Introduction: The Real Cost of Owning an Ultrabook in 2025
When people buy a laptop, the sticker price is only half the story. In 2025, the true cost of ownership for a MacBook versus a Windows ultrabook hinges on maintenance, repairs, OS upgrades, and resale value over three years. The headline prices can be similar on paper, but the long-term costs tell a different tale.
Initial Price Is Only Part of the Equation
In 2025, the entry prices look close enough to tempt buyers. The MacBook Air starts around 41,000 UAH, while premium Windows ultrabooks are in the same neighborhood: Dell XPS 13 from 45,000 UAH, Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon from 53,000 UAH, and HP EliteBook from 49,000 UAH. However, the sticker price doesn’t capture the real costs over three years. A Forrester study indicates that over three years, a MacBook can save business users roughly 35,000 UAH compared with a similarly equipped Windows ultrabook. That gap isn’t marketing fluff; it reflects documented total cost of ownership differences.
Real Costs: Maintenance and Support
The more telling differences appear in upkeep. IBM’s data shows that Mac users experience fewer technical issues than Windows users. On average, a Mac generates about 2 IT support tickets per year, while a Windows ultrabook sees roughly 5–7. If a ticket costs a company 2,000–4,000 UAH to process, the annual savings on support can reach 10,000–20,000 UAH per device. Replacement parts also vary: keyboard replacement for a MacBook is typically 6,000–12,000 UAH at authorized service centers, whereas premium Windows ultrabooks run about 4,000–10,000 UAH. The aluminum MacBook chassis and sometimes fewer mechanical components help reduce failure rates, contributing to lower support needs over time.
Lifespan, Depreciation, and OS Support
Typical lifespans differ: MacBooks commonly remain practical for 4–5 years with active use, while Windows ultrabooks tend to stay relevant for 3–4 years. This longevity is tied to software support as well. macOS updates typically extend for about 7 years after a model’s release, whereas Windows 10 support ends in October 2025. When it comes to resale, the market reveals clear trends: a MacBook Air from 2020 with an M1 processor can fetch about 60–65% of its original price in 2025. A Windows ultrabook of a similar vintage often loses 55–70% of its value. If you bought a MacBook for 41,000 UAH, you might recoup roughly 25,000–27,000 UAH after three years. A Dell XPS bought for 45,000 UAH could sell for 18,000–20,000 UAH, illustrating stronger resale value for Mac over time.
Windows 11 Requirements: Hidden Upgrade Costs
Another subtle cost factor is the Windows ecosystem. In many cases, Windows 10 users facing the October 2025 deadline must meet TPM 2.0 and CPU age requirements, which can necessitate hardware upgrades or even a new device to maintain secure, supported software. By contrast, Mac hardware generally remains supported longer without forced hardware refreshes. This reduces the risk of unexpected capital expenditures tied to OS compliance in the near term.
Battery Life and Performance
Battery life remains a major driver of total cost of ownership for mobile users. MacBook Air with the latest M-series cores delivers 15–18 hours of real-world use, while higher-end MacBooks approach 18–22 hours. Windows ultrabooks with the newest Core Ultra processors typically deliver 12–15 hours on light tasks. Longer battery life means fewer charging cycles and slower battery wear. After two years, a MacBook tends to retain about 85–90% of its original capacity, whereas Windows laptops may hold 75–85%. Replacing a MacBook’s battery can cost around 8,200 UAH, while Windows battery replacements often run 5,000–7,500 UAH depending on model.
Software Ecosystems and Additional Costs
Apple’s ecosystem comes with several built-in, free productivity apps (Pages, Numbers, Keynote, iMovie, GarageBand). Windows users often need Microsoft Office, which costs about 2,900 UAH per year for a personal license; over three years that’s roughly 8,700 UAH. For users who need Windows-only software or gaming, Windows laptops have a clear advantage—unless virtualizing Windows on a Mac, which can reduce performance. In many cases, the extra Office costs and software requirements can erode some of the hardware-based savings for Mac, but the maintenance and resale benefits still tilt the scale toward macOS devices for many business users.
Bottom Line: Which Really Saves Over Three Years?
When you add up maintenance, repairs, OS updates, battery replacements, and resale value, the three-year ownership picture often favors the MacBook. Real-world estimates put the total savings at about 33,000–37,000 UAH over three years when comparing a MacBook to a premium Windows ultrabook of similar class. The MacBook’s longer support window, lower maintenance requirements, better resale value, and avoidance of forced hardware refreshes contribute to lower total ownership costs for most users. Of course, specific needs (gaming, Windows-only software, or specialized workflows) can tilt the balance, but for many professionals, the MacBook remains the more cost-effective choice in 2025.
