Parallels Access Reviews

by Lsd87

I started using this product when it came out. For the last 2 months or so the product has been unusable. While typing my password from my iPad so as to log onto my Mac nothing appears on the Mac...in other words you type, but nothing is received on the Mac and you can’t log in. I spent a lot of time with tech support, sent reports and logs..only to find out that it’s a known issue. So for 2 months no fix...unacceptable. I cannot depend on them....I had to switch vendors and essentially waste the remainder of my subscription fee...beware. It’s great when it works, but honestly, I’ve had far to many hours spent with tech support to be able to recommend this product.

Edit To Respond to Developer... I had read that article, which also says your investigating the issue. I’ve uninstalled Access because it doesn’t work for me and tech support is no help and the knowledge base is no help and ParallelsAccess hasn’t been updated with a fix in over 2 months. I actually need this product and can’t wait any longer.

by J23Edgar

I’m a student at CSULA and need to use SPSS program within this application. All kinds of issues trying to connect this with my iPhone. Also, tried using it with my computer and it keeps trying to “find the computer”. I gave up and decided to simply go on campus and use the computers there. ParallelsAccess is not ready for the 21st century of mobile friendly applications. Most business is conducted via mobile phones and this cannot compete with the current market.

by Dvandusen

I cannot adjust to the proper location on the monitor because one of my monitors is smaller than others... The smaller one is forced by access to use the same display positioning of the largest one when in access mode -- where all monitors are forced to have same display. In that mode the smallest monitor crops the display somewhat and then leaves some space elsewhere so that I cannot get to various places to make mouse clicks. Since it is difficult on the iPad to force safari to directly display the remote.... Because you are forced to go into Access client... You have no option to use browser unless you use Firefox and then you are Missing the controls, and you spiral into u usability.

by Jasharber

ParallelsAccess was a lifesaver for the last 2-3 years. I could access my home or work laptop from my iPad Pro and it allowed me to not have to carry either around —
Well, it no longer works. Just sits and spins and loads — contacted support via messenger (no response), via chat (no one ever connected) , and via email (auto response promising follow up that never happened).
My support ticket says “solution provided” that seems impossible without communicating with the person that submitted it.
If you were one of the people I recommended this now defunct program, I am very sorry that the product has failed and the customer service is even worse.

by Blindwaffle

When I first downloaded and used it, I loved it. Great functionality and UI. Until it stopped working. The remote computer just shows offline, tried all the knowledgebase troubleshooting steps, even called and wasted 30 mins with tech support. Don’t work. Don’t waste your money. Frustrating when a really nice piece of software doesn’t actually work. I think these guys are more mac oriented, if that side works, they should just drop the windows functionality altogether. (The tech on the phone said Sir can you reboot your mac, without even asking what kind of a computer I had). lol.

by Egfx0219

You're asked as the user to create an account or log in using your apple ID. Then, you're asked to install an application on your PC. Then, you're asked to provide a multitude of permissions to this application. Including full read & write access to the entirety of your HDD, Screen recording and control permissions.

Understandable, if they didn't immediately turn around and force you into a subscription service the minute you try to launch a remote session. With little, to no prior mention of a subscription service being required.

Complete waste of my time.

by Madcodger

I purchased the “Business” edition because it allowed access to up to 5 computers. That’s fine if you want everyone to have the same login and use that to access ALL (each) of those 5 computers, but if you want to restrict access to any of them, you have to purchase a separate license, and set up separate logins. I contacted support to clarify this or get a refund within about 24 hours of my purchase. They promised a callback from their “business” dept but I’ve heard nothing after a full day.

Basically, ParallelsAccess works but the “Business” edition is a complete ripoff unless you just want everyone with a Parallels login to your account to have full access to any computer using ParallelsAccess . We need remote access that can be limited based on the individual device to only certain individuals, which is what we thought we were getting. Rather than trust Parallels again, I’m willing to spend more with a company that can offer this and that actually calls you back when they promise to do so.

by Lanwarrior

I have been using Parallel Access (PA) for more than 2 years and generally, the performance is very good. I can connect via cellular and still have decent speed.

However, since early 2019, something happened where EVERYTHING is lagging. When I connect to a remote computer, it takes MINUTES to enter ONE character in the login screen.

No changes to my network at all and I still have fast speed (see above - was working in the last 2 years). For testing, I purchased Jump Desktop, which offer similar remote access solution and I have zero lag. I even tried to connect when I am using 3G (around 200 Kbps) and I have no problem connecting using Jump Desktop.

So SOMETHING has changed with the Parallel Access app (iOS or Mac) that makes it lag so bad. Of course, tech support is clueless and blamed my network speed, Mac, etc.

by Sagittaemac

Parallels and Access in particular has poor support, poor programming and fails continuously. Do not buy the scam yearly fee makes it worse. Spent an entire weekend with the feeble tech support having me do all the actions on their site even I did them already. The iOS app simply collapses when launching a remote program from both my Mac OS X machines and Windows machine. Twenty reports sent to Parallels and no result. Utter garbage do not purchase any license, simply theft of your money for something that doesn’t work and they can’t seem to fix .

by SH1NOB1

I originally purchased this because of the ability to use my iMac from my iPad Pro. Then I was conned into purchasing the new version of parallels thinking I was getting the same product but upgraded. However instead I found that it is only good for one computer and now you have to separately purchase parallels access time and have to purchase a separate key to add a second computer. It seems that now the product is not what it used to be and I have realized that it would be cheaper to just get a MacBook than continue with all the add on purchases I will have to make to continue to be able to use this product. Sad.

by Leiterfelix

When I started using ParallelsAccess, it was great, but since the most recent updates the service has become unstable and ParallelsAccess much slower and less responsive. I also miss a stand-alone app to connect to other computers instead of having to use their web based connection system, which is rather slow. An app with great potential that seems to have lost it along the way.

by Homekitcity

Not very up to date doesn’t completely work with the new iPad Pro 12.9 and the speed and quality even on really fast WiFi and the same WiFi as the host is really bad something like luna display is better but you have to be on the same network and IT solutions like Microsoft Remote Desktop aren’t very practical Parallels just needs to update their app and it should become more useful

by Shadow Volk

If you have an older version of Parallels access and upgrade your Parallels with a new install, you still need to update Parallels Access separately if you are running Catalina. It took me about two hours to figure out the new install did not include Parallels Access’ update.
The support site was not helpful either. They need notes for Catalina users, especially ones that updated.
Will raise rating once their support site addresses this.

by Fashion Deal Hunter

You can’t zoom in to see things that are to small if your device is smaller than your remote computer. you also can’t do commands that need to be done with a mouse.

by SAS321

I just installed this on 4 PCs. Great product especially with respect to having access to individual apps instead of whole desktop and easy way to switch from desktop to app. It would have been a 5 star if it could handle dual monitors which is not the way I see it currently.

by Datsunzcr

It’s great for travel if you’re going somewhere out into like a distance or somewhere or you could go on your computer if you accidentally left something on it

by NJnowLA

It’s the best and most economical way to work around Apple’s refusal to make a tablet that combines iPad features of facial recognition and touchscreen with the power of Mac desktop applications. C’mon Apple, make a Surace Pro for your loyal customers. In the meantime, Parallels Access is the best answer.

by GabeTisAlive

Imagine a world where your desktop powerhouse fits in your pocket. Or a world where any OS can run on your Mac.
Makes a Mac THE machine to run.
I finally pulled the trigger and purchased the entire suite from Parrallels. I have been trying it. On and off for years and im so happy i finally just have it to use constantly. Live love love

by Andyhaer

The presentation of remote programs that look and function like mobile apps (pick from launcher, run full screen) remove the painful window management that is required for traditional Remote Desktop display apps.

On iOS they also do a good job of implementing IOS functions when you are inputing text into you remote app. For example when editing a document you can use the iOS touch controls to select and copy text instead of remotely running the mouse to do the same thing

Pricing is also extremely reasonable (I’m using personal plan $20/yr to access 5 computers) and doesn’t come with the typical “not for business use” restrictions which allows me to telecommute with ease

Setup was extremely easy and I had to do zero router changes and have connected to both home and work computers

by EdDallasTX

Very reliable and user friendly app. ParallelsAccess launcher using icons is very useful and makes it easy to open programs. I’ve been able to reach into my iMac even from my iPhone and actually get things done. Of course from an iPad is even better. Highly recommend it.

by JBM997

I purchased Parallels Access about a year ago in search of a better remote access to a Windows machine from my iPad. I had tried several competing products, many of which worked but had some flakey performance or connection issues.
Parallels Access was simply fantastic. It worked smoothly, elegantly, without a problem. It connected quickly and was a joy to use. Then they “improved” it.
The latest version is total crap. After connecting easily dozens and dozens of times in the past, it will no longer do so.
I have just spent 45 minutes in endless loops trying to sign in with my old login, sign in with my Apple login, change the password and sign in, etc., etc. It acknowledges the account, then sends an email confirming the login [I follow the instructions in the email], then sends a two factor authentication number, and then another email [I follow the instructions in the email], (to each of the multiple emails and texts I’ve responded), then acknowledges these prior steps and sends ANOTHER email for me to confirm, then RESTARTS the entire log in process!!
There is a link to request technical support BUT THEN IT REQUIRES YOU TO SIGN IN TO GET TECHNICAL SUPPORT!
If I could sign in I wouldn’t need technical support! Duh.
Who has time for this nonsense?
The latest version of Parallels Access is a mess.

by Bob-user

Had trouble connecting to my computer
Technical support kept telling me to reinstall software on my computer
Trouble was with their server software
Never received any help information from technical support and in one case received wrong information (they told me that it couldn’t be done, I assume because they didn’t know how)

by Bkron08

Using the application works great until you switch to another app in the iPad. For example if I am using Parallels then I need to switch to another iPad app and then go back to it it does not reconnect. The mouse is not moving and it acts like it is frozen. I have to disconnect from the session and reconnect to allow me to use it again. This is not functional.

by Cap10morgan

ParallelsAccess is awesome and hugely useful, but unfortunately it is hamstrung on the best device to use it on: iPad Pro. It still doesn't fill the entire iPad screen. That extra screen space would be extremely useful when using ParallelsAccess. Any news on an update, Parallels?

by Samuel Canney

I love ParallelsAccess, it is amazing to have as a student and a video producer. Some things to be wanted, namely expanding the interface to take up the whole screen on my 11” iPad Pro