ALLBIDS Blog

Mac vs Windows: Which One is Better?

Friday, 07 September 2018 | Mike Leano

The Mac vs Windows war has been fought forever, and with good reason: despite what its most fervent supporters think, each operating system (OS) has its own set of strengths and weaknesses.

So which is better - Apple's OS or Microsoft's platform? Today, we look at several key factors, discuss why one aspect is superior to the other, and ultimately make our choice.

Note: For the purposes of this article, when we say "PC", we mean the Windows-powered machines.

Hardware

When it comes to the physical parts of a Mac or Windows computer, there are a couple of facets that we want to consider.

Build quality

Whether you're looking at a desktop or laptop, Macs consistently shine in this aspect. Apple's hardware is visually appealing, and uses quality components inside and out. Simply put, Macs have always been one of the prettiest and well-constructed electronic products out there.

With Windows computers, the results are mixed. Unlike Macs - which are produced exclusively by Apple - Windows PCs are created by various third-party manufacturers so some parts are of high quality, others aren't.

Advantage: Mac

Upgrading and customisation

The problem with Macs is the limited selection of hardware. When you buy one, you can change only a few specific parts. Furthermore, upgrading components is restricted to those produced officially by Apple.

For Windows PCs it's quite the opposite. Whether you're buying or upgrading, the sheer number of options is astounding. Desktops provide the most freedom, but even laptops offer some leeway.

If you're determined to use macOS and enjoy flexibility at the same time, you can create your own Mac - a Hackintosh. It's not officially recognised by Apple but you get the best of both worlds.

Advantage: PC

Software

Between Mac vs Windows software, we can argue which has a superior range but that's entirely subjective. Besides, there's plenty of poor programs on either side.

To determine which has "better" software, you'll have to think about what you need. Are you going to edit photos and videos, and use design applications? Then Mac is probably the way to go.

Meanwhile, Windows has a wider selection of business productivity tools, internet messengers and other similar programs.

But take note - this answer isn't always so clear-cut these days. Why?

• While Macs and Windows computers have developed a reputation for specific applications, there are versions for these software on both OSes.
  
• Cloud-based online services give users access to programs regardless of what OS or hardware they're running.

And yet, we still think PCs are still ahead in software. Why? They lead in terms of the overall software market share, which means developers are more likely to make programs for Windows.

Advantage: PC

Interface and ease of use

Another entirely subjective topic, to be sure. For years, Macs have been known to be easier to use. These days, however, we think Windows has closed the gap somewhat.

Both platforms used to be primarily desktop-based OSes, but have evolved with a couple of key features:

• Virtual assistant: Windows now has Cortana, a virtual assistant named after the Halo games' AI companion. Cortana lets you search, and schedule appointments and reminders through voice. To counter Microsoft, Apple added its own Siri virtual assistant to Macs.
  
• Touch controls: Windows computers - the laptops specifically - now have touchscreens for manipulating the device. Macs, on the other hand, have force-touch trackpads with haptic feedback.

Apple has yet to add touchscreen controls to its Macs but its touchpad controls are pretty special. While Windows' touchscreen controls seem more intuitive than Apple's touchpad, raising your arm to touch the display can get tiring rather quickly.

All things considered, we think Macs still have a better interface. Basic operations largely seem to have fewer steps.

Advantage: Mac

Security

Macs experience fewer security vulnerabilities and have fewer total viruses than Windows. Statistically speaking, the odds of getting a virus on your Windows are much higher.

Putting that in perspective, the Mac has a market share of less than 10% compared to Windows' 88%. So naturally, hackers maximise their time and effort by focusing on PCs.

The Mac, however, doesn't get a free pass here. Just last 2016, macOS was subjected to the KeRanger ransomware, which encrypts local files until users paid a fee of one bitcoin. This signifies that the Mac is no longer untouchable security-wise, especially with online attacks.

Then again, even with today's frequent Windows security updates, Microsoft's OS still suffers from far more vulnerabilities than macOS.

Advantage: Mac

Gaming

In gaming, Windows PCs rule, hands down.

The Mac games library may have a number of select popular titles but if you want the best gaming experience, you stick with the PC. Even the most ardent Mac users don't contest this fact.

What if you build a Hackintosh with top-of-the-line specs? The experience is still rather limited as games run generally better in PCs. Windows even has the ability to stream console games from the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One - versus only the PS4 (via Remote Play) on the Mac.

Advantage: PC

Customer support

What if your machine breaks down? If you have an assembled Windows desktop whose parts you individually chose, you'll have to contact the faulty part's manufacturer to address the issue. If you bought your computer as a set, it's simpler: contact the outlet that sold you the PC.

Macs provide more options and they're far more convenient. These include help from:

• Online support
• Telephone support
• Retail stores
• Authorised service centres

It's no surprise then that Apple has set itself apart for great customer support.

Advantage: Mac

Price

For all its advantages in aftersales, ease of use and hardware quality, the Mac is far more expensive than its Windows-based competitors. Take the 21.5-inch iMac - currently Apple's cheapest all-in-one computer - as an example. Apple is selling it at upwards of $1,599.

Over at PCPartPicker, you can put together an Intel-based Windows desktop with similar (or somewhat better) specs for less than $1,000.

And you know what? This disparity occurs in virtually every Mac product and its PC equivalent. Even Windows laptops are more affordable than their Mac counterparts.

Advantage: PC

Verdict

This may sound like a copout but we feel there's no runaway winner. And if you've been keeping score with the categories, it's currently a tie.

We've used Macs and/or Windows PCs and switched between them through the years, depending mainly on two things:

• Our specific needs then
• What was better at the time

And we'll keep switching because we'd rather keep an open mind.

You might ask: "What do you think is better at this time?" For now, we go with the Windows PC. It's more cost-effective and provides far more software options for what we do; it even lets us make our own Hackintosh if we so choose.

Bid with confidence

ALLBIDS runs online auctions for PCs and Macs every day. We provide layers of protection on each auction, which means you can bid with confidence. So whatever your OS of choice, look for the right device today at ALLBIDS.

If you're looking to sell your Mac or PC, you can also use ALLBIDS to maximise your return. Contact us today to find out how.