# Ubuntu, Windows 8 vs macOS Sierra Comparison

| | Ubuntu | Windows 8 | macOS Sierra | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Star Rating** | 4.5 out of 5 | 3.7 out of 5 | 4.5 out of 5 | 
| **Total Reviews** | 2,389 | 576 | 483 | 
| **Largest Market Segment** | Small-Business (47.3% of reviews) | Small-Business (45.7% of reviews) | Small-Business (54.3% of reviews) | 
| **Entry Level Price** | No pricing available | No pricing available | No pricing available | 

---
## Top Pros & Cons

### Ubuntu

Pros:
- Ease of Use (334 reviews)
- Linux/Ubuntu OS (298 reviews)

Cons:
- Compatibility Issues (140 reviews)
- Limited Software (102 reviews)

### Windows 8

Pros:
- Speed/Performance (18 reviews)
- Ease of Use (13 reviews)

Cons:
- Unfriendly Interface (14 reviews)
- Usage Difficulty (11 reviews)

### macOS Sierra

Pros:
- User-Friendly (26 reviews)
- Speed/Performance (21 reviews)

Cons:
- Compatibility Issues (12 reviews)
- Apple Limitations (9 reviews)

---
## Ratings Comparison
| Rating | Ubuntu | Windows 8 | macOS Sierra | 
|---|---|---|---|
  | **Meets Requirements** | 9.0 (1881 reviews) | 7.8 (429 reviews) | 9.1 (320 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Use** | 8.7 (1898 reviews) | 7.6 (439 reviews) | 9.3 (325 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Setup** | 9.0 (911 reviews) | 8.2 (176 reviews) | 9.2 (142 reviews) | 
  | **Ease of Admin** | 8.7 (649 reviews) | 7.6 (114 reviews) | 8.8 (72 reviews) | 
  | **Quality of Support** | 8.3 (1725 reviews) | 7.6 (391 reviews) | 8.9 (292 reviews) | 
  | **Has the product been a good partner in doing business?** | 8.7 (568 reviews) | 7.3 (98 reviews) | 8.8 (70 reviews) | 
  | **Product Direction (% positive)** | 9.1 (1779 reviews) | 6.0 (419 reviews) | 8.9 (298 reviews) | 

---
## Pricing

### Ubuntu

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

Yes

### Windows 8

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

### macOS Sierra

#### Entry-Level Pricing

No pricing available

#### Free Trial

No information available

---
## Features Comparison By Category

### Cloud Management Platforms

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Ubuntu** | 8.6/10 | 45 |
| **Windows 8** | N/A | N/A |
| **macOS Sierra** | N/A | N/A |

#### Functionality

| Feature | Ubuntu | Windows 8 | macOS Sierra | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Cloud Consolidation** | 8.9 (38 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cloud Orchestration** | 8.8 (40 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cloud Optimization** | 8.7 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Management

| Feature | Ubuntu | Windows 8 | macOS Sierra | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Cloud Cost Analytics** | 8.8 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cloud Security** | 8.9 (38 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cloud Resource Management** | 8.7 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cloud Backup and Recovery** | 8.7 (39 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - Cloud Management Platforms

| Feature | Ubuntu | Windows 8 | macOS Sierra | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | 8.1 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | 8.2 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Decision Making** | 8.3 (24 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Server Virtualization

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Ubuntu** | 8.8/10 | 93 |
| **Windows 8** | N/A | N/A |
| **macOS Sierra** | N/A | N/A |

#### Performance

| Feature | Ubuntu | Windows 8 | macOS Sierra | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Scalability** | 9.4 (75 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Portability** | 9.4 (71 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Data Recovery** | 8.7 (70 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Functionality

| Feature | Ubuntu | Windows 8 | macOS Sierra | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **OS Integration** | 9.3 (71 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Resource Saving** | 9.1 (73 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Performance Management** | 9.2 (69 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Security** | 9.5 (71 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Agentic AI - Server Virtualization

| Feature | Ubuntu | Windows 8 | macOS Sierra | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Autonomous Task Execution** | 8.1 (42 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Multi-step Planning** | 8.4 (42 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cross-system Integration** | 8.5 (43 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Adaptive Learning** | 8.3 (42 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Proactive Assistance** | 8.3 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Decision Making** | 8.5 (42 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Container Engine

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Ubuntu** | 9.0/10 | 59 |
| **Windows 8** | N/A | N/A |
| **macOS Sierra** | N/A | N/A |

#### Application Support

| Feature | Ubuntu | Windows 8 | macOS Sierra | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Deployment** | 9.2 (48 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Interface support** | 8.8 (40 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Processor support** | 9.3 (36 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Application Support** | 9.1 (46 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### System Capability

| Feature | Ubuntu | Windows 8 | macOS Sierra | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Self Healing High Availability** | 8.7 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Orchestration** | 9.0 (40 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Scalability** | 9.2 (38 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

#### Security

| Feature | Ubuntu | Windows 8 | macOS Sierra | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Automatic Security Updates** | 9.1 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Security updates** | 9.0 (41 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Operating System

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Ubuntu** | 8.8/10 | 279 |
| **Windows 8** | 8.2/10 | 55 |
| **macOS Sierra** | 9.2/10 | 65 |

#### Memory Management - Operating System

| Feature | Ubuntu | Windows 8 | macOS Sierra | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **RAM management** | 9.1 (200 reviews) | 8.4 (42 reviews) | 9.4 (49 reviews) | 

#### Device Management - Operating System

| Feature | Ubuntu | Windows 8 | macOS Sierra | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **I/O management** | 8.7 (219 reviews) | 8.1 (35 reviews) | 9.3 (49 reviews) | 

#### Backup and Recovery - Operating System

| Feature | Ubuntu | Windows 8 | macOS Sierra | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Data backup** | 8.6 (173 reviews) | 8.5 (35 reviews) | 9.3 (47 reviews) | 

#### Error Detection - Operating System

| Feature | Ubuntu | Windows 8 | macOS Sierra | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **System operations monitoring** | 8.8 (188 reviews) | 7.6 (34 reviews) | 8.9 (46 reviews) | 

### IoT Operating Systems

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Ubuntu** | 8.9/10 | 41 |
| **Windows 8** | N/A | N/A |
| **macOS Sierra** | N/A | N/A |

#### Security

| Feature | Ubuntu | Windows 8 | macOS Sierra | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Access Controls** | 8.8 (34 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Network Security** | 9.3 (35 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Compliance** | 8.9 (32 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Cryptography** | 8.5 (31 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

### Security Compliance

| Product | Score | Reviews |
|---|---|---|
| **Ubuntu** | 8.4/10 | 49 |
| **Windows 8** | N/A | N/A |
| **macOS Sierra** | N/A | N/A |

#### Generative AI - Security Compliance

| Feature | Ubuntu | Windows 8 | macOS Sierra | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Predictive Risk** | 8.3 (35 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 
| **Automated Documentation** | 8.4 (33 reviews) | Not enough data | Not enough data | 

---
## Categories
**Shared Categories (1):** [Operating Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/operating-system)

**Unique to Ubuntu (5):** [Security Compliance Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/security-compliance), [Cloud Management Platforms](https://www.g2.com/categories/cloud-management-platforms), [IoT Operating Systems](https://www.g2.com/categories/iot-operating-systems), [Server Virtualization Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/server-virtualization), [Container Engine Software](https://www.g2.com/categories/container-engine)




---
## Reviewer Demographics

### By Company Size

| Segment | Ubuntu | Windows 8 | macOS Sierra | 
|---|---|---|---|
| **Small-Business** | 47.3% | 45.7% | 54.3% | 
| **Mid-Market** | 33.1% | 28.3% | 27.1% | 
| **Enterprise** | 19.6% | 26.0% | 18.6% | 

### By Industry

#### Ubuntu

- **Information Technology and Services:** 26.3%
- **Computer Software:** 25.1%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 5.2%
- **Higher Education:** 3.5%
- **Internet:** 2.9%
- **Telecommunications:** 2.5%
- **Financial Services:** 2.1%
- **Program Development:** 1.8%
- **Education Management:** 1.8%
- **Research:** 1.5%
- **Other:** 27.3%

#### Windows 8

- **Information Technology and Services:** 20.0%
- **Computer Software:** 13.7%
- **Education Management:** 4.6%
- **Higher Education:** 4.1%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 3.5%
- **Telecommunications:** 3.0%
- **Accounting:** 2.6%
- **Banking:** 2.4%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 2.4%
- **Financial Services:** 2.2%
- **Other:** 41.4%

#### macOS Sierra

- **Computer Software:** 18.7%
- **Information Technology and Services:** 17.8%
- **Marketing and Advertising:** 4.5%
- **Higher Education:** 4.5%
- **Financial Services:** 3.3%
- **Computer & Network Security:** 2.8%
- **Education Management:** 2.6%
- **Hospital & Health Care:** 2.4%
- **Media Production:** 1.7%
- **Accounting:** 1.7%
- **Other:** 40.0%

---
## Alternatives

### Alternatives to Ubuntu

- [Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (975 reviews)
- [Windows 11](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-11/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (4280 reviews)
- [Apple iOS](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-ios/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1563 reviews)
- [Android](https://www.g2.com/products/android/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1272 reviews)
- [Windows 7](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-7/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (894 reviews)
- [CentOS](https://www.g2.com/products/centos/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (426 reviews)
- [Oracle Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-linux/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (346 reviews)
- [Chrome OS](https://www.g2.com/products/chrome-os/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (716 reviews)
- [Apple OS X El Capitan](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-el-capitan/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (262 reviews)
- [Debian](https://www.g2.com/products/debian/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (219 reviews)

### Alternatives to Windows 8

- [Android](https://www.g2.com/products/android/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1272 reviews)
- [Oracle Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-linux/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (346 reviews)
- [Apple iOS](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-ios/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1563 reviews)
- [Apple OS X Mountain Lion](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-mountain-lion/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (220 reviews)
- [CentOS](https://www.g2.com/products/centos/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (426 reviews)
- [Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (975 reviews)
- [Lubuntu](https://www.g2.com/products/lubuntu/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (82 reviews)
- [Apple OS X El Capitan](https://www.g2.com/products/apple-os-x-el-capitan/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (262 reviews)
- [Fedora](https://www.g2.com/products/fedora/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (211 reviews)
- [Chrome OS](https://www.g2.com/products/chrome-os/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (716 reviews)

### Alternatives to macOS Sierra

- [Red Hat Enterprise Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/red-hat-enterprise-linux/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (975 reviews)
- [Windows 7](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-7/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (894 reviews)
- [CentOS](https://www.g2.com/products/centos/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (426 reviews)
- [Oracle Solaris](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-solaris/reviews) — 4.2/5 stars (96 reviews)
- [Fedora](https://www.g2.com/products/fedora/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (211 reviews)
- [Linux Mint](https://www.g2.com/products/linux-mint/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (189 reviews)
- [Android](https://www.g2.com/products/android/reviews) — 4.6/5 stars (1272 reviews)
- [Oracle Linux](https://www.g2.com/products/oracle-linux/reviews) — 4.4/5 stars (346 reviews)
- [Windows 11](https://www.g2.com/products/windows-11/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (4280 reviews)
- [Chrome OS](https://www.g2.com/products/chrome-os/reviews) — 4.5/5 stars (716 reviews)

---
## Top Discussions

### Ubuntu

- Title: [I'm having trouble installing applications on Ubuntu. What are the best practices for a beginner?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/i-m-having-trouble-installing-applications-on-ubuntu-what-are-the-best-practices-for-a-beginner) — 7 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Please let me know the error, I can help you in installing application on Ubuntu."
- Title: [Is Ubuntu really good OS comoared to other Linux distros?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-ubuntu-really-good-os-comoared-to-other-linux-distros) — 7 comments, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "Hi Avinash,

The packaging system of Ubuntu is inherited from Debian and is very well structured and maintained, making it relatively seldom necessary to..."
- Title: [What is Ubuntu used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-ubuntu-used-for) — 6 comments, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "operating system"
- Title: [What is Ubuntu Desktop used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-ubuntu-desktop-used-for) — 6 comments, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "Thanks you
"
- Title: [What is special about Ubuntu?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-special-about-ubuntu) — 5 comments, 5 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "is one of the stable linux."

### Windows 8

- Title: [Is Windows 8 a good operating system?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-windows-8-a-good-operating-system) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Yes"
- Title: [Many are curious about the advantages of Windows 8 compared to the previous Windows, namely Windows 7. Here is more information about the advantages of Windows 8 compared to Windows 7 that has been summarized.](https://www.g2.com/discussions/tak-sedikit-yang-penasaran-dengan-kelebihan-windows-8-jika-dibandingkan-dengan-windows-sebelumnya-yakni-windows-7-berikut-ini-lebih-lanjut-informasi-mengenai-kelebihan-windows-8-dibanding-windows-7-yang-telah-dirangkum) — 2 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Because Windows 8 is the best."
- Title: [Windows 8 recommended software](https://www.g2.com/discussions/windows-8-recommended-software) — 2 comments, 2 upvotes
  > **Top comment:** "I recommend it 100%"
- Title: [What is Windows 8 used for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-windows-8-used-for) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Windows 8 is an operating systems used on computers. we can use this for office use  / personal use. Depend on our requirement we can select the versions of..."
- Title: [What is Windows 8.1 and its features?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-is-windows-8-1-and-its-features) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Best windows i using all time for working
"

### macOS Sierra

- Title: [Is the beta version of MacOS Catalina safe?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/16117-is-the-beta-version-of-macos-catalina-safe) — 4 comments, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Well, not that much if you are using old school applications that may not have been updated. Since Catalina is completely dropping 32 bits application..."
- Title: [What are the new features in Mac OS High Sierra?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-are-the-new-features-in-mac-os-high-sierra) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "When I am listening to music, Safari automatically blocks audio and video in Sierra, unless I authorize it on a specific page. It will not stop the music and..."
- Title: [Is Mac OS Sierra any good?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/is-mac-os-sierra-any-good) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "Yes"
- Title: [What does macOS Sierra do?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/what-does-macos-sierra-do) — 1 comment
  > **Top comment:** "It provides us following features,
1. Siri integration
2. Auto unlock 
3. Universal clipboard"
- Title: [What are you guys using Mac primarily for?](https://www.g2.com/discussions/50710-what-are-you-guys-using-mac-primarily-for) — 1 comment, 1 upvote
  > **Top comment:** "Work"

---
**Source:** [G2.com](https://www.g2.com) | [Comparison Page](https://www.g2.com/compare/ubuntu-vs-windows-8-vs-apple-macos-sierra)