SmallBizGenius Analysis
Parallels reviews reveal significant issues with auto-renewal practices and customer service, overshadowing the software's functionality for some users. While the software itself receives some praise, the negative experiences related to billing and support raise concerns for potential small business users.
Category Breakdown
Scores based on analysis of 256 recent reviews
Auto-Renewal Issues
2.0/10Numerous reviewers report being automatically charged for renewals without prior notification or consent. Many describe this as a deceptive or predatory practice, leading to frustration and financial loss, as exemplified by comments like, "Beware! Parallels will set your subscription to auto-renew, and they will not notify you before it renews."
55 reviews mention thisCustomer Service Problems
3.0/10Many reviewers express dissatisfaction with Parallels' customer service, citing slow response times, unhelpful support agents, and an inability to resolve billing disputes. Customers report difficulty contacting support and describe canned responses that fail to address their specific issues, such as "Parallels customer service is slow to respond and then does not address the problem, all you get is 'there is nothing we can do about that'."
35 reviews mention thisDifficulty Cancelling Subscriptions
2.5/10Several reviewers mention that canceling their Parallels subscription is a complicated and frustrating process. They describe hidden cancellation options, confusing website navigation, and a lack of clear instructions, making it difficult to opt out of auto-renewal, with one reviewer stating, "They make it very hard to cancel your subscription from the website."
15 reviews mention thisSoftware Functionality
7.0/10Some reviewers acknowledge that the Parallels software itself functions well, allowing seamless switching between Mac and Windows environments. They appreciate its ability to run Windows applications on macOS, but this positive aspect is often overshadowed by negative experiences with billing and support, as one reviewer noted, "Software works fine. Big plus that you can seamlessly switch from Mac to Windows."
10 reviews mention thisRefund Issues
2.0/10A significant number of reviewers report being denied refunds for unwanted auto-renewals, even when contacting support shortly after the charge. They feel that Parallels' refund policy is inflexible and unfair, leading to a sense of being trapped in a subscription they no longer need or want, as a reviewer stated, "They set me up on auto renew, and did not send me a renewal email...I contacted them, and they said NO REFUNDS."
20 reviews mention thisPros & Cons
What Customers Love
"Software works fine. Big plus that you can seamlessly switch from Mac to Windows."
"It's a really great product. Works really well."
"WOW .. I just had the single best customer service experience I have ever had from a person in Mauritius. Thank you .. this was the BEST. His name was Kevin. What a great professional and ambassador..."
Common Complaints
"Watch out for auto renewal of this product. They don't send notification that the renewal is upcoming and will blindly charge your card on file without notice."
"Since I sold my Mac - I feel like they stole from me. They set me up on auto renew, and did not send me a renewal email. I am guessing because very few people actually renew. I contacted them, and they said NO REFUNDS."
"Parallels itself works fine, but cancelling the subscription is far more complicated than it should be. Their renewal emails didn’t show any clear “cancel” option, and the Parallels account page wasn’t helpful either."
"Parallels customer service is slow to respond and then does not address the problem, all you get is "there is nothing we can do about that" or blame the other software companies you are using."
"Software consistently crashes with minimal workload, over and over and over again. Support team is not helpful. ChatGPT can't get it to work either. Then when you try to get you a refund they run you..."
Common Questions About Parallels
Answers derived from customer review patterns
Is Parallels legit and trustworthy?
The legitimacy of Parallels as a software provider is not in question, as it does offer a functional solution for running Windows on macOS. However, based on the reviews, the trustworthiness of their billing practices is a significant concern. Many users report unauthorized auto-renewals and difficulty obtaining refunds, which raises doubts about their transparency and customer-centric approach. While the software itself may be legitimate, potential customers should be wary of the subscription management practices.
Based on 45 reviewsDoes Parallels have good customer service?
Based on the reviews, Parallels' customer service is generally perceived as poor. Many users report slow response times, unhelpful support agents, and difficulty resolving issues, particularly those related to billing and refunds. Customers often describe canned responses and a lack of personalized assistance, leading to frustration and dissatisfaction. The negative sentiment surrounding customer service is a recurring theme in the reviews, suggesting that this is an area where Parallels needs significant improvement.
Based on 35 reviewsIs Parallels worth it for small business?
Whether Parallels is worth it for a small business depends on the specific needs and risk tolerance of the business. If a business critically needs to run Windows applications on macOS and is willing to closely monitor their subscription settings to avoid unwanted auto-renewals, Parallels may be a viable option. However, the numerous complaints about billing issues and poor customer service suggest that there are potential risks involved. Small businesses should carefully weigh the benefits of the software against the potential for negative experiences with subscription management and support.
Based on 50 reviewsWhat is Parallels' return policy like?
Based on the reviews, Parallels' return policy, particularly regarding auto-renewals, is a major source of frustration for customers. Many users report being denied refunds for unwanted auto-renewal charges, even when contacting support shortly after the charge. The company's policy appears to be inflexible, with limited exceptions made for long-standing customers or extenuating circumstances. This rigid approach to refunds contributes to the negative sentiment surrounding Parallels' billing practices.
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