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The age-old debate: are PCs better than Macs?
Well, the answer isn’t so clear-cut. You could make a solid argument either way. In fact, we have. Read our blog post 10 Reasons Macs are Better than PCsfor the other side of the story. Today, we’re going to argue in favour of the PC.
Here are 10 reasons PCs are better than Macs.
1. Cost Effective
When you purchase a PC laptop or desktop computer, you get a lot more bang for your buck in terms of hardware. There are also thousands of PC computers sold at thousands of retailers, so there is a ton of variation when it comes to price. Macs, on the other hand, have an almost universal price, so you’re less likely to get a good deal.
2. Better for Gamers
The gaming industry is huge. Computer games are becoming more advanced, and require a large amount of space and top-of-the-range graphics cards. For the price of a Macbook (which certainly couldn’t run the latest game titles), you can pick up a PC computer with the hardware needed to run modern games. Plus, many games are simply not compatible with the Mac operating system.
3. Simple to Customise or Build
If you know what you are doing, PC computers can be customised or even built from scratch without too much trouble. In contrast, Macs can’t really be customised at all. This means for a relatively small amount of cash, you can acquire are really powerful machine.
4. The Operating System
This is a tricky one – some prefer the Mac operating system, while others prefer Windows. Here’s a good metaphor to help you grasp the difference: the Mac is like driving an automatic, whereas Windows is like driving a manual. You have more control over your device’s processes when using a Windows computer. There are more settings to mess around with, and more small changes to make that will transform a run-of-the-mill computer into a machine that performs exactly how you need it to.
5. Flexible Hardware
Unlike Macs, the hardware in PCs can be changed and updated when you need. You can install a new graphics card, increase your hard drive, or replace hardware that’s stopped working. In fact, you could completely reassemble your PC with your own customised set of components. That kind of thing’s just not possible with a Mac.
6. Customised PCs for Your Specific Needs
Flexible hardware means that you can create a system ideal for your specific needs. Machines can be optimised for gamers, video editors, architects, designers, photo editors, and more. Specialised components can be installed into your PC, which means you won’t be wasting money of features you’ll never use.
7. Security
We’re not talking security in terms of viruses, because PCs are more susceptible. We’re talking security in terms of protection against failed innovation, drastic change, and the possible elimination of the operating system itself. Mac users put all their eggs in one basket –the same company makes both their device and their operating system. If future Mac innovations fail, Mac users will have to either grin and bear it or make the switch. Because there are so many PC computers, PC users will always have a choice of devices. And, because the majority of computer users use PC, Windows is less likely to make drastic changes.
8. Cheap Support
Apple technical support is hands down more expensive than Windows and PC support. When you buy a Mac product, 90-day phone customer support is included for free. Sure, the support is really good, but it only lasts 90 days. After that, you’ll be paying. Plus, if your PC does break, you can get it fixed just about anywhere. Not all computer shops deal with Macs, and taking your device directly to Apple can be costly.
We help our customers with both PC and Mac computers, so if you do have an issue with either, don’t hesitate to get in contact.
9. Less RAM is Required
Windows’s virtual memory is much more effective than Mac’s. A PC running low on memory will run slow, but it won’t breakdown. A Mac running low on memory is much more likely to crash. This means you need less RAM in a Windows computer to ensure it’s reliable.
10. Freeware
There is a copious amount of freeware available to Windows users. We’ll let the stats speak for themselves. Download.com has over 55,000 programs compatible with PC, and just under 5,000 for Mac.
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FAQs
PCs offer the flexibility and configurability needed to support a wide range of uses with multiple form factor options and out-of-the-box integrated capabilities and features. From daily work applications to gaming and content creation, PCs allow you to easily transition from work to play on the same device.
Why Windows 10 is better than Mac? ›
Less RAM is Required
Windows's virtual memory is much more effective than Mac's. A PC running low on memory will run slow, but it won't breakdown. A Mac running low on memory is much more likely to crash. This means you need less RAM in a Windows computer to ensure it's reliable.
Why Mac is better than other laptops? ›
Renowned for its sleek and elegant design, MacBooks are known for their exceptional construction, high-quality displays and powerful hardware components. Running on the macOS operating system, MacBooks are also celebrated for their user-friendly interface and security features.
Which PC is better Mac or Windows? ›
Both MacBooks and Windows laptops offer incredible computing power. Generally speaking, the latest MacBook Pros are faster in creativity applications than all but the most powerful Windows machines, while Windows laptops are better for gaming. Otherwise, there is no real difference in what they're capable of.
Why PCs are better than Macs for students? ›
PCs are more widely compatible with software and hardware. Macs are better for graphics, audio and video editing. PCs are less expensive.
Are PCs safer than Macs? ›
It's generally considered easier to hack a PC than a Mac, but both devices could become a target for cybercriminals. To ensure your device is secured, you should install antivirus software and practice online safety no matter if your device runs Windows or macOS.
What can PC do that Mac can't? ›
A Mac, if it's upgradeable, can upgrade only memory and the storage drive. A PC user can select from many motherboards, processors, storage drives, video cards, graphics cards, audio cards, and memory. This enables PC users to build a custom machine, or upgrade an existing machine quickly and easily.
Do Macs last longer than PCs? ›
However, you can generally expect a PC laptop or an Apple laptop (MacBook Air or MacBook Pro) to last 3 to 5 years. Similarly, a PC user and a Mac user can both anticipate their desktops will last 5 to 8 years. Physical protection, routine maintenance, and regular updating can help extend any computer's lifespan.
Why is PC better than Mac for gaming? ›
The battle between Mac and PC gaming remains simple to summarize. PC gaming is better, period. PC gamers can enjoy a wider variety of hardware and games, and can purchase them at lower prices. There's entire genres of games, like VR games and flight simulators, that have little or no community on the Mac.
Why are Macs more reliable? ›
Macs are less likely to be attacked simply because there are fewer of them. That being said, Macs are safer than PCs because the Mac OS is Unix-based, making it more difficult to exploit. Apple also controls hardware and software tightly and builds in protections and security that make them less vulnerable.
If you're invested in Google's ecosystem and need a device mainly for web-related tasks, a Chromebook is your go-to. However, if you desire a high-performance machine with a vast software ecosystem and premium build, the MacBook is worth the investment.
Why Mac is better than iPad? ›
When it comes to which device can be the best laptop, it's no surprise Apple's MacBook Air is the best because it's, well, a laptop. Along with better battery life, more ports, and a more robust OS, the MacBook Air boasts a better value than the iPad Pro; it already has everything you could possibly need.
Are Macs safer than Windows? ›
Built-in hardware protections
This emphasises the main benefit of Macs – the fact that Apple makes the software and the hardware and has control over every aspect of the machine. This is a reason why Macs are more secure than PCs. Apple builds protection into the Mac hardware.
Do most people use Mac or Windows? ›
Microsoft's Windows was the dominant desktop operating system (OS) worldwide as of February 2024, with a market share of around 72 percent. Apple's Mac operating system has gained market share over the years, growing to command around a fifth of the market.
Is Windows or Mac better for gaming? ›
But for most computer gamers, that question only has one answer: PC, all the way. Ask any gaming enthusiast, and they'll tell you that the best gaming laptops are all Windows PCs, which outclass MacBooks with more powerful GPUs and bigger game libraries. But MacBooks are still wildly popular with many shoppers.
Why are PCs better than Macs for gaming? ›
The battle between Mac and PC gaming remains simple to summarize. PC gaming is better, period. PC gamers can enjoy a wider variety of hardware and games, and can purchase them at lower prices. There's entire genres of games, like VR games and flight simulators, that have little or no community on the Mac.
What are the advantages of Windows over Mac? ›
Moreover, computers running on Windows have a greater degree of customization than Apple's. You can more easily change a PC's internal components, such as CPU, GPU, and storage, than with a Mac computer. Since Windows runs on more devices, you are free to select a device that suits your budget.
What is the main difference between Macs and PCs? ›
At a glance
| Mac | PC |
|---|
| Supported processors | • Intel • Apple Silicon M1 | • Intel • AMD |
| Customization | Minimal | Extensive |
| Maintenance | • Repairs available through Apple Store or third-party specialists | • Repairs possible through IT professionals or local computer repair stores • More frequent updates to address vulnerabilities |
| Registry | No | Yes |
6 more rowsApr 23, 2024
In the strictest definition, a Mac is a PC because PC stands for personal computer. However, in everyday use, the term PC typically refers to a computer running the Windows operating system, not the operating system made by Apple.
The age-old debate: are PCs better than Macs?