Mac vs PC: 7 Legitimate Reasons Why macOS Is Better

Apple versus Microsoft is probably the most well-known and long-lasting rivalry in the tech industry. And while Apple’s biggest competitors these days are smartphone and services companies, Apple still competes directly with Microsoft when it comes to computers.

Yes, there’s that age-old debate. Windows versus macOS. While both operating systems have evolved quite a bit over the ages, there are still plenty of reasons why macOS is the superior operating system — particularly when compared to Windows 10. Continue reading to browse seven key reasons.

Ecosystem Integration

Apple’s ecosystem is legendary and there’s just no comparison. If you own an Apple Watch, you can unlock your Mac and authorize certain system functions securely without typing in a password. Want to quickly share a file from your Mac to your iPhone? There’s AirDrop for that.

It’s these continuity and integration features that really makes the Apple experience special. Windows, by comparison, doesn’t have nearly the same amount of integration. Microsoft doesn’t make its own phones anymore, and both the Windows and Android ecosystems are much more fragmented than Apple’s.

Good Baked-in Apps

Both macOS and Windows devices come preloaded with certain software. But in the case of macOS, it’s probably software that you can use and actually enjoy. From Pages to iMovie to GarageBand, macOS’s preloaded apps are easy to use and actually capable of more than you might expect.

In contrast, it’s commonly known that the free apps that Microsoft packages with Windows are garbage. That’s likely an effort to push people toward paid programs like Office. Not only that, but depending on which PC brand you have, your Windows device probably came with a ton of unnecessary bloatware, too.

Data Privacy

Microsoft believes in the cloud, and that philosophy definitely shows in Windows 10. By default, most of your settings, data and personal information is going to sync across your various devices. But read up on Microsoft’s privacy policy and you start to wonder if it’s a good idea to store all of your data in the cloud.

Apple, on the other hand, has a strong pro-privacy stance. macOS features differential privacy mechanisms that help protect user data, and Apple goes a long way toward keeping a lot of your non-iCloud data off of its servers. Not only that, but features like FileVault 2 and anti-tracking mechanisms in Safari can also help you keep your data from prying eyes.

Consistant Updates

Keeping a computer up-to-date is important, and it’s clear that macOS has a key advantage in this area. Generally, macOS updates are easier to install than Windows updates. And although Apple may try to guilt you into updating, Windows auto-updates are notoriously annoying.

There’s also the fact that some Windows updates actually cost money. Just look at Windows 10. While you had a period to upgrade for free, users coming from an older version of Windows need to shell out upwards of $100 for the updated operating system. macOS updates, on the other hand, are always free.

Security

It’s a myth that Macs can’t be impacted by malware. What isn’t a myth is that macOS is generally a much more secure operating system than Windows. While Microsoft is catching up in this area, Apple’s security mechanisms are both easier to use and more widely implemented than the safeguards that Windows offers.

The latest version of macOS has also implemented new Gatekeeper functionality and a read-only file system — two key security measures. And this isn’t even considering the fact that, because macOS is generally less popular, there are fewer malicious threats out there that specifically target Mac devices.

Ease of Use

This may be the most controversial item on this list, but it’s worth noting. Apple software tends to be easier to use. While that can mean a slight dip in functionality and power-user capabilities, it does mean that the average computer user is going to be able to get the hang of macOS pretty easily.

Also, before Windows 10, there was an argument to be made that macOS was a bit “dumbed down” by comparison. And while Windows 10 is still a top-notch operating system, it’s certainly a bit cluttered and complex compared to previous versions. macOS, by comparison, feels like a minimalist’s dream with a clean and simple experience.

Repairs & Customer Support

Macs are generally less user-repairable than many Windows PCs, but the average user likely just wants their device fixed by a professional. And where Apple devices lack in user-repairability, they more than make up for with customer support. Compared to the fragmented nature of the Windows PC market, there’s just no comparison.

Need to get your Mac fixed? Just take it to an Apple Store or Apple Authorized Service Provider. But what if your Windows PC requires repairs? Generally, there’s no large-scale single shop that caters to every PC. You’ll need to put in the research yourself and find one with a decent price and reputation. That’s not considering Apple Support and options like AppleCare, which really boosts Apple’s customer service.