Microsoft App-V vs Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) comparison

Microsoft App-V vs. Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)

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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

Microsoft App-V

Ranking in Application Virtualization

2nd

Average Rating

8.6

Reviews Sentiment

7.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Parallels Remote Applicatio...

Ranking in Application Virtualization

4th

Average Rating

8.8

Reviews Sentiment

7.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) (13th)

Mindshare comparison

As of June 2026, in the Application Virtualization category, the mindshare of Microsoft App-V is 12.9%, down from 22.6% compared to the previous year. The mindshare of Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) is 14.9%, down from 16.5% compared to the previous year. It is calculated based on PeerSpot user engagement data.

Application Virtualization Mindshare Distribution
Product	Mindshare (%)
Microsoft App-V	12.9%
Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)	14.9%
Other	72.2%

Application Virtualization

Featured Reviews

Francois Gotti

Senior Infrastructure Engineer at IQEQ

Streaming has impressed but integration and support require improvement

The problem with Microsoft App-V is that there is no choice since Microsoft has decided to stop it, and we are searching for alternatives. Microsoft App-V needs to evolve, possibly with better integration with other solutions, particularly since we use Citrix and want to integrate App-V packages more efficiently. The management of packages should be easier, possibly through a web console for visibility in versioning, and options to convert packages when changing technologies. Many companies avoid using tools like Admin Studio due to high costs. Additionally, Microsoft App-V has been slow, and users experience delays when launching applications, which presents significant challenges.

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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.

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Quotes from Members

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

Pros

"The most interesting and powerful feature for us is the fact that we can upgrade any kind of app instantly."

"The most valuable feature of Microsoft App-V that I found is the possibility to bring old software back to life and publish it for users to do their jobs using those applications."

"From my experience with Microsoft App-V, the feature I liked the most is the streaming."

"It is easy to scale. You can quickly deploy additional instances. Rollbacks are easy because there is an automatic backup every hour. Deploying the application is straightforward and efficient."

"I appreciate the process of being able to change or review my answers."

"I would recommend Microsoft App-V for its simplicity and efficiency."

"From my point of view, it reached a maturity where we can consider it to be perfect."

"From a technical point of view, it meets most of the customers' needs."

More Microsoft App-V pros

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

"It is robust."

"It permits us to control the applications that our users are able to get to, in a seamless manner. We're able to distribute applications to users' desktops, just like those applications are on each user's computer, but they're not."

"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."

"Thank you 2X for such a great product that makes my work much easier!"

"It has a very affordable price and the highest capabilities."

"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."

"Allows us to publish applications accessible by current-generation HTML5 browser or OS-specific client (Windows, Android, iOS), and it supports popular single sign-on and multi-factor authentication protocols."

More Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) pros

Cons

"Regarding improvements in Microsoft App-V, I would appreciate seeing the successor, MSIX, work better, as nothing is going to be implemented anymore since it is end of life by the end of the year."

"Microsoft App-V is more suited for legacy software usage, and trying to make it work in that context usually feels tricky and unreliable."

"The downside is that Microsoft bought this product and they are going to discontinue it in 2026. This is worrisome for us."

"If it were possible to integrate App-V with a cybersecurity solution then we could implement a documentation registry, which would be useful."

"Microsoft App-V has been slow, and users experience delays when launching applications, which presents significant challenges."

"The reporting features could be improved."

"There is definitely room for improvement with Microsoft App-V, especially in terms of enhancing troubleshooting resources and user guidance."

"The process was streamlined but didn't make our work simple. We encountered an issue with the person responsible for designing the website."

"A potential improvement could be reducing the dependency on Microsoft solutions for Parallels RAS."

"The solution's application virtualization feature needs improvement."

"Since I've been here less than a year, I have had to upgrade the system three times. The first time was the major upgrade but they have upgraded twice since, and I think that's too many times in that time span."

"A web-based management interface for administration and reporting would be nice, instead of needing to log into a remote server."

"Too much Active Directory dependent"

"We have been working with the Parallels team on some printing issues and are hopeful they will be resolved in the next patch release."

"I don't like the subscription model because it feels like I have to pay every month."

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

More Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"The pricing of this product is competitive."

"Clients do not pay licensing fees."

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

"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."

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

"Pricing is a little steep."

"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."

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

"Parallels is a cost effective alternative to Citrix."

"We currently use Parallels side-by-side with an Azure cloud-hosted solution. This may be from a lack of product knowledge on my part, but we still need to work out the most effective way to shut down servers outside of hours, thereby reduce hosting costs. I am not entirely convinced Parallels does this well yet."

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

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Financial Services Firm

17%

Healthcare Company

Comms Service Provider

Government

Computer Software Company

10%

Manufacturing Company

University

Government

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	4
Large Enterprise	5

By reviewers
Company Size	Count
Small Business	15
Midsize Enterprise	2
Large Enterprise	10

Questions from the Community

What is your experience regarding pricing and costs for Microsoft App-V?

Regarding pricing, I believe flexibility would help retain customers. Costs could be more adaptable to meet varying budgets.

What needs improvement with Microsoft App-V?

There is definitely room for improvement with Microsoft App-V, especially in terms of enhancing troubleshooting resources and user guidance.

What is your primary use case for Microsoft App-V?

I have been using Microsoft App-V for quite some time, and I can describe my use cases, which include various applications that enhance productivity.

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...

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.

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 ...

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Compared 13% of the time

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Compared 12% of the time

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Product Reports

Microsoft App-V

Download Microsoft App-V product report

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)

Download Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) product report

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) report

Also Known As

App-V, MS App-V

Parallels RAS

Overview

Microsoft App-V facilitates rapid, secure application deployment in isolated containers for Windows platforms. Its centralized management allows app deployment globally or per-user, enhancing productivity alongside legacy software support.

Microsoft App-V is a robust tool for managing application deployments with centralized control and flexibility, offering features like instant upgrades, application streaming, and support for running multiple app versions. While facing discontinuation in 2026, it remains valuable for managing legacy applications and achieving cost efficiencies. Users can quickly manage apps via SCCM and benefit from reduced local installations, lowering security risks and enhancing scalability. However, there are calls for improved Azure integration and better synchronization capabilities.

What are the key features of Microsoft App-V?

Instant Upgrades: Rapidly update applications without disruptions.
Centralized Management: Manage applications from a single location, reducing conflicts.
App Streaming: Streamline deployment with minimal local resource use.
Legacy Software Support: Run older applications on modern systems seamlessly.
Concurrent Versions: Support multiple app versions for user flexibility.

What benefits should users look for in Microsoft App-V?

Cost Reduction: Lower operational costs through efficient resource use.
Scalability: Easily scale application deployments to meet growing needs.
Stability: Enhance operational stability with reliable application management.
Efficiency: Improve efficiency through reduced user interaction in updates.

In industries like finance and healthcare, Microsoft App-V is used to maintain legacy application functionality while modernizing IT infrastructure. Companies in sectors with critical operations leverage its ability to keep applications separate, reducing conflicts and ensuring reliable performance even on aging systems. The focus on transition and integration is crucial as they explore advanced solutions for future needs.

Microsoft

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) offers efficient remote application and desktop delivery across diverse devices, providing businesses with easy management and robust performance, ensuring stable and secure access.

RAS simplifies remote access through its user-friendly design, encompassing app publishing, device compatibility, and management capabilities. Users benefit from its HTML 5 Client convenience and impressive speed. With features like security groups and client compatibility, RAS excels in providing a stable and flexible environment. Its scalability across platforms and affordability makes it attractive for many organizations. However, areas such as printing stability, customization, and performance monitoring could benefit from further enhancements.

What are the key features of Parallels RAS?

App Publishing: Provides simple and efficient application distribution across devices.
Device Compatibility: Supports devices including Macs, Windows, and Android.
HTML 5 Client: Enables convenient access via web browsers.
Security: Incorporates security groups and robust measures.
Integration: Compatible with platforms including Windows RDS and VMware.

What benefits do users gain from Parallels RAS?

Ease of Use: Simplifies setup and management processes.
Performance: Ensures swift and stable application delivery.
Cost-Effective: Offers an affordable solution for remote access needs.
Diverse Access: Promotes secure, seamless access from multiple devices.

Industry implementations of Parallels RAS include its use as a client gateway and an alternative to Windows RDS. With support for Macs, Windows, Linux, and Android devices, it facilitates application publishing and migration from platforms like VMware. Organizations employ RAS for remote control, VDI, and ERP solutions, improving remote workforce operations and geographic application distribution.

Parallels

Sample Customers

The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA), GDDKiA, P&V, Etisalat Lanka, Hellenic Petroleum

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

Microsoft App-V vs. Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)