Windows, macOS, Chrome OS, or Linux: Which Operating System Is Best?

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(Opens in a new window).

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(Opens in a new window). For far more detail, click the links to full reviews under each operating system summary.

Microsoft Windows 10

4.5

$139.00

at Microsoft Store

See It

(Opens in a new window)

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.

Microsoft Windows 10 Review

Apple macOS Ventura

4.5

$0.00

at Apple App Store

See It

(Opens in a new window)

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.

Apple macOS Ventura Review

Ubuntu

4.0

$0.00

at Ubuntu

See It

(Opens in a new window)

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(Opens in a new window), 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.

Ubuntu 20.04 (Focal Fossa) Review

Google Chrome OS

3.5

$0.00

at Google Shopping

See It

(Opens in a new window)

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(Opens in a new window), 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.

Google Chrome OS Review

What Is an Operating System?

An operating system is software that makes your computer work at all. It provides an interface between the hardware, the application software running on the hardware, and the user interacting with the software. Today’s modern OSes include slick user interfaces and loads of utilities, tools, and preloaded apps that let you do a lot without even installing third-party application software. Those apps include photo editors, video editors, web browsers, email clients, calendars, text editors, music players, among others.

An operating system also includes tools to keep your computer running smoothly, safely, and malware-free. Most even include built-in security features and support for VPNs. Much of an operating system’s security and stability is maintained by an automated update process that makes sure the system receives timely fixes to hardware and software compatibility and vulnerability issues.

With smartphones being such a predominant part of modern life, a good desktop operating system needs to work in concert with those devices. The cloud (aka online storage and syncing) is another prevalent theme in today’s technology domain, and most operating systems integrate with their own cloud services in varying degrees of functionality.

Ubuntu is what’s known as free and open-source software (FOSS), and Chrome OS is based on Google’s open-source Chromium project, meaning volunteer coders can contribute to the code and third parties can put out their own versions. Chrome OS is Google’s proprietary version of that code base. In fact, you can’t even install Chrome OS on computer hardware that’s not sanctioned by Google, something you can do with Windows and Linux.

How to Choose an Operating System

In our linked reviews of the five operating systems discussed above, we took into account the following criteria, which can help inform your choice of OS:

• Range of hardware options

• Range of software available, including gaming and productivity

• Interface design and windowing niceties

• Included apps and utilities

• Mobile and cloud integrations

• Stability, security, and updates

If you need to run software that’s supported by one of these operating systems alone, your choice is obvious. You can get around this sometimes 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 just won’t do, your only option is macOS. If you want to run AAA video games, you’ll want to stick with Windows. The same holds for peripherals. You may have a VR headset or 3D printer that only provides drivers for one type of system.

Dig Deeper Into OSes!

For all our related content, head to PCMag’s operating systems landing page, and for some bizarre and obscure operating systems that most people have never heard of, you can read about the Strangest Operating Systems Ever Released. For a head-to-head comparison of the two leading choices, read macOS vs. Windows: Which OS Is Really Better?