SHARE
Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp

Apple vs. Microsoft: Who Has the Greater Tax?

OK, so it’s not really a tax in the sense that governments levy upon us. But many solution providers, companies and individuals are raising the revolutionary flag against the compulsory fees and maintenance costs associated with their respective computing platform. Microsoft recently began pumping a public relations campaign that users considering Macs with OS X […]

Jan 8, 2009
Channel Insider content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More

OK, so it’s not really a tax in the sense that governments levy upon us. But many solution providers, companies and individuals are raising the revolutionary flag against the compulsory fees and maintenance costs associated with their respective computing platform.

Microsoft recently began pumping a public relations campaign that users considering Macs with OS X will face a steep “Apple Tax.” Their argument is simple: The hardware costs more and there’s less available software, which means you have to pay more.

Companies and individuals have long complained about the “Microsoft Tax.” Many personal computers come preloaded with some version of Windows, and the cost is hidden in the total cost of the machine. Complicated licensing agreements, mandatory maintenance fees and required add-on software escalate the Windows cost.

So, is this taxation without representation? And, if so, which company—Apple or Microsoft—levies the higher tax on users?

Join the Channel Insider debate today! Post your comments below.

 

Recommended for you...

CrowdStrike’s Daniel Bernard on Nord Security Partnership
Jordan Smith
Jan 28, 2026
Cloudbrink Targets AI Security Gaps with Safe AI Expansion
Victoria Durgin
Jan 27, 2026
Evergreen’s Craig Fulton on Why MSP Operations Matter in 2026
Victoria Durgin
Jan 26, 2026
AI Is Fueling Demand Intel Didn’t Expect
Allison Francis
Jan 26, 2026
Channel Insider Logo

Channel Insider combines news and technology recommendations to keep channel partners, value-added resellers, IT solution providers, MSPs, and SaaS providers informed on the changing IT landscape. These resources provide product comparisons, in-depth analysis of vendors, and interviews with subject matter experts to provide vendors with critical information for their operations.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.