Should Your Creative Team Use Mac or PC? The Real-World Problems Nobody Talks About

The Real Question: Is Your Tech Helping or Hurting Productivity?

Every creative business owner eventually asks this: can our computer setup be more friendly and make work more productive? Unboxing a Mac feels magical but is that feeling blurring our lens when it comes to making the best decisions for our team and our business? The truth is simple: computers are just tools. They are not physical representations of excitement and luxury. What matters most is whether the tools you use meet’s your team’s everyday needs and supports your future growth.

When Macs Make Sense

There are absolutely times when a Mac is the right call:

💡 Solo Operators or Tiny Teams
If you are running the show alone or with another pair of helping hands, Macs can cut down tech headaches. There are less things to self-manage and getting help directly from Apple is a lot easier compared to PCs.

🚀 Purpose Driven Power Users
If you have team members familiar with Macs and using specific software that are Mac-native (Final Cut Pro, Logic Pro), then Mac is absolutely the right tool for them.

⏳ Those Who Dread Computer Swaps
If your team hates swapping machines, Macs can be a better choice. You will get one to two more years out of a Mac on average. But, keep in mind, this just means more convenience, not cost savings, as total cost of ownership for Macs will still land above PCs based on my calculations.

Why PCs Win for Most Creative Businesses

For growing creative firms, Windows PCs usually deliver better value.

Here is why:

📈 Lower Cost of Ownership: More Savings, Less Hassle
PCs cost less upfront, are easier to service, and give you access to a much larger pool of IT providers. You can add next business day onsite warranty for quick hardware repairs, and it’s easy to find an IT support company that fits your needs and budget. All of this means no trips to the Apple Store, no waiting for specialty repairs, and fewer pricey “Mac experts.” Just more straightforward support and lower day-to-day expenses.

🛠️ Accessory and Hardware Variety: More options, fewer limits
PCs give you a broader range of hardware choices, from specialty accessories and docks to graphics cards and creative gear. Most devices are designed PC-first, so you’ll enjoy all the features, easy driver updates, and a quick fix if something goes wrong. No more searching for a “Mac version” or crossing your fingers the latest gadget plays nice with your setup.

✅ Line-of-Business App Support: Stay agile as you grow
Most business apps along with plugins, management tools, and industry software are built for PCs first. You won’t get boxed in or lose time hunting for weird workarounds as you grow. Plus you will be able to take advantage of everything these products can offer instead of waiting for the Mac version to catch up.

📌 IT Management: Delegate tech without the drama
PCs are designed to work in a managed, business environment. Your IT company can handle maintenance, troubleshooting, and onboarding remotely, with minimal interruptions. No need for your employees to constantly grant permission, reset passwords, or hop on screen share just to let IT do their job. In fact, this is such a major headache for some IT providers that they refuse clients on Mac platforms (not us).

🚨 Compliance and Cybersecurity: Meet security standards
You may not need to worry about compliance standards for cybersecurity now but between your bigger clients, vendors, insurance provider, and potential government legislation, it’s coming. Modern compliance and cybersecurity tools focus on Windows environments. PCs let your IT team roll out protections, monitor your network, and prepare for audits efficiently and without fighting against built-in roadblocks.

🔔 The Most Overlooked Disadvantage: Personal Distractions
One of the biggest productivity traps with Macs? They make it almost effortless to have all your personal life such as messages, calls, reminders, and notifications-fully synced with your computer. Sounds convenient, right?

But here’s what actually happens: Your team sits down to work, only to get pinged by family group chats, social app notifications, spam texts, and every alert their iPhone delivers. The line between work and personal gets erased and even the most disciplined pro can lose hours to distraction without even noticing.

With a dedicated PC, your work tech is about work. It’s much easier to keep boundaries, stay focused, and manage time.

If you’re handing out Macs, ask yourself: Are you inviting a flood of personal distractions right into your team’s workday?

The Straight Take

Macs are fantastic for individual creatives and specific workflows. But for most creative businesses, PCs are the practical, cost-effective choice for getting the job done. They make it easier to delegate your IT, simplify your setup, and scale wisely.

Next Step: Set Standards and Built Your Tech Foundation

The goal is not to chase an image of how your setup should represent your brand but how it should deliver business outcomes and peace of mind.

🧭 Get my free 4x10™ Tech Blueprint: a 40-questions across four technology pillars to help you gain clarity and confidence here.