10 Key Differences Between Macs and PCs

There was a time when shouting "Macs are whack" or "Apple rules, Microsoft stinks" at any tech conference could spark chaos. The rivalry between Apple enthusiasts and Windows fans thrived on college campuses, social networks, and internet forums. While the fiercest days of the platform wars seem to be behind us, both Mac and Windows have loyal followings. Nowadays, both systems are similar enough that the decision often comes down to personal preference or budget.

Before diving into the comparison, let's clarify what we're talking about. In this article, we’re contrasting Apple computers that run Mac OS X (no hackintoshes here) with machines that use the Windows operating system. While the term PC generally refers to personal computers of all kinds, we’ll be using it specifically to mean a Windows-based machine in this context.

Despite the strong passion that both Windows and Mac users often show, it's surprising to learn how small Apple's share of the global computer market actually is. While Apple's earnings are bolstered by iPhone, iPad, and iPod sales, Macs make up about 8 percent of the global computer market. In fact, by the end of 2020, the biggest competitor to Windows' operating system dominance came from Google's Chrome OS, which surged into second place in computer shipments, with Chromebooks representing 14.5 percent of shipments. Both Apple and Google chipped away at Microsoft's market share, but at the close of 2020, Microsoft retained the dominant position with 80.5 percent of the market.

So, which is superior in the classic operating-system debate — Mac or PC? Browse our list of 10 key differences between the two and make your own decision.

10: Design

If you grew up in the 1980s, you'll recall that all computers, no matter the maker, looked pretty much the same — uninspired, mostly rectangular, dull-colored boxes. But design has become a major differentiating factor between Macs and PCs. For nearly three decades, former Apple CEO the late Steve Jobs was intensely focused on the aesthetic quality of his company’s products, with a passion unmatched by any of his competitors. The distinctive designs born from this obsession have given Mac products the 'cool' factor that they enjoy today.

This unconventional focus on design began with the original Macintosh, launched in 1984. Like many of Apple’s current models, it housed both the CPU and monitor in a single unit, minimizing the need for cables and contributing to a more streamlined look. When Jobs left the company in 1985, Macintosh computers started to resemble the Windows PCs on the market. Apple’s already small market share continued to shrink, and many had written the company off as doomed.

When Apple brought Steve Jobs back in 1997, he and designer Jonathan Ive introduced the iMac in 1998, arguably one of Apple’s most significant successes. With its translucent, candy-colored shell, the iMac quickly made a splash in the market, reviving Apple's fortunes and marking the beginning of its rise to present-day success. Although many PC manufacturers now produce sleeker, more stylish machines, few have earned the widespread admiration that Mac products have garnered.

PCs come in countless designs, from the simple, functional look of business computers to the futuristic designs of gaming PCs. Some laptops even feature convertible designs, allowing them to transform into touch-screen tablets. There's no single guiding principle for the design of PCs, but that isn't necessarily a disadvantage — if one design doesn’t appeal to you, you can simply look for another model from a different manufacturer. However, if you don’t like Apple's design, your only option is to stick with the Mac.

9: Price

Price is often one of the most mentioned differences between Macs and PCs. While many Mac products are priced over $1,000, there are numerous PC models available in that price range. However, this doesn't automatically mean that Macs are pricier than similar PCs. In reality, Apple tends to create higher-end machines with superior and more expensive components. The company has stated that it could produce cheaper computers, but doing so would compromise the user experience, which Apple refuses to do.

The issue with comparing prices between Macs and PCs is that the two are rarely directly comparable. Even if you found two machines with identical processor speeds, RAM, storage, graphics, and number of USB ports, the pre-installed software on each would be vastly different. For example, a PC user might need to buy antivirus software, while a Mac user may need to purchase Microsoft Office. Ultimately, the value of a Mac or PC depends on the user’s specific needs.

If your needs are limited to basic tasks such as web browsing or word processing, investing in a Mac may seem unnecessary. There are numerous PC options available at a lower price point. Linux enthusiasts may also weigh in — for a minimal cost, anyone unfamiliar with the Linux operating system can buy an affordable computer, install a user-friendly Linux distribution, and perform fundamental tasks. This is one of the reasons behind the rise in Chromebook sales, as these budget-friendly computers are designed for everyday use.

8: Technical Specifications

In the early years, the original Macintosh computers ran on Motorola 68000 series processors, but in the mid-2000s, Apple switched to Intel processors. Once Mac OS was able to run on Intel processors, users could install Windows alongside the Mac OS, allowing for the use of both operating systems on a single device. For over a decade, comparing the specs of a Mac and a PC became more straightforward, offering a direct comparison of their performance — quite literally, 'apples to apples.'

In 2020, Apple announced a major shift, revealing that Mac OS would transition to Apple's own M1 processor. Macs featuring this chip began appearing in 2021. Unlike the previous Intel-based models, the M1 is a system-on-a-chip, which means you can't easily compare the processor and graphics card of an M1 Mac with those of a typical PC. While you can still measure the speed and efficiency of both, comparing them side-by-side is not as simple as it was with Intel-based Macs.

The input-output options on Macs and PCs are distinct. Desktop Macs provide a fairly standard array of ports, such as USB and HDMI. Apple faced considerable backlash when it shifted to USB-C connectors on its laptops, forcing users to purchase adapters for HDMI and traditional USB ports.

By early 2021, Apple had remained committed to this approach. Additionally, it still hasn't released a touch-screen Mac, unlike devices running Windows, Chrome OS, or Linux. PCs generally come equipped with USB and HDMI ports, a smart-card reader, and an Ethernet port. As of now, desktop Macs still feature Ethernet jacks, while their laptops do not.

7: Choice

One of the most apparent distinctions between a Mac and a PC is the variety of configurations available. Currently, Apple offers only five computer models: the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac, and Mac Pro. Even when considering each model's individual configuration, Apple provides only 20 distinct computers. This limited range is part of the company's 'less is more' philosophy in marketing.

In contrast, PCs come in an extensive range of shapes and sizes. Consumer Reports evaluates 12 major brands of Windows PCs, including well-known names like Acer, Asus, Dell, Gateway, HP, Hyundai, Lenovo, and Samsung, each offering multiple desktop and laptop configurations. Many consumers appreciate this wide selection, as it increases their chances of finding a computer that precisely matches their requirements.

6: Availability

Apple is more selective than PC manufacturers when it comes to third-party retail outlets. The company's flagship retail store, the Apple Store, opened in 2001 at the Tysons Corner Mall in McLean, Virginia. Since then, Apple has expanded to over 300 additional stores across 43 states and 11 countries. Due to this selective strategy, Apple has entered into various temporary agreements with electronics retailers and department stores to broaden its reach. However, Macs are not sold in many stores that carry PCs, including the world's largest retailer, Walmart. Still, both Macs and Windows PCs are available for purchase online.

Microsoft has taken a different approach. For a long time, the company didn't produce hardware, instead licensing its Windows operating system to other manufacturers. These companies, in turn, distribute their products across as many stores as possible. While you may not find an Apple computer at your local computer store, you'll encounter numerous Windows PCs on display.

5: Operating Systems

The operating system has been a major distinguishing factor between Mac and PC. Macs come preloaded with the latest version of Mac OS, while most PCs are equipped with the latest iteration of Microsoft Windows. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Apple's computers were powered by Intel processors, allowing users to run both Mac OS and Windows. This feature was especially beneficial for those who needed both operating systems for their professional tasks.

However, Apple changed this approach in the 2020s with the launch of its M1 chip. As of now, Windows cannot run on M1-equipped Macs, which forces users to pick one operating system or buy separate devices. While Apple is moving away from supporting Windows, it is enhancing its compatibility with its mobile devices running iOS and iPad OS. The shift towards Apple's proprietary processors may even enable users to run the same apps on their computers as they do on their iPads and iPhones.

Windows, of course, continues to run on both computers and tablets. However, in 2017, Microsoft discontinued its dedicated phone OS in favor of Windows Mobile. But Microsoft isn't going to let Apple and Google dominate the space; it will continue to innovate and expand its integration across computers, tablets, and phones. The Microsoft Surface, a PC with a sleek, lightweight design similar to a tablet, is a testament to that.

4: Users

One thing both Mac and Windows PC enthusiasts share is an unwavering devotion to their chosen brand. Gather a mixed group of computer users, bring up the debate of Macs vs PCs, and prepare for an all-out clash! Mac advocates will emphasize security, user-friendliness, and design, while PC supporters will argue in favor of affordability, software compatibility, and variety. It often escalates quickly (but it’s quite entertaining to witness).

A 2011 online survey, though not scientifically rigorous, found that the infamous "Get a Mac" commercials from the 2000s, starring John Hodgman as the PC and Justin Long as the Mac, were generally true to the stereotypes of each. Hodgman's PC embodied the no-nonsense, all-business attitude, while Long's Mac represented the fun, creative alternative.

Windows PC fans often mention the so-called "Apple tax," referring to the higher price of Apple computers compared to PCs. However, it seems that Apple products—whether computers, phones, or tablets—have evolved into status symbols. Owning an iPhone or sporting AirPods has come to signify something about the person using them.

For reasons both practical and social, it seems that perceptions and personal politics will continue to influence the choice of devices for years to come.

3: Software

One of the most important reasons Mac hasn't captured a larger share of the computer market is the perceived lack of software written for its operating system. In the 1990s Apple's decline frightened developers away from the platform. Steve Jobs's return to the company inspired confidence, and so did a 2009 investment in the company by Microsoft itself. Since then, Apple's commitment to its developers — including Microsoft, which maintains an up-to-date version of its Office suite of business software for the Mac — has chipped away at the software gap. Nevertheless, there are still some specialized software developers who don't create Mac versions of their software, but in turn, there are some Mac developers who won't write Windows software. With the increasing amount of web-based business tools that will run on just about any computer, this argument becomes more moot.

It's not just work that is hindered by Mac's perceived limited software selection — it's also play. Most computer gamers gravitate toward the PC, thanks to the wide selection of recreational software offered for Windows systems. For a long time, developers refused to port their games to the Mac. But Apple's resurgence has also created opportunities for Mac gamers to join in the fun. At the time of this writing, the "What's Being Played" category on the online gaming platform Steam reveals more than 5,300 games for Mac. There are still more games for Windows, but the gap has closed somewhat.

2: Security

A major difference between Mac and PC is the level of security they provide against viruses and other potential threats. With the majority of the world's computers using Microsoft Windows, PCs are the primary targets for attacks. Malware such as Trojans, which deceive users by masquerading as desirable software like antivirus programs, and botnets, which silently convert computers into zombie machines for spamming or fraud, are widespread risks for PCs but are far less likely to affect Macs.

This doesn't imply that Mac users should ignore security entirely. As Macs gain more market share, security risks have also escalated. Just as developers have created cross-platform applications, cross-platform malware has emerged as a growing threat. Nevertheless, there is still some truth to the statement made by one observer that, "a Mac user who doesn’t run security software is significantly less likely to fall victim to a successful attack than a Windows user who's fully protected."

1: Customer Satisfaction

One of the most noticeable differences between Macs and PCs is customer satisfaction. In 2020, Apple claimed the top spot in the Brand Intimacy COVID Study by MBLM, a branding agency that evaluated all brands, not just computer brands. Moreover, the American Customer Satisfaction Index ranked Apple as the top computer brand in both 2019 and 2020, with Samsung and Acer following in second and third place.

Apple has built a strong reputation for excellent customer service, partly due to the way it offers assistance. While PC owners can contact tech support or visit third-party repair shops, Mac users benefit from face-to-face help from a technician at the Genius Bar, available in any Apple Store.

Apple’s centralized identity also contributes to its customer service success. If a Mac has a problem, whether it's with the hardware or software, the Genius Bar is the go-to place for assistance. In contrast, if your PC malfunctions, you may need to contact multiple companies just to figure out the issue. Although Microsoft provides technical support in their stores, it only services their own products, such as the Surface and Xbox.

Ultimately, the decision between a PC and a Mac is up to you. Claiming one is definitively better than the other is like arguing that oranges are superior to — well, you know.