Which OS Is Best: Windows, macOS, Linux, or ChromeOS?

Beneath its glossy surface, which takes design cues from ChromeOS and macOS, Windows 11 remains quite similar to Windows 10, which is soon to going out of support. Windows 11 gets you nearly the same wide selection of computer hardware, software, and video games. Windows 11 requires a PC with a recent CPU and a security chip called a TPM, but the latter has been standard on computers for several years anyway. So far, it has embraced generative AI more than the other mainstream OSes, thanks to Copilot.

Windows 11 offers some new capabilities not available in Windows 10, including enhanced security, improved HDR display support, and Snap Layouts for organizing program windows on the desktop. It also includes an improved File Explorer with a tabbed interface, a Live Captions speech-to-text feature that works with any audio that’s playing on the PC, and new video editing and sound recording apps. The 2024 Windows update introduced a redesigned Copilot AI, new platform code to enhance performance and security, an Energy Saver mode, and minor updates to the Start menu and taskbar, including improved phone integration. The 25H2 update didn’t introduce significant new features beyond those added in the interim after the 2024 update. More importantly, Copilot in Windows got several new capabilities, including Copilot Vision, PC Search, and wake-word functionality.

A new class of machines, called Copilot+ PCs, run Windows 11, though with special AI features like Recall, Cocreator image generation, and Click to Do. Copilot+ PCs feature on-board AI-processing NPUs, with hardware options from AMD, Intel, and Qualcomm available.

Apple’s desktop operating system is capable, polished, and reliable. It gets big updates every year, and Tahoe (version 26) is the latest. The biggest change it brings is the Liquid Glass interface update, which adds translucent touches to some elements. Apple is the sole option in terms of computer manufacturers, with options ranging from the $600 Mac mini to MacBook laptops and the $7,000 Mac Pro. All the latest Macs run Arm-based Apple silicon processors, with names like M3 and M4. These rival the top AMD and Intel chips in performance and require less power.

The macOS interface is as slick as it gets and more consistent than that of any of the other OS choices here. It also ties in well with iPhones and other Apple devices. Stage Manager gives you flexibility with your windows and how you multitask among them. Apple’s OS is document-based rather than program-based, like Windows, so the operating system provides the same menu for every app at the top of the screen. Distinctions between Windows’ taskbar and macOS’s Dock (along with the lack of a Start menu) also require some adjustment. In general, Windows gives you more flexibility with desktop window arrangement, but macOS’s Spotlight search is far more advanced than anything you get in Windows.

Macs come with a superb array of software and utilities, such as the excellent Apple Photos, iMovie, and GarageBand. You also get Calendar, Mail, Maps, Notes, Podcasts, and Reminders. We can’t forget the fine web browser Safari, either, which offers good synergy with its mobile counterparts as well as decent privacy features.

In terms of AI features, macOS is well behind Windows. Apple Intelligence has added several capabilities, including cartoonish image generation and text rewriting. Luckily, you can now tap into more powerful AI tools like ChatGPT in some instances.

Gaming has long been something of a weak point for Macs, but it’s improving. As PCMag lead hardware analyst Brian Westover writes, “It hasn’t reached the point where anyone would look at their gaming laptop and seriously consider ditching it for a similarly potent MacBook Pro.” Apple includes good parental controls in macOS with Screen Time, and the system has a sterling reputation for security and stability.

Ubuntu, one of the most popular Linux distros, is completely free and based mostly on open-source software. It’s not the product of a giant tech company that’s out to lock you into its ecosystem, and you never need to sign in with an account. You can install Ubuntu (from Canonical Ltd.) on nearly any computer, including Chromebooks, Macs, and Windows PCs. You can even run the operating system from a live USB stick, averting the need to fully install it.

The latest version of Ubuntu is Plucky Puffin (version 25.04). It utilizes the Linux kernel version 6.14, which promises faster gaming and enhanced GPU and NPU support, among other under-the-hood improvements. Puffin adds AppArmor security improvements and support for ARM processors. It also updates the interface to Gnome 48 and includes new versions of apps, such as Firefox. Gnome 48 brings digital well-being features (such as screen time usage tracking), an enhanced image viewer, HDR support, a new audio player app, and notification stacking.

The OS includes the App Center app store, consolidated settings, expandable notifications, a file manager with search, and support for Microsoft Entra ID (formerly Active Directory). You can install apps in several ways, including by adding software repositories.

Ubuntu features a pleasing interface and a comprehensive selection of default applications, including browsers, email clients, media players, and office suites. Unlike macOS, it supports touch input (though not as fully as Windows). Linux systems are highly customizable, with many distros available. Those distros come in different flavors—Kubuntu, Lubuntu, Ubuntu Budgie, Ubuntu Mate, and Xubuntu are all flavors of Ubuntu. They differ in interface designs, preconfigured apps, and settings.

A drawback is that Linux requires a bit more tech-savvy than the other choices here. If you’re squeamish about ever seeing a command line, choose another OS. Another drawback is that support for hardware peripherals is behind that of Windows, macOS, and even ChromeOS. Additionally, you can’t use major desktop apps, such as Photoshop and Microsoft Office, though web versions of such programs are increasingly available and capable. Don’t expect a wide range of game selection, though there is a Linux Steam app available for the OS with a growing library.

Ubuntu strives to be as secure and stable as possible. That’s undoubtedly why Linux powers so many servers, which require a high level of uptime. Ubuntu includes built-in security protections, and Canonical provides regular security patches and updates.

Google’s desktop operating system initially provided a web browser and little else. The idea was for it to be an entirely cloud-powered system that ran only web apps and used Google Drive to store all your data. ChromeOS has moved beyond that now, with Android apps from the Google Play Store being its main source of software. 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 ChromeOS. You might still be able to find some all-in-one Chromebase devices, but most manufacturers are promoting Chromebook Plus models—laptops with sufficient CPU power, storage, and screen resolutions to run more demanding software. Chromebook Plus computers can utilize unique Google technology, such as Magic Eraser (of Pixel commercial fame), and add special effects to Google Meet video calls. Additionally, they can handle an impressive web version of Photoshop. The newest type of Chromebooks includes an NPU for AI processing (see below).

The operating system’s interface is clear and minimal. There’s a shelf that’s similar to Windows’ taskbar, and the program launcher and settings work well. Google continues to add conveniences, such as Android phone tethering, picture-in-picture video, improved offline functionality, and multiple virtual desktops. Its clever Tote feature keeps recent documents and images at the ready. The OS supports both touch and stylus input, and works with many printer models (although not as many as macOS and Windows).

Google recently added more generative AI features to ChromeOS, such as a Gemini app, live transcriptions with translation, the ability to summarize text, and to suggest actions for text on-screen, even if the text is in an image, with the Capture Text feature. The OS’s Welcome Recap can get you quickly back to your tasks whenever you resume using the computer after a break.

ChromeOS has two distinct app stores, the Chrome Web Store and Google Play, which have some of the same entries. Some Android apps behave inconsistently on Chrome, but the situation is improving, and Google seems keen on making Google Play the main place you get apps and has even made noises about combining the mobile and desktop OSes. You won’t find advanced applications on ChromeOS, such as pro-level media editing software. Google has, however, developed a comprehensive suite of apps and services tailored to the education market.

If you’re a student or someone who seeks simplicity, ChromeOS may be right 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, choose another OS.