For decades, the battle between Windows laptops and MacBooks has raged. Given the capability of Apple’s own M-series processors, which have had a seismic influence on the computing environment, the Windows vs macOS discussion is much more fierce these days. According to our in-house benchmarks, MacBooks equipped with Apple silicon such as the M1 and M2 chips frequently outperform notebooks running Microsoft’s operating system.
But, this does not imply that Apple MacBooks running macOS Ventura are objectively superior. That could be the case for some people, particularly those who have invested heavily in the Apple ecosystem. Nonetheless, I believe that Windows 11 laptops are better suited to a broader range of users. I’ll explain what I mean by detailing 5 ways Windows 11 laptops beat MacBooks.
5 ways Windows 11 laptops beat MacBooks
A more common operating system
Windows is the most widely used operating system for desktop and laptop computers as of November 2022. According to StatCounter(opens in new tab), Windows accounts for 71.78% of computers globally, with macOS accounting for 16.26% and platforms such as Linux, ChromeOS, and others accounting for the remainder.
Microsoft has a home field advantage with approximately three out of every four PCs on the planet running Windows. Many of us use Windows at some point in our lives, whether at work or school (though not always), and Windows laptops are thus often more familiar and easier to use (for many people) than Apple’s notebooks.
Windows’ popularity is owed in large part to Microsoft’s zeal for licensing it out, which explains why there’s such a plethora of Windows laptops to pick from (more on that later). Furthermore, because Windows is more widespread than macOS, Windows users are more likely to be able to communicate with PCs they encounter on the go.
If you have a Windows 11 laptop, for example, plugging in a USB drive to print some images or your boarding pass is no problem, but if you have a macOS computer, you’re likely in for some compatibility issues.
Greater variety of laptops
MacBooks are among the most attractive computers available. These notebooks not only look amazing because to their basic machined aluminum design, but they also feel great in your hands. Of course, the Magic Keyboard and snappy touchpad make MacBooks a pleasure to use.
While some Windows laptops may appear drab in comparison to MacBooks, there is a greater range of them available. This is due to the fact that, unlike Apple, which develops its own products, there are other laptop manufacturers with varying design philosophies. Windows laptops provide additional possibilities if you want a system that matches your aesthetic style. You can get one of the best 2-in-1 laptops if you want one that can turn into a tablet, or one of the best touchscreen laptops if you like a good touchscreen, which Apple appears to be unwilling to include in its MacBooks.
In terms of design, there are some stunning Windows laptops available. The Dell XPS 13 Plus, as seen in the image above, is just as eye-catching as the MacBook Air M2. Hence, if you want a laptop that will turn heads, you should be able to discover a Windows laptop that meets your needs.
More affordable options
As previously said, MacBooks are luxury-looking computers that also come at a premium price. The MacBook Air M1, which now costs $999 on Apple’s online store, is the most cheap Apple notebook (opens in new tab). The new MacBook Pro 14-inch 2023 and MacBook Pro 16-inch 2023 start at $1,999 and $2,499, respectively, while the MacBook Air M2 and MacBook Pro 13-inch M2 start at $1,199 and $1,299, respectively. Even if you get these devices at a bargain, they are still prohibitively expensive.
Despite certain Windows laptops can be as expensive as Apple’s products, there are notebooks that are hundreds of dollars less expensive. Some of the best budget laptops for everyday computing include the $285 Microsoft Surface Go 2 (opens in new tab) and the $334 Acer Aspire 5 (opens in new tab). If you need more power but don’t want to spend more than $1,000, the $708 Asus ZenBook 13 OLED(opens in new tab) or $949 Microsoft Surface Laptop 5(opens in new tab) are two of the best Windows laptops available.
Cost is always a consideration, especially considering the current situation of the world economy. As a result, some of the lower-priced Windows notebooks may be suitable for people looking for a new laptop.
see also; Dell Updates Precision Laptops With Intel, Nvidia Hardware
Better app and accessory support
Third-party apps can be downloaded from the web or the platforms’ own app shops on both Windows and macOS. This is a big selling feature for a laptop or desktop PC: the ability to download files and applications directly to your device, rather than being confined to what is available in an app store.
Nonetheless, the software accessible on Windows is often more diverse than on Mac. This is especially true for PC games, which are often created for Windows PCs and only occasionally get native Mac versions (more on that in a bit).
While any product that works on Windows can be made to operate on macOS by emulating a Windows environment on your Mac with software such as Parallels, this takes some effort. As a result, it’s a good idea to think about the types of software you need to use on a regular basis, then check to see if that software is accessible on Windows, Mac, or both.
Better gaming experience
MacBooks will not suffice if you want to play the best PC games on your laptop. Yeah, there’s Apple Arcade and a macOS version of the Steam shop. Yet, these pale in comparison to the options offered on Windows laptops. It’s hardly even a competition.
Steam and GOG have large game catalogs that include anything from the most recent graphically intense releases to beloved decades-old classics. Windows 11 includes the Xbox app, which enables you to play games purchased from the Microsoft and Xbox shops. Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass membership program provides access to hundreds of downloaded and streaming games from Microsoft’s own first-party studios as well as third-party publishers. On PC, there is also a thriving emulation scene.
In terms of gameplay, macOS lags much behind Windows. Apple, on the other hand, has made moves that offer us optimism for Mac gaming. Resident Evil Village on the MacBook Pro 16-inch 2021 and MacBook Pro 16-inch 2023 converted me to a Mac gaming convert. Capcom’s survival-horror title shows that high-end gaming on Macs is viable if publishers optimize titles for Apple’s hardware.
Macs may one day be an excellent platform for playing the latest and greatest video games. Yet, outside of dedicated home video game consoles such as the PS5 and Xbox Series X, Windows remains the finest gaming platform for the time being.
see also; New HP Spectre x360 Laptops Include Options with Intel Arc
Bottom line
5 ways Windows 11 laptops beat MacBooks – Apple MacBooks are without a doubt among the best laptops on the market. They’re sleek, powerful, and effortlessly interact with other Apple goods. MacBooks are also ideal for professional video and audio editors (Apple particularly targets them with its powerful MacBook Pros), and macOS is perhaps the easiest operating system to learn for first-time PC users due to its user-friendly interface.
Yet, if you’re a long-time Windows user, a Windows laptop is likely to be your only option. You get a familiar operating system and a larger selection of low-cost laptops to pick from. If you enjoy PC gaming or possess an Android phone, Windows laptops are the best alternative.
