Parallels Desktop has long been a favorite virtualization software for Mac users, allowing seamless operation of Windows and other operating systems alongside macOS. However, many users are unaware that there are two main editions of Parallels Desktop available: the standard edition sold via the Parallels website, and a slightly altered version available through the Mac App Store. These two versions, while very similar on the surface, have several key differences that can significantly impact how users interact with the software.
TL;DR Summary
The Mac App Store edition of Parallels Desktop differs from the standard retail version in several ways due to Apple’s app distribution policies. The most notable differences include restrictions on certain advanced features, licensing limitations, and how updates are handled. Users looking for full functionality might prefer the standard version from the Parallels website, while casual users may find the App Store edition more convenient. Understanding these differences ensures you pick the right version for your needs.
1. Distribution Channel and Apple’s Restrictions
The biggest underlying reason for the differences between the two versions lies in how they are distributed. The Mac App Store enforces certain requirements and security restrictions that developers must adhere to in order to make their apps available on the platform. This means that the App Store edition of Parallels is slightly limited when compared to its full-featured counterpart.
Key Restrictions:
- Sandboxing: Apps on the App Store are required to run in a sandboxed environment. This limits system access and restricts some integration features.
- No Kernel Extensions: The Mac App Store version cannot use kernel extensions (kexts), which are often used in virtualization for better performance and integration capabilities.
As a result of these restrictions, some advanced capabilities found in the standard edition simply do not exist in the App Store version.
2. Feature Set: What’s Missing or Limited
This is perhaps the most crucial area for users to understand. Although both versions allow you to run Windows and other operating systems on your Mac, the App Store version lacks some of the more comprehensive features that power-users and professionals often rely on.
Here’s what you won’t find in the App Store edition:
- Support for Nested Virtualization: This is important if you plan to run emulators or other virtualization software inside your virtual machines.
- Integrated Visual Studio Debugging: Essential for developers who use Microsoft Visual Studio as part of their workflow.
- Command Line Tools: Useful for automation and scripting, these tools are not present in the App Store version.
- Advanced Network Configuration: Like host-only networking or manually creating network adapters — these are limited or missing altogether.
The rationale behind these omissions once again lies in Apple’s strict App Store guidelines. Some of these functionalities require elevated permissions or system access that are not allowed on sandboxed apps.
3. Updates and Licensing Models
Another area where these two versions diverge is how they handle updates and licensing. If you are a user who likes to stay on the latest version of software with minimal hassle, these distinctions matter significantly.
In the Mac App Store edition:
- Updates are distributed through Apple’s App Store, which follows Apple’s review and release timelines. This can delay updates slightly compared to the standard version.
- Licensing is tied to your Apple ID, and purchases are made through your iTunes account. This simplifies payment for some users.
In the standard edition from the Parallels website:
- Updates can be more frequent and are pushed directly by Parallels.
- You can choose between subscription or perpetual licensing models.
- You have access to multiple tiers like Standard, Pro, and Business editions — each with different capabilities.
If you’re part of a team or a business environment, the licensing variations can become especially important. The Mac App Store edition does not offer anything beyond the Standard license, while the website version comes in Professional and Business editions with enterprise-level tools.
4. Installation and Virtual Machine Management
Another key difference lies in how virtual machines (VMs) are managed, imported, or exported.
Limitations in the App Store Version:
- You cannot import virtual machines from VMware or older versions without using external tools.
- Snapshot management is more basic and lacks the advanced backup features found in the full edition.
- No support for managing remote virtual machines.
The standard edition, by contrast, offers a greater range of management tools — from VM templates to automation with CLI commands, further enabling users to customize their environment as they see fit.
5. Integration with macOS and Windows
The beauty of Parallels Desktop lies in its smooth integration between operating systems. While both versions offer Coherence Mode, which allows Windows apps to run as if they were macOS apps, not all integration features are equally supported.
The full standard edition includes:
- Deeper file and folder sharing options.
- Dock integration with seamless switching between apps.
- Ability to sync settings like keyboard layout, language, and clipboard across OSes.
The App Store edition, due to sandboxing, cannot offer this level of OS integration. For example, clipboard sharing can be hit-and-miss, and file sharing is restricted to explicitly authorized folders.
6. Pricing Differences
At a glance, the Mac App Store version may seem like a better deal — it usually has a lower upfront cost and a simpler purchasing process. However, the differences in available features can impact the long-term value proposition, depending on your use case.
Quick Comparison:
- App Store Edition: Lower price point but limited to Standard plan features and annual renewal through Apple.
- Website Edition: Higher flexibility in pricing, access to trial versions, and tier-based features for professionals and enterprises.
Additionally, users of the standard version benefit from promotional discounts, bundle offers, and the ability to downgrade or upgrade their editions without platform lock-in — options not available on the App Store version.
7. Who Should Choose Which Edition?
Now that the primary differences have been laid out, the choice between editions largely comes down to your specific needs.
Go with the Mac App Store edition if you are:
- A casual user who occasionally needs to run Windows applications.
- Looking for the simplest setup and an easy billing process via your Apple ID.
- Not relying on advanced features or development tools.
Opt for the Standard, Pro, or Business edition from Parallels.com if you are:
- A power user or developer needing command-line tools and scripting support.
- Managing multiple virtual machines or working in a team environment.
- Interested in deeper integration or specific use cases like testing, development, or legacy software support.
Conclusion
While they share the same core DNA, the Mac App Store and standard editions of Parallels Desktop differ in subtle but significant ways. Apple’s restrictions on App Store apps, along with differences in licensing and feature sets, create two distinct user experiences. Understanding these differences is key to choosing the right tool for your virtualization needs — saving you frustration and possibly unlocking capabilities that could make your workflow infinitely smoother.
Choose wisely, and Parallels Desktop can be a powerful bridge between macOS and the broader world of computing.