MacBook vs. Windows: Which Laptop is Best for Students?

Comparing MacBooks and Windows laptops to help you find the ideal choice for your needs.

As the 2024 Back to School sales season kicks off, students and their families are on the hunt for the best laptops to handle schoolwork, streaming, and browsing. With countless brands and models available, a major decision is whether to opt for an Apple MacBook or a Microsoft Windows laptop. Each offers standout options, but which one suits students best?

After extensive testing of numerous PCs and laptops, I’ll guide you through the key factors to help determine whether a MacBook or a Windows laptop is the best fit for students.

Pricing Considerations

Price is often a critical factor for students on a budget. Traditionally, MacBooks were known for their higher price tags compared to Windows laptops. However, this dynamic has shifted recently. While MacBooks have maintained consistent pricing or even dropped in some cases, the cost of Windows laptops has increased.

For example, the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M3 (2024) starts at $1,299 / £1,399 / AU$2,199, comparable to the Dell XPS 13 (2024), which also starts at $1,299 / £1,099 / AU$2,098.80. Although there are budget-friendly Windows options, like the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 starting at $999.99 / £1,049.99 / AU$1,899, the MacBook Air series often offers models under $1,000 and even as low as $700, making it a surprisingly affordable choice.

Operating System Differences

The most obvious distinction between MacBooks and Windows laptops is their operating systems: macOS for MacBooks and Windows for Windows laptops. While both systems share some similarities in keyboard shortcuts and interface elements, they offer distinct experiences. Transitioning between them can take time if you’re used to one over the other.

MacBooks excel in productivity and creative tasks, thanks largely to Apple’s M-series chips and a suite of software optimized for macOS, such as Final Cut Pro, Creative Cloud, Affinity Designer, and Visual Studio Code. The system’s ease of use also appeals to less tech-savvy users, with a streamlined interface and a more secure file system to prevent accidental deletions.

On the other hand, Windows laptops shine with customizability and software support, including a wider array of applications available for download. This advantage extends to gaming, where Windows dominates due to better compatibility and a broader selection of games.

Design and Aesthetic Choices

When it comes to design, MacBooks and Windows laptops cater to different preferences. MacBooks are renowned for their sleek, minimalist design. They are thin, lightweight, and instantly recognizable, often featuring a limited but sufficient port selection, such as a few USB Type-C ports and a combo jack.

Windows laptops, however, vary significantly in appearance. From the chassis to the port selection, the differences are vast. You can find everything from understated business models to flashy gaming laptops with diverse specs and aesthetics. If variety and customization are important to you, Windows laptops might be the better choice.

Performance and Battery Life

Apple’s transition to its M-series chips, now in their fourth generation with the M4, has elevated MacBooks to new heights in performance and battery life. These chips provide a consistent experience across all models, with MacBooks often delivering upwards of 14 hours of battery life, making them some of the most power-efficient laptops on the market.

Windows laptops have a more mixed record in terms of performance and battery life. Some models, especially those with Qualcomm chips, now offer comparable or even superior battery life to MacBooks. However, performance can vary greatly depending on the laptop’s specs and components.

Choosing Based on Your Needs

Ultimately, the choice between a MacBook and a Windows laptop will depend on your specific needs:

For creative tasks and video editing, MacBooks are a clear winner.
For gaming or if you need a highly customizable system, Windows laptops excel.
If you prefer a streamlined user experience, MacBooks are easier to navigate.
For flexibility and software variety, Windows laptops offer more options.

Final Thoughts

Your choice may also come down to personal preference in design and functionality. If you prefer a consistent design with a sleek finish, MacBooks are ideal. However, if you like diverse options and robust port selections, Windows laptops might be more your style.

Both MacBooks and Windows laptops have their strengths and weaknesses, but understanding what matters most to you will help you find the perfect laptop for your needs.

Read more: Techradar