Link copied to clipboard # Apple OS X Yosemite vs macOS Sierra Comparison - What are their main differences? Share [ Export ](/compare/apple-os-x-yosemite/apple-macos-sierra/export.csv) OS X YosemitemacOS Sierra[+ Add Product](#) Reviews **Apple OS X Yosemite** [ 4.5/5(94) ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-yosemite/reviews#reviews) **macOS Sierra** [ 4.5/5(487) ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-macos-sierra/reviews#reviews) Pricing **Apple OS X Yosemite** No pricing available **macOS Sierra** No pricing available **Pricing Insights** from reviews Time to Implement **Apple OS X Yosemite** Not enough reviews yet **macOS Sierra** 2 months Based on 25 responses Return on Investment **Apple OS X Yosemite** Not enough reviews yet **macOS Sierra** 17 months Based on 21 responses Perceived Cost **Apple OS X Yosemite** $$$$$ **macOS Sierra** $$$$$ Average Discount **Apple OS X Yosemite** Not enough reviews yet **macOS Sierra** 14% Pros & Cons **Apple OS X Yosemite** [ Design Aesthetics (3) ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-yosemite/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1547664&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Ease of Use (3) ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-yosemite/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=1548124&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ Performance Issues (2) ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-yosemite/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2437123&qs=pros-and-cons#reviews)[ App Incompatibility (1) ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-yosemite/reviews?filters%5Bsentiment_snippet%5D=2002086&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 Yosemite** [ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_631289741aefb94562cf8cdf404fa7b6/adobe-photoshop-lightroom.png "Product Avatar Image") Adobe Photoshop Lightroom ](https://www.g2.com/products/adobe-photoshop-lightroom/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_78b020dc2341c9a7fb7aacbec38e0b2c/joltly-ap.jpg "Product Avatar Image") Joltly AP ](https://www.g2.com/products/joltly-ap/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_f6ee5c9dddbf5c28b136829c8782ed1b/slack.png "Product Avatar Image") Slack ](https://www.g2.com/products/slack/reviews)[ ![Product Avatar Image](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/image/large_detail/large_detail_b31b4a565844701826eaa0625985b983/syncro.png "Product Avatar Image") Syncro ](https://www.g2.com/products/syncro/reviews)[ View all ](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-yosemite/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) Ratings Meets Requirements **Apple OS X Yosemite** 9.0 9.070 **macOS Sierra** 9.1 9.1325 Ease of Use **Apple OS X Yosemite** 9.2 9.272 **macOS Sierra** 9.3 9.3330 Ease of Setup **Apple OS X Yosemite** 9.1 9.129 **macOS Sierra** 9.2 9.2147 Ease of Admin **Apple OS X Yosemite** 8.9 8.96 **macOS Sierra** 8.8 8.874 Quality of Support **Apple OS X Yosemite** 9.0 9.065 **macOS Sierra** 8.9 8.9296 Has the product been a good partner in doing business? **Apple OS X Yosemite** 8.7 8.75 **macOS Sierra** 8.8 8.872 Product Direction (% positive) **Apple OS X Yosemite** 8.0 8.064 **macOS Sierra** 8.9 8.9302 Features Operating System[Hide 14 FeaturesShow 14 Features](javascript:void(0);) 9.0 21 9.3 69 Memory Management - Operating System RAM management 9.4(tied score) 9 9.4(tied score) 52 App Management Not enough data Not enough data File Management Not enough data Not enough data Device Management - Operating System I/O management 8.9 11 9.3(won by 0.4) 50 Backup and Recovery - Operating System Data backup 8.7 10 9.3(won by 0.6) 49 (There is a greater than 0.5 difference between this product's rating and its competitors) Error Detection - Operating System System operations monitoring 8.9 6 9.0(won by 0.1) 48 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 Yosemite](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487566622/apple-os-x-yosemite.svg "Apple OS X Yosemite")](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-yosemite/reviews) Apple OS X Yosemite Small-Business(50 or fewer emp.) 60.4% Mid-Market(51-1000 emp.) 22.0% Enterprise(\> 1000 emp.) 17.6% [![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.) 60.4% 54.7% Mid-Market (51-1000 emp.) 22.0% 26.9% Enterprise (\> 1000 emp.) 17.6% 18.4% Reviewers' Industry [![Apple OS X Yosemite](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487566622/apple-os-x-yosemite.svg "Apple OS X Yosemite")](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-yosemite/reviews) Apple OS X Yosemite Information Technology and Services 12.1% Computer Software 9.9% Education Management 5.5% Design 5.5% Computer & Network Security 4.4% Other 62.6% [![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 ## OS X Yosemite vs macOS Sierra FAQs Generated using AI Last updated: August 14, 2026 ### What is the difference between OS X Yosemite vs macOS Sierra? OS X Yosemite and macOS Sierra both hold a 4.5/5 G2 rating, but macOS Sierra has a much larger review base and introduces newer features, while OS X Yosemite is noted for its design aesthetics and ease of use. | [OS X Yosemite](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-yosemite/reviews) | [macOS Sierra](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-macos-sierra/reviews) | | --- | --- | | 4.5/5 (94 reviews) | 4.5/5 (484 reviews) | | Small-Business | Small-Business | | 9.3 | 9.2 | | 9.0 | 8.9 | | Design Aesthetics (3 all-time mentions) | — | ### How do the pricing models of OS X Yosemite and macOS Sierra compare? Reviewers rate OS X Yosemite and macOS Sierra at parity for value, with no significant difference in price satisfaction scores. - **OS X Yosemite:** In recent reviews, several users highlight that Yosemite helped reduce company costs by supporting non-subscription software and providing a stable environment without additional fees. - **macOS Sierra:** Reviewers note that macOS Sierra is a free upgrade and delivers strong value by simplifying desktop management and reinforcing Apple’s hardware-software integration. ### What are the best alternatives to OS X Yosemite and macOS Sierra? The top 3 alternatives to OS X Yosemite and macOS Sierra are Ubuntu, Windows 7, and Red Hat Enterprise Linux. | Product | G2 Rating (reviews) | Largest Segment | Pricing Insight | Top Reviewer-Cited Strength | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [OS X Yosemite](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-yosemite/reviews) | 4.5/5 (94 reviews) | Small-Business | — | Design Aesthetics (3 all-time mentions) | | [macOS Sierra](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-macos-sierra/reviews) | 4.5/5 (484 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — | | [Ubuntu](https://www.g2.com/products/ubuntu/reviews) | 4.5/5 (2,400 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — | | [Windows 7](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-7/reviews) | 4.2/5 (903 reviews) | Small-Business | — | — | | [Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) | 4.6/5 (977 reviews) | Enterprise | — | — | ### Which Operating System features should I prioritize when comparing OS X Yosemite and macOS Sierra? Buyers should prioritize design aesthetics, device integration, performance, ease of setup, and security features when comparing OS X Yosemite and macOS Sierra. - **Design Aesthetics:** OS X Yosemite has 3 all-time mentions for design aesthetics; macOS Sierra does not have reviewer-cited mentions for this area. - **Device Integration:** OS X Yosemite is frequently cited for its Continuity and Handoff features; macOS Sierra reviewers highlight Universal Clipboard and iCloud sync. - **Performance:** OS X Yosemite has 1 all-time mention for speed/performance and 2 for performance issues; macOS Sierra reviewers note improved multitasking and stability. - **Ease of Setup:** OS X Yosemite scores 9.3; macOS Sierra scores 9.2. - **Security Features:** OS X Yosemite has 1 all-time mention for security/safety; macOS Sierra reviewers mention multifactor authentication and optimized storage. ### What are the pros and cons of OS X Yosemite vs macOS Sierra? OS X Yosemite's headline strength is its design aesthetics and device integration, while macOS Sierra stands out for its stability and advanced cross-device features. - **OS X Yosemite strengths:** Design aesthetics (3 all-time mentions), ease of use (3), user-friendly interface (3), device integration via Continuity and Handoff, improved Spotlight search, and security/safety (1). - **OS X Yosemite trade-offs:** Performance issues (2 all-time mentions), app incompatibility (1), compatibility issues (1), hardware limitations (1), limited customization (1), outdated technology (1), and slow updates (1). - **macOS Sierra strengths:** Reviewers highlight stability, multitasking, Universal Clipboard, iCloud sync, Siri integration, and optimized storage for improved productivity and organization. - **macOS Sierra trade-offs:** Reviewers note occasional slowdowns on older hardware, limited customization compared to Windows, and some compatibility issues with legacy apps. ### Is OS X Yosemite or macOS Sierra better for small businesses? macOS Sierra is the better fit for small businesses, supported by its larger review base and strong small-business sentiment. - **OS X Yosemite:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers value its ease of use and integration for daily business operations. - **macOS Sierra:** Largest segment is Small-Business; reviewers consistently cite its stability, productivity features, and ease of setup as advantages for small business environments. ### Which Operating System platform has better integrations? macOS Sierra is favored for integrations, with reviewers specifically citing its Photos integration in 27 all-time mentions. - **OS X Yosemite:** In recent reviews, integration with iPhone and iCloud is frequently mentioned, but no third-party integrations are cited with publishable counts. - **macOS Sierra:** Photos integration is cited in 27 all-time reviews, and reviewers also mention iCloud and Apple Watch integration for features like Auto Unlock and Universal Clipboard. ### How do OS X Yosemite and macOS Sierra compare on customer support? OS X Yosemite and macOS Sierra are at parity on Quality of Support, with scores of 9.0 and 8.9 respectively, which is below the materiality threshold for a meaningful difference. - **OS X Yosemite:** Reviewers describe support as responsive and helpful, with several citing positive experiences with Apple's customer service and ease of accessing help. - **macOS Sierra:** Reviewers note that support is generally reliable and easy to access, with some mentioning that setup and troubleshooting are straightforward, though a few mention average support relative to product price. ### Which is easier to implement, OS X Yosemite or macOS Sierra? OS X Yosemite and macOS Sierra are at parity on Ease of Setup, with scores of 9.3 and 9.2 respectively, which is below the materiality threshold for a meaningful difference. - **OS X Yosemite:** Reviewers consistently describe setup as intuitive, fast, and self-explanatory, with many noting that installation is straightforward even for new users. - **macOS Sierra:** Reviewers highlight the easy and guided setup process, with several mentioning that initial configuration is quick and that MDM and Azure integration further simplify deployment for business users. Alternatives **Apple OS X Yosemite Alternatives** ![Windows 7](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565509/windows-7.svg "Windows 7") [ Windows 7 ](/products/windows-7/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) ![Ubuntu](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/4b0cb18835a92aa4bb723c4d488c6400/ubuntu.svg "Ubuntu") [ Ubuntu ](/products/ubuntu/reviews) ![CentOS](https://images.g2crowd.com/uploads/product/hd_favicon/1487565579/centos.svg "CentOS") [ CentOS ](/products/centos/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)