How to decide between Linux and MacOS – if you’re ready to ditch Windows

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ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The choice between Linux and MacOS isn’t hard.
• If you can answer these questions, you’ll know which to choose.
• Both are outstanding choices and will serve you well.

I use both Linux and MacOS. The former is used for everyday tasks, and the latter for video editing and mobile usage (please, someone, create a Linux laptop that is as reliable and similar to a MacBook). 

Also: New to Linux? 5 desktop environments I recommend you try first – and why

Unfortunately, not everyone can use both, and with Windows 10 support ending soon, you might find yourself choosing between Linux and MacOS.

Let me help you with that choice.

1. Do you want an ecosystem or a stable OS?

One of the biggest differences between MacOS and all other operating systems is that it is more of an ecosystem than an isolated OS. What Linux offers is remarkable stability. There are some Linux distributions (such as Debian) that are considered the most stable operating systems on the planet. 

Also: This new Linux desktop is almost a dead ringer for OS X

But Linux doesn’t enjoy a similar ecosystem to that of MacOS. So, if you want to easily connect your machines (without having to configure anything) or if you want easy integration with a cloud service, MacOS is right for you. If, on the other hand, you want a rock-solid OS that won’t let you down, Linux is what you want.

2. Is freedom of choice important?

MacOS is pretty much locked down. What you get on your MacBook or your iMac is exactly what Apple wants. MacOS also forces you into the Apple way, and if you want to venture away from that, good luck. 

Also: This lightweight Linux distro makes switching from Windows 10 easy

Linux is all about choice, and there’s zero vendor lock-down to deal with. If you want a company to tell you how to use your computer, use MacOS. If you want to be the one who makes those decisions, use Linux.

3. Is there a proprietary app you depend on?

Although Linux makes it possible (and even easy) to use non-Linux apps, there are some proprietary applications (such as Photoshop) that simply cannot run on Linux. If there’s a particular app you depend on, it’s important that you first find out if there’s a Linux port available. If not, chances are good there’s a MacOS version. 

If you know there are proprietary apps you must use that are not available on Linux, the choice is obvious. If those proprietary apps can be installed with Wine, Steam, or the new Winboat, you can choose between them. If not, MacOS is the way to go.

4. Are you on a budget?

This one should be obvious. Apple hardware can be pretty pricey, especially compared to off-the-shelf hardware that can run Linux. If you are on a budget, Linux is the right choice. If money is not an issue, Apple sells some of the best hardware on the market. 

Also: Should you ever pay for Linux? 5 times I would – and why

Linux is a free operating system and can run on just about any kind of hardware (even made by Apple). Linux is the most budget-friendly operating system available.

5. Do you prefer a company for tech support or community-driven help?

Apple Care is available for anyone who purchases a MacBook or iMac for roughly $20/month. That support will go a long way to help you through any issue you might have. 

Linux, on the other hand, depends on community-driven support, which is free. If you don’t mind searching forums, mailing lists, and even social media groups for help, Linux is your OS. If you prefer to have a company backing your support, go with MacOS.

6. Do you want to select your hardware?

Have you ever tried to upgrade a MacBook or iMac? It’s not easy. If you have specific hardware needs or prefer to choose specific GPUs, RAM, or motherboards, Linux is your only choice. 

Also: You can try Linux without ditching Windows first – here’s how

You cannot build a Mac from the ground up, but you can with Linux. If you want to easily upgrade your machine, go with Linux. If you don’t care about selecting specific hardware or an easy path to upgrade, go with MacOS.

7. Have an iPhone?

Simple. If you use an iPhone, your best choice is MacOS. That doesn’t mean you can’t connect an iPhone to Linux (thank you, KDE Connect), but you don’t get nearly the integration you enjoy between MacOS and iOS. If you use Android, go with Linux. If iOS is your mobile OS of choice, stick with MacOS.