Comparison

Splashtop Remote Desktop vs Parallels Client

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Splashtop Remote Desktop

Access your Mac or PC securely from your phone or tablet, anytime, anywhere. This tool offers fast, reliable remote access with simple setup and low latency, allowing you to control your computer from a distance.

Highlights
  • Remote access to Mac or Windows computers
  • High-quality audio & video streaming
  • Low-latency remote control
  • Blank screen mode for privacy
  • Remote webcam access
  • Cross-platform support
Features
Read full description

NEED ACCESS RIGHT NOW? FORGOT SOMETHING ON YOUR COMPUTER? Your computer, anywhere you are. Access your Mac or PC securely from your phone or tablet – anytime, anywhere. Whether you’re traveling, helping family, or need something urgently from your Mac or PC, Splashtop gives you fast, reliable remote access in seconds. No complicated setup. No lag. Just control. GET STARTED IN 3 STEPS 1. Install Splashtop on your phone or tablet 2. Install the free Splashtop Streamer on your computer 3. Log in and connect instantly. That’s it. WHAT PEOPLE USE SPLASHTOP FOR • Accessing full apps, files, and tools they left at home • Working remotely when plans change • Helping parents or friends fix computer issues • Staying productive while traveling • Getting peace of mind knowing their computer is always reachable WHY SPLASHTOP Splashtop is trusted by millions of users and IT teams worldwide for one reason: it works when it matters. • ULTRA-FAST Smooth, high-resolution streaming with low latency. • SIMPLE SETUP Install, log in, and connect. No IT degree required. • SECURE Bank-grade encryption keeps your data and your screen private. • RELIABLE Works even on limited bandwidth or mobile data. This is the same remote access technology used by professionals – made simple for personal use. FREE VS ANYWHERE ACCESS • FREE Access your computer on the same local network • ANYWHERE ACCESS (UPGRADE) Securely connect from anywhere, on any network When remote access becomes important – not just occasional – upgrading unlocks full freedom without changing tools. KEY FEATURES • Access your Mac or Windows computer anytime • High-quality audio & video streaming • Low-latency remote control • Blank screen mode for privacy • Remote webcam access • Cross-platform support (Windows, Mac, iOS) PERSONAL VS BUSINESS Splashtop Personal is designed for non-commercial use. For work or teams, try Splashtop Business for advanced features and management. A REMOTE ACCESS TOOL YOU CAN TRUST When your computer matters, access shouldn’t be complicated. Splashtop gives you control, clarity, and confidence – wherever you are.

About

Parallels Client

Access business applications, virtual desktops, and data securely from your device. This tool offers intuitive, fast, and reliable virtualized application and desktop experiences, enabling work from anywhere. It supports seamless integration with corporate Windows applications and Azure Virtual Desktop environments.

Highlights
  • Secure access to business apps and data
  • Work from any device, anywhere
  • Access corporate Windows applications
  • Optimize published applications
  • Seamless Windows app access
  • Connect to Azure Virtual Desktop
  • Universal Printing
Read full description

Parallels Client, when connected to Parallels RAS (Remote Application Server), provides secure access to business applications, virtual desktops, and data from your device. Using virtualized applications and desktops in Parallels Client is intuitive, fast, and reliable. Parallels Remote Application Server and Parallels Client allow you to: • Work on any device from anywhere • Access any corporate Windows applications • Resize and optimize published applications for a native look and feel FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS • Seamless access to Windows applications on your device • Higher level of security when connecting over SSL • Access to Azure Virtual Desktop environments • Ability to work with virtual desktops, terminal servers/RD Session Hosts, and Windows PC hosts • Universal Printing allows you to print from your device to any printer • Graphic acceleration using RemoteFX • Remote applications and desktops extended to multiple monitors • Remote sound, local drive, and two-way clipboard redirection for a truly intergrated experience If you have questions about Parallels Client, please visit our support page. For more information about Parallels RAS, visit www.parallels.com/products/RAS/. Parallels Remote Application Server is an industry-leading solution for virtual applications and desktop delivery.

Screenshots

Splashtop Remote Desktop4 screens
Parallels Client4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Splashtop Remote Desktop at 76% against Parallels Client's 21%. Splashtop Remote Desktop also leads on rating (4.7 vs 2.5) and ratings volume (4.6K vs 58). Parallels Client's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On price, update cadence, ads and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Splashtop Remote Desktop sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Parallels Client asks for nothing beyond the download.

ReceptionRating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings

Splashtop Remote Desktop holds the better App Store score, 4.7 against 2.5. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: Splashtop Remote Desktop has 4.6K ratings behind it against 58, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 76% of Splashtop Remote Desktop's written reviews are positive against 21% of Parallels Client's.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 5, 2026 and November 2, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard5 real differences · 5 level
Splashtop Remote Desktop versus Parallels Client: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterSplashtop Remote DesktopParallels Client
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (4.6K ratings) — better2.5 (58 ratings)
Positive reviews75.7% of reviews — better21.1% of reviews
Number of ratings4.6K — better58
Update frequencyEvery 3 monthsEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchasesFree — better
DevicesiPhoneiPhone, iPad — better
Requires iOS17.0 — better18.0
Further details — not scored
Size20 MB43 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperSplashtop Inc.Parallels International GmbH

Customer experience

Splashtop Remote Desktop

All ratings4,589 ratings
Positive92.9%
Neutral2.3%
Negative4.8%
Written reviews1,454 reviews
Positive75.7%
Neutral6.1%
Negative18.2%

Parallels Client

All ratings58 ratings
Positive32.8%
Neutral8.6%
Negative58.6%
Written reviews57 reviews
Positive21.1%
Neutral10.5%
Negative68.4%

User reviews

Splashtop Remote Desktop

From 4.6K App Store ratings

What we love

  • 🚀 Works seamlessly
  • 🚀 Fast and painless connection
  • 👍 Easy setup
  • 👍 Reliable remote desktop
  • 👍 Secure and just works

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Occasional disconnections and reconnection issues
  • 🔒 Requires subscription for remote access
  • 🔒 Limits features behind paywall
  • 🔋 High battery consumption on mobile
  • 👎 Doesn't work well for iOS devices

Parallels Client

From 58 App Store ratings

What we love

  • 👍 Works well for RDP connection
  • 👍 Modern and improved interface
  • 👍 Great RDP product
  • 👍 Amazing after recent updates
  • 👍 Does the job

Room to improve

  • 🐛 Connection problems
  • 🐛 Slow and frustrating
  • 🐛 Impossible to use on iPhone
  • 🐛 Auto-logouts too quickly
  • 🐛 Cannot connect to virtual devices

Bugs and requests

Splashtop Remote Desktop

Reported bugs

4 issues
  • Cursor movement issues
  • Compatibility problems with newer OS versions
  • Inability to connect on the same network
  • Unexpected shutdowns and black screens

Requested features

5 requests
  • Add Bluetooth keyboard and controller support
  • Improve multi-monitor support
  • Provide more screen resolution options
  • Add audio routing options
  • Implement better wake-on-LAN/WAN functionality

Parallels Client

Reported bugs

40 issues
  • Cannot get past login screen
  • Impossible to use on iPhone
  • Auto-logout too soon
  • Cannot connect directly to host only
  • Too slow and many times doesn't work
Show 35 more
  • Keyboard shortcuts hijacked by iOS
  • Mouse double click has weird ripple effect
  • Single key shortcuts don't work
  • Alphabetical letters and numbers don't work in RDP session
  • Cannot navigate screen on iPad, doesn't respond to touch
  • Start, end, page up and down keys don't work
  • External mouse double click issue
  • Direct crash on iOS 17
  • App crashes when hitting enter on magic keyboard
  • Won't connect
  • Graphics don't extend to full screen on iPhone 13 Pro Max
  • Display becomes rough after update
  • Letters are a bit blurry after last update
  • New version is terrible and useless
  • Keyboard will no longer pop up
  • On-screen keyboard not popping up
  • Charts are gone on Samsung phone
  • PDA locked, screen goes black on iPhone
  • Stylus triggers right mouse button
  • Cannot open anything with double click
  • Extremely laggy
  • Mouse cursor not visible
  • Cannot input Japanese
  • Connection drops after running in background with screen closed
  • Scroll wheel and right-click not working
  • On-screen keyboard takes up half the screen
  • Click and drag does not work in pointer mode
  • App crashed on importing legacy settings
  • Special keyboard keys do not work
  • Two-factor authentication is broken
  • Cannot copy files from iPhone
  • Question mark key on iPhone keyboard is backslash
  • Click and drag does not work in pointer mode
  • Imported servers have no server name
  • Keyboard issues with Shift/CapsLock

Requested features

31 requests
  • Allow installation on virtual devices
  • Customizable auto-logout duration
  • Support for physical keyboard shortcuts
  • Improve mouse double-click visual effect
  • Fix keyboard shortcuts hijacked by iOS
Show 26 more
  • Fix non-working physical keys (start, end, page up/down)
  • Update for iPhone 13 Pro Max screen
  • Restore previous version of TC2000
  • Fix keyboard not popping up on iPad
  • Fix charts disappearing on Samsung phone
  • Provide in-person expert support
  • Fix right mouse button trigger with stylus
  • Fix laggy performance
  • Fix mouse cursor not visible
  • Fix Japanese input issues
  • Fix connection drops in background
  • Fix mouse wheel scroll and right-click
  • Support for Apple keyboard on iPad
  • Always-on keyboard option
  • Hide on-screen keyboard with Bluetooth keyboard
  • Support for custom gestures from legacy version
  • Add folders to Connections screen
  • Fix import of legacy servers
  • Fix special keyboard keys
  • Fix two-factor authentication
  • Allow file copying from iPhone
  • Fix missing question mark key on iPhone keyboard
  • Fix click and drag in pointer mode
  • Improve troubleshooting support
  • Fix on-screen keyboard blocking half the screen
  • Improve selection tab for RDP pictures

In-app purchases

3 purchases

Splashtop Remote Desktop

Subscriptions3
  • Anywhere Access Pack$1.991 Month
  • Anywhere Access Pack (Monthly)7 Days trial$5.991 Month
  • Anywhere Access Pack (Yearly)7 Days trial$23.991 Year
None

Parallels Client

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Splashtop Remote Desktop free?
Splashtop Remote Desktop is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is Parallels Client free?
Parallels Client is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Which has better reviews, Splashtop Remote Desktop or Parallels Client?
Splashtop Remote Desktop is rated higher. Splashtop Remote Desktop averages 4.7 out of 5 from 4.6K ratings, while Parallels Client averages 2.5 from 58 ratings.
Do Splashtop Remote Desktop or Parallels Client have ads?
Neither Splashtop Remote Desktop nor Parallels Client shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Splashtop Remote Desktop or Parallels Client?
Splashtop Remote Desktop ships an update every 3 months, and Parallels Client every 3 months. Most recently, Splashtop Remote Desktop was updated on November 5, 2026 and Parallels Client on November 2, 2026.

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