Mac vs. Windows PC: Which OS Small Businesses Use?

Many small business owners and other work professionals are confused about the operating system (OS) and computer brand. They often raise questions like Is Mac or Windows better for small businesses.

In fact, it’s a long-running debate.

We will discuss this in two parts: one comprises data from our research, conducted through discussions with employees, small business owners, and work professionals. The other part is our own perspective as business professionals.

All of this will help you understand which operating system you should choose for your business, or, at the very least, the significance you should give to this matter.

While buying a laptop, here is something that drives confusion.

If you haven’t used a Mac, you might assume that Mac users have a business edge. However, if you’ve been exposed to the company culture, the results may surprise you.

You’ll find that most small businesses and companies use Windows machines. In fact, it’s a mix of both, but the operating system or brand (among the top 6) doesn’t add much value. (In some cases, when you want to make an impression, Apple machines are undoubtedly helpful. Secondly, you can also prefer Mac in graphics-related tasks due to their incredible graphics capabilities.)

It’s true that computer purchases are considered for years, our research indicates that business professionals, on average, don’t replace their computers for 6.069 years.

Making the right decision on such long-lasting purchases is crucial. However, when it comes to business use, this discussion is not as critical as many other factors, such as specifications.

For instance, using any cloud service doesn’t inquire about your OS or brand. Zoho Workplace or Salesforce, for example, wouldn’t care about your machine; they only need it to be compatible, and both are compatible with almost all software.

The second point to consider is looking at this data. This research, in which thousands of business professionals contributed, revealed that 69% of business professionals use the Windows operating system, while 18.95% use Mac OS.

Still, there are a couple of things that might influence your purchase. So you can learn and decide whether your small business needs a Mac or Windows PC.

Before we go into the long debate, here is a quick comparison of why Windows or Mac computers make a difference.

A quick comparison

Comparison of Mac and Windows PC for business use

As the primary goal is business, so we will see how iMacs or MacBooks are different from other Windows computers and which features can influence your business.

Design and display

The attraction of Mac computers is not due to their high price tag but their sleek design and high-quality display and user-friendly interface.

This is the only area where Apple has no alternate.

Some expensive Microsoft Surface laptops come with high-quality displays, but Apple products’ display, design, and hardware are still better than most PCs.

So, I think creative professionals, managers, and CEOs who need portable machines to attend business meetings and represent their companies should prefer Macs.

Otherwise, there are many other great options to buy for routine and technical work. You can buy more RAM, storage, and advanced processors at affordable prices.

For instance, in these best computers for small business owners, most of the machines are non-Apple because you get high specs (that affect your work the most) at the same price.

Reliability

Macs and other popular brands like HP, Dell, and ASUS are all reliable computers.

We have used all of them for years, and if you get your machines serviced occasionally, all devices work perfectly for almost a decade.

Although PCs are easily upgradeable, they are less likely to become obsolete than Macs.

Upgradability

Upgradability is worth considering in business.

As your business grows, you might have to handle heavy tasks, and you might need to upgrade your machines.

In that case, you will find Windows computers are easier to upgrade than Macs.

Security

Security is the next significant factor that matters a lot in business.

Typically, Macs are considered more secure than Windows laptops and desktops.

Macs have built-in antivirus software to protect your machines from malware and attacks.

Secondly, as they support less software on MacOS, it also protects your machine from attackers.

Well, it doesn’t mean that Windows PCs are unsafe. Windows 10 and 11 also have security features that protect your machine from undesired attacks.

You can also use antivirus software to add a layer of protection.

Compatibility

Usually, all the apps you use are compatible with Macs and Windows. If an app is incompatible with Mac, you have an alternate.

So compatibility is not an issue in any case.

Secondly, as most businesses use cloud services, connectivity, and networking are also out of the question.

It’s obvious that no matter which computer the team operates, you can join your team with any operating system.

You can also install macOS on your Windows PC and Windows OS on your mac. So compatibility won’t affect your choice for routine business tasks.

Although, some Macs don’t support Linux OS. If your small business uses Linux, you should prefer a PC because you will get various options in that market.

Affordability

It’s a no-brainer that Macs are more expensive than Windows PCs. You get tons of cheaper options for the same specs in Windows.

For instance, if you were looking for laptops for zoom meetings, you need to fulfill the minimum requirements for zoom to use all the Zoom features, additionally, you need a good camera.

If you browse the web, you will get much cheaper Windows laptops for the same features as a MacBook.

Our final verdict

There is nothing wrong with using a mac or Pc for all your small business tasks. The brand and operating system are personal choices. Brands and operating systems don’t affect your business.

In fact, specs affect your business; you should focus on specs rather than thinking about brand and OS.

However, the national bureau of economic research has found that Apple products are considered a status symbol, so you should prefer buying Apple products for CEOs or other team managers who have to attend meetings with other companies.

Otherwise, there are many best laptops for small business owners with outstanding features. You can pick any for your business.

Do businesses use Mac or PC?

PCs are widely used in businesses. However, businesses use Macs and PCs depending on the employee’s comfort.

Most companies make it optional for employees to choose between Mac or a PC.

Is Mac or PC better for small business?

Mac and PC both are equally good for routine office work and technical jobs. However, the specs of your computer will affect your business.

You should always buy a computer with high specs for your demanding tasks.