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If you are on the hunt for a new portable computer you’ll want to know how a Macbook vs gaming laptop compares. We’re here to break down the differences between the two to give you a sense of which will work better for you.
When it comes to sheer computing power Macbooks and gaming laptops are some of the most powerful portable devices out there. There are obviously extreme differences between these two kinds of laptop, but also some points of similarity.
For starters, both come in a range of different price and performance points. This makes the challenge of comparing the two harder, as there are so many varieties of both. For that reason, we’ve opted to cover general categories and compare the differences between Macbooks and gaming laptops in each of them.
By the end of this guide, you will be aware of the broad differences between these two kinds of laptops, including which is better for gaming performance. Let’s get into it.
MacBook vs gaming laptop – operating system
Essentially any gaming laptop you buy will run on a Windows operating system, while MacBooks will utilize some version of macOS. The operating system has a huge effect on how a laptop, well, operates. The most obvious impact, especially for gaming, is compatibility.
It is unusual for a new Triple-A title to be compatible with macOS. Some games out there are, for example, the MacBook Air M2 is among the best laptops for Sims 4. However, overall on a Macbook, you will be much more limited in terms of what games you can play. The best laptop for The best laptops for Starfield, Madden 24, and the entire Call of Duty series are invariably Windows devices. There are workarounds for this, which involve mimicking a Windows OS from your MacBook, but these are convoluted and still offer inferior performance.
That’s not to say that macOS is without its advantages. Apple is famous for its sleek and simple design style and this is on full display with MacBooks software. The OS is very intuitive and easy to use. Not only that but it is also incredibly well integrated with other Apple devices. If you already own an iPhone or iPad this will create a huge advantage for getting a MacBook, as all your devices will be within the same ecosystem and able to seamlessly communicate with one another.
One thing to note is that Windows is a much more adaptable operating system. It lets you customize many of its functions, though you will need a decent amount of knowledge to do so effectively.
MacBook vs gaming laptop – specs
Comparing the specs of MacBooks vs gaming laptops is difficult as each can come with a huge variety of specs. However, it is possible to get a general sense of the kind of specs and limitations each kind of device will have. In general, you will find that you have much more freedom when it comes to gaming laptops – you’ll be able to find one with essentially the exact specs you want if you are willing to pay for it. For MacBooks meanwhile, there are fewer options out there.
For example, when it comes to refresh rate most MacBooks are limited to 60Hz, though some MacBook Pros do boost this to 120Hz. The best gaming laptops meanwhile will have refresh rates as high as 240Hz and even 360Hz, though if you are looking to save cash there are also plenty of 60Hz options that still perform well.
As for CPU, the M2, and M2 Max chip available in the latest generation of MacBooks are some of the most powerful CPUs on the market right now. However, as MacBooks are so limited in terms of gaming compatibility, this power is best put to use for other CPU-heavy computing activities such as photo editing, music production, or video rendering. For gaming PCs meanwhile you, again, have a wider range of options. If you are willing to splash the cash you can get some of the best CPUs for gaming, including ones specifically designed to enhance gaming performance such as Ryzerns X3D range.
MacBook vs gaming laptop – price
MacBooks can vary significantly in price, especially if you’re willing to go second-hand. Overall, however, Apple has gone for selling a premium product for a premium price. The prices for laptops in the same generation also vary depending on screen size, storage options, and the kind of chip you opt for.
The price for the latest generation of MacBooks with the M2 chip goes from as low as $1099 for the 13-inch M2 Air, all the way up to $3,499 for a 16-inch, 32GB, M2 Max, MacBook Pro. As the name suggests, the Pro range makes the most sense for those who intend to use their device for professional purposes. For example, the M2 Max chip is brilliant for video rendering, which is further helped by the MacBook Pro having a GPU with up to 38 cores.
You’ll be used to hearing this by now, but for gaming laptops, the price varies even more. With the best gaming laptops under $1000 you can expect something akin to the RTX 4060, around 8-16GB of RAM and a 1080p resolution. Meanwhile, the best gaming laptops under $2500 will boast something with the power of an RTX 4070/4080, 16-32GB of RAM, and resolutions all the way up to 4K.
MacBook Air M2
Screen Size
13.6-inch
GPU
Apple M2 10-core
Processor
Apple M2
Storage
512GB
Razer Blade 14 (2023)
CPU
AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS
GPU
RTX 4060
SSD
1TB SSD
Display
16:10 QHD+ 240Hz
MacBook vs gaming laptop – final words
If you want to game on a portable computer, there is no doubt that a gaming laptop is superior to a MacBook. Not only can you get devices with more impressive gaming specs, but the sheer volume of games that are compatible with Windows but not macOS is huge.
However, there is no denying that MacBooks are powerful and capable laptops. Their displays are often more crisp thanks to their retina display technology, and their inbuilt speakers and battery life are very likely to beat that of most gaming laptops. There are also the huge benefits that come from having your laptop part of the same ecosystem as other Apple devices you own.
Overall, in order to choose between a MacBook or a gaming PC you need to think about what you intend to use your laptop for and the kind of operating system you want. If you want to be able to customize and easily interface with the running of your computer, you’ll want a gaming PC, and the same is true if you want to do any serious gaming.
If you instead want a focus on sleek, simple, and elegant design a MacBook might make more sense for you, and will excel at many complex tasks such as video rendering and content creation. Once you have decided to go for either a gaming laptop or a MacBook you can then start thinking about price and have a look at the different options out there.
