# Splashtop Remote Desktop vs Parallels Client

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 ads (none vs shown). Parallels Client's advantage is in-app purchases (none vs 3). On price, update cadence, device support and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

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.

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 4.5K ratings behind it against 57, 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.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 21, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | Splashtop Remote Desktop | Parallels Client |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.7 (4.5K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/splashtop-remote-desktop/id561386772/reviews)** | [2.5 (57 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parallels-client/id1129911695/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **4.5K** | 57 |
| Positive reviews | **75.8% of reviews** | 21.1% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | Yes | **No** |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | Every 3 months | Every 3 months |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | **Ad-supported** |
| Size | 17 MB | 41 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | 17.0 |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPad** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [Splashtop Inc.](https://appshunter.io/developer/382509318) | [Parallels International GmbH](https://appshunter.io/developer/295531453) |

## What reviewers say

### Splashtop Remote Desktop

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/splashtop-remote-desktop/id561386772)

Access your Mac or PC securely from your phone or tablet, anytime, anywhere. This app provides fast, reliable remote access with simple setup and low latency, allowing you to control your computer from afar. It's ideal for retrieving files, working remotely, or assisting others with computer issues.

**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:** Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Anywhere Access Pack | $1.99 | per month |
| Anywhere Access Pack (Monthly) | $5.99 | per month |
| Anywhere Access Pack (Yearly) | $23.99 | per year |

**What reviewers like**

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

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 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

**Reported bugs**

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

**Requested features**

- 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

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/parallels-client/id1129911695)

Access business applications, virtual desktops, and data securely from your device. This app offers an intuitive, fast, and reliable way to work remotely, supporting various corporate environments and providing features like universal printing and graphic acceleration.

**Highlights:** Secure access to business apps and virtual desktops, Work from any device, anywhere, Access corporate Windows applications, Optimize published applications for native look, Universal Printing, Graphic acceleration, Multi-monitor support

**In-app purchases:** none


## Frequently asked 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 4.5K ratings, while Parallels Client averages 2.5 from 57 ratings.

### Do Splashtop Remote Desktop or Parallels Client have ads?

Parallels Client shows ads; Splashtop Remote Desktop does not.

### 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 September 24, 2026 and Parallels Client on September 21, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*