When shopping for a new laptop, one of the biggest decisions you have to make is between MacBooks and Windows laptops. For years, it has not been easy to make. Apple’s approach to replacing the Intel processors with its own M series has made the MacBook hit new performance benchmarks while using less power.
On the other hand, the diversity of Windows laptops’ has always been the strongest suit. Plus, the shift in laptop design away from cheap plastics evens the playing field between these two platforms. What this means for you is that picking a laptop from a top-rated list isn’t as straightforward as it seems. The laptop you buy today will be with you for three to five years. It will impact the accessories you use, the apps you install, and even the type of phone you prefer. Your entire workflow will revolve around the platform you choose.
Both MacBooks and Windows laptops feature distinctive ecosystems, MacOS and Windows 11, respectively. These factors make the already difficult decision between the two even more challenging.
However, there is a way to ensure that you are choosing the right one. So, let us help you choose between MacBooks and Windows laptops for your computing needs.
MacBook vs Windows Laptops: Design
Apple is known for its sleek and minimalist designs, and MacBook is no exception. Their aluminium chassis and elegant lines make them attractive and worth asking for their price. Since the Apple MacBook Air M2 launch, the entire MacBook range has now shared a similar design language. The trackpad is one of the best in the industry, and the Retina display delivers captivating visuals. With MacBooks, you not only get well-designed devices but also well-built ones. You can pop the screen with just one hand, and it stays firmly in whichever position you set it for. However, MacBooks come in limited sizes and designs, and if you want a touchscreen, you’re out of luck.
On the Windows laptop front, it should be difficult to find a laptop that can match the fitness of a MacBook. Not to mention, Windows laptops offer more flexibility in terms of form factor and colours. Whether you want a traditional clamshell design, a 2-in-1 convertible with a touchscreen, or even a gaming laptop with RGB lighting, there’s something to match your taste. Some models, like the Dell XPS 13, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, and Microsoft Surface, can rival the MacBook in design and build quality.
MacBook vs Windows Laptops: Hardware
The hardware is where all things get interesting. MacBooks are powered by Apple Silicon, designed on ARM architecture, and previously found on iPhones and iPads. This means you are getting a chip that combines graphics and processing power into one chip that throws in an NPU and accelerates AI applications. They run efficiently, stay cool under pressure, and deliver incredible power, especially for video editing and software development tasks. On the downside, MacBooks have limited upgrade options—what you buy is what you’re stuck with.
On the other hand, Windows relies on Intel and AMD processors and has an option to add discrete graphics from NVIDIA or AMD. The best part? Microsoft recently introduced Copilot+ PCs, based on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Elite chipsets featuring the ARM architecture. While Intel and AMD-based Windows laptops deliver extraordinary performance with poor battery life, Qualcomm claims to have made a highly efficient chip for Windows laptops.
Good Windows laptops offer a lot of flexibility. Need a laptop with the latest NVIDIA Series graphics for gaming? An Ultrabook i7 Windows laptop for portability? Or a workstation with upgradable RAM and storage? Windows has it all. While some high-end Windows laptops now match MacBooks in battery life and efficiency, mid-range models may not offer the same level of optimisation.
MacBook vs Windows Laptops: Operating System
For decades, MacBooks vs Windows notebooks have laid on the latter’s UNIX-based operating system, offering an incredible user experience that is also safe from any malware or viruses. MacBooks run on macOS, a smooth, intuitive, and secure operating system that works seamlessly with other Apple devices. If you own an iPhone or iPad, features like AirDrop, Handoff, and iCloud integration make it a great ecosystem. However, macOS has a learning curve if you’re switching from Windows, and software compatibility can sometimes be an issue as many games and applications are still Windows-friendly.
Windows is a completely different beast. It has undergone several major overhauls over the past few years, with Windows 10 and now Windows 11 being the most significant. Windows 11 has tried to borrow some design patterns from macOS, including the centred taskbar, rounded corners, and overall aesthetic. That’s not necessarily bad—it helps Windows feel contemporary—but the inconsistencies throughout the system quickly undermine its appeal. These inconsistencies can be frustrating for most Windows users but aren’t good enough to drive them away from the ecosystem. If you’re deeply invested in Apple-exclusive software like Final Cut Pro or Logic Pro, getting Windows would be challenging. However, if your workflow relies on Adobe Creative Suite or CAD-based applications, Windows make them a practical choice.
MacBook vs Windows Laptops: Software Ecosystem
Windows laptops and MacBooks offer a robust selection of built-in apps, including email, calendars, note-taking, and reminders. However, Apple’s default apps on MacBooks remain pretty basic. While Notes and Reminders have slightly improved over the past five years, they still fall short compared to many third-party alternatives.
MacBooks truly excel within the Apple ecosystem, particularly due to Continuity features. Pairing an iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, or AirPods with a MacBook is seamless.
On the Windows side, you get a much more open ecosystem. With Microsoft’s Phone Link app for Android and iOS, you can access many of the same features on a MacBook, such as messaging and file transfers (within certain limits). Samsung phones, in particular, integrate seamlessly with Windows.
Additionally, Windows comes with Microsoft’s powerful first-party apps pre-installed. When it comes to productivity software, Microsoft is leagues ahead of Apple. The default Windows Mail client is more functional and user-friendly than Apple’s poorly designed Mail app. Most importantly, Microsoft apps are available across all platforms. You can install them on Apple devices, and the Microsoft web apps offer impressive functionality.
MacBook vs Windows Laptops: Gaming
If you are buying a laptop for gaming, a Windows laptop is the clear winner. Mac laptop computers aren’t built for gaming—many popular titles aren’t even available on macOS, and those often run with reduced performance. As mentioned earlier, Windows laptops offer plenty of options with varying specs for gamers of every kind. They boast a massive gaming library, dedicated GPUs, and advanced features like ray tracing and high-refresh-rate displays.
How to choose in-between MAC vs Windows laptops?
If you are looking for a laptop with a consistent build and the best user experience, a MacBook is worth consideration. They outperform in terms of build quality, battery life, performance, and broader ecosystem support. They’re great for professionals, students, and creatives who need reliability and top-tier performance.
However, if you want more options, better gaming capabilities, or an upgradeable system, a Windows laptop gives you the freedom to choose exactly what fits your needs and budget. For gamers, Windows laptops are a far better choice than MacBooks.
Are MacBook better than Windows? The answer depends on what matters most to you and how much budget you have. At the end of the day, both platforms have come a long way, and neither is a bad choice. So, think about how you’ll use your laptop and choose the one that fits your lifestyle best!
