Parallels Desktop vs PickMeApp

Parallels Desktop runs Windows and Linux virtual machines on a Mac, so users can run Windows applications alongside macOS. Supported hosts include Intel Macs running macOS Catalina 10.15 or later and Apple Silicon Macs running macOS Big Sur 11 or later. It is authorized by Microsoft for Windows 11 on Apple Silicon and supports current macOS, Windows, and Linux versions. Listed Windows applications include Excel, Power BI, Access, and QuickBooks. Virtual machines support snapshots, nested virtualization, and GPU acceleration. Standard permits up to 8 GB of vRAM and four vCPUs per VM; Pro raises those limits to 128 GB and 32 vCPUs. Pro also supports command-line workflows and Jenkins and Vagrant integrations. Business adds centralized administration, license management, and Jamf and Intune deployment integrations, while Enterprise includes encrypted VMs under organizational control. The product is paid and offers a 14-day trial. Standard and Pro include unlimited phone and email support, and subscribers get 24/7 chat. Qualifying direct purchases have a 30-day money-back guarantee; renewals are excluded.

PickMeApp packages applications and their settings from a Windows PC so they can be installed on another PC. PickMeApp Pro manages discovery, installation, upgrades, removal, capture, and transfer; its command-line commands can automate those functions. PickMeApp Installer works with MSI, EXE, and PAD packages as well as proprietary TAP and TAD formats, and can create collections from a list of 20,000 software titles. The software can work offline with local repositories of custom software. Pro supports Windows XP and later and manages 32-bit and 64-bit programs on either 32-bit or 64-bit Windows computers. The maker reports successful capture and transfer of more than 15,000 software products and versions. Relocator moves installed applications between drives on the same computer; some moves need a restart and another run. Transfers to another PC depend on compatibility with its operating system. Free Relocator and Installer plans have no license count or expiration and contain no adware. Light costs $10 a year; Pro costs 30.00 USD once.