Apple vs Microsoft (AAPL vs MSFT)

Apple (AAPL) vs Microsoft (MSFT) in plain English: P/E, growth, margins, debt and dividend side by side, key differences and which fits each investor profile.

Apple (AAPL) and Microsoft (MSFT) are companies from different sectors (hardware and devices and software and cloud) that many people compare. Here are Apple and Microsoft side by side with their real figures as of November 4, 2026: what sets them apart, which fits each kind of investor and the most common questions, without telling you whether to buy Apple or Microsoft.

Apple vs Microsoft: the figures

Apple and Microsoft figures from Yahoo Finance, the same source the Fintols analysis uses, retrieved on November 4, 2026; N/A means that Apple or Microsoft figure is not available, and we never estimate it.

3 key differences between Apple and Microsoft

1. Profitability: for every 100 of sales, Microsoft keeps 41.2 as net profit and Apple keeps 27.6.
2. Valuation: Apple trades at 38.9x its annual earnings and Microsoft at 29.0x; the market pays more for each dollar of Apple profit, usually because it expects more growth.
3. Growth: Microsoft grew sales +18.8% year on year in its latest quarter, against +11.7% for Apple.

Apple or Microsoft: which fits your profile

• If you want growth: Microsoft is growing faster today, so it fits better with investors who put business growth first, usually accepting a higher P/E and a bumpier ride.
• If you want income (dividends): Microsoft pays the higher dividend relative to its price.
• If you prefer caution: Apple has less debt relative to its profit, which usually gives more room in a bad year.
• If price is what matters most to you: Microsoft trades on the lower P/E; check first whether that is an opportunity or a sign of a business that grows less.

Neither Apple nor Microsoft wins on everything, and owning both is also an option: spreading money across several companies or an index fund reduces what rides on each one.

How Apple and Microsoft make money

Apple (AAPL)

Apple breaks out sales by product: iPhone, its largest source of revenue, plus Mac, iPad, Wearables such as Apple Watch and AirPods, and Services, which covers the App Store, iCloud, Apple Music and advertising. It sells worldwide, with the Americas, Europe and Greater China as its biggest regions. Full Apple analysis.

Microsoft (MSFT)

Microsoft reports three segments. Intelligent Cloud, the largest, includes the Azure cloud platform and server products. Productivity and Business Processes covers Office subscriptions, LinkedIn and Dynamics business software. More Personal Computing includes Windows licenses, Xbox consoles and games, Surface devices and Bing search advertising. Full Microsoft analysis.

Frequently asked questions: Apple vs Microsoft

Is Apple or Microsoft the better stock?

Choosing between Apple and Microsoft depends on what you are looking for. Microsoft is growing faster right now, and Microsoft trades on the lower P/E. Fintols does not tell you whether to buy Apple or Microsoft: it shows you the differences so you can decide.

Which pays a higher dividend, Apple or Microsoft?

As of November 4, 2026, Microsoft yields 0.75% and Apple yields 0.33%. Also check how much of their profit Apple and Microsoft pay out: if it is more than they earn, it cannot last.

Which is more expensive, Apple or Microsoft?

On P/E, Apple (38.9x) is more expensive than Microsoft (29.0x) as of November 4, 2026. A higher P/E can be justified if earnings grow faster, so compare it with each company's growth in the table.

Can I own both Apple and Microsoft?

Yes. Many people spread their money across several companies, such as Apple and Microsoft, or use index funds so they do not depend on just one. If you are starting out, decide how much you want to invest and for how long before buying Apple or Microsoft.

More comparisons with Apple or Microsoft

• Apple vs Cisco
• Apple vs Arista Networks
• Apple vs Dell
• Microsoft vs Oracle

More companies like Apple and Microsoft: hardware and devices stocks and software and cloud stocks. Educational content about Apple and Microsoft, not investment advice.