Windows, Linux and macOS Comparison
Three different paths for a computer operating system, from convenient everyday use to maximum control.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
How much control you have over your device, roughly ranked
Not a scientific measurement, just a rough ranking of how much runs in the background and how much you can influence yourself.
| Windows | macOS | Linux | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basis | Microsoft's own, closed kernel | Apple's own, closed kernel, based on Unix | Open Linux kernel, many different distributions built on top of it |
| Open source | No, completely closed | No, mostly closed, a few underlying parts are open | Yes, mostly fully viewable |
| Device choice | Very many different manufacturers | Apple devices only | Runs on very diverse hardware, including older devices |
| Software selection | Widest reach, very many games and business programs | Good selection, especially strong for creative software | Growing, limited for some games and specialty programs |
| Data collection by default | Present, partly can be turned off | Present, partly can be turned off | Very low to none, depends on the chosen distribution |
| Setup effort | Low, usually runs fully set up right away | Low, usually runs fully set up right away | Higher, more learning needed, but more customizable in return |
| Suited for | Most people in everyday use, especially gaming and office work | People in the Apple ecosystem, especially creative work | Technically interested, privacy conscious users |
No ads, no paid recommendation. For most people in everyday use, Windows or macOS is the more practical choice, Linux deliberately asks for more effort on your part. I use Kubuntu, a Linux distribution, myself alongside Windows.
What actually is Linux?
Probably the least familiar term here, explained briefly and clearly.
In short
Linux isn't a single operating system, just its core, the so called kernel. Many different, independent distributions like Ubuntu, Kubuntu, or Debian are built on top of it.
What's concretely different
The source code is usually open, you can choose yourself which programs run in the background, and many distributions collect noticeably less data by default.
Who it's worth it for
For technically interested or especially privacy conscious people, willing to put in some learning effort to gain more control over their system.
Like Android, iOS and GrapheneOS, just on your computer
The comparison with smartphone operating systems helps with understanding, with one small technical detail.
Windows is like Android with Google
Convenient, works fully set up for almost everyone, but comes with a lot of preinstalled software and background data collection.
Linux is like GrapheneOS
More open, gives significantly more control, but also asks for more effort on your part, quite similar to switching from normal Android to GrapheneOS.
macOS stands more on its own, like iOS
Largely closed system, from a single source, with tight integration between its own hardware and software.
Technical difference from the Android/GrapheneOS comparison: Windows and macOS are each their own, self contained systems from a single manufacturer. Linux, on the other hand, is just the shared kernel that many completely independent distributions build on, similar to how GrapheneOS and normal Android both stand on the same open AOSP base, but go different ways with it.