macOS vs. Microsoft Windows

Overview
ProductRatingMost Used ByProduct SummaryStarting Price
macOS
Score 8.9 out of 10
N/A
macOS is the graphical operating system for Apple desktop devices.N/A
Microsoft Windows
Score 8.4 out of 10
N/A
Windows is an operating system with editions to support business workstations.N/A
Pricing
macOSMicrosoft Windows
Editions & Modules
No answers on this topic
No answers on this topic
Offerings
Pricing Offerings
macOSMicrosoft Windows
Free Trial
NoNo
Free/Freemium Version
NoNo
Premium Consulting/Integration Services
NoNo
Entry-level Setup FeeNo setup feeNo setup fee
Additional Details
More Pricing Information
Community Pulse
macOSMicrosoft Windows
Considered Both Products
macOS
Chose macOS
More reliable, better for power users, more feature rich
Microsoft Windows
Chose Microsoft Windows
Microsoft Windows and macOS are both useful operating systems. There are businesses who much prefer macOS and some that prefer Windows. Businesses that revolve around industries such as game design, art design, graphic design may opt to use macOS due to its optimization with …
Chose Microsoft Windows
Because of its compatibility with third-party software requirements.
Top Pros
Top Cons

No answers on this topic

Best Alternatives
macOSMicrosoft Windows
Small Businesses
Ubuntu
Ubuntu
Score 8.9 out of 10
Ubuntu
Ubuntu
Score 8.9 out of 10
Medium-sized Companies
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Score 9.3 out of 10
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Score 9.3 out of 10
Enterprises
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Score 9.3 out of 10
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL)
Score 9.3 out of 10
All AlternativesView all alternativesView all alternatives
User Ratings
macOSMicrosoft Windows
Likelihood to Recommend
10.0
(2 ratings)
8.6
(7 ratings)
Likelihood to Renew
-
(0 ratings)
10.0
(1 ratings)
Usability
10.0
(1 ratings)
7.5
(4 ratings)
Support Rating
-
(0 ratings)
8.0
(1 ratings)
Implementation Rating
-
(0 ratings)
8.0
(1 ratings)
User Testimonials
macOSMicrosoft Windows
Likelihood to Recommend
Apple
Anyone with an iPhone or iPad would benefit from having a macOS-based computer. Additionally, the learning curve for a new user is much less steep than for a Windows computer. Apple has updated its OS for 20+ years, however, still maintains the same basic functionality (turn on/off, open/close apps, etc), the same cannot be said for Windows (Windows Vista, 8, 8.1, 11).
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Microsoft
The vast majority of business applications require it. There are some equivalents available on Linux for most applications, for example Gimp as an alternative for Photoshop, or thunderbird for Outlook, but some very specific apps require it to run correctly. Wine is difficult to configure and use, and can create instability. As a result, it is pretty much always recommended.
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Pros
Apple
  • Speed
  • Reliability
  • Security
  • Battery
  • Fluidity
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Microsoft
  • Great integration with my business accounting software Quickbooks
  • Great integration with Microsoft Office 365
  • Easy to find files that I haven't used in awhile with search feature
  • Simple, easy to find listing of programs available
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Cons
Apple
  • Integration within a windows environment does require more work.
  • Does not play well with PCL based network printers that do not also support PS.
  • Dongles for everything
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Microsoft
  • Forced updates occasionally have bad timing when ignored for too long
  • Microsoft Edge Web Browser is a bit clunky
  • The 3D desktop still needs some improvement
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Usability
Apple
Most users find macOS logical and user friendly
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Microsoft
I would rate the usability very high. Most of the world is familiar with Windows in some way. Most businesses use Windows in some form so even if someone is going from one business to another it can be an easy transition in that sense. Windows is usually compatible with most applications that can be installed to suit many different usage scenarios and needs for businesses.
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Support Rating
Apple
No answers on this topic
Microsoft
support remains spotty, researching online articles are a pain
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Implementation Rating
Apple
No answers on this topic
Microsoft
MDT helped deploy OS to users machines via PXE boot.
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Alternatives Considered
Apple
More reliable, better for power users, more feature rich
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Microsoft
Windows runs literally every piece of software I need to work. Installations are usually quick and uncomplicated, and configuration is usually quite simple, rarely requiring finding config files and editing them manually. I chose Windows only because I had no other choice, given the requirements of my job. Because I am experienced in Linux and am not afraid to dig deep for troubleshooting and configuration, Linux is preferable to me in general. Windows requires frequent updates that also require frequent reboots, and the longer you use it the more bloated it gets. If I were able to convinec my superiors to allow it, I would be running Windows 11 as a VM inside of Linux Mint or Debian.
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Return on Investment
Apple
  • Apple supports their hardware longer than most manufacturers, which is good.
  • Apple's hardware is more expensive than similar equipment competition, which is bad but offset somewhat by its longevity.
  • Apple in an Apple world works great.
  • Apple in a Windows world has some work to do to get things talking.
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Microsoft
  • Positively effects our easy of use of other programs
  • Take it for granted because it is so transparent in use
  • Definitely worth the price.
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ScreenShots