Chromebooks are quite underrated when it comes to the top choices for laptops and notebooks. Whereas Apple’s thousand-dollar MacBooks are premium alternatives for professionals and hard-core task purposes. However, Chromebook vs MacBook might be a conflict if you are looking for laptops for average and lightweight operations.
For example, school or college students might look for powerful yet affordable options. Hence, you need to keep both these options side by side to determine their pros and cons.
Let’s find out who wins the battle for those who are stuck in the battle between Chromebooks and MacBooks.
Chromebook vs MacBook: Overall Attributes to Decide
Comparison between Chromebook vs MacBook Air M1 is controversial. The main issue behind this is that these computers are built differently. They don’t even aim at the same buyers.
For instance, Chrome OS is an operating system software, and any laptop manufacturer can use it to create Chromebooks according to their audiences’ requirements.
However, this is not true for MacBooks. Only Apple manufactures MacBooks with dedicated hardware and software. That’s why MacBooks are comparatively pricier than Chromebooks.
On the other hand, the quality, price, and configuration can vary widely because different manufacturers create Chromebooks.
If you can’t decide between Chromebook vs MacBook for school, then the following points will help you. Let’s get started:
Operating System
The first difference between a Chromebook and a MacBook is the operating system within them. A Chromebook relies on Chrome OS, developed and maintained by Google. It focuses on web-based applications such as Google Docs, Sheets, etc. hence, you should connect your Chromebook to the internet for functional features.
On a contrary note, an internet connection is not always mandatory for MacBooks. MacBooks run on macOS, and they can handle both offline and online applications. They don’t necessarily require an internet connection to perform essential functions.
So, the choice of the operating system might give you a clear choice between Chromebook vs MacBook for college students. If you are OK with general browsing, Google Docs, and other internet-based activities, then Chromebooks are for you.
Otherwise, a MacBook Air M1 or an equivalent option from Apple is a better choice. If you don’t want to compromise macOS-supported apps and more features, then a MacBook is a solid choice.
Performance & Build
Is a Chromebook as good as a MacBook according to performance metrics? Selecting an affordable Chromebook might tempt you, but you should check out whether it’s capable of delivering what you want. Chromebooks might vary wildly depending on the manufacturer and other configurations. Hence, the performance factor might fluctuate too.
On the other hand, you will find a huge difference in performance between lower- and higher-end MacBooks. Yet, MacBooks are loaded with more impressive hardware compared to Chromebooks. Even lower-end MacBooks can perform equally to higher-end Chromebooks.
If you are looking for power-lifting performance and resource-consuming tasks, then MacBooks are the best choice. For example, video editing is easier on MacBooks. Chromebooks are limited to the Google ecosystem, and photo editing might not be a piece of cake due to limited hardware resources.
Users can install some Android applications on a Chromebook for particular tasks, but it’s still far away from what you expect from a MacBook. Coming to the build of Chromebooks they can be plastic, metal, or something in between them.
Well, MacBook always stays one step ahead in the build quality between Chromebook vs MacBook. Apple prioritises the longevity of the MacBook, and that’s why users get sophisticated aluminum housing in every MacBook model.
Battery Life & Additional Features
This is a challenging factor to distinguish between Chromebook vs MacBook Air M1 depending on the battery life. Chromebooks are literally a value-for-money deal as they can offer up to 10 hours of battery life between 2 consecutive charges.
High-end MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models can deliver a stunning battery life of up to 18 hours. However, they are more expensive than Chromebooks. In case you want to decide on your next purchase based on Chromebook vs MacBook security, then it’s a challenge.
Chromebooks receive regular software updates, and they are very secure. Google takes care of software updates, sandboxing, and other security measures. Hence, you can trust Chromebooks, but Apple manages security terms to keep its competitors on their toes.
Malware attack is a very rare case for MacBooks. So you can opt for Chromebook or MacBook if you concentrate on security measures. Both devices offer free-hand productivity features with Siri and Google Assistant.
If you own an iPhone already, then purchasing a MacBook will keep you more connected. Otherwise, a Chromebook is a more suitable option if you acquire an Android smartphone.
To be noted both Chromebooks and MacBooks are not waterproof.
Design & Portability
Now, this is a personal factor, we guess. You must admit how classy and sleek current MacBooks are, even if you hate Apple for its expensive price tags. MacBooks carry trademark beauty and design with a minimalist yet stylish approach.
No matter how powerful and bulky MacBook processors sound, Apple never exaggerates the hardware. Thus, users can get an aesthetically pleasing and minimalist design with every MacBook purchase. However, we can’t say the same for Chromebooks.
Numerous laptop manufacturers craft Chromebooks so their designs can fluctuate from one mode to another. On the other hand, most high-end Chromebooks come with chunky hardware and thus, they become heavy to carry away.
Therefore, you might have to compromise portability and great looks with a Chromebook. MacBook is a clear winner for most cases when it comes to Chromebook vs MacBook for college in terms of portability. Yet, a few premium Chromebooks are appealing and compact.
Price
As a responsible buyer, you can never overlook the price of a Chromebook and a MacBook. Apple hasn’t designed any MacBook so far for affordable or entry-level use. However, there are Chromebooks available for almost every budget. If you want to escalate the performance of a Chromebook, you need to increase the budget.
To be fair, Chromebooks are cheaper than traditional Windows laptops within the same performance range. So, you can save money with a Chromebook purchase rather than a MacBook one. After all, the lowest-priced MacBooks are not far away from premium Chromebooks in terms of cost.
In case you are a student, then you might want a more affordable choice from the Chromebook vs MacBook price battle. And, Chromebook steals the deal according to pricing. However, you should know what you are getting in return for your investment.
Durability
Basically, the durability depends on the build of every gadget. You want a pretty durable machine, for sure. Well, it depends on how you treat your laptop. A MacBook should last longer with its impressive build quality. MacBook users have reported that MacBooks can easily last for 5 years and longer with proper care.
In addition, Apple keeps releasing security patches for older and newer MacBooks. So there shouldn’t be an issue with security measures. On the other hand, Chromebooks can be surprisingly long, just like MacBooks. However, Chromebook batteries might wear out way before MacBook ones.
Chromebook vs MacBook: Which Laptop Should You Buy?
We hope that all the pros and cons of Chromebook vs MacBook are clear to you. You can definitely go for a Chromebook if you are strictly on a budget, comfortable with working in internet-based applications, and appreciate simple design.
However, MacBooks should be your choice if you are after productivity, don’t mind exceeding the budget over $1000, and require a more durable system.
