This post was most recently updated on June 20th, 2023
12 Best Laptops for Hackintosh in 2023 – Reviews & Guide
If you are a student or an employee in a corporate company or for whatever reason wants an Apple laptop but couldn’t afford one, Hackintosh is the perfect solution to all your worries. Hackintosh is basically a modified system that could run an Apple Mac OS without having any Apple hardware.
The word Hackintosh is derived from mixing the words ‘Hacking’ and ‘Macintosh’ and as the name suggests, Hackintosh works on the principle of hacking the Macintosh operating system to run it on non-apple hardware.
Making a Hackintosh system for selling purposes is illegal because it’s against the Apple end user’s licence agreement. However, if you know the complications of a Hackintosh system and understand shell commands, you can buy a compatible windows laptop and build your own Hackintosh system and that’s perfectly legal under the Digital Millennium Copyright Act’s Fair Use (not a piece of legal advice through).
But be mindful that not any random laptop could run an elite operating system like the Macintosh and that’s where you would like to seek a little assistance from the experts.
And to do the same, our product expert team have dug deep into the matter and accumulated a comprehensive list of the top 12 best laptops for Hackintosh considering the complications and shortcomings of the whole idea.
Why a Hackintosh System instead of a MacBook?
It’s a pretty valid question and honestly speaking if you have the fortune to invest in a MacBook, we’ll advise you to go for it because it’s the best you can get if you want a Mac OS laptop. And because after testing a number of laptops of different brands, our experts have concluded that there is not a single windows laptop that won’t cause any minor issues after you’ll install a Mac OS on it. So if you want to avoid that and have the fortune to buy a real Mac, just go for it.
However, as we all know Apple products don’t come cheap and most people can’t afford to buy one and for those, it’s the best alternative. Although no windows laptop is 100% compatible with Mac OS, the issues you face in the best laptops for Hackintosh are pretty minor ones. And that’s quite reasonable because you are getting the same experience of a MacBook at half a price. For me, it doesn’t matter if I have to face a little bug by saving almost 1000$.
In addition, a Hackintosh system offers a way of experiencing the best of both the IOS and windows software on one laptop without burdening your wallet much unlike in the case of a MacBook. All of that means you are putting a lot at stake by opting for a Hackintosh system but it’s all worth it because it’s a budget-friendly deal by a long margin.
Review
As we discussed earlier, people often opt for a Hackintosh system instead of a MacBook just because of the hefty price tags of Apple products.
However, you can get to enjoy the perks of a Mac OS with the Acer Swift 3 at a highly affordable price tag. Acer Swift 3 is also one of the best laptops for Hackintosh as far as the number of compatibility issues is concerned.
The 8GB DDR4 RAM is highly capable of managing hard-core processing chores such as dual boots, setups and many more. Not only that, the laptop is incorporated with a decent 256 GB SSD to accommodate your files.
The 14 inches screen provides stunning visual performance and as far as the best laptops for Hackintosh are concerned, the Acer Swift 3 offers the most authentic MacBook experience on a non-Apple product.
Drawback
Although the laptop doesn’t have a dedicated GPU, that’s not even the concerning part if you are using it for establishing a Hackintosh system. The concerning part is your laptop’s Wi-Fi and finger sensor won’t be able to do you any favour if it’s in the Hackintosh mode.
Pros
- Great processor
- Visual performance is exceptional
- Compact and portable
- Highly affordable
- Can accommodate the latest Macintosh variants too
Cons
- Fingerprint sensor and Wi-Fi don’t work in Hackintosh mode
- No dedicated GPU
Acer Nitro 5 Gaming Laptop
Top Features
- 9th Gen Intel Core i5-9300H
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650
- 15.6″ Full HD IPS Display
- 8GB DDR4 RAM
- 256GB NVMe SSD
- Wi-Fi 6
- Backlit Keyboard
- Alexa Built-in
Review
One of the best gaming laptops Acer has ever produced, the Acer Nitro 5 is one of the few upgradable laptops on the list and this very quality makes it the best laptop for Hackintosh.
The high-end gaming components incorporated in the laptop are specified as the real reason behind its prolific performance as a Hackintosh system.
The impressive 8GB DDR4 RAM can be upgraded to 16GB if needed, making it more than good enough to handle Mac OS app development platforms such as Ionic, Flutter, Xamarin, etc.
Not only that, the high-end gaming laptop is equipped with a well-protected 256GB NVMe SSD, fast enough to handle your dual-booted Hackintosh System without affecting the overall performance.
Drawback
The laptops though performs well and can handle your dual-booted Mac OS apps with ultimate ease, it tends to get a little hot during heavy-duty chores plus the battery life is not at all up to the mark as compared to other high-end laptops for Hackintosh in the market.
Pros
- Great overclocking speed
- Dedicated graphics card
- Upgradable RAM
- Aesthetic looks
- Not at all noisy
Cons
- Heats up while doing heavy chores
- Poor battery life
DELL XPS 13 9350 QHD+ 1800P TOUCH I7-6500U
Top Features
- 9350 QHD+ 1800P TOUCH I7-6500U processor
- 8GB RAM
- 256GB SSD
- Backlit keyboard
- Win 10 professional
Review
This is a renewed model of an older version, so you have to do several little adjustments to make it work with the Mac OS. The best thing about the Dell XPS 13 is that it comes with a touchscreen yet it costs a little under 1000$ which is a pretty good deal.
As with every other feature, the 256 GB SSD is not capable to provide enough but decent enough storage space to manage dual boots. Also, the 13.3 inches touchscreen display provides a sharp and stunning visual experience plus the laptop is good enough to Accommodate MAC OS-based graphic intensive apps all thanks to the integrated IRIS 620 graphics card.
Drawback
Besides a pretty underwhelming processor and storage space, you will have to cope with a couple of other flaws too if you are going to use it for Hackintosh I.e. thunderbolt 3 port and SD card will not work with Mac OS.
Pros
- Highly affordable
- Touchscreen display
- Upgradable RAM
- Quality keyboard
Cons
- Thunderbolt 3 and SSD slot don’t work with Hackintosh
- Not enough storage space
- Heavy
HP Pavilion Gaming 15-Inch Laptop
Top Features
- 9th generation Intel Core i7 processor
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card
- 8GB of RAM with 15.6 Inches Display size
- 3.0 USB with DVD drive and 4k screen
Review
The HP Pavilion Gaming Laptop 15 was released just last year, making it a relatively recent addition to the Best Hackintosh Laptops list of 2023. Let’s take a closer look at this laptop and see if it would be an ideal Hackintosh computer.
The FHD display is bright, and colours are vibrant, with good viewing angles. The build quality seems very solid, and everything feels premium. All in all, it’s one of if not THE best Hackintosh laptop I’ve ever used.
Drawback
The only real drawback in this otherwise a pretty comprehensive laptop for Hackintosh is that it has some slight issues with its battery life and needs improvement.
Pros
- Less noise produces in working
- Easy to carry due to compact size
- Excellent compatible for Mac OS
- Outstanding communication while connecting
- Dependable and upgradeable in the future
Cons
- A little pricey
- Battery performance needs to be improved
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Touch
Top Features
- 2.6 GHz Intel Core i7-5600U
- 8GB RAM with 256GB SSD storage
- 14-inch WQHD screen with 1080p resolution
- Integrated Intel HD 5500
- Battery backup of 7 hours
Review
In all laptops on our list for Hackintosh, only one model has had a track record of being able to install macOS flawlessly on it. It is Lenovo’s flagship ThinkPad X1 Carbon. The laptop comes with a 14-inch display and a 1080p resolution that makes the text easy to read.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon, which is one of the best laptops around for running OS X out of the box, making it an excellent platform for running either Hackintosh or Clover on macOS Sierra 10.12.
Drawback
Unfortunately, there are a few drawbacks to be aware of with this laptop. First, with one notable exception, the fingerprint sensor didn’t work due to hardware issues at all compared to other laptops on the list, and second, they require their audio port are missing which can be problematic if you plan on using these for any display purposes.
Pros
- Dependable, energy-efficient GPU
- Excellent support for safe storage
- 3 ports for thunderbolt
- Touchpad with a quick response rate
- Fewer issues during connectivity
Cons
- A fingerprint is non-working and crate issues
- No audio HDMI ports are unavailable
Lenovo Ideapad L340 Gaming Laptop
Top Features
- Core i5-9300H quad-core processor
- 4GB NVidia GeForce GTX 1650 graphics card
- 8 GB DDR4 RAM with 512 SSD storage
- 15.6-inch IPS full HD screen with1080p resolution
Review
The Lenovo L340 is one of the powerful, lightweight, and affordable laptops on our list. The Lenovo IdeaPad L340 laptop is the best option if you’re looking to build a Hackintosh. It’s cheap, well-built, and doesn’t have any bloatware pre-installed, making it easy to install macOS on it yourself.
If you want to buy an already-injected laptop that comes with all the hardware you need to make it work with your Hackintosh, this is your best bet.
Drawback
The click pad can be a bit stiff for users, it doesn’t have a 4k display, and some users have reported that some of it has no optical drive.
These are all very minor drawbacks though; if you’re looking for a reasonably priced laptop with great performance, then Lenovo’s well-constructed IdeaPad L340 is as good as any.
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Keyboard with backlit
- Available at affordable rates
- GTX 1650 GPU
- I5 core processor for speedy performance
- The overall best rating in the market
Cons
- Click pad is average
- 4k screen resolution is missing
- An optical drive is not available
ASUS Vivo Book 15.6″ FHD Touchscreen Notebook
Top Features
- ASUS VivoBook R Series 15.6″ FHD
- Intel Core i5-1035G1 1.0GHz With Turbo Speed
- 8GB DDR4 2666MHz So-Dimm
- 256GB PCIe SSD
- Backlit Keyboard – Fingerprint Reader – NanoEdge Display – WiFi + Bluetooth 5.0
Review
If you’re looking for a super-light machine that can get most of your day-to-day tasks done, then look no further than the ASUS Vivo Book 15.6′′ FHD Touchscreen Notebook. The all-aluminium chassis gives it sturdiness, while still maintaining its lightweight and portability.
With 8GB of RAM, an i5 processor, and either an NVIDIA or AMD GPU, this laptop packs some serious punch for its price point, allowing you to multitask with ease and browse the web in style.
Drawback
Besides good performance and reasonable price, there are some drawbacks which will create an issue. It has some serious issues in connectivity due to building-in chip communication protocol errors and the display is producing bleeding colour sometimes. Its GPU is restricted due to hardware malfunction to work properly.
Pros
- Compact for easy travelling
- Affordable price rates
- Fast quad-core processor speed
- Slim design
- Multiple features are available
Cons
- Connectivity problem with WIFI
- The screen panel is producing bad colour sometimes
- GPU is not integrated due to hardware problems
Razer Blade 15 Base Gaming Laptop
Top Features
- 10th gen intel i7 core processor
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 graphics card
- 8 GB RAM with 256 GB of SSD storage
- Backlit keyboard with RGB
- Full HD display
- 2 fan system for cooling
Review
For those who want a portable laptop that can handle productivity and Hackintosh, there is no better option than the Razer Blade 15 Base Gaming Laptop 2020. At first glance, you may think that it’s not a top pick but is certainly overall a good package in terms of features and performance.
It has a great colourful RGB keyboard and a well dual fan cooling system which helps prevent the laptop from overheating during multitasking.
Drawback
This laptop is offering some great features and performance but at the expense of its cost. Besides its cost, there is also a problem with its poor battery performance which is up to 2-3 hours and below average which makes life annoying for users
Pros
- Dependable and high-quality construction
- Outstanding results with Intel’s GPU
- Easily upgradeable in the future
- Compact laptop
- Up-to-date interconnection ports
- Completely compatible with macOS
Cons
- The cost is on the high side.
- Normal battery life
Lenovo Yoga C930 Laptop
Top Features
- 8th Gen Intel Core i7-8550U processor
- 16 GB DDR4 with 512 GB PCIe SSD
- Intel UHD Graphics 620
- Up to 7-8 hours battery life average
- Audio jack with 2 USB – C ports
Review
The Lenovo Yoga c930 is certainly one of the best Hackintosh laptops on the market as of now, with great hardware and support from both Lenovo and Clover, this laptop makes it easy to get macOS Mojave on your computer.
This laptop has excellent battery life and 512 SSD storage with 16 GB RAM. It has an exceptional keyboard and trackpad, along with an incredibly sleek and lightweight design.
Drawback
Many features of this laptop are appreciated by users, but some flaws are still unsolved. That is a weak graphics card support which makes the application slow. Besides that, it gets too hot on intense tasks, and it is a bit pricey as compared to other alternatives.
Pros
- Durable and strong design
- Excellent features are available
- stylus properly maintained
- Good battery experience
- Great sound quality system
Cons
- Graphic quality is poor
- Upgrades are expensive
- It becomes too heated quickly
New Acer Laptop Aspire E 15
Top Features
- 2.3 GHz core i5 Processor
- NVIDIA GeForce 940MX graphic card
- 8 GB RAM with 1 TB storage space
- 15.6 Inches display screen
- Windows 10 operating system
Review
Acer has recently come out with their first-ever laptop that’s explicitly marketed as being suitable for running Hackintosh operating systems on Mac hardware, the Acer Aspire E 15 laptop.
When it comes to laptops, the Acer Aspire E 15 packs some serious hardware, including an Intel Core i5-8250U quad-core processor and GeForce MX940 graphics card.
This makes it one of the most powerful options available to date for anyone looking to build a Hackintosh laptop themselves and save money on expensive Apple hardware and software licensing fees in the process.
Drawback
Hackintosh laptops are great if you are looking for a cheap alternative to an expensive MacBook, but they have their drawbacks.
The biggest issue is that they often come with much pre-installed software which causes too many hardware issues as well privacy. The other major drawback is driver support as many of these companies provide limited support when it comes to Hackintosh laptops.
Pros
- Solid design with good performance
- Plenty of ports are available
- Exceptional battery life
- Available at a very cheap price
Cons
- Limited company supports
- Too many Preinstalled software
HP 17-BY105 Laptop
Top Features
- 8th Gen Intel Quad-Core i5-8265U
- 8GB DDR4 RAM with 256GB PCIe SSD storage
- Audio HDMI and 3.1 USB ports
- Window 10 system
- 17.3 inches display screen
Review
The HP 17-BY105 Laptop might be the best Hackintosh laptop you can buy at the moment to build your Hackintosh desktop computer. If you want to build a cheap, reliable, and fast Hackintosh laptop, then look no further than HP 17-BY105. An affordable option with an Intel i5 processor and 8GB of RAM.
It will take time for you to get all drivers working properly but it’s worth your effort and money. I’ve been using it for a while now and I haven’t had any issues so far. Highly recommended.
Drawback
The only drawback in this awesome laptop is that it does not come with an HD Display screen that supported 4k resolution and handles intense graphics.
Pros
- beautiful slick design and stylish
- 256 GB SSD enough storage
- Quad-core 10th generation i5 CPU
- Lots of connectivity ports are available
Cons
- No HD display with 4k resolution
HP ProBook 450 G6 Laptop
Top Features
- 8th Generation Intel Quad-Core 2.4 GHz core_i5
- 16 GB SO-DIMM DDR4 with 256 GB SSD
- Intel UHD Graphics 620 card system
- 15.6 Inches screen with backlit Keyboard
- 720p HD webcam
- Windows 10 Pro operating system
Review
The HP ProBook 450 G6 is one of two laptops that we recommend for new users looking to get into Hackintosh. The other computer on our list, in fact, is another member of HP’s G6 family. So why do we think these are your best options?
In a word, stunning. It’s quick, it’s thin, and best of all—it’s cheap. As one of HP’s few entry-level laptops that are built to last and meant to be used every day, it has everything you could want in a full-size laptop and more.
Drawback
It’s a bit overheated with time than other devices, but you can live with that. The lack of a dedicated graphics system is also a big drawback since it is so important right now in building new Hackintosh systems.
Pros
- Excellent compact design easy to carry
- Efficient multitasking
- Suitable for multitasking
- Stable Mac OS support
- Mac os support is excellent
- Dependable due to durable design
- Bitter battery performance
Cons
- Overheated with prolonged hours of workload
- Does not have a dedicated graphic card
Best Laptop for Hackintosh – Buyers Guide
Before you run out and buy a MacBook Pro on Amazon, check out this guide to make sure you’re getting one that’s worth the cost. Hackintosh laptops can be cheaper than the real thing, but they can also be much more expensive if you make the wrong choice. Follow our buyer’s guide and we’ll help you get the laptop that’s right for you.
RAM
There’s a lot of discussion about how much RAM you should have in your Mac for maximum performance. It’s complicated because if you ask five different experts, you’ll get five different answers.
Perfect OS X Version
If you’re thinking about buying a Hackintosh laptop, it’s very important to pick out a compatible operating system version. Otherwise, you might have problems setting up or running Mac OS X on your machine.
Motherboard
Choosing a motherboard for your Hackintosh is a crucial step. Get it wrong, and you’ll be left with a sub-par machine. But get it right, and you can have an amazing laptop on your hands that’s easily upgradeable without voiding the warranty.
Mac’s CPU
The processor is one of your most important considerations when purchasing a Hackintosh laptop. In fact, in many ways, it’s MORE important than the type of CPU in your Mac, as you’ll be relying on some awesome software to make up for any deficiencies.
SSD Storage
The higher up you go in SSD storage, the more expensive it gets per gigabyte. If you’re going to use your laptop for gaming, video editing, graphic design, or other media work, we recommend at least a 128GB model. That will give you plenty of space to install your operating system and leave a little breathing room on top of that.
FAQs
Can you Hackintosh any laptop?
What You Need to Know! Do you want to run Mac OS X on your laptop? The answer to that question depends on what kind of laptop you own. Most modern laptops are compatible with Apple’s OS, but some aren’t. In order to find out if your laptop can be hacked, you need to know what hardware it uses and how hackable those components are.
Which laptops can run macOS?
There are two main types of laptops that can run macOS without needing any kind of hack: Apple-made hardware and Mac-compatible hardware.
Is Hackintosh reliable?
Many users have been using a Hackintosh laptop for around 5 years now and haven’t had any major issues with it. But to answer your question, yes.
Conclusion
There are many great laptops on the market today but finding the best Hackintosh laptop can be difficult if you don’t know what to look for.
This review with a complete guide provides an overview of some of the best Hackintosh laptops available on the market right now, so you can get started building your own Hackintosh with no troubles! Best of all, this list includes options that are both affordable and great quality, so you won’t have to sacrifice quality just to save some money.
