Mac vs. PC
Choose What’s Right for You
When it comes to the choice between a Mac or PC, selecting a device that offers the features and flexibility you need is what matters most.
PC vs. Mac Takeaways
· Selecting a device goes beyond the simple choice of PC or Mac. To get the most out of your purchase, evaluating the device to fit your needs and uses is critical.
· PCs offer the flexibility and configurability needed to support a wide range of uses with multiple form factor options and out-of-the-box integrated capabilities and features.
· From daily work applications to gaming and content creation, PCs allow you to easily transition from work to play on the same device.
When you’re choosing between a PC or Mac*, it’s important to understand how key differences and features will affect your productivity and creativity. This article covers the key considerations to keep in mind as you decide which device is right for you.
Should You Get a PC or a Mac? What to Consider
To get started, think about what sort of capabilities and choices you’d like in a device and how you use your computer:
- Are you multitasking during the day, jumping between videoconferences and office tools?
- Do you need a device that can keep up with your design applications for a 3D printer?
- Are you a frequent traveler, relying on your device to connect with family or coworkers on the go?
- Do you like to game with your friends or have a side gig creating tunes as a freelance musician?
These are just a small handful of tasks, responsibilities, and recreational activities, but the bottom line is this: If you use your computer on a daily basis for work, entertainment, or everything in between, a PC can give you the choice to do it all.
Even without extra fancy features and add-ons, Intel-based PCs provide outstanding performance, connectivity, enhanced security, and graphics. But most importantly, PCs give you a wider sense of choice, coming in a variety of form factors while also giving you access to a broader selection of software and accessory choices. Especially when powered by Intel® processors and graphics, PCs can be a great option for you if you rely on your device for everyday use.
Comparison chart
Mac versus PC comparison chart |
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Mac |
PC |
|
Cost |
Macs start at $599 for the Mac mini desktop, $999 for the M1 Macbook Air notebook, and $1299 for the 24-inch M1 iMac. Macs are often more expensive than comparable PCs, but with the M1 models, offer much higher performance. |
Compared to a Mac, Windows and Windows-associated hardware is cheaper, and you can build your own for even less money. Comparable computers running Windows can be found around 40% cheaper than a Mac. |
Manufacturer |
Apple, Inc. |
Several companies: HP, Toshiba, Dell, Lenovo, Samsung, Acer, Gateway etc. |
Development and Distribution |
Macs are developed and distributed by Apple Inc. |
PCs are manufactured and distributed by hundreds of manufacturers. |
What is it? |
Short form for “Macintosh” and refers to any computer produced by Apple, Inc. |
Refers to any computer running IBM-Based (Windows, Linux, Solaris, FreeBSD) operating systems. stands for "Personal Computer" |
Company / developer |
Apple, Inc. |
Microsoft (Windows), Ubuntu (Linux), Sun (Solaris), etc. |
User |
Home users and businesses (mainly in the creative department) |
Home users and businesses |
Available language(s) |
Multilingual |
Must purchase a different OS Version, but has multiple languages available. |
OS family |
Unix-like (BSD>Darwin>Mac) |
Windows, Linux, Solaris, FreeBSD, etc. |
Gaming |
Not as many games are made natively for the Mac, although in recent years, many more applications are released for them. The App Store is a hub for users to download games from. |
The library of games available for the PC is exhaustive, and hardware specifically tweaked for gaming performance is much more readily available for Windows. The array of graphics cards and upgradability also favor Windows-based computers. |
Compatibility |
Can open almost all PC files and can coexist on local networks with PCs. Can open .doc, .exe (as a compressed bundle), .xls, and others. Software exists for other file types. Can also run Windows on a Mac for 100% compatibility. |
Mac-based files (.DMG) cannot be opened on PCs natively, but you can install software that can read, and possibly write Mac-based files on a PC. |
Latest Operating System |
macOS Ventura (version 13.1) |
Windows 11 (version 21H2) |
Popular Applications |
Final Cut Pro X, Logic Pro, Photos, iMovie, GarageBand, Pages, Numbers, Keynote, Safari, Mail, Messages, FaceTime, Calendar, Contacts, App Store, iTunes, iBooks, Maps, Photo Booth, Time Machine. |
MS Office, Internet Explorer, Media Player, Media Center, Windows Defender, SkyDrive, VLC media player, Chrome browser |
Supported architectures |
Intel processors, Apple Silicon M1 |
Intel and AMD processors |
Market Reach |
Attracts graphic designers, video and music producers, tech journalists, app developers etc. |
Wide reach to all stratas. Business users tend to use Windows hardware due to compatibility. |
Virus Attacks |
Since Macs are not as popular as PCs, there is less malware written to target them, although the threat of malicious software is growing as their popularity increases. |
Being the popular desktop choice, most virus writers target Windows systems, however, Linux often has less malware. |
Compatible Operating Systems |
macOS, Windows (through VirtualBox, Parallels, or Boot Camp [Intel-based Mac only]), Linux |
Various |
Internet browsing |
Safari, Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Opera, Vivaldi, Tor |
Edge, Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Opera, Vivaldi, Tor |
Performance |
Apple controls the hardware & software, so every Mac offers tight integration of the two, which leads to greater stability and performance despite on-paper specs often inferior to comparably priced PCs. |
Different OEMs and even custom-built PCs might not have the suitable drivers released for every component in each OS version, incompatibilities can occur that adversely impact overall stability and performance. |
Repairs |
Apple Stores offer troubleshooting and carry-in service. AppleCare can extend the warranty. Third-party specialist repair shops also offer repair services. |
Any knowledgeable person can perform repairs and upgrades. Local computer-help stores can also be contacted for repairs. OEMs and component shops provideslimited warranty. |
Working state |
Current |
Current |
Programs and apps |
Same as gaming, limited choice due to user range. |
Same as gaming, excess choice due to user range. |
Piracy Prevention |
Activation is not required, can reinstall as many times as needed. |
Windows has a unique activation key for each package distribution, and lots of custom and OEM PC appears, so genuine checking become important. Linux, Solaris, FreeBSD is free and no need for those keys. |
Customizability |
Limited |
Extensive |
Messaging |
Messages (using iMessage, Google Talk, etc.) |
Skype, Facebook, and Twitter |
Voice commands |
Siri |
Cortana |
Maps |
Yes |
Yes |
App store |
App Store |
Microsoft Store (8 and later, formerly Windows Store) |
Widgets |
Yes |
Yes |
Interface |
Mouse, keyboard, trackpad, other peripherals |
Mouse, keyboard, trackpad, other peripherals |
Has Registry |
No |
Yes |
Overclockable |
No |
Yes, depends on CPU, GPU and Motherboard |
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