TOP PICK 
BLW's Score
93
91
89
88
86
MSRP
$889.00
Price not available
$839.99
$1,499.00
$909.00
More Information
Processor
8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U
Intel Core i7-8250U
Intel Core i5-8250U
Intel Core i7-8550U (up to 4 GHz)
Intel Core i7-8550U
RAM
8GB DDR4
8GB DDR4
8GB DDR4
8GB DDR4
16GB RAM
Hard Disk
128GB SSD
1TB HDD
1TB HDD
128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
512GB SSD
Display
13.3" FHD (1920 x 1080)
14" 144 MHz FHD (1920 x 1080)
15.6" FHD Touchscreen (1920 x 1080)
14" FHD+ (1920 x 1080)
13.3" FHD (1920 x 1080)
Graphics
Intel UHD Graphics 620
Intel UHD Graphics 620
Intel UHD Graphics 620
Intel UHD Graphics 620
Intel UHD Graphics 620
OS
Windows 10
Windows 10
Windows 10
Windows 10
Windows 10
Weight
2.7 pounds
1.8 pounds
2.7 pounds
3.1 pounds
4.7 pounds
Battery Life
11 hours
8 hours
6 hours
8 hours
16 hours
TOP PICK
Model
BLW's Score
93
MSRP
$889.00
More Information
Processor
8th Gen Intel Core i5-8250U
RAM
8GB DDR4
Hard Disk
128GB SSD
Display
13.3" FHD (1920 x 1080)
Graphics
Intel UHD Graphics 620
OS
Windows 10
Weight
2.7 pounds
Battery Life
11 hours
Model
BLW's Score
91
MSRP
Price not available
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i7-8250U
RAM
8GB DDR4
Hard Disk
1TB HDD
Display
14" 144 MHz FHD (1920 x 1080)
Graphics
Intel UHD Graphics 620
OS
Windows 10
Weight
1.8 pounds
Battery Life
8 hours
Model
BLW's Score
89
MSRP
$839.99
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i5-8250U
RAM
8GB DDR4
Hard Disk
1TB HDD
Display
15.6" FHD Touchscreen (1920 x 1080)
Graphics
Intel UHD Graphics 620
OS
Windows 10
Weight
2.7 pounds
Battery Life
6 hours
Model
BLW's Score
88
MSRP
$1,499.00
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i7-8550U (up to 4 GHz)
RAM
8GB DDR4
Hard Disk
128GB SSD + 1TB HDD
Display
14" FHD+ (1920 x 1080)
Graphics
Intel UHD Graphics 620
OS
Windows 10
Weight
3.1 pounds
Battery Life
8 hours
Model
BLW's Score
86
MSRP
$909.00
More Information
Processor
Intel Core i7-8550U
RAM
16GB RAM
Hard Disk
512GB SSD
Display
13.3" FHD (1920 x 1080)
Graphics
Intel UHD Graphics 620
OS
Windows 10
Weight
4.7 pounds
Battery Life
16 hours
Note: Our comparison table only shows our top 5 picks. You can find the other recommendations within this article.
In this new era of flourishing technology, there is nothing tagged impossible! Almost anything and everything can be easily achieved by the utilization of gadgets or other technical theories.
Technology has advanced to such an extent that one can have the advantage of using a MacBook without actually owning one. Everyone is familiar with the high-class brand 'Apple' and its top notch products, but with the big name comes the big price which is not quite affordable for us all.
So for everyone out there who wish to use the Mac software without actually buying an Apple product, a Hackintosh is the key solution. A Hackintosh is nothing but a laptop that's been hacked to run the Apple macOS operating system.
One can modify laptops using advanced technology and transform the ordinary hardware so that it can macOS effectively. It may sound simple, but it requires a lot of hard work and one might have to face numerous technical challenges in the process.
The most important problem or question is which laptop one should use for the conversion project. If one chooses the wrong laptop then they might end up ruining the laptop and wasting all their hard earned savings. There are certain specifications that must exist in a laptop in order to transform it into a Hackintosh laptop.
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Factors To Consider
The few things out of many that must be kept in mind while purchasing a laptop for Hackintosh purpose would be its processor, RAM, and price. The processor is the most important aspect as Hackintosh can be supported only by 4th generation processors and above.
So, you should ensure that your laptop supports the latest Intel processor available in the market. RAM is another necessary aspect you should pay attention to when purchasing a Hackintosh laptop. A RAM configuration with 8GB is sufficient, but if you can afford it consider upgrading to at least 16GB.
The laptop should have excellent CPU performance or else Mac software experience can turn out to be a huge disappointment. The concept of Hackintosh laptop might sound simple, but be aware that it is not a trivial task. In some cases it may even require disassembly of the laptop and replacing some of the hardware components.
One will have to face numerous bugs while carrying this out and it might just occur that after hacking the laptop it starts giving difficulties. Many of the challenges involve finding and installing the proper drivers for the laptop hardware.
To do this conversion, you should have good technical skills and patience. The steps for doing the conversions changes depending on the hardware and the macOS version. You'll want to join a Hackintosh forum for additional advice and support. For more details, we've included some useful resources at the end of this article.
The good news is that now that macOS runs on Intel processors, this has simplified the conversion process to some extent, making the concept of Hackintosh possible. This concept has helped many. For the cost of one MacBook, one can easily purchase two or three high-quality laptops with stunning features.
Here is our list of 10 best Hackintosh laptops that can be easily be used to run the Mac software using the Hackintosh process.
Note about NVIDIA GPUs for Hackintosh Conversions
Currently, macOS Mojave can not be used with NVIDIA graphics processors. Although, some of our recommended laptops use NVIDIA GPUs, you can use them for a Hackintosh conversion project if you install macOS Sierra instead of Mojave.
Our Top Picks for Best Hackintosh Laptops
1. Dell XPS 13 9360
Specs:
This Dell laptop is a dream come true for all gamers and hackers out there. With a powerful 8th generation processor and an NVIDIA GPU, this laptop is a great choice for a hackintosh project.
At less than 3 pounds and less than 1" thick, this a lightweight but powerful option for a conversion project.
The case is cut from a single block of aluminum, just like MacBooks. A carbon-fiber palm rest feels great, but is cooler to the touch than directly resting on the aluminum chassis.
With such a good display and great performance, you will be able to convert this laptop into a virtual Apple product quite easily and be able to run Mac software. Once the process is over the high speed of this laptop and excellent display will give the user a great Mac alternative at a fraction of the price.
Other features to consider are the Waves MaxxAudio feature that will give you great audio to match the beautiful display. Special WiFi technology automatically detects and prioritizes network traffic to make sure you most important applications have the bandwidth they need.
2. ASUS VivoBook Flip 14
Specs:
A Hackintosh laptop must have great performance. Well, this ASUS device is much more than just affordable and quick. It is very lightweight and portable which makes it one of the best choices for a Hackintosh.
It's outfitted with 8 GB RAM. That, and a 1 TB HDD, means there's no problem with storage and speed. The 8th generation Intel Core also means that there will be no issue with processor performance either.
This laptop has an aluminum chassis with a plastic bottom cover and weighs about 2 lbs. It's not an all-metal build, but it's still a great choice for a Hackintosh because of it's small size and and low weight.
Some of the special features of this laptop are the 2-in-1 flexible form factor, a touch screen and a fingerprint reader. All the features of this impressive machine help to enhance a Hackintosh conversion. The price is also quite affordable.
3. Dell Inspiron 15 5000
Specs:
Dell as a brand is favored by a majority of the laptop users. It is not only a reliable brand but it also ensures that all its customer's demands are fulfilled to the core. With this increasing use of Hackintosh, it has launched this new version that is faster, better and user-friendly.
It's 15.6" Touchscreen True-life LED-Backlit screen provides great picture quality which is quite similar to a non-Retina MacBook. It’s slim body and light weight of just about 3 pounds gives it a look much similar to a MacBook.
Once the user applies Hackintosh this laptop nearly turns into a MacBook itself. With the latest Intel Core processor and highest performing graphics, it performs all its regular functions quite faster without hanging or creating obstructions.
The Dell Wi-Fi adaptor provides reliable connectivity and makes the hacking process simpler. It is equipped with everything that one needs in a Hackintosh laptop and also comes with a good warranty making the user feel safe and secure.
Not only this it is also made keeping in mind the environment and hence, it is completely eco-friendly. 90% of the laptop parts can be easily recycled, least harming the environment. Its stereo speakers with MaxxAudio Pro Audio is a bonus. Overall, this is a perfect blend of perfection, elegance, and speed.
4. ASUS ZenBook
Specs:
Compared to a MacBook, the Asus ZenBook has a similar name and similar looks. It is sleek and light with a silver body and a portable size. The features are just right enough to support a hackintosh conversion.
It possesses 12GB RAM and the eight generation Intel core processor makes the hacking process quicker and easier. This is a touch screen laptop which gives a tough competition to a MacBook and a better 14-inch display further adds on to the product.
It is not only stunning but powerful as well. With new energy efficient components, its battery life has been boosted up by almost 25% which also enhances its performance in general.
The combo SSD and hard drive makes the laptop work at blazing speed and while providing extensive storage capacity. The speed and capacity makes this version of ZenBook a good choice for a Hackintosh project.
Its backlit keyboard and incredible speakers give the users an amazing experience making this one of the most popular laptops for hackintosh projects. Its 1-year accidental protection makes the users feel relieved as they can carry out the process without worrying about damaging the laptop.
5. HP X360
Specs:
The HP x360 2-in-1 is a great choice for a hackintosh project. The flexible 2-in-1 form factor is a bonus. You don't have that feature with an actual MacBook.
Furthermore, its processor and RAM are intended to support demanding use, so speed and storage are not an issue. The RAM and hard drive can be user-upgraded. This provides welcome flexibility and space for improvement and enhancement, when desired.
The backlit keyboard is also welcome when working in a darker environment. The battery life is phenomenal at 16 hours. The MacBook lasts only about 12 hours.
The 13.3 inch display is a good match to a MacBook display size and is an ideal choice for a hackintosh laptop. The integrated Intel graphics processor is compatible with Mac OS so this should ease the conversion process.
Overall, this laptop provides good value for money and has all the specifications that a hackintosh laptop should possess.
6. Lenovo IdeaPad 330
Specs:
This Lenovo laptop is a hot seller. It’s reasonable price and good specifications are what makes it a great choice for a hackintosh conversion project.
Lenovo is one of the oldest and most trusted brands in the technology sector. That technological expertise means that this laptop has all the excellent features and specifications that make it a perfect choice for a Hackintosh.
The display is 15.6" diagonal with HD resolution. It has the perfect balance of speed, storage, and power. The laptop is very lightweight and relatively small. You can throw it into a backpack with no problem.
Its sturdy body and 180º hinge allows you to use the laptop in several useful position. Try doing that with a MacBook! One can simply flip the screen while watching movies or giving presentations, or lay the laptop flat for more people to view it during an intense discussion.
However perfect this laptop may sound, it might face a few problems during the Hackintosh conversion process like with the Intel UHD Graphics 620. Other than this, this laptop provides good value for money.
7. Dell Inspiron 15.6 Full HD Gaming Laptop
Specs:
This beautiful beast of Dell Inspiron series is quite a rare one to find and possess. Unlike other Dell laptops, this one is specially designed to meet the needs of the gamers and hackers out everywhere.
It's 256 GB SSD provides enough storage and speed for any hacking possible, let alone Hackintosh. It's known not only for its speed but also for its outstanding display. The new NVIDIA 1050 graphics make every detail as clear as Crystal and provides the highest resolution possible on a laptop.
With its excellent cool pads, one does not need to worry about the laptop heating while doing extensive work. The Wave MaxxAudio Pro makes it sound like it's coming out from a home theatre system. Its sturdy build can absorb shocks and is designed to last for a longer time even if there are regular bumps and falls.
The 3165ac Wi Fi gives this laptop exceptional connectivity almost everywhere, which helps in enhancing the performance of the laptop in general. All the features add up to make an excellent laptop for Hackintosh purpose.
Furthermore, its dimensions are such that along with a sturdy body it is quite light weight and portable. One can easily pop it in their bags and purses and work from anywhere flaunting this amazement in places.
8. ASUS ZenBook UX330UA-AH54
Specs:
This Asus ZenBook is another sleek model having the perfect look and weight which is quite similar to the laptops developed by Apple. Since it is a fanless laptop, it makes much less noise than any other laptop and helps the user to work in utmost peace.
However, to enjoy this, one needs to compromise on the processor of the laptop a bit, as a fanless laptop has a less powerful processor. Other than this it's 8 GB RAM and 225 GB SSD ensure the hackers that speed would not be a problem ever.
The backlit keyboard and the finger print sensor makes this laptop more advanced than all the ordinary laptops. It makes using the laptop effortless and as easy as using our handheld devices such as mobile phones.
Although this laptop has many positives, one of the big negatives would be the obstacles that one might need to face during the Hackintosh process.
Hacking into the software of this laptop can be a piece of cake for an experienced hacker but for first-time hackers, it might be a huge task. With its amazing battery life and gorgeous look this laptop is quite affordable and all in all, it will definitely be a good purchase for the purpose of Hackintosh.
9. Acer Aspire R 15 R5-571TG-78G6 2-in-1
Specs:
Acer Aspire R 15 is just another power packed laptop model that seems to be a good choice for users wanting to carry out Hackintosh. It is a laptop that has a little bit of everything. It provides a stunning display, comfortable and sturdy build, good processor and RAM, all at a really affordable price.
The 12 GB RAM and 1 TB hard drive provide enough speed for a user to hack the software with utmost ease. Since it is a fusion of a tablet and a laptop it makes using the laptop much more convenient than all the other ordinary laptops.
Acer is a company that is known for its long lasting laptops that have the latest technology and can be trusted by all. However, this laptop might face some problems in the process of Hackintosh.
Although the display is excellent but, when outdoors it is a huge task to use the laptop because of its shallow viewing angles and a reflective screen. Besides this, all the other features of this laptop can be exploited to hack the software successfully and enjoy Macintosh on an ordinary laptop.
10. Acer Aspire E 15
Specs:
This ACER Aspire E 15 is a great computer for everyday computing. Its dual boot setup guide makes it one of the perfect Hackintosh machines. Although the laptop is a bit on the heavier side, it has a rugged look and a strong build to absorb shocks, and last longer than one can expect.
This beautiful laptop has integrated Intel UHD Graphics 620 that makes it compatible with a hackintosh conversion. The 7th generation i7 Core processor will easily handle any hackintosh computing requirements.
The laptop itself can be easily customized using the access panel on the bottom. Using this access, you can upgrade memory and the hard drive yourself if you'd like. This means the laptop can continue to add value with future upgrades rather than buying a new laptop.
The laptop has an HD camera, a USB-C port and stereo speakers. It's TrueHarmony sound system makes the experience of watching movies and playing games on the laptop quite enjoyable.
Furthermore, it's loaded with 16GB RAM, a 480GB SSD and excellent battery life. All these features make it a favorite among the gadget freaks and hackers.
Some negative aspects of this laptop are that after carrying out the process of hackintosh conversion its battery life might shorten. However, it appears to have more positives than negatives and seems to be a good choice for a hackintosh laptop.
Conclusion
These are just the 10 best laptops out of hundreds of laptops that suit the needs of a Hackintosh beast perfectly. All of these are reasonably priced and packed with excellent specifications and convenient features.
If you are scared to try Hackintosh, do not worry as these laptops would not be harmed by the hacking process and once hacked into can give you a wonderful laptop experience at a much lower cost. You always have the option of re-installing Windows.
If someone is on a very tight budget then they can buy an affordable laptop and upgrade some of its specifications as desired. Hope this list of best Hackintosh laptops helped you get started with your laptop selection!
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