Mac vs. Windows, the mother of all battles! Users, professionals, and gamers have released crucial discussions on this subject from the first moments of the computer technology revolution. Both are great operating systems and tools to make practically everything you want. But still, what is the best? In the subsequent sections, we break down all the aspects of both OSes to check all the relevant features you need to know.

When most users think of a highly-quality operating system, they think of the Mac OS, also known as OS X or macOS. And this is true. Mac computers using macOS are more stable since Apple designs and produces the software and the hardware, which means a good balance between physical parts and functionalities.  

On the other hand, since Microsoft Windows works on almost any type of computer, combinations between hardware and software can become more unstable. This practice is good from the point of view of accessibility since most users can use Windows if they have a desktop PC or a Windows laptop. 

Another reason why users believe that the Apple software is more stable than its Microsoft counterpart is because most viruses and hackers attempt to target Windows and PCs. In this aspect, a Mac computer is more secure. 

Besides, you can install Windows on Apple devices and machines but can’t install macOS on a Windows PC. This situation makes the Windows operating system even more accessible for Mac and Windows users.

Another aspect worth mentioning is that Windows PCs commonly come with multiple pre-installed third-party applications, which can be detrimental to its functionality and general experience. However, Mac users won’t experience this backward functionality since Apple computers do not have pre-installed applications.

After this short introduction, let’s head to analyzing each of the most important aspects to consider while evaluating these two operating systems.

Both operating systems offer a very intuitive and polished setup process. On the one hand, you can install macOS from three different sources: the Mac App Store, the System Preferences, or a disk image in Safari. On the other hand, you can install Windows using a voice assistant based on the final purposes of using this OS, either for business or professional use.

Windows systems and Apple software let you install OSes without signing in to an account. Still, it’s better to link your account since it will provide you with a richer experience. Besides, signing in to an account allows you to sync machines, receive messages, use voice assistants, and more.

These two popular operating systems are up to date thanks to the fact that they allow signing into computers using your fingerprint. MacBook Pros, MacBook Airs, and the latest Windows computers incorporate a fingerprint scanner. You can also log in to your account through your Apple Watch or iPhone if your Apple products are close enough.

Windows 11, the latest version of the Microsoft operating system, offers various biometric options to access your PC, which expand possibilities and facilitate access to the system, such as face login and fingertips reader. Still, if you don’t have a Windows computer with these characteristics, Windows also allows you to use a PIN to access the system.

After accessing the system, you will notice that the Windows 11 operating system looks very similar to previous versions – bypassing Windows 8 –thus, starting with its features will be very easy. In this sense, macOS has the Launchpad from where you can easily open apps, while Windows has a Start button or a menu to access applications. Anyway, we will delve into this in a subsequent section.

The company behind Macintosh controls all the aspects of the Apple ecosystem, i.e., the hardware & software. In this sense, all Mac products, including the Mac operating system, offer an accurate integration of all its elements, tangible and not tangible.

This condition increases stability and performance since elements are strictly designed to work properly in Apple devices. Moreover, Mac machines often require fewer resources to achieve the same level of performance than a Windows 11 PC. In other words, you will run Windows with more resources, which means a reduction in the duration of battery life, a major use of Internet bandwidth, etc.

But still, in this context, you can see things from a different perspective. Remember that you can build a PC using different parts, such as the motherboard, RAM, and graphics card. It means you can build a powerful computer. If that's the case, you won’t have performance problems and boast a seamless integration of all applications and demanding software. 

However, different custom-built computers might not have suitable drivers released for every component in each OS version. Consequently, certain incompatibilities can occur that adversely impact overall stability and performance.

Apple is one of the best brands worldwide regarding industrial design and concept. The brand of the black apple has great industrial and graphic designers who reliably communicate new ideas and technology and create great hardware for multiple usages. The only problem with these incredible devices in the Apple stores is that they are too expensive. 

However, the availability of an extensive array of hardware for Windows has no parallel. We talk about EOMs, PCs, built computers, smartphones, televisions, and more! Even nontraditional devices accept Windows, such as VR headsets and the HoloLens.

Furthermore, as we mentioned before, the possibility of choosing the internal component of your Windows machines is not equal. This conduction opens a world of possibilities. 

Windows operating system supports connectivity to any Android smartphone, which provides more flexibility in which devices you can use with your PC.

Mac and Windows incorporate multiple and valuable applications that allow you to develop crucial activities, such as mail clients, photos and video editors and viewers, voice recorders, apps for weather, calendars, calculators, and more. Still, app developers commonly develop applications for both systems, such as the Adobe Creative Suite, which can be installed in both OSes. 

Windows stands out over its direct competition due to specific applications like Teams, Sticky Notes, Xbox app, and Translator. At the same time, Mac boasts a great video editing app and an excellent streaming music service in Apple Music. Windows also stands out for Microsoft Office and its world-famous Word, Excel, and PowerPoint applications.

These two different operating systems have been developing integration spaces for third-party applications for a while. In this context, most business applications are supported by Windows, while Mac highlights several apps for design and general creation.

However, the line is hazy since both operating systems boast a rich environment for any app from different third parties. It means you can find similar applications in both operating systems for over a decade, and it’s hard to think this will change. Still, Windows has more versatility since it can support Android and Linux apps through built-in systems, which increases advantages and possibilities.

Microsoft’s Store offers a wide range of applications, but the truth is that app developers pay more attention to mobile stores, either for Windows or Mac, since these reach more users via mobile devices.

For some time now, Windows and Mac have looked very similar regarding interface and leeway for customization. This is because the common user is used to interfaces with a taskbar or dock through which they can navigate easily. Even other operating systems like Linux use a similar interface, which is the design that users of both OSes prefer.

The last version of Windows incorporates the classic taskbar icon at the bottom of the interface. You can decide which applications to allocate in this bar for better access and performance. Besides, you can easily find any application in the same bar from the search box or Windows menu.

Mac boasts a similar interface to previous installments and Windows, with the dock at the bottom of the page and main apps in the main section of the screen. Of course, according to your personal preference, you can always customize the interface in both operating systems.

That said, desktop and window management in both operating systems is similar. Both OSes offer multiple options regarding desktop backgrounds, screensavers, and sizes. Dark mode is also available in both OSes, with the Mac’s version a bit more achieved and consistent.

Finally, the Mac system boasts a full-screen mode for apps and "spaces" that can create as many desktops as you want to minimize clutter.

This aspect is directly related to the previous one since the Windows’s taskbar and the Mac’s dock are part of the integral interface. The dock of the brand of the black apple stands out due to its functionality as icons grow when you put the mouse on them.

An annoying aspect of the Mac’s dock is that when clicking a running application, often the application does not appear on the screen. Then, you will see the application’s menu at the top. On the other hand, Windows boasts excellent performance regarding the taskbar since any time you click an icon, the associated program will appear on the screen. Besides, when you hover the mouse over an icon, it will show a thumbnail of the program, which is great for better performance and administration.

Furthermore, both operating systems allow you to see the recent files and software opened and access to a quick menu where to select programs and applications.

At the moment of writing, Safari is the second most popular search engine after Chrome. It leaves Edge in third place. Still, both search engines share advantages and disadvantages for navigators and interactions with websites and online applications.

Safari is very light, provides the best performance, and is portable with other Apple products. It makes Safari a more user-friendly search engine than the Microsoft option. Safari also offers a privacy tracker feature that helps you determine which websites stalk your data.

Edge, on the other hand, has its own strengths. It allows you to use different approaches and sections of your business in a single spot with unique features to create an interconnected relationship. In other words, Microsoft Edge can get you anywhere to do anything. You can also integrate Chrome plugins, which is magnificent, especially when you want to go from Chrome to Edge and utilize other applications or when Google’s search engine is not working properly.

Still, you can use custom browsers both on macOS and Windows.

Despite there being a plethora of incredible games available for Mac OS and even a Steam version compatible with the Apple device, professional gamers know that, in this field, CPU gaming and Windows experience sweep away. Moreover, few games are released natively for the Mac environment, although more applications are launched over time.

The opportunities are endless since PC gaming boasts the highest level of internal components customization. This is why most games on consoles like PlayStation or Xbox are also released for PC since they get great performance here. This way, with powerful hardware, you can run the most demanding games on the market in the highest quality to play them with a mouse and keyboard.

The library of video games available for PCs is huge, and hardware specifically is much more readily available for Windows. Besides, the array of graphics cards available and upgradability also favor Windows-based PCs.

For some time now, the Mac has stood out for integrating Macbooks and iPhones, boasting a tighter and slicker connectivity between the two devices. You can easily sync devices for great integration, which makes these machines work as one. You can use your iPhone as an external webcam or even iPads as secondary screens to improve the accessories' functionality and performance. You can easily share documents and photos and engage in video calls, etcetera.

Windows has started to develop similar technologies with applications like Your Phone, nowadays Phone Link app, which allows you to integrate desktop and mobile devices. This way, you can work on file in the same place and share all your photos and videos easily between these and other devices.

Despite the emotion that voice assistants provoked in their first days, nowadays, both Microsoft and Apple have downplayed them in the recent versions of their respective OSes. In this context, using Microsoft’s voice assistant requires you to sign in to your Microsoft account, while Siri must be enabled for it to work. 

Having said this, Siri has surpassed Cortana regarding Artificial Intelligence since Cortana lost many of its relevant functions, such as the capacity to power down the computer or control sounds and music.

Besides, Siri can control system settings, connect to domotics, and regulate many of the most important home appliances, such as the fridge, lights, and even security systems.

In a previous section, we discussed the multiple threats to which Microsoft Windows has been exposed, as most virus attacks are committed against Windows. The most common are malware, spyware, botnets, and ransomware. This is why Windows is constantly upgrading and improving the firewalls, Windows Defender updates, antiviruses, and other measures to avoid attacks.  

Mac boasts a more robust system with minor susceptibility and a cleaner record. Still, the Mac system is not invulnerable to attacks; thus, antiviruses for Mac have gained great popularity in recent years. Consequently, both Mac and Windows offer built-in VPN support.

Ultimately, since the Mac controls all the environment’s factors, it’s difficult for viruses to attack its software, platforms, applications, and other implications directly.

Macs start at $599 for the Mac mini desktop, $999 for the M1 Macbook Air notebook, and $1299 for the 24-inch M1 iMac. Macs are often more expensive than comparable PCs, but the M1 models offer much higher performance. 

Windows and Windows-associated hardware are cheaper than the Mac. Comparable computers running Windows are around 40% cheaper than a Mac.

Another advantage is that you can install Windows on almost any software. And thanks to resellers such as RoyalCDKeys, you can acquire your Microsoft Windows 11 Pro Retail CD Key license at a much lower price (€3,14) than the official one ($139.00 for Windows Home). This copy is a reliable version of the latest Microsoft operating system, including all the features and benefits mentioned in the previous paragraphs. So, you can easily install it on laptops or built computers and enjoy an incredible gaming experience. 

Deciding which operating system is the best depends on the user's individual needs and convenience. If you’re interested in computers with touch screens and great gaming experience, Windows is your choice. On the other hand, if you need to work with design applications and integration of different devices, macOS is your copilot. 

Gamers believe the Microsoft platform is the best gaming option, so a machine with this operating system will be their natural choice.  But still, other options are acceptable. It’s up to you!