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.

Read full review

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

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

"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."

"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."

"It is very easy to use from an administration point of view."

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

"We can deploy applications incredibly fast."

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

More Microsoft App-V pros

"Maintenance of software versions has been greatly simplified, ensuring that all users are using the same version of applications."

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

"We use RAS to publish cloud desktops to our clients. The ability to easily publish resources to a subset of users is what we find most valuable."

"The management capability from the RAS portal provides greater control than using pure MS inbuilt into RDS capabilities."

"Simplicity of the interface is a valuable feature."

"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."

"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."

"You have the opportunity to virtualize applications in different locations, and everything is in one pane or one window, which is quite good."

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."

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

"The reporting features could be improved."

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

"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."

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

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

"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."

"The customization of the web interface could possibly use some improvement."

"Too much Active Directory dependent"

"Sometimes you need to understand how to use load balancing and the gateway in order to scale, which means the team may need some additional technical knowledge."

"We have had significant, ongoing issues with printing."

"We would like the ability to provide a popup message, such as a maintenance notification. That same notification on the Parallels client would be awesome."

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

"Delegation in 2X Console currently accepts user accounts only, please add delegation for AD groups."

More Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) cons

Pricing and Cost Advice

"Clients do not pay licensing fees."

"The pricing of this product is competitive."

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

"Comparable performance to Citrix for our use case at a significantly lower cost. Pricing is clear and there are relatively few options or other pricing considerations when compared to similar products. Just be sure not to forget the Microsoft licensing that goes along with a Parallels deployment."

"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."

"Pricing is a little steep."

"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."

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

"Work with the vendor, as this is a fairly new product and they want use cases. Deals can be made."

"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

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)