You don’t have a lot of choice when it comes to your computer’s operating system , but the choices you make can have wide-ranging consequences. The five operating systems included here are your most viable options: Windows 10, Windows 11, macOS Ventura, Ubuntu, and Google Chrome OS. Five isn’t a huge number, but these operating systems differ markedly in strengths and weaknesses. Four of them are from commercial tech giants, and one Linux-based Ubuntu is free and open source. Windows and macOS are generally the most powerful in terms of hardware, software, interface, and utilities, while Chrome OS is lighter and can run on inexpensive computers .
But why only one OS? What if you need to run software that is only compatible with a specific operating system (usually Windows or macOS)? Multiboot setups and virtualization software allow you to run multiple operating systems on your computer. For example, you can run Windows on a Mac inside a virtual machine, or use Boot Camp to dual-boot (if you have an Intel-based Mac). You can also create a Linux partition on your Windows PC and boot into it when needed. It’s impossible to run macOS outside of an actual Mac computer – unless you’re willing to skip creating a Hackintosh .
In this roundup of the best operating systems, we only include consumer operating systems. We’ll leave IBM i, Suse Linux, server operating systems, and the rest to the PCMag Business team. Read on for our summary usage share for each individual desktop OS in the order below .
Windows
Windows powers more than 100 million PCs, making it by far the most popular desktop operating system. It supports the most hardware and software of any operating system. Windows has stumbled over the years, but the consensus is that Windows 4 was a success, more stable and usable than its predecessors. Despite its success, Microsoft decided to push the platform forward with Windows 10 (described below). The good news is that Windows 11 will continue to be supported through 10 .
Windows 10 is hard to beat when it comes to interface clarity, the sheer number of tools included, and usability. Full touchscreen support, voice assistance, flexible screenshot and clipboard tools, photo and video editors, stylus input, and even basic 3D modeling are included. The right-panel Action Center is a convenience that consolidates notifications and provides quick access to frequently used settings. Moving and arranging windows in Windows 10 is unmatched in terms of convenience and ease of use, as is using multiple virtual desktops with the unique Timeline feature. Both Windows and macOS include app stores with vetted programs. Unlike macOS, Windows 10 can easily enter the very useful tablet mode, whose touch gesture support does not require a keyboard.
If you love gaming, especially VR gaming, Windows is the only way to go. It’s also tightly coupled with the Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage and syncing service. As far as mobile integration goes, macOS is well connected to iOS and macOS, but the Windows story has improved considerably, with impressive Android integration .
While Windows 10 is more secure and stable than it has been in the past, it still doesn’t meet macOS or Linux on these standards. Its interface has some inconsistencies, especially in the control panel, and you’ll still hear occasional complaints about issues caused by the update, but the number of systems affected is relatively small.
macOS
Apple’s desktop operating system is refined, powerful, and reliable. It gets major updates every year, and Ventura is the latest. If you’re going for macOS, your computer choices are limited to those sold by a single seller, but these are good ones (even if they’re not budget-priced). Options range from MacBook Air and MacBook Pro to Apple Mac Studio . Macs are currently transitioning from Intel CPUs to Apple Silicon. The new processors, dubbed M1 and M2, rival top-tier Intel chips in performance, reduce power consumption, and add more compatibility with Apple’s mobile platforms.
The interface of macOS is very smooth, with more consistency than any other operating system choice included here. It also ties in nicely with iPhones and other Apple devices. Dark mode renders more evenly across all OS tools, and the Finder offers a handy preview feature that Windows lacks. I do prefer the flexible windows and multitasking options in Windows, but Ventura’s stage manager improves that somewhat. Apple’s operating system is document-based rather than program-based like Windows, so each application has the same menus on top that the operating system provides. For those moving between Windows and macOS, this can be a stumbling block. There are also differences between Windows’ Taskbar and macOS’ Dock, which will take some getting used to for anyone who moves between the two.
Macs come with a wealth of software and utilities, such as the excellent media apps Apple Photos, iMovie , and GarageBand . You also get maps, podcasts, mail, calendar, notes, reminders, and we can’t forget the fancy web browser Safari , which has nice synergy with mobile browsers and decent privacy features.
Gaming has long been the Mac’s weak spot, but Apple has included good parental controls in macOS, with Screen Time, and the system has a solid reputation for security .
Ubuntu 20.04
Linux, like all the other operating systems included here, is completely free and open source, and not the product of a large tech company with a profit motive. You can install Ubuntu Linux, maintained by Canonical Ltd., on any hardware that can run Windows . You can even run the OS from a live USB stick, avoiding the need to install it on computer storage. Some computers do come with Linux pre-installed, like the privacy-focused Purism Librem Mini , and you can get Dell laptops running Linux , mostly aimed at developers.
Ubuntu’s latest update, version 22.10 (aka Kinetic Kudu), adds features primarily for developers, IT administrators, and IoT usage. Its update to the Gnome 43 interface shell software improves performance and consistency, and the Linux 5.19 kernel adds multi-core support for Intel CPUs. It also adds PipeWire audio for more Bluetooth support and better Steam support for gamers.
Ubuntu offers a pleasing interface and a range of viable applications. It comes with an office suite, browser, email, and media apps, but also has an app repository where you can get a lot more. Its interface is more macOS-like than Windows, but unlike macOS, it supports touchscreen functionality (though not as fully as Windows). Linux is highly customizable, with completely different interface shells, you will find different flavors, also known as distributions – Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Ubuntu Budgie, Ubuntu Mate and Xubuntu. They differ in preconfigured settings, applications and designs tailored to different purposes and tastes.
One downside is that Linux requires more technical savvy than the other options here. If you’re uncomfortable seeing a command line, choose another OS. Another downside is that support for hardware peripherals lags far behind Windows, macOS, and even Chrome OS. Also, you don’t get some major apps like Photoshop and Microsoft Office. Sure, you can find alternatives, but you’re missing out on a slick and rich toolset. Don’t expect too much from the game selection, though you can run some on Linux .
Ubuntu is known for being as secure and stable an operating system as you’ll find. This is no doubt why Linux powers so many servers that require high uptime. Ubuntu includes built-in security protections, and Canonical provides regular security patches and updates.
Google Chrome Operating System
Google’s desktop operating system initially offered a web browser and little else. The idea is to make it a completely cloud-driven app, running only web apps and using Google Drive for all your data. Chrome OS has now moved beyond that. It offers true desktop features like folders for local files, Google Assistant voice AI, night mode, and tight integration with Android phones.
A variety of inexpensive Chromebook laptops and Chromeboxes (desktop versions) run Chrome OS, as well as more expensive devices like the HP Elite Dragonfly . Now there’s even a massive all-in-one Chromebase from HP . The OS also supports touchscreen and stylus input in the form of the Pixel Pen, and many printer models, though not as many as macOS and Windows.
The interface of the operating system is clear and minimalistic. Unable to pin apps or documents to desktop. It just sits there and looks pretty. The Dock is nice, though not as functional as Windows’ taskbar, but the program launcher and settings are well implemented. Chrome OS has two very different app stores, the Chrome Web Store and Google Play, and it’s unclear when you should use one over the other, since they carry some of the same apps. A related issue is the inconsistent behavior of Android apps on Chrome. You also won’t find high-end professional applications, such as full Adobe Photoshop or powerful video editing software, on Chrome OS. Google, on the other hand, has created a whole suite of apps and services for the education market, and third-party products cater to this market as well.
Google continues to add conveniences like tethering for Android phones, picture-in-picture video, better offline capabilities, multiple virtual desktops, and a clever handbag feature that keeps recent documents and images on hand.
If you’re a student or someone on a budget who can do everything you need in a web browser, Chrome OS might be for you. If you want to play the latest AAA video games, edit videos and photos with professional-grade software, or run advanced hardware like a VR headset or 3D printer , you’re better off using another operating system.
How to choose an operating system
In our linked reviews of the five operating systems discussed above, we considered the following criteria, which should help you choose an operating system:
- Range of hardware options
- Range of software available, including gaming and productivity
- Interface Design and Window Details
- Included apps and utilities
- Mobile and Cloud Integration
- Stability, Security and Updates
If you need to run software supported only by one of these operating systems, your choice is obvious. This can sometimes be resolved by running a virtual machine (see above), but running native apps provides a superior experience. For example, if you want to use Final Cut Pro as your video editor and Adobe Premiere Pro isn’t available, your only option is macOS. If you want to run AAA video games , you’ll want to stick with Windows. The same goes for peripherals. You may have a VR headset or 3D printer that only provides drivers for one type of system.
