Since the dawn of humanity, humans have always wanted more. That is why so many choose to move their laptops to Hackintosh mode. Rather than have all of their data or programs scattered in different places, they can localize everything in one location.
All it takes is an affordable, non-Apple laptop that is able to run macOS. Though it is easy to run into technical difficulties when setting up a Hackintosh computer, you will be fine as long as you have the proper equipment.
The following laptops all can take on a different system with no issues.
Contents
Quick Summary
The Hackintosh is a technical work of art that requires a lot of attention to detail. As such, we checked and analyzed a lot of compatible models on the market. Only three met our standards for price, processor, and RAM.
- Do you want a premium quality laptop that looks like a MacBook? The Huawei MateBook X Pro is the way to go.
- If you want a Hackintosh compatible system that’s easy to upgrade, you should go for the Lenovo ThinkPad T480.
- The Dell XPS 9370 is a great option for users who want a Linux and Hackintosh compatible device with a Full HD or 4k display.
Who Should Get This?
If you’re reading this post, it means you’ve taken an interest in the Hackintosh due to its affordable pricing. However, be aware that the cheaper price does force you to sacrifice a few premium features.
Certain Hackintosh laptops will lack aspects like a fingerprint scanner, Wi-Fi card issues, or Bluetooth. You may also notice that some Hackintoshers come with dual boot functionality to permit a switch between OS if any problem arises.
This article isn’t for you if you can afford a Macintosh, or you don’t need to run macOS on another laptop.
Best Laptop for Hackintosh: Our Picks for 2022
1. Huawei MateBook X Pro
One look at the Huawei MateBook X Pro, and you may notice that it looks like the Apple MacBook. It has a similar design and builds quality. However, it comes with the added advantage that it is a Windows device.
Furthermore, it is a Hackintosh compatible laptop. The model’s battery lasts for between nine and ten hours. It also has a comfortable keyboard with chunky, tactile feedback.
This touchscreen device has a 14-inch 3000×2000 display with precise brightness, color reproduction, and thin bezels. The performance matches an Ultrabook thanks to its quad-core 8th Gen i7 processor with 16GB of RAM and an NVMe PCIe SSD.
The model also has a graphics card, which is a dedicated MX150. The MateBook X Pro has a Thunderbolt 3 port, making it one of the few Hackintosh compatible laptops with an 8th Gen Intel CPU.
You can only play light games with this model. If you do want to run AAA title games, reduce it to the lowest graphics settings first. This device’s webcam has both pros and cons.
The good thing is that it has a hidden camera to protect you from spying eyes. However, the camera sits between the F5 and F6 keys and the quality is not as strong as it could be.
What We Like:
- Portable
- Quality build
- Comfortable keyboard
- Fantastic display
What We Don’t Like:
- Poor webcam quality
2. Lenovo ThinkPad T480
The ThinkPad T480 is a business-class laptop that’s completely Hackintosh-compatible. It is also built like a tank and quite easy to upgrade. As with other ThinkPads, the model has an impressive, above-average keyboard that creates a pleasant typing experience. The machine also has a good balance of ports: one Thunderbolt 3, two USB-Cs, and USB-A.
This model is great for people on the go. That is because it sports a 10 to 12 hours of battery life. It also has an 8th Gen Intel Core i5, 16GB RAM, and 512GB of SSD. The ThinkPad’s display – a dull 14-inch full HD 1920×1080 dim screen – is fantastic as well.
What We Like:
- Good battery life
- Portable
- Good port selection
- Remarkable keyboard
What We Don’t Like:
- Dim display
3. Dell XPS 9370
The Dell XPS is a popular model due to its Hackintosh and Linux compatibility. The model gives you a non-touchscreen and touchscreen option.
It also has a 13-inch Infinity Edge display with the option to choose 4k (3840×2160) or full HD (1920×1080). Both have remarkable sharpness, brightness, and color quality.
The screen has thin bezels with almost nonexistent t borders. Unfortunately, the Dell XPS 9370 comes with a low power i7 quad-core and an integrated graphics card. It lasts for 10 to 12 hours with normal usage.
In terms of ports, this model does not have a full-size SD card reader or USB Type-A ports. Instead, all of its ports are USB-C (that can output DisplayPort video) with Thunderbolt 3 ports that can quickly charge the laptop or connect to high-speed peripherals.
The Thunderbolt 3 ports also support four-lane PCI connections, which enables you to use an eGPU on the laptop for serious gaming.
This computer also has a noble lock slot and battery gauge. The gauge uses five white lights to indicate the charge level. Unfortunately, the webcam is in an awkward position; below the Dell logo on the front.
As the model is Hackintosh compatible, the device comes with a lot of support and guides that help with installation. The 9370 is also attractive, due to its slightly slimmer profile and outstanding gold-white or silver-black color scheme.
What We Like:
- Good battery life
- Attractive design
- Strong performance
- Vibrant screen
What We Don’t Like:
- It doesn’t have any Type-A USB ports
Best Laptop for Hackintosh: What to Consider in 2022
Here are some factors you should consider before buying a Hackintosh:
Processor
Always pay special attention to your laptop’s processor. Hackintosh only supports 4th Gen processors and above. Ideally, your system should support the latest Intel processor on the market.
RAM
RAM is another crucial aspect of the Hackintosh computer. In this case, your RAM configuration should be at least 8GB. However, if you can afford an upgrade, you can go for a 16GB.
CPU Performance
There is no point in trying to use Hackintosh on a weak CPU. Only get high-performing machines that can handle heavy tasks.
Things to Consider in a Hackintosh-Compatible Laptop
Hackintoshes were almost impossible to make when Apple first started. However, times have changed.
Apple devices are not that different from simple hardware. If you get a laptop that requires little customization, it eases the entire Hackintosh process. Here are five ways you can get started:
- Your laptop should have contemporary intel processors. Try and avoid AMD processors because they are incompatible.
- Your laptop should be much cheaper than a standard Macbook.
- Use a guide to install the macOS on your device.
- Your laptop should work with OS X Yosemite and later.
- Join a Hackintosh forum for additional support or advice.
Final Words
Getting a Hackintosh or Hackbook laptop is a great way to enjoy OS without paying a fortune. All you need to do is to go for the best laptops for Hackintosh that meet your specific requirements and budget.
What do you think about Hackintosh as a concept? Have you tried it before? What do you think about the Hackintosh-compatible laptops on this list? Did you have trouble with set-up? Express your thoughts in the comments section below!
