Introduction
When evaluating ultrabooks in 2025, the sticker price is only half the story. This article compares three-year ownership costs of MacBook vs Windows ultrabooks, including service, repairs, and resale. The goal is to understand the real cost of ownership, not just the purchase price, so you can choose based on total value.
Starting prices: the first chapter
MacBook Air vs Windows premium ultrabooks
MacBook Air starts at ₴41,000. Premium Windows ultrabooks sit in a similar range: Dell XPS 13 from ₴45,000; Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon from ₴53,000; HP EliteBook from ₴49,000. On the surface, the gap looks modest, but it’s where costs follow that matters. Forrester’s analysis confirms the story: over three years, a MacBook can save around ₴35,000 for business users versus a Windows counterpart.
For deeper technical context on MacBook performance, Focus.ua discusses how Apple’s M4 technology impacts productivity, which is part of the broader value equation.
Three-year ownership costs: maintenance and support
The main delta in total cost of ownership lies in maintenance and support. IBM-style data and real-world usage show a notable difference: Mac users experience fewer technical issues on average. In practice, Mac users average about 2 IT support tickets per year, while Windows ultrabooks often see 5–7. If a single ticket costs ₴2,000–4,000 to resolve, the annual support bill diverges by ₴10,000–20,000 per device, compounding over three years.
Repair costs
When repairs are needed, price differences are evident. Replacing a MacBook keyboard at authorized service centers typically costs ₴6,000–12,000, whereas Windows premium ultrabooks range ₴4,000–10,000. The aluminum MacBook case and generally lower mechanical wear help reduce failure frequency, contributing to lower long-term maintenance needs.
Life span and depreciation
Most MacBooks remain fit for 4–5 years with active use; Windows ultrabooks typically remain relevant for 3–4 years. This longevity is not just about hardware reliability; macOS updates extend longer than Windows support for many devices. macOS updates typically continue for about 7 years after the model release, while Windows 10 support ends on October 14, 2025. That ongoing software support matters for security and performance over time.
Resale value and the used market
The used market paints a clear picture. A MacBook Air (2020, M1) can fetch 60–65% of its initial price in 2025. Windows ultrabooks of a similar age tend to depreciate more steeply, by 55–70%. If you bought a MacBook for ₴41,000, you might sell it for ₴25,000–27,000 after three years. A Dell XPS bought at ₴45,000 could return ₴18,000–20,000.
Windows 11: the hidden upgrade cost
Many Windows 10 users will face the Windows 11 transition in 2025. The upgrade requires hardware meeting TPM 2.0 and processors not older than about 2018. If your device doesn’t meet these requirements, you may face additional upgrade costs or the need to purchase a new device to stay secure. Mac users typically avoid such forced upgrades; older Macs continue to receive macOS updates well beyond three years, reducing capex pressure.
Battery life and performance over time
Battery life is a practical cost lever for mobile users. MacBook Air (M4) delivers about 15–18 hours of real-world use; MacBook Pro (M4) around 18–22 hours. Windows ultrabooks with the latest Core Ultra CPUs generally reach 12–15 hours on light tasks. After two years, Mac batteries tend to retain roughly 85–90% of original capacity, while Windows batteries typically hold 75–85%. Replacing a MacBook battery costs about ₴8,200; Windows batteries cost ₴5,000–7,500 depending on the model.
Ecosystem and additional costs
Apple’s native suite—Pages, Numbers, Keynote, iMovie, GarageBand—comes free with Mac. Windows users often pay for Microsoft Office (about ₴2,900/year), which over three years amounts to roughly ₴8,700. Windows does have advantages in gaming and some specialized software; for software that only runs on Windows, you may need virtualization on a Mac (which can reduce performance) or a Windows laptop. In many cases, the MacBook’s lower ongoing costs offset these needs, but it’s essential to map your software requirements.
Bottom line: which wins in total cost of ownership?
For the majority of users, the MacBook wins on total cost of ownership over three years due to lower maintenance costs (roughly ₴10,000–20,000 per year), longer lifespan, stronger resale value (60–65% vs 45–55%), and no mandatory hardware refresh cycles. The total three-year savings are approximately ₴33,000–37,000 compared with a Windows ultrabook of the same class, assuming typical work needs. If your workflow hinges on Windows-only software or premium gaming, a Windows ultrabook remains a valid choice, but the broader cost picture often tilts toward MacBook for many professionals.
