Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) vs VMware ThinApp [EOL] comparison

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Parallels and Broadcom are both solutions in the Application Virtualization category. Additionally, 96% of Parallels users are willing to recommend the solution, compared to 100% of Broadcom users who would recommend it.

Parallels Remote Applicatio...

Read 25 Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) reviews

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96% willing to recommend

VMware ThinApp [EOL]

Read 3 VMware ThinApp [EOL] reviews

100% willing to recommend

Parallels Remote Applicatio...

VMware ThinApp [EOL]

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Executive Summary

We performed a comparison between Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) and VMware ThinApp [EOL] based on real PeerSpot user reviews.

Find out what your peers are saying about Citrix, Microsoft, Parallels and others in Application Virtualization.

To learn more, read our detailed Application Virtualization Report (Updated: November 2026).

Buyer's Guide

Application Virtualization

November 2026

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Helped 921,523 peers since 2012

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

Parallels Remote Applicatio...

Average Rating

8.8

Reviews Sentiment

7.5

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

Application Virtualization (4th), Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI) (12th)

VMware ThinApp [EOL]

Average Rating

9.0

Number of Reviews

Ranking in other categories

No ranking in other categories

Featured Reviews

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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it_user769638

Associate Operations at a financial services firm with 10,001+ employees

Streamlines checking our app after pushing an update, which helps cut costs

In the past we used multiple servers to load-balance the application and when we pushed updates to the application we would need to check it on all servers. But when it comes to VMware ThinApp we can do it on a file server or Isilon share and this helps cut costs and create a healthy environment. If we publish an application in Citrix through a server we should have more capacity. On multiple occasions, some applications need updates so at that point we need to disable the servers. But in this case there is no need for disabling user sessions, they can use it and we can do just gpupdate to update all servers in a row.

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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

"I feel the product's pricing is of good value; we have reviewed pricing on other software products, Citrix and products like that, and we realized that for the same basic functionality, we're paying pennies on the dollar, so we do appreciate that pricing level."

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

"The most valuable feature is the HTML 5 Client, which makes it convenient to work from outside the office."

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

"Its price and ease of use are the most valuable. It is simple and has good performance."

"The connection is compressed so we don't need a lot of resources to run it."

"We use Cloudpaging to package and deploy the vast majority of our applications to our standard Windows 10 desktops, and with the use of Parallels integration into the Software2 AppsAnywhere hub, this means we can use the same packages to deliver Windows applications to almost any device - Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Xbox One, PS4 - just by ticking a box."

"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

"A great solution to get started with app virtualization, app mobility and deployment"

"In the past we used multiple servers to load-balance the application and when we pushed updates to the application we would need to check it on all servers, but when it comes to VMware ThinApp we can do it on a file server or Isilon share and this helps cut costs and create a healthy environment."

Cons

"Too much Active Directory dependent"

"The main thing that I would improve is their presence here in Mexico. They don't have strong local support here in Mexico."

"Opening a ticket should be available from the actual RAS console. It is cumbersome to go to a portal, hunt around for five minutes for a link to open a ticket, answer questions meant to direct you towards FAQs instead of live support, then fill out information (license #, version #, etc.) which could more easily be supplied by sending a ticket straight from the console with all of that information automatically specified."

"HALB is not stable in our environment."

"Generally, it is a very good solution. The main thing that I would improve is their presence here in Mexico. They don't have strong local support here in Mexico. They should have a worldwide presence so that we don't have to do everything through the people in the US. The initial setup was a little bit complex because we were migrating from Citrix. For customers who are migrating from another platform like VMware or Citrix, it would be great if they can provide an automated migration solution."

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

"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."

"We have had significant, ongoing issues with printing. It would be great to have a best practice for dealing with printing that we can offer to our customers."

More Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) cons

"There are some improvements needed regarding different types of options and still they are in research and build stage so once everything is set it will look good."

"There are some functional areas Thinapp could be improved. Perhaps including application specific or hardware specific virtual drivers"

Pricing and Cost Advice

"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."

"The product is not expensive. I rate its pricing a three or four out of ten."

"I don't like the subscription model because it feels like I have to pay every month. If Parallels could go back to the professional license, it would be much better."

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

"It is very affordable."

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

"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."

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

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

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Top Industries

By visitors reading reviews

Outsourcing Company

11%

Manufacturing Company

Comms Service Provider

Financial Services Firm

No data available

Company Size

By reviewers

Large Enterprise

Midsize Enterprise

Small Business

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

No data available

Questions from the Community

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...

See all answers

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.

See all answers

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 ...

See all answers

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Comparisons

Microsoft Remote Desktop Services vs Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)

Compared 14% of the time

Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) vs Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)

Compared 13% of the time

Inuvika vs Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)

Compared 10% of the time

Parallels Desktop vs Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)

Compared 7% of the time

VMware Workstation vs Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)

Compared 7% of the time

More Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) Competitors

Microsoft App-V vs VMware ThinApp [EOL]

Compared 28% of the time

Citrix DaaS (formerly Citrix Virtual Apps and Desktops service) vs VMware ThinApp [EOL]

Compared 19% of the time

Numecent Cloudpager vs VMware ThinApp [EOL]

Compared 19% of the time

Inuvika vs VMware ThinApp [EOL]

Compared 15% of the time

More VMware ThinApp [EOL] Competitors

Product Reports

Buyer's Guide

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS)

October 2026

Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) report

Download Parallels Remote Application Server (RAS) product report

Buyer's Guide

Application Virtualization

November 2026

Download VMware ThinApp [EOL] product report

Also Known As

Parallels RAS

ThinApp

Overview

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

VMware ThinApp accelerates application deployment and simplifies application migration with agentless application virtualization. Deploy ThinApp packages on "locked-down" PCs and allow end users to run their favorite applications without compromising security. ThinApp eliminate application conflicts by isolating applications from each other and the underlying OS into a single executable file that can be easily deployed to many endpoints.

Broadcom

Sample Customers

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

Delhi International Airport, Telus Communications Company, Mansfield District Council, St Edmunds College, Sydney Adventist Hospital, ITSAM, Hertz International, Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ Ltd. , ASVZ, Appenzell Ausserrhoden Informatik, MTF, Stadt Hattingen, €sterreichisches Verkehrsbªro AG, DER Reisebªro GmbH & Co OHG, Thomas-Krenn.AG, BFI Wien, Metal One Pipe & Tubular Products Inc., NTT Neomeit

Buyer's Guide

Application Virtualization

November 2026

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