Mac vs PC in 2026 — Which Should You Buy?

The honest answer from someone who fixes both

I repair both Macs and PCs at homes and businesses across Western Sydney every week. In 2026 the gap between them has narrowed significantly — but they still suit different types of users. Here is what I have learned from thousands of repairs.

Where Mac wins

• Build quality and longevity

  MacBooks genuinely last longer on average. I regularly repair MacBooks that are 7–10 years old and still running well. Most Windows laptops in that age range have significant wear.

• Apple Silicon performance per watt

  The M2, M3 and M4 chips in current MacBooks are extraordinary. Battery life of 12–18 hours is real-world, not marketing. Performance matches or beats Windows laptops costing twice as much.

• macOS stability

  Macs get viruses and malware far less frequently than Windows computers. For home users who do not want to think about security, this matters.

• Resale value

  A 3-year-old MacBook Pro holds its value far better than a comparable Windows laptop.

Where PC wins

• Price range and value

  You can get a capable Windows laptop for $500–$800. A comparable MacBook starts at $1,300+. For budget-conscious buyers, Windows still wins.

• Repairability

  This is where I see the biggest real-world difference. Most PC laptops can be repaired affordably — screen, battery, keyboard, SSD. Many modern MacBooks (especially M-series) are extremely difficult and expensive to repair due to Apple's design choices. A MacBook screen replacement can cost $400–$600.

• Gaming

  If you want to game, Windows is still the only viable option. The Mac gaming library has improved but is a fraction of what's available on Windows.

• Business software compatibility

  Some specialised business software — accounting packages, industry tools, custom applications — only runs on Windows. Check before switching.

• Upgradability

  Many Windows desktops and some laptops can have RAM and storage upgraded. Most MacBooks have soldered RAM and storage — what you buy is what you keep.

My recommendation for Western Sydney users