamless integration

One valuable feature is the ability to securely use a wide range of devices to access the company's infrastructure. The inclusion of all necessary components, such as load balancer and gateways, in a monthly fee is also beneficial. In terms of Parallels Desktop, the coherence mode that allows Mac and Windows applications to run seamlessly side by side is highly regarded.

Read full review

Quotes from Members

We asked business professionals to review the solutions they use. Here are some excerpts of what they said:

Pros

"Azure Virtual Desktop is stable and provides a 100% stable experience."

"Azure pricing is quite cheap due to licensing benefits with Microsoft."

"Absolutely, this solution is probably the leader in its field."

"The biggest advantages are the price and flexibility."

"The cost-effectiveness of Azure Virtual Machines is one of the most valuable features."

"I rate the overall solution nine out of ten."

"Azure Virtual Desktop provides users the ability to do remote work in a secure environment that is easy to manage."

"I've always found Azure Virtual Desktop to work for me without issues."

More Azure Virtual Desktop pros

"Parallels Desktop allows me to run both Mac and Windows operating systems on a single machine, eliminating the need for separate Windows hardware."

"Client compatibility with many systems makes it very versatile. The reporting that is included is awesome."

"Valuable features include the ability to set up security groups for accessing certain apps, and the ability to add apps easily and centrally without touching the servers they’re hosted on."

"Thin client management (Windows 10 client) provides an easy way to lock down client connection to the remote infrastructure. Policies are very helpful for preconfiguring client behavior. Finally, client management is easy."

"The solution is powerful, and it has good speed and performance."

"It provides flexible access to Windows applications from many types of devices."

"It is robust. We have some 75 users using it and it doesn't lag. It's very speedy."

"Setup was straightforward. Our particular use case involved an Active Directory forest involving two data centers and three domains. User authentication against Active Directory was the easiest to set up and validate of any application installed in the last three years."

More Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) pros

Cons

"I see areas for improvement in Azure Virtual Desktop, specifically regarding cost, as it is a little bit expensive."

"One of the issues I had was the ability to add an internet proxy. I would like to see built-in proxy and internet filtering."

"Azure could improve its uptime and the scaling aspect, as it lacks intelligent scaling."

"Azure is vast, and perhaps an architect-level experience could provide more insights into potential improvements."

"It takes too long to get a return call."

"Access from Entra ID should be implemented to provide only tenant access to users connecting to the Azure Virtual Desktop environment, eliminating the need for on-premises requirements."

"The primary area for improvement is around the scalability of Azure, specifically on the desktop side."

"The costs are a bit difficult to predict upfront. When I am trying to sell it to a customer as a consultant, it is hard to give them a fixed price."

More Azure Virtual Desktop cons

"Currently in the RD Session Hosts – Sessions section, I can see what server a user is logged into but not what app he is using. Being able to do so would be immensely helpful when a non-technical user is complaining of issues, but I can’t tell which app he is using, and he is actually logged into multiple servers since they serve multiple apps."

"We would like to be able to re-label the OTP (One Time Password) popup so our users can easily recognize that they are to put in their DUO code on that line. Most users see OTP and ask what that is."

"Generally, it is a very good solution. The main thing that I would improve is their presence here in Mexico. They don't have strong local support here in Mexico. They should have a worldwide presence so that we don't have to do everything through the people in the US. The initial setup was a little bit complex because we were migrating from Citrix. For customers who are migrating from another platform like VMware or Citrix, it would be great if they can provide an automated migration solution."

"We have had significant, ongoing issues with printing. It would be great to have a best practice for dealing with printing that we can offer to our customers."

"Opening a ticket should be available from the actual RAS console. It is cumbersome to go to a portal, hunt around for five minutes for a link to open a ticket, answer questions meant to direct you towards FAQs instead of live support, then fill out information (license #, version #, etc.) which could more easily be supplied by sending a ticket straight from the console with all of that information automatically specified."

"It would be great if there were more sophisticated GPO templates/options."

"Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is an expensive solution, and its pricing could be improved."

"The product does not utilize SQL for reporting purposes. Also, it does not support some hypervisors similar to Citrix. These particular areas need improvement."

More Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

Information not available

"It is not that high. It is in the medium range. Of course, it could be lower, but the price is not the issue."

"The product is not expensive. I rate its pricing a three or four out of ten."

"It is inexpensive compared to one of its competitors."

"I think the new pricing is a little bit high. If the price was lower, we could use it for many more customers. If there was one improvement to be made to this product, it would be a small-business version, at a much lower price point."

"It justifies the price. In terms of licensing, initially when we got the product it was an unlimited licensing strategy. We knew would grow in the coming years. So initially, we took a plan which had no limit. After a year or so the strategy changed and we were being limited to 105 licenses, that was the minimum... If there was flexibility for increasing the number of licenses that would be great because you never know how much you are going to grow in the next year."

"Just compare it to Citrix and you will see the value in it."

"The pricing has always been competitive, and the new SPLA licensing model works great for our business and clients."

"I recommend testing Parallels and comparing it to your needs. Compare the prices against what you are able to do with the product and its alternatives. Parallels is not a cheap product."

More Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) pricing and cost advice

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Computer Software Company

26%

Outsourcing Company

13%

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

Computer Software Company

14%

Government

Manufacturing Company

Healthcare Company

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	6
Midsize Enterprise	1
Large Enterprise	6

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	14
Midsize Enterprise	2
Large Enterprise	10

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Azure Virtual Desktop?

The usual amount customers pay for this tool varies. I have seen large deployments catering to 500 or 700 users. Enterprises do use it, and they pay quite a bit for this.

See all answers

What needs improvement with Azure Virtual Desktop?

I see areas for improvement in Azure Virtual Desktop, specifically regarding cost, as it is a little bit expensive. However, when you account for replacing dedicated hardware and the maintenance it...

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Azure Virtual Desktop?

We use RDP with Azure and have some virtual desktops. A major use case for Azure Virtual Desktop is that we give access to external consultants so they can access our information and interact with ...

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What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)?

The pricing for Parallels RAS is straightforward with a monthly fee for a minimum of 15 licenses. For Parallels Desktop, it is a yearly cost of a couple of hundred euros. No additional fees for mai...

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What needs improvement with Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)?

A potential improvement could be reducing the dependency on Microsoft solutions for Parallels RAS. As for Parallels Desktop, there is nothing specific that needs improvement.

See all answers

What is your primary use case for Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)?

The primary use case of Parallels is to offer it to customers as a hosted service. I help them to migrate from other solutions like VMware to Parallels RAS. I recommend it to companies that prefer ...

See all answers

Comparisons

Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) vs Azure Virtual Desktop

Compared 83% of the time

Parallels Desktop vs Azure Virtual Desktop

Compared 3% of the time

Horizon Cloud Service vs Azure Virtual Desktop

Compared 3% of the time

VMware Workstation vs Azure Virtual Desktop

Compared 2% of the time

Horizon 8 vs Azure Virtual Desktop

Compared 1% of the time

More Azure Virtual Desktop Competitors

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)

Compared 18% of the time

Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) vs Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)

Compared 15% of the time

Amazon WorkSpaces vs Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)

Compared 8% of the time

Parallels Desktop vs Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)

Compared 8% of the time

Horizon Cloud Service vs Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)

Compared 3% of the time

More Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Azure Virtual Desktop

January 2026

Download Azure Virtual Desktop product report

Buyer's Guide

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)

January 2026

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) report

Download Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) product report

Also Known As

No data available

Parallels RAS

Overview

Azure Virtual Desktop enables scalable remote work with integration to Microsoft 365, enhancing collaboration and productivity. It offers secure access to desktops from anywhere, supported by features such as automation tools and robust security measures.

Azure Virtual Desktop is a powerful cloud-based platform facilitating remote work, disaster recovery, and secure access to applications. It supports multiple users, allowing efficient management of host pools and provides flexibility for consultants and contractors. Challenges include unpredictable costs and the need for improved scalability, better application delivery, and seamless transition from Windows 10 to 11. While it boosts hybrid work capabilities, further enhancements in intelligent scaling and integration with proxies are needed. Organizations use it for development, ensuring data security and management simplicity, but seek dynamic auto-scaling and cost optimization.

What are the key features of Azure Virtual Desktop?

Scalability: Efficient resource adjustment based on demand
Microsoft 365 Integration: Enhances collaboration and productivity
Security: Includes MFA, end-to-end encryption, and Azure Active Directory integration
Hybrid Work Capabilities: Enables secure desktop access from any location
Automation Tools: Streamlines deployment and reduces manual efforts

What benefits should be considered when evaluating Azure Virtual Desktop?

Cost-Effectiveness: Flexible licensing and resource scaling adapt to demand
Enhanced Productivity: Integrates seamlessly with Microsoft 365 for improved collaboration
Comprehensive Security: Provides robust features like MFA and encryption
Remote Work Efficiency: Supports multiple users with secure, anytime access

Azure Virtual Desktop is widely implemented across industries like technology, consulting, and finance. Firms utilize it for secure remote work, offering access to applications and data while maintaining stringent security protocols. It is particularly beneficial in scenarios requiring disaster recovery and seamless multi-session capabilities for globally dispersed teams.

Microsoft

ApplicationServer delivers applications, data and virtual desktops from a central location, providing continuous availability, resource-based load-balancing and complete network transparency.

Parallels

Sample Customers

Information Not Available

Arsari Group _ PT Netmarks Indonesia, Izhevsk Elektromekhanicheskiy Zavod (IEMZ) _ Kupol, Abilene Diagnostic Clinic, Fylde Borough Council, YARSTROYREZE LLC, VSK Insurance House, Melenkovsky District of Vladimirskaya Oblast, Sofrigam SA, Antenna International, KingsGate Community Church, Norwegian American Hospital, Island Hotels Group, Medway Council, Medway Council, Voices of September 11th, MacDonald Training Center, Kansas Childrenês Service League, Scope,Next Generation Clubs, WTC Communications, Opera Australia, HSE Integrated, Danier, Bridgwater College, Kern County Mental Health, Tony Tiendas, Spears Manufacturing, Managed Insurance Services Inc., Intuitive Medical Software, M.J. Soffe, Mazda Motors, Israel Military Industries (IMI), Telfair, Upic Solutions, Teleflora, Fisher & Company

Buyer's Guide

Azure Virtual Desktop vs. Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)

December 2025

Free Report: Azure Virtual Desktop vs. Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)

Find out what your peers are saying about Azure Virtual Desktop vs. Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) and other solutions. Updated: December 2025.

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