Link copied to clipboard # Apple OS X Mountain Lion vs macOS Sierra Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/apple-os-x-mountain-lion/apple-macos-sierra/export.csv) Apple OS XmacOS Sierra[+ Add Product](#) Reviews **Apple OS X Mountain Lion** [ 4.2/5(221) ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-mountain-lion/reviews#reviews) **macOS Sierra** [ 4.5/5(487) ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-macos-sierra/reviews#reviews) Pricing **Apple OS X Mountain Lion** No pricing available **macOS Sierra** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **Apple OS X Mountain Lion** 1 monthFaster Based on 10 responses **macOS Sierra** 2 months Based on 25 responses Return on Investment **Apple OS X Mountain Lion** 19 months Based on 7 responses **macOS Sierra** 17 months2 months sooner Based on 21 responses Perceived Cost **Apple OS X Mountain Lion** $$$$$ **macOS Sierra** $$$$$ Average Discount **Apple OS X Mountain Lion** Not enough reviews yet **macOS Sierra** 14% Pros & Cons **Apple OS X Mountain Lion** [ Ease of Use (6) ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-mountain-lion/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1057203&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ New Features (4) ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-mountain-lion/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2223114&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Compatibility Issues (3) ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-mountain-lion/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2058772&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Installation Difficulties (2) ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-mountain-lion/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2012733&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) **macOS Sierra** [ User-Friendly (26) ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-macos-sierra/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1431139&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Speed/Performance (21) ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-macos-sierra/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1431277&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Compatibility Issues (12) ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-macos-sierra/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1431421&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Apple Limitations (9) ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-macos-sierra/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1431287&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews) Integrations **Apple OS X Mountain Lion** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_ff47c687f709c1066319182e9ab0b3b5/apple-ios.png "Product Avatar Image") iOS ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-ios/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_ae5d46296d0f8afa0fd352fc44bf419d/microsoft365.png "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft 365 ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft365/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-mountain-lion/integrations) **macOS Sierra** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_7fe3ac866a6ee2c8e79ddc61b45ae7d2/adobe-illustrator.png "Product Avatar Image") Illustrator ](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-illustrator/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_ff47c687f709c1066319182e9ab0b3b5/apple-ios.png "Product Avatar Image") iOS ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-ios/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_42d1af34d1274c9379493fedd84901eb/handoff.png "Product Avatar Image") Handoff ](https://www.g2.com/products/handoff/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_033aa224b72b00b72e8860e4e6401efc/microsoft-excel.png "Product Avatar Image") Microsoft Excel ](https://www.g2.com/products/microsoft-excel/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-macos-sierra/integrations) Screenshots **Apple OS X Mountain Lion** ![Apple OS X Mountain Lion screenshot](https://images.g2crowd.com/cdn-cgi/image/width=600,height=600,fit=scale-down,format=auto,onerror=redirect,/https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/attachment/file/29286/uploads_2Fcf11932b-cc04-4ea5-a6de-143e79ee1852_2FApple_OSX_Mountain_Lion_screenshot.jpg) **macOS Sierra** No screenshot available Ratings Meets Requirements **Apple OS X Mountain Lion** 8.7 8.7159 **macOS Sierra** 9.1 9.1325 Ease of Use **Apple OS X Mountain Lion** 9.0 9.0161 **macOS Sierra** 9.3 9.3330 Ease of Setup **Apple OS X Mountain Lion** 8.9 8.971 **macOS Sierra** 9.2 9.2147 Ease of Admin **Apple OS X Mountain Lion** 8.8 8.841 **macOS Sierra** 8.8 8.874 Quality of Support **Apple OS X Mountain Lion** 8.3 8.3146 **macOS Sierra** 8.9 8.9296 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Apple OS X Mountain Lion** 8.6 8.643 **macOS Sierra** 8.8 8.872 Product Direction (% positive) **Apple OS X Mountain Lion** 7.8 7.8157 **macOS Sierra** 8.9 8.9302 Features Operating System[Hide 14 FeaturesShow 14 Features](javascript:void(0);) 8.7 26 9.3 69 Memory Management - Operating System RAM management 8.7 19 9.4(won by 0.7) 52 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) App Management Not enough data Not enough data File Management Not enough data Not enough data Device Management - Operating System I/O management 8.8 23 9.3(won by 0.5) 50 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Backup and Recovery - Operating System Data backup 9.0 19 9.3(won by 0.3) 49 Error Detection - Operating System System operations monitoring 8.3 20 9.0(won by 0.7) 48 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Additional Functionality Generative AI Not enough data Not enough data Data Security Not enough data Not enough data User Interface Not enough data Not enough data Resource Allocation Not enough data Not enough data System Updates Not enough data Not enough data For Developers Not enough data Not enough data AI Copilot Not enough data Not enough data Desktop Interface Not enough data Not enough data User Insights Reviewers' Company Size [![Apple OS X Mountain Lion](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565505/apple-os-x-mountain-lion.svg "Apple OS X Mountain Lion")](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-mountain-lion/reviews) Apple OS X Mountain Lion Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 46.1% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 31.9% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 22.1% [![macOS Sierra](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487566982/apple-macos-sierra.svg "macOS Sierra")](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-macos-sierra/reviews) macOS Sierra Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 54.7% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 26.9% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 18.4% Small-Business (50 or fewer emp.) 46.1% 54.7% Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 31.9% 26.9% Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 22.1% 18.4% Reviewers' Industry [![Apple OS X Mountain Lion](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565505/apple-os-x-mountain-lion.svg "Apple OS X Mountain Lion")](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-mountain-lion/reviews) Apple OS X Mountain Lion Computer Software 19.2% Information Technology and Services 14.1% Internet 4.7% Higher Education 4.7% Primary/Secondary Education 3.3% Other 54.0% [![macOS Sierra](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487566982/apple-macos-sierra.svg "macOS Sierra")](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-macos-sierra/reviews) macOS Sierra Computer Software 18.5% Information Technology and Services 17.8% Marketing and Advertising 4.4% Higher Education 4.4% Financial Services 3.5% Other 51.3% FAQs ## Apple OS X vs macOS Sierra FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between Apple OS X vs macOS Sierra? macOS Sierra is a newer, higher-rated operating system than Apple OS X, with stronger reviewer sentiment for setup, support, and integration features. | [Apple OS X](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-mountain-lion/reviews) | [macOS Sierra](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-macos-sierra/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.2/5 (221 reviews) | 4.5/5 (484 reviews) | | Small-Business | Small-Business | | 8.9 | 9.2 | | 8.3 | 8.9 | | Ease of Use (6 all-time mentions) | — | ### How do the pricing models of Apple OS X and macOS Sierra compare? macOS Sierra is considered the stronger value by reviewers, with higher satisfaction on value-related dimensions. - **Apple OS X:** In recent reviews, several users mention frustration with having to pay for new version downloads, though Mountain Lion was noted as more affordable than previous versions. - **macOS Sierra:** Reviewers highlight that macOS Sierra was a $0 free upgrade, simplifying desktop management and onboarding. ### What are the best alternatives to Apple OS X and macOS Sierra? The top 3 alternatives to Apple OS X and macOS Sierra are Ubuntu, Windows 7, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Apple OS X](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-mountain-lion/reviews) | 4.2/5 (221 reviews) | Small-Business | In recent reviews, some users mention paying for upgrades | Ease of Use (6 all-time mentions) | | [macOS Sierra](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-macos-sierra/reviews) | 4.5/5 (484 reviews) | Small-Business | Free upgrade, strong value sentiment | Strong integration with Apple ecosystem | | [Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews) | 4.5/5 (2,400 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Open-source flexibility and stability | | [Windows 7](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-7/reviews) | 4.2/5 (903 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Familiar interface and broad compatibility | | [Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) | 4.6/5 (977 reviews) | Enterprise | — | Enterprise-grade security and support | ### Which Operating System features should I prioritize when comparing Apple OS X and macOS Sierra? Buyers comparing Apple OS X and macOS Sierra should prioritize Ease of Setup, Quality of Support, Ease of Use, Compatibility, and Integration with Apple ecosystem. - **Ease of Setup:** Apple OS X 8.9, macOS Sierra 9.2 - **Quality of Support:** Apple OS X 8.3, macOS Sierra 8.9 - **Ease of Use:** Apple OS X 9.0, macOS Sierra 9.3 - **Compatibility:** Apple OS X (2 all-time mentions), macOS Sierra (recent reviews highlight improved cross-device compatibility) - **Integration with Apple ecosystem:** Apple OS X (multiple recent reviews cite iCloud and device sync), macOS Sierra (recent reviews highlight Universal Clipboard, Auto Unlock, and iCloud Desktop sync) ### What are the pros and cons of Apple OS X vs macOS Sierra? Apple OS X is most praised for its ease of use, while macOS Sierra is recognized for its integration with the Apple ecosystem and productivity enhancements. - **Apple OS X strengths:** Ease of Use (6 all-time mentions), Speed/Performance (5), New Features (4), User-Friendly (4), Compatibility (2), Easy Installation (2), Powerful Features (2), Regular Updates (2), App Ecosystem (1), Customization/Personalization (1) - **Apple OS X trade-offs:** Compatibility Issues (4), Installation Difficulties (2), Limited Apps/Store (2), OS Incompatibility (2), Performance Issues (2), App/Game Issues (1), Apple Limitations (1), Cloud Limitations (1), Hardware Limitations (1), Lack of Support (1) - **macOS Sierra strengths:** Reviewers highlight strong integration with Apple ecosystem, Universal Clipboard, Auto Unlock, Siri, and improved productivity features. - **macOS Sierra trade-offs:** Recent reviews note performance slowdowns on older Macs, limited customization compared to Windows, and some compatibility issues with legacy apps. ### Is Apple OS X or macOS Sierra better for small businesses? macOS Sierra is the better fit for small businesses, with higher ratings and more recent positive sentiment from small-business reviewers. - **Apple OS X:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers appreciate ease of use and integration but note outdated support and compatibility issues. - **macOS Sierra:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers consistently praise ease of setup, productivity features, and integration with other Apple devices. ### Which Operating System platform has better integrations? macOS Sierra is favored for integrations, with reviewers citing its Photos integration and broader ecosystem connectivity. - **Apple OS X:** In recent reviews, users mention integration with iCloud and other Apple devices, but no specific third-party integrations are highlighted. - **macOS Sierra:** Photos integration is mentioned in 27 all-time reviews, and recent reviews highlight Universal Clipboard and iCloud Desktop sync as key integration features. ### How do Apple OS X and macOS Sierra compare on customer support? macOS Sierra scores higher on Quality of Support by 0.6 points, a material difference over Apple OS X. - **Apple OS X:** Reviewers describe support as generally helpful but note some dissatisfaction with the end of official updates and limited assistance for older hardware. - **macOS Sierra:** Reviewers consistently report positive support experiences, with many citing easy setup, helpful onboarding, and responsive assistance for troubleshooting and updates. ### Which is easier to implement, Apple OS X or macOS Sierra? macOS Sierra is easier to implement, with a 0.3-point higher Ease of Setup score over Apple OS X. - **Apple OS X:** Reviewers describe setup as straightforward for most users, though some mention challenges with older hardware and compatibility. - **macOS Sierra:** Reviewers consistently praise the easy and intuitive setup process, with many noting that onboarding is quick and requires minimal technical expertise. Alternatives **Apple OS X Mountain Lion Alternatives** ![Windows 7](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565509/windows-7.svg "Windows 7") [ Windows 7 ](/products/windows-7/reviews) ![Ubuntu](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4b0cb18835a92aa4bb723c4d488c6400/ubuntu.svg "Ubuntu") [ Ubuntu ](/products/ubuntu/reviews) ![Windows 8](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565509/windows-8.svg "Windows 8") [ Windows 8 ](/products/windows-8/reviews) ![Android](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565506/android.svg "Android") [ Android ](/products/android/reviews) **macOS Sierra Alternatives** ![Ubuntu](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4b0cb18835a92aa4bb723c4d488c6400/ubuntu.svg "Ubuntu") [ Ubuntu ](/products/ubuntu/reviews) ![Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/thumb_square/thumb_square_3042cb71cbf8ba9820007715c12aea60/red-hat-enterprise-linux.jpg "Red Hat Enterprise Linux") [ Red Hat Enterprise Linux ](/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) ![Windows 7](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565509/windows-7.svg "Windows 7") [ Windows 7 ](/products/windows-7/reviews) ![CentOS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565579/centos.svg "CentOS") [ CentOS ](/products/centos/reviews)