Key Points
- HP and Apple have comparable products, but their overall selection and pricing set them apart.
- Apple’s PC lineup includes desktops and laptops, while HP offers a broader selection in every category.
- Apple excels in build quality and reliability, while HP is known for producing affordable systems.
- Choosing between HP and Apple depends on your needs, budget, and preference for operating systems.
It’s relatively simple to compare brands like Lenovo, HP, or ASUS, but it gets tricky when you throw Apple into the mix. HP vs. Apple is a battle between two brands with completely different audiences. While the companies have comparable products, the overall selection and pricing set them apart. Are you wondering which brand is the best choice for your needs? We’ve got that covered as we take a deeper dive into these companies’ computer lineups.
HP vs. Apple: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | HP | Apple |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | July 2, 1939 | April 1, 1976 |
| Industries | Computer Hardware, Consumer Electronics, IT | Consumer Electronics, PCs, Mobile Devices |
| Headquarters | Palo Alto, California | Cupertino, California |
| Website | https://www.hp.com/ | https://apple.com/ |
HP vs. Apple: What’s the Difference?
When you compare these two brands, it’s for PCs, not printers or smartwatches. Each brand has areas where they excel, although we found things are closer than they seem when it comes to desktop computers and laptops.
Apple Computers
Apple’s PC lineup falls into two main categories — desktops and laptops. There are no hybrid models, although there is a size and price point for almost everyone.
Apple Desktop PCs
The best Apple desktop PC in terms of power is the Mac Studio. It has a design similar to the Apple TV, but it’s larger to accommodate a variety of tech. Its size makes it perfect for people looking for a smaller system or one they can use in a media room alongside a TV.
The Mac Studio utilizes the company’s newest processors with the M2 Max and M2 Ultra. You can configure the systems with up to 96GB of RAM or 192GB on the M2 Ultra. Both models support multiple displays with resolutions up to 6K at 60Hz and four Thunderbolt 4 ports. Connectivity options are stellar on this diminutive desktop system which weighs in at 6-8 pounds.
- Powered by the M2 Ultra processor
- 7.7 inches square and 2.9 inches tall
- 64GB of RAM
- 1TB hard drive
While you’ll need to pick up a monitor or two for the Studio, the iMac takes care of that. This all-in-one PC has a 4.5K Retina Display along with a stylish color-matched mouse and keyboard. It’s a significant upgrade over the old iPhones, especially when you consider it’s only 11.5mm thick.
The iMac only comes in one size with a 24-inch 4,480 x 2,520 display, but there are several configurations to choose from. Apple’s M1 chip is standard, and both models have 8GB of RAM, which is configurable to 16GB. Storage ranges from 256GB to 2TB. The six-speaker stereo sounds great, and these sleek PCs have built-in Siri support. All models come with two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, but only the two higher-end configurations also have two USB 3 ports.
- Apple M1 processor
- 1080p FaceTime camera
- 24-inch 4.5K Retina display
- 8GB of RAM
The Mac Mini has been around since 2005. While the newest models are a significant upgrade over the old polycarbonate models, it’s still the best way to get a Mac PC if your budget is tight. The Mac Mini 2023 looks like a stylish media player but has an M2 processor under the hood.
This mini PC is available with the M2 or M2 Pro chip from Apple. The base version has dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, dual USB-A ports, a 256GB hard drive, and 8GB of RAM. The M2 Pro iMac is faster with a better GPU and has two more Thunderbolt ports.
Apple’s Mac mini Pro supports up to three displays and is configurable with up to 32GB of RAM. You’ll need to supply your own monitor, keyboard, and mouse with this PC. Despite that, it has an attractive price point and plenty of pop, thanks to the M2 chip.
- The M2 processor from Apple
- Fully contained PC with a small footprint
- Unified memory up to 2TB
- Configurable up to 2TB SSD
Apple Laptops
Consumers interested in a laptop from Apple have two choices with the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. While powerful, the MacBook Air is designed for consumers looking for a lightweight laptop with excellent battery life and a gorgeous display.
The MacBook Air lineup has Liquid Retina displays that are accurate with the P3 wide color gamut. These laptops are less than a half-inch thick, and the heftiest model is under 3.5 pounds. Touch ID is standard on all models, and every MacBook Air is available with 8GB of RAM and 256GB as a base storage configuration.
With that in mind, you can max the storage out at 2TB and memory at 24GB, with an 8-core CPU and a 10-core GPU on the new models with the M2 processor. The MacBook Air is available in four colors and two sizes with 13.6 and 15.3-inch displays.
- A stunning 15.3" Liquid Retina Display
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
- Apple M2 processor
- 1080p FaceTime camera and six speakers
The MacBook Pro is the next step up if you want more power. The entry-level MacBook still has an M2 chip like the Air, but the 14 and 16-inch models come with the M2 Pro or M2 Max. These processors provide a significant boost in power over the MacBook Air. The M2 Pro tops out at a 12-core CPU and a 19-core GPU, while the M2 Max goes up to a 12-core CPU and 38-core GPU. The larger models have better displays with Liquid Retina XDR technology and higher resolutions.
The MacBook Pro has a sustained brightness of 1,000 nits, an active cooling system, Wi-Fi 6E, and an additional Thunderbolt port. While these powerful PCs share a lot of similarities with the MacBook Air laptops, they have better performance and allow users to choose from higher hardware caps.
- Liquid Retina display with 1,000 nits brightness
- M2 Pro or M2 Max processor
- Up to 32GB of unified memory
- Touch ID and Magic Keyboard
Other PC Products from Apple
Apple doesn’t produce many accessories or peripherals like other manufacturers, although they have a line of branded keyboards, mice, and chargers. While the Mac Pro doesn’t fall into that category, this powerful workstation is Apple’s most expensive PC.
The new Mac Pro carries over the unique design from the 2019 model. It’s the first system in the line with Apple’s new silicon chip, however, and a new motherboard. There are six PCIe slots and eight Thunderbolt ports, but you can’t upgrade the GPU or RAM. It can support up to eight monitors, including the Studio Display.
Apple’s flagship monitor has a hefty price point but can blister eyeballs with a resolution of 5,120 x 2,880. The 5K display is ideal for professionals, and it’s easy to find the perfect angle thanks to the tilt-and-height adjustable stand. This monitor is only available in one size but with standard or nano-texture glass.
- 27-inch 5k display
- Nano texture glass
- Six-speaker system with Spatial Audio
- Tilt and height adjustment
HP Computers
Like Apple, most of HP’s computers are classified as either desktops or laptops. The difference is the subcategories, which include classes for gamers, students, and businesses.
HP Desktop PCs
HP’s desktop PCs are branded under different names. Two lines are geared for gamers with Victus and Omen PCs. While only a handful of desktop models have the moniker, systems like the HP OMEN 45L provide players with a powerful rig.
This system has a 13th gen Intel Core-i9 and a GeForce 4070Ti inside a tower case with RGB lighting. Features like the Cryo Chamber cooling system are exclusive to HP, and their systems are highly configurable. The OMEN line is for their premium systems, while Victus desktop PCs have a more palatable price tab.
- 13th Generation Intel Core i9-13900KF
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070Ti
- 16 GB RAM
- Windows 11 Home
Most current desktop PCs from HP are in the Essential or Pavillion collection, along with some models with Envy branding. Consumers interested in an all-in-one PC will appreciate HP Essential and Pavillion systems. These PCs come with the latest processors from Intel and AMD and have space-saving designs. They aren’t a good option for gamers due to integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, however.
When it comes to a true tower system, HP has a fairly large selection. There are 90 models listed on their official site at this time. You can customize the build to a degree whether you’re a fan of AMD or Intel. The company isn’t known for powerful PCs, although systems like the HP TE 02 are impressive.
- Intel i9-12900 processor
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080Ti
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- Highly configurable
HP Laptops
With HP laptops, you can find systems for students, average users, gamers, and consumers in the business class. It’s where their most affordable systems are as well, including a variety of Chromebooks. The company’s laptops range from 13 to 17 inches in size, and while most have Intel chips, there are a dozen or so AMD machines.
One of their more affordable systems is the latest HP Pavilion 15t, which has a 15.6-inch display and a Core i5 or i7 processor. RAM tops out at 16GB regardless of the configuration, and while the panel isn’t the brightest, there are four styles to choose from. It’s an annual release, so you can find models from the previous year with similar specifications and price points, like this model with an i3 and 1TB of storage.
- 15.6-inch touchscreen display
- Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor
- 8-16GB of RAM
- Windows 11 Home
The company’s Chromebooks are also affordable if you can get by with Celeron and MediaTek processors. There are several highly-rated convertible laptops in this class, and HP has a variety of x360 systems to choose from as well. The 2-in-1 laptops provide users with a degree of customization on HP’s official site. You can purchase models with upgraded storage and processors or a 400-nit UHD+ display.
Gamers have two lines to choose from with HP. The Victus collection is the budget to mid-range class, while the OMEN 16 and 17 are premium systems. Victus laptops have a relatively tame design, with prices starting around $699. The systems have dedicated graphics cards and processors from Intel and AMD, just like the OMEN 16.
Most models have FHD displays, and performance varies by configuration. While there are plenty of respectable laptops with mid-range RTX cards, there are some exceptions. This 17.3-inch version of the OMEN is an example with a 2K display, 64GB of RAM, and the powerful NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4090.
- 17.3-inch QHD display
- NVIDIA GeForce 4090
- 64GB DDR5 RAM
- 13th Gen Intel i9-13900HX
Other PC Products from HP
If you’ve purchased a monitor or printer in the past decade, you probably considered one from HP. The company sells more than desktop PCs and business computers. They have a large range of printers, including tank-based models, InkJet systems, and laser printers.
HP doesn’t have any monitors that can compete with panels from Apple and LG, but there are more than 60 1080p monitors and a few dozen that are QHD. They don’t have many 4K monitors outside of their DreamColor display and some OMEN gaming monitors. Other products from HP include docking stations, mice, keyboards, headphones, and charging solutions.
If you’re a professional or a consumer in the business class, the company’s Z series workstations are of note. These powerful PCs come in two styles with entry-level and high-end desktops. The Z2 SFF G9 is on the lower end of the spectrum but supports up to 128GB of RAM and 36 terabytes of storage. There are four PCI slots on this model and HP’s other two entry-level systems.
Consumers in need of more horsepower should consider the Z4, Z6, or HP Z7 Fury G5 desktops. These are HP’s premium systems designed for power users. These PCs can handle ray tracing and advanced datasets with ease. Prices on these desktop computers range from around $1,100 to more than $5,000, depending on the configuration.
HP vs. Apple: Key Areas
Now that you have a rough idea of each company’s product lineup, it’s time to see how they stack up in important areas. With these brands, the focus is on pricing, performance, build quality, and product selection.
Product Selection
Both Apple and HP produce desktop PCs along with laptops and all-in-one systems. You’ll have no problem finding a system to suit your needs, although HP has a broader selection than Apple in every category.
Apple only has two laptop lines compared to around a half-dozen from HP. Apple also doesn’t have as many desktop systems and only one monitor with the Studio Display. By comparison, HP gives users more options with monitor sizes, and there are desktops under the Envy, Pavillion, OMEN, Essential, Victus, and M series.
While these companies have comparable offerings for consumers, HP has Apple beat by a wide margin with product selection.
HP vs. Apple: Performance
If you want to buy a MacBook Pro with 32GB of RAM or a 2TB hard drive, Apple has you covered. When purchasing systems direct from the company, you can configure laptop and desktop PCs to suit your needs.
HP provides users with the same options but with more computers to adjust. You can find systems with integrated graphics, UHD displays, or 64GB of RAM. They have the latest processors from Intel and AMD, while Apple has their own high-powered silicon chips. Performance depends on your chosen configuration, so this area is a draw unless you want a PC with a dedicated GPU.
When it comes to build quality, Apple is the clear winner, and it’s not very close. While they’ve had some missteps over the years, their PCs and mobile devices are well-built. That’s especially true for their premium lines like the MacBook Pro, which has a sturdy aluminum chassis. You don’t have to worry about weak hinges or subpar components with Apple.
HP does have laptops with MIL-STD ratings in the business class. They also have contributed to massive amounts of technical waste through thousands of cheaply made laptops and printers. Performance may be a tie, but Apple wins with build quality and reliability.
Pricing
Pricing is one of the first factors to consider when purchasing new tech. It can help you quickly narrow the field, and HP is the best fit if your budget is tight.
HP has a reputation for producing affordable systems, just like Apple’s reputation for quality. It’s not uncommon to find systems from HP on the “Best Computers under $500” lists. That includes laptops, desktop PCs, and hundreds of options under a grand when you factor in older models.
Apple’s cheapest PC is the Mac mini. The MacBook Air and iMac have become more affordable in recent years but are in a different class than HP’s PCs at the same price. HP’s computers and accessories are cheaper than Apple’s across the board.
HP vs. Apple: 4 Must-Know Facts
- The Apple PenLite was the company’s first prototype tablet.
- HP is one of the largest personal computer brands in the world.
- Apple has more than a billion active mobile devices.
- Bill Hewlett and David Packard founded HP in 1939.
HP vs. Apple: Which One is Better?
Whether Apple is better than HP boils down to your needs and budget, along with the operating system you prefer. If you’re used to Windows, jumping to Mac can be quite the switch. The same applies to Mac users, although you can find most of the same programs for both operating systems.
If you’re impartial to the OS, Apple is the best choice when you want a PC built to last and perform as advertised. You may have to pay a premium, Apple’s products hold their resale value well and aren’t known for breaking down. HP computers are cheaper, come in more styles, and are a better option for gamers unless you pick up a system with Apple’s M2 processor.
- Apple Mac Studio Desktop Computer
- Powered by the M2 Ultra processor
- 7.7 inches square and 2.9 inches tall
- 64GB of RAM
- 1TB hard drive
- Apple 2021 iMac Desktop Computer
- Apple M1 processor
- 1080p FaceTime camera
- 24-inch 4.5K Retina display
- 8GB of RAM
- Apple 2023 Mac Mini
- The M2 processor from Apple
- Fully contained PC with a small footprint
- Unified memory up to 2TB
- Configurable up to 2TB SSD
- Apple 2023 MacBook Air Laptop
- A stunning 15.3" Liquid Retina Display
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
- Apple M2 processor
- 1080p FaceTime camera and six speakers
- Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop M2 Pro
- Liquid Retina display with 1,000 nits brightness
- M2 Pro or M2 Max processor
- Up to 32GB of unified memory
- Touch ID and Magic Keyboard
- Apple Studio Display
- 27-inch 5k display
- Nano texture glass
- Six-speaker system with Spatial Audio
- Tilt and height adjustment
- HP OMEN GT22-1082 (2023)
- 13th Generation Intel Core i9-13900KF
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070Ti
- 16 GB RAM
- Windows 11 Home
- HP TE 02 2023 Gaming Desktop
- Intel i9-12900 processor
- NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080Ti
- 1TB NVMe SSD
- Highly configurable
- HP 15.6" Touchscreen Laptop
- 15.6-inch touchscreen display
- Intel Core i3-1115G4 processor
- 8-16GB of RAM
- Windows 11 Home
- HP OMEN Gaming Laptop
- 17.3-inch QHD display
- NVIDIA GeForce 4090
- 64GB DDR5 RAM
- 13th Gen Intel i9-13900HX
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