It is a trendy name after combining two words Hacking + Mackintosh, to form Hackintosh. Hackintosh is a non-Apple device that can run Apple’s OS or macOS. Building a Hackintosh PC for only personal use is not illegal. However, it violates Apples’ EULA (end-user license agreement). So in Apple’s eye, building a Hackintosh PC is an offense, but if used under Digital Millennium Copyright Act’s Fair Use CAN be ok. Always keep in mind whenever you are purchasing an OS or an OS-driven device, you are getting the license of usage; you are not buying the OS.
Hackintosh is one way of getting the best of both worlds and it allows the user to enjoy two different things simultaneously and concurrently decent hardware with excellent software.
Doling out dollars of hard earned money over the Mac Laptops might sound good to the loyalists but even spending that much doesn’t necessarily guarantee the best hardware specifications or the absolute freedom to use the software the same way a Windows might allow the users.
Therefore, Hackintosh allows the users not only the freedom to choose their favorite hardware but also costs them around half of what it would, if they choose to buy a Macintosh with comparable specifications.
Keep in mind that it’s difficult to get even the best Hackintosh laptop running 100% with macOS, but a lot of newer models work very well. Older laptops may not have the right chipset or hardware, so they will take a little more time to tweak and get up and running.
For the convenience of our readers, we’ve gone through dozens of laptops that we felt could help us with Hackintosh. We’ve tried several Hackintosh compatible laptops, tested them to their limits and have shortlisted ten best Hackintosh laptops 2021.The hackintosh laptops below have all been successful when trying to create a Hackintosh, and they have a lot of great documentation for working out all of the kinks along the way.
Top picking Products Links
- Lenovo Yoga 920 – 13.9″ FHD Touch – 8Gen i7-8550U – 8GB – 256GB SSD
- Lenovo Ideapad S540-14API 81NH0019US 14″ Notebook – 1920 X 1080 – Ryzen 7 3700U – 12 GB RAM – 512 GB SSD – Windows 10 Home 64-bit – AMD Radeon Rx Vega 10 Graphics – in-Plane Switching (IPS) Techn
- ASUS ZenBook UX310UA-WB71 13.3″ Anti-glare Full HD Laptop Intel i7-6500U, 2.5GHz, 8 GB Memory, 256 GB SSD, Backlit Keyboard, Bluetooth, HDMI, Win 10
- HP ProBook 450 G6 15.6″ FHD Full HD (1920×1080) Business Laptop (Intel Quad-Core i7-8565U, 8GB DDR4, 1TB HDD) USB Type-C, WiFi, Backlit Keys, RJ45, HDMI, Windows 10 Pro Professional 64-bit
- Razer Blade 15 Base Gaming Laptop 2020: Intel Core i7-10750H 6-Core, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2060, 15.6″ FHD 1080p 144Hz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, CNC Aluminum, Chroma RGB Lighting, Thunderbolt 3, Black
Top 5 Best Hackintosh Laptops
1. Lenovo Yoga 920
A kind of Mac that Apple does not manufacture is a convertible MacBook Air or Pro. However, using Lenovo Yoga 920, you can create a Hackintosh that comes with remarkable performance and the power of portable design.
First things first, we see the Intel Core i7-8550U, which is clocked at 1.8GHz by default. The processor can be reached up to 4GHz via Turbo Boost if the situation demands so. You don’t get a dedicated graphics card with the package (and even if you got, it wouldn’t work), but this also means you don’t have extra trouble in the beginning. You can start installing macOS Catalina without any hardware replacement or toggles, but there are still some graphical glitches.We see the excellent combination of 8GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB of full SSD storage. These things bring extra value to a laptop where you want to install both Windows and macOS. Even in an event where the OS internal elements are eating up RAM resources, you won’t face issues with multitasking.
Key Features
- Intel Core i7-8550U, which is clocked at 1.8GHz by default. The processor can be reached up to 4GHz via Turbo Boost if the situation demands so.
- It has 8GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB of full SSD storage. These things bring extra value to a laptop where you want to install both Windows and macOS.
- The 13.9-inch LED panel comes with a touchscreen and stylus support. If you are into artistic projects or architecture, the Full HD 1920 x 1080 screen makes a good choice for precision-based creation.
- In terms of the hardware design, a minimal weight of 3.02 pounds and a thickness of 0.5 inches is pretty much the standard for an Ultrabook.
- With Windows 10 device, this Lenovo convertible offers a battery life of up to 15.5 hours on a single charge.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Lenovo |
| Item model number | 80Y7000WUS |
| Hardware Platform | Windows |
| Operating System | Windows 10 |
| Item Weight | 3.02 pounds |
| Product Dimensions | 12.7 x 8.8 x 0.5 inches |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 12.7 x 8.8 x 0.5 inches |
| Processor Brand | Intel |
| Processor Count | 4 |
| Computer Memory Type | DDR4 SDRAM |
| Flash Memory Size | 256 GB |
| Power Source | Corded Electric, Battery Powered |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium Polymer batteries required. |
Pros
- Lightweight setup
- Convertible design
- Touchscreen support
- Good connectivity options
Cons
- Fingerprint sensor doesn’t work
- Sleep mode doesn’t work properly
- Sometimes you may face graphical glitches
Recommendations
When it comes to design and connectivity, the Hackintosh using Lenovo Yoga 920 does not have any issues. You have access to all the ports, including USB and HDMI which is fantastic if you ask us.Coming to the keyboard and trackpad, things are a bit complex. The keyboard is stylish and provides a typical typing experience. However, the function buttons don’t work in this build, in case you’re concerned. In the same way, the trackpad does not work seamlessly like in Apple machines.
2. Lenovo Ideapad S540
Lenovo IdeaPad S540 is perhaps your ideal alternative to the MacBook Air. If you are a MacBook fan, then you might want to consider the Ideapad s540. The Ideapad series seems to be a successful device from the makers of Lenovo. We found that the specifications are similar to the MacBook Air. The best part is that it is cheap and comes with a wide range of specifications. S540 is also the right choice when you are in search of second to none in the functionalities.
We felt that the processor of the 8th-generation Intel Core i5-8265U was alright. There is nothing special about it, but its base clock speed is 1.6GHz and can go to 3.9GHz without causing a battery problem. It comes with 12GB of DDR4 RAM along with a 256GB SSD. You can say that it is the right amount of space ideally required for a dual-boot installation. We loved the 14″ full HD monitor because it does what it has to, offering opulent images.
Key Features
- Processor Type: Ryzen 7
- Processor model: 3700U
- Processor Manufacturer: AMD
- Processor speed: 2.30 GHz
- Processor Core: quad-core (4 Core)
Technical Specifications
| Standing screen display size | 14 Inches |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Processor | 8032 |
| Memory Speed | 2.3 GHz |
| Hard Drive | flash_memory_solid_state |
| Graphics Coprocessor | AMD Radeon RX Vega 10 |
| Chipset Brand | AMD |
| Card Description | Integrated |
| Graphics Card Ram Size | 1 GB |
| Wireless Type | 802.11ac |
| Number of USB 2.0 Ports | 2 |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 2 |
Pros
- The dual-storage is sufficient.
- The performance is solid, to say.
- Users loved the HDMI connectivity on it.
- It comes with a decent battery working.
- The I/O capabilities are stunning to perform.
Cons
- The laptop does not have any touchscreen support.
Recommendations
Lenovo IdeaPad S540 is not your run of the mill laptop that comes with just the right amount of spice in it. The s540 is elegant, superlative, powerful, and affordable, considering the installation of Hackintosh sublimely on it.That is a good thing. It does not come with a dedicated GPU, but you can easily manage the Intel HD Graphics card to install the macOS Catalina. If you are not smiling yet, you would love to use the laptop’s memory and storage space.
3. ASUS ZenBook UX310UA
ASUS ZenBook UX310UA is another staggering device from the makers of Taiwan based Asus. It looks like they know what they are doing in 2021. When you want to design a laptop that comes with Hackintosh for less than $1000, then the ZenBook UX310UA is the right choice. It is not a new model, but we found that it comes with the ideal setting to run macOS Catalina. Users who are satisfied with renewed products sold on Amazon themselves witness how useful this device is with tasks.
It works on the 6th generation Skylake processor using the Intel Core i7-6500U. Users can work with an average speed of 2.3GHz and 3.2GHz. The machine comes with Intel Integrated graphics that do not have much of a connection with the macOS Catalina.
We liked the combination of memory and storage space of 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD. Consumers have commended the best Hackintosh laptops for effortlessly handling everything that is thrown. Besides, you do not have to replace the built-in SSD.
Key Features
- Intel 6th Generation Core i7-6500U, 2.5 GHz, up to 3.1 GHz
- 8GB DDR4 Memory, 256GB SSD Hard Driver, Backlit Keyboard
- Next Generation 802.11AC, Intel HD Graphics, Webcam, Bluetooth 4.1, HDMI
- 13.3″ Anti-glare Full HD (1920 x 1080) Display, Super light and portable, 3.2 lb
- 2 x USB 2.0 Type-A; 1 x USB 3.0 Type-A; 1 x USB 3.0 via USB Type-C, Media Card Slots, Win 10 64-bits
Technical Specifications
| Product Dimensions | 12.72 x 8.78 x 0.72 inches |
| Item Weight | 3.2 pounds |
| ASIN | B01LXXC7QS |
| Item model number | 90NB0CJ2-M02280 |
| Batteries | 1 Lithium ion batteries required. |
| Customer Reviews | 2.6 out of 5 stars
5 ratings 2.6 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #471,706 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
#36,959 in Traditional Laptop Computers |
| Manufacturer | Asus |
Pros
- It adequately supports macOS.
- It offers a low range of prices for users.
- It provides you with intense connectivity.
- The chances of errors occurring are relatively less.
- This is a lightweight device for easy carrying around.
Cons
- Users have to replace the Wi-Fi card.
Recommendations
ASUS ZenBook UX310UA is your much-anticipated device that comes with immense features. The laptop has everything that you can ask for, including amicable support, a good connection, and an affordable rate.
4. HP ProBook 450 G6
HP ProBook 450 G6 is a splendid laptop that comes with convenient features for ensuring that you install Hackintosh effortlessly. We felt that these are the best Hackintosh laptops. The ProBook 450 G6 sublimely offers support for macOS without any dysfunctional elements. Most of the units we read about here come with powerful features. But the HP device has the Intel Core i5-8265U processor. That does not mean it cannot perform better than a 6th or 7th generation processor.
It has a Turbo Boost of up to 3.9GHz, which is suitable for optimum performance. The district feature about the ProBook 450 G6 is the memory and the storage space that come at 32GB of DDR4 RAM and 1TB SSD. This combined enables you to take your performance and functionality to new heights. We felt that it is capable of outgoing the MacBook Pro any given day. Besides, you can store any amount of files you have on your macOS and Windows.
Key Features
- 8GB DDR4 RAM; Storage: 1TB HDD (Everything is original)
- Windows 10 Professional 64-bit – Ideal for Home, Professionals, Small business, School Education
- 8th Generation Intel Quad-Core i7-8565U 1. 80 GHz (4 Cores 8 Threads, Turbo up to 4. 60 GHz, 8MB SmartCache)
- 15. 6” Full HD Anti-glare LED-backlit (1920 x 1080) (NON-Touch) | Integrated Intel HD Graphics 620- Max Support (DP) 4K 4096×2304 60Hz
- Wireless 802. 11a/b/g/n/ac (2×2) + BlueTooth v4. 2 | Back-Lit Keyboard | Webcam | USB Type-C | HDMI | NO OPTICAL DRIVE
Technical Specifications
| Standing screen display size | 15.6 Inches |
| Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 |
| Processor | 1.8 GHz core_i7 |
| RAM | 8 GB SO-DIMM DDR4 |
| Memory Speed | 2400 MHz |
| Hard Drive | 1 TB hdd 4200 rpm |
| Graphics Coprocessor | Intel HD Graphics 620 |
| Chipset Brand | Intel |
| Card Description | Integrated, Dedicated |
| Wireless Type | Bluetooth, 802.11ac |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 16 |
Pros
- It offers you optimum computability.
- It offers you adequate connectivity.
- The unit can be used for multi-task purposes.
- The battery life of 8 hours is suitable for users.
- It provides you with a staggering memory and storage space.
Cons
- The display is subpar and needs improvement.
Recommendations
HP ProBook 450 G6 is one of the best Hackintosh laptops from HP. You do not have to be a fan of HP to purchase it. But when you are looking for top-notch storage space and memory, along with a powerful battery for installation of Hackintosh, then it is this.
5. Razer Blade 15
Supporting an awesome processor and a slim & compact design, the Razer Blade 15 has revolutionized how civil engineers use laptops. The 15.6” FHD IPS at 1920×1080 is another major draw of the laptop. This enables the engineers to view every little detail accurately due to truer colors, brighter images, and crispier texts.
While the majority of the manufacturers are promoting bezel-free designs nowadays, notebooks still need it to ensure optimal performance. Thus, Razer has done a great job in minimizing the bezels in this model so that you can get the most from your screen and edge out the win.
Key Features
- More frames: Incredible performance paired with the fast 144Hz 15. 6″ full HD thin bezel display helps edge out the win.
- Ready to connect: Fully loaded with Wi-Fi 6, Gigabit Ethernet, Thunderbolt 3, USB type-A and type-C ports, and HDMI, for a desktop-class experience
- More power: The 10th Gen Intel Core i7-10750H processor provides the ultimate level of performance with up to 5.0 GHz max turbo and 6 cores.
- Thin and compact: The CNC aluminum unibody frame houses incredible performance in the most compact footprint possible, while remaining remarkably durable and just 0.78″ thin.
- Ray-tracing: The NVIDIA GeForce GTX 2060 is powered by the NVIDIA Turing GPU architecture and brings cinematic-quality rendering to the most visually intense games.
Technical Specifications
| Display Size | 15.6 Inches |
| Max Screen Resolution | 1920 x 1080 Pixels |
| Processor | 5 GHz corei7_10750h |
| RAM | 16 GB DDR4 |
| Memory Speed | 2933 MHz |
| Hard Drive | Flash Memory Solid State |
| Graphics Coprocessor | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 2060 |
| Chipset Brand | NVIDIA |
| Card Description | Dedicated |
| Graphics Card Ram Size | 6 GB |
| Wireless Type | 802.11a/b/g/n/ac, Bluetooth |
| Number of USB 3.0 Ports | 3 |
Pros
- Alluring display
- Slim & compact design
- Power-hungry Intel Core i7 processor
- 512GB SSD storage is upgradable
Cons
- Overheats under extensive use
Recommendations
Weighing 4.3lbs only, the design is compact, and there is a transportability factor as well. The engineers will certainly appreciate it as they often need to travel around with their devices. Additionally, you get pretty decent storage of 512GB SSD that can be upgraded as well. However, apart from this, the Razer Blade 15 is your best bet from the Razer collection due to its power-hungry processor and compact design.
Final Verdict
In this article, we have mentioned some of the Laptops that are best suited for Hackintosh purposes. We have included options with varying prices and features so that users could choose depending on their budget. However, there is still no guarantee that Hackintosh will work as smoothly as expected. That is simply a risk one has to take. For any queries with regards to the content, do write to us.
1. Can you turn a laptop into a Hackintosh?
Prepping a Windows Laptop to Turn Into a Hackintosh. So after you’ve gathered your supplies and downloaded all the software you need, you’ll need to get your BIOS ready on your new machine. Start up into Windows and upgrade the BIOS based on the instructions from HP’s support website.
2. Is hackintosh illegal?
According to Apple, Hackintosh computers are illegal, per the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. In addition, creating a Hackintosh computer violates Apple’s end-user license agreement (EULA) for any operating system in the OS X family. … A Hackintosh computer is a non-Apple PC running Apple’s OS X.
3. What is OpenCore Hackintosh?
Hackintoshes are computers that run macOS on hardware not authorized by Apple. OpenCore is a free open-source tool used to prepare a system for booting macOS. The company selling these Hackintoshes seems to have appropriated the name of the open-source bootloader, and has no affiliation to the developers of OpenCore.
4. What is OpenCore Hackintosh?
Hackintoshes are computers that run macOS on hardware not authorized by Apple. OpenCore is a free open-source tool used to prepare a system for booting macOS. The company selling these Hackintoshes seems to have appropriated the name of the open-source bootloader, and has no affiliation to the developers of OpenCore.
5. Is hackintosh free?
Any non-Apple hardware that’s made to run macOS is known as a Hackintosh. … However, starting with OS X Mavericks, macOS is free, so one could state to be licensed as a “free software”, therefore it’s not unlawful to install it.
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