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Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, or Linux: Which Operating System Is Best?
We compare the top desktop operating systems based on availability, interface design, and ease of use, plus the apps and games you can run on them.
By Michael Muchmore
Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, or Linux: Which Operating System Is Best? Microsoft Windows 10 Microsoft Windows 11 macOS Ventura Ubuntu Google ChromeOS
You don't have a great many choices when it comes to your computer's operating system, but the choice you make can have wide-ranging consequences. The five OSes 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 distinctly in strengths and weaknesses. Four come from commercial tech giants, while one, the Linux-based Ubuntu, is free and open-source. Windows and macOS are generally the most capable in terms of hardware, software, interface, and utilities, while Chrome OS is more lightweight and runs on inexpensive computers.
But why have just one operating system? What if you need to run software that's only compatible with a particular OS, usually Windows or macOS? Multiboot setups and virtualization software can let you run more than one operating system on your computer. For example, you can run Windows on a Mac inside a virtual machine or dual-boot using Boot Camp (if you have an Intel-based Mac). You can also create a Linux partition on a Windows PC and boot to that when the need arises. Running macOS outside of an actual Mac computer isn't possible—unless you're comfortable jumping through the technical hoops required to create a Hackintosh.
In this roundup of the best operating systems, we only include consumer operating systems. We'll leave IBM i, Suse Linux, server OSes, and the rest to the PCMag Business team. Read on for our summary of each personal desktop operating system in order of usage share. For far more detail, click the links to full reviews under each operating system summary.
Windows powers more than 1.4 billion PCs, making it by far the most popular desktop operating system. It supports the most hardware and software of any OS. Windows has stumbled over the years, but the consensus is that Windows 10 is a success, and it's more stable and usable than its predecessors. Despite that success, Microsoft decided to move the platform forward with Windows 11 (covered next). The good news is Windows 10 will remain in support until 2025.
Windows 10 is hard to match in interface clarity, wealth of included tools, and usability. Full touch screen support, voice assistance, flexible screenshot and clipboard tools, photo and video editors, stylus input, and even basic 3D modeling all come included. The right-panel Action Center is a convenience that consolidates notifications and gives quick access to frequently needed settings. Moving and arranging windows in Windows 10 is unmatched in convenience and ease, as is using multiple virtual desktops with its unique Timeline feature. Windows and macOS both include app stores with vetted programs. Unlike macOS, Windows 10 can comfortably slip into a very usable tablet mode, with touch gesture support that negates the need for a keyboard.
If you're into gaming, and particularly VR gaming, Windows is the only way to go. It also ties in snugly with Microsoft OneDrive cloud storage and syncing service. As far as mobile integration, macOS has it beat with the ties between iOS and macOS, but Windows' story has vastly improved with impressive Android integrations.
Though Windows 10 is more secure and stable than in the past, it still doesn't match macOS or Linux on those criteria. Its interface presents some inconsistency, especially in control panels, and you still hear occasional complaints about problems resulting from updates, but the number of affected systems is relatively minuscule.
Beneath its glossy new surface, Windows 11 is largely the same as Windows 10. It runs all the same apps on mostly the same hardware choices; you need a PC with a newer CPU and a security chip called a TPM (which has been standard on computers for several years). Windows 11 gets you nearly the same wide selection of computer hardware, software, and video games as Windows 10. A slick new design takes cues from both Chrome OS and macOS, with the latter's rounded window corners and the former's centered taskbar.
Windows 11 has a few new capabilities not found in Windows 10, including Snap Layouts for organizing program windows on the desktop, new HDR display support, and better security. The Windows 11 2022 update, aka 22H2, added something you won't find in Windows 10—an improved File Explorer with a tabbed interface. Also new in that version are the nifty Live Captions for speech-to-text with any playing audio, an updated Task Manager, and new video editing and sound recording apps.
PCMag tested Windows 11 performance for productivity and for gaming and found it's a notch faster but mostly on par with Windows 10. Additionally, according to PCMag analyst Jordan Minor, Windows 11 makes every PC an Xbox.
As with any Microsoft release, the inevitable Windows complaints arose. And indeed, our rating is slightly lower than that for Windows 10 because some interface elements are less functional, and use on touch tablets takes a hit.
Apple's desktop operating system is polished, capable, and reliable. It gets big updates every year, with Ventura being the latest. If you're going to use macOS, your choice of computers is limited to those sold by a single seller, but it's a good one (even if they are not budget-priced). Options range from the MacBookAir and MacBook Pro, to the Apple Mac Studio. Macs are currently transitioning from Intel CPUs to Apple Silicon. The new processors, with names like M1 and M2, rival the top Intel chips in performance, reduce power consumption, and add even more compatibility with Apple's mobile platforms.
The interface of macOS is as slick as it gets, with more consistency than any of the other OS choices included here. It also ties in well with iPhones and other Apple devices. The dark mode is more uniformly rendered throughout all OS tools, and the Finder offers a handy preview capability lacking in Windows. I do prefer the flexible window and multitasking options in Windows, but Ventura's Stage Manager improves this issue to some extent. Apple's OS is document-based rather than program-based like Windows, so every app has the same menu provided by the OS at the top. It can be a stumbling block for those moving between Windows and macOS. There are also differences between Windows' Taskbar and macOS's Dock that take some getting used to for anyone moving between the two.
Macs are well stocked with included software and utilities, like the excellent media apps Apple Photos, iMovie, and GarageBand. You also get Maps, Podcasts, Mail, Calendar, Notes, Reminders, and we can't forget the fine web browser Safari, which offers good synergy with its mobile counterparts as well as decent privacy features.
Gaming has long been something of a weak point for Macs, but Apple includes good parental controls in macOS with Screen Time, and the system has a sterling reputation for security.
What Linux has over all the other operating systems included here is that it's completely free and open-source, rather than being the product of a huge tech company with profit motives. You can install Ubuntu Linux, maintained by Canonical Ltd., on any hardware that can run Windows. You can even run the operating system from a live USB stick, averting the need for installing it on your computer's storage. A few computers do come with Linux preinstalled, such as the privacy-focused Purism Librem Mini, and you can get Dell laptops running Linux, mostly aimed at developers.
The latest update to Ubuntu, version 22.10 (aka Kinetic Kudu), mostly adds features for developers, IT admins, and for IoT usage. Its update to the Gnome 43 interface shell software improves performance and consistency, and the Linux 5.19 kernel adds multicore support on Intel CPUs. It also adds PipeWire audio for more Bluetooth support and better Steam support for gamers.
Ubuntu offers a pleasing interface and a workable selection of included apps. It comes with an office suite, browsers, email and media apps, but there are also app repositories where you can get more. Its interface resembles that of macOS more than Windows, but unlike macOS, it supports touch-screen functionality (though not as fully as Windows). Linux is highly customizable, with completely different interface shells, and you'll find different flavors, also known as distros—Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Ubuntu Budgie, Ubuntu Mate, and Xubuntu. They differ in preconfigured settings, apps, and designs tailored for different purposes and tastes.
A drawback is that Linux requires more tech-savvy than the other choices here. If you're squeamish about seeing a command line ever, choose another OS. Another drawback is that the support for hardware peripherals is well behind that of Windows, macOS, and even Chrome OS. Additionally, you can't get some major apps, such as Photoshop and Microsoft Office. Sure, you can find substitutes, but you miss out on the slickness and rich toolsets. Don't expect much in the way of game selection, though you can run some on Linux.
Ubuntu is notable for being about as secure and stable an operating system as you'll find. No doubt that's why Linux powers so many servers that demand a high level of uptime. Ubuntu includes built-in security protections, and Canonical provides regular security patches and updates.
Google ChromeOS
Google's desktop operating system started out by providing a web browser and little else. The idea was for it to be an entirely cloud-powered app running only web apps and using Google Drive to store all your data. Chrome OS has moved beyond that now. It offers true desktop features like file folders for local files, the Google Assistant voice AI, a night mode, and tight integration with Android phones.
A variety of inexpensive Chromebook laptops and Chromeboxes (the desktop version) run Chrome OS, as well as more-expensive devices like the HP Elite Dragonfly. There's now even a big all-in-one Chromebase from HP. The OS also supports touch screen and stylus input in the form of the Pixel Pen, and many printer models, though not as many as macOS and Windows.
The operating system's interface is clear and minimal. You can't pin apps or documents to the desktop. It just sits there looking pretty. The Dock is fine, 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 not clear when you should use one versus the other because they carry some of the same apps. A related problem is that Android apps behave inconsistently on Chrome. You won't find high-end professional applications on Chrome OS either, such as the full Adobe Photoshop or powerful video editing software. On the other hand, Google has created a full suite of apps and services for the education market, and third-party offerings cater to that market as well.
Google continues to add conveniences, like Android phone tethering, picture-in-picture video, better offline functionality, multiple virtual desktops, and a clever Tote feature that keeps recent documents and images at the ready.
If you're a student or someone on a limited budget who can do everything you need in a web browser, Chrome OS may 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 VR headsets or 3D printers, you're better off with another OS.
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About Michael Muchmore
PC hardware is nice, but it's not much use without innovative software. I've been reviewing software for PCMag since 2008, and I still get a kick of seeing what's new in video and photo editing software, and how operating systems change over time. I was privileged to byline the cover story of the last print issue of PC Magazine, the Windows 7 review, and I've witnessed every Microsoft win and misstep up to the latest Windows 11.
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