5 compelling reasons buy a Windows laptop instead of a MacBook

MacBooks and Windows laptops used to have more in common than they do today: An Intel processor was at the heart of both mobile systems. Since November 2020, Apple has equipped its laptops with its own system-on-a-chip—the M1, which was followed by the M2 about a year ago.

This made the differences that have always existed between MacBooks and Windows notebooks even more obvious. But each platform has certain advantages and disadvantages that can be decisive for a purchase decision. Here the most important reasons why you should prefer a Windows laptop, while our friends at Macworld have a companion list of the reasons you might want a Mac.

Further reading: See our roundup of the best laptops for top picks at all price points.

1) Huge range of software for Windows laptops

You can really do everything with a Windows laptop: Because there is suitable software for every purpose—from productive programs for work, study, and school to creative applications in the multimedia field; from robust databases to smart mini tools with few functions.

Thanks to this large selection, you can choose among several alternatives within each software category. Take Office programs, for example: You can go for Microsoft 365, but also try Libre Office, Open Office, Softmaker Office, and other programs with similar functions. (We’ve got a roundup of the best free Office suites available.)

The same applies to security tools and actually every other software area. Last but not least, most programs that are central to MacBooks, such as Adobe software for multimedia editing, are also available for Windows notebooks.

best budget PC laptop

Acer Aspire 3 (2022)

That’s why you’re not locked into one software source with a Windows notebook: Microsoft may like to direct you to its own store in Windows, but you can also download and install programs directly from software manufacturers that run smoothly on a Windows laptop. In addition, there is a huge range of free Windows programs based on open source or as freeware.

Gamers in particular should definitely go for a Windows notebook: Those who have higher demands than browser games will get a wide selection of current games from the most diverse categories there.

best midrange gaming laptop

ROG Zephyrus G14 (2022)

2) Large selection of different models

Apple’s MacBooks cover the most important display sizes from 13 to 16 inches and performance classes: But there is always only one model series for one area of use. With Windows laptops, on the other hand, you can choose from a wide range of suppliers and notebooks—whether you’re looking for an ultra-mobile lightweight for travelling or need a large screen and high performance for photo and video editing.

So find the device that perfectly suits your needs without having to compromise.

Because of this wide range, there are also Windows notebooks for which no MacBook alternative exists—because they are lighter, smaller or larger, for example: The Microsoft Surface Pro 8, for example, weighs less than 2 pounds, and the Dell XPS 13 and the Lenovo Thinkpad X1 Carbon each weigh less than 2.75 pounds. This means they undercut the MacBook Air in terms of weight.

Size is not a problem either: If you need a lush screen, go for a Windows notebook with a 17- or 18-inch display. Especially creative workers who work intensively with photos and videos will find optimal models with class-leading display technology, such as the MSI Titan GT77 HX 13V with a Mini-LED screen, or the spacious 4K Dell XPS 17.

best ultraportable

Dell XPS 13 Plus 9320

Apple undisputedly sets design trends with the MacBooks that other manufacturers follow, but Windows PCs can also go the extra mile in their designs. Take, for example, the Asus Zenbook Pro 14 Duo, which combines two touchscreens in one case. Indeed, there are no Apple notebooks with even a single touch-enabled display, to say nothing of convertible and 2-in-1 form factors, such as the Lenovo Yoga 9i. If you want to operate an Apple mobile device with your finger, you have to reach for the iPhone or iPad.

With Windows laptops there is a large selection of devices with touchscreens that you can control flexibly with a tap of your finger on the display as well as via the touchpad and keyboard.

Most touchscreen laptops are convertibles: With them, the screen can be folded onto the keyboard via a 360-degree hinge, so that you hold a tablet in your hands, which you then operate as usual via the touchscreen. These devices also support pen input for writing, drawing, and painting: So you get the functions of a notebook and tablet in one device.

best touchscreen laptop

Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9

And, of course, Apple completely ignores one huge target group: gamers. They absolutely need a Windows laptop: Only here can you get a powerful GPU—usually from Nvidia—that can display current games in complete graphic splendor. Here, too, they benefit from a huge range of models with different features and in different price ranges. (See our roundup of the best gaming laptops to learn more.)

3) Windows notebooks are cheaper

The large selection of Windows notebooks has another advantage: You are guaranteed to find a Windows laptop that is significantly cheaper than a MacBook or offers better features at a similar price.

The currently cheapest MacBook Air—as of August 2023—is currently available starting at $999 (and features the last-gen M1 CPU). But you can easily find a Windows notebook, such as the Acer Aspire Vero 14, for $100 less that features more CPU cores, more memory, and a bigger SSD.

Even creative professionals who have to spend a lot of money for top performance can save at least a little with a Windows notebook.