What to do with an old Mac? The options, compared
If Apple stopped updating your 2013-2017 Intel Mac, you have several ways out. None is best for everyone. Here is an honest comparison, including when Second Wind is not the right choice.
| Option | What it is | Does it feel like a Mac? | No terminal? | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Second Wind | Ubuntu 24.04 LTS dressed and tuned to feel like a Mac, with MacBook drivers ready | Yes: look, dock, top bar, ⌘ shortcuts and ⌘Space search | Yes: an app makes the USB stick, then four questions | Free forever. Mac Experience (⌘ shortcuts and ⌘Space search): 30 days free, then US$10 once | Everyday use (internet, video calls, school, office) with the Mac feel and no hassle |
| OpenCore Legacy Patcher | A free community tool that installs newer macOS versions on unsupported Macs | Yes: it is real macOS | It has an app, but the process is technical and needs patches after installing | Free | People who need real macOS: Apple apps, iMessage, FaceTime. Note: macOS 26 is Apple's last version for Intel Macs |
| ChromeOS Flex | Google's browser-centered system | No: it works like a Chromebook | Yes | Free | People who live in the browser with a Google account. Some Macs are on Google's certified list; on others, parts like the camera or sound may not work |
| Zorin OS | Ubuntu-based Linux with layouts that resemble Windows or macOS | Partly: the look is similar; ⌘ shortcuts and Mac drivers are up to you | Mostly | Core edition free; Pro is paid | People who want a comfortable, customizable general-purpose Linux |
| Plain Ubuntu | The system as it comes | No: you set it up by hand | Installing, yes; tuning it for a Mac, no (Broadcom Wi-Fi often needs a wired connection) | Free | People who already know Linux |
| Stay on the old macOS | Change nothing | Yes | Yes | Free | Very basic, short-term use: no security updates, and browsers stop working |
When Second Wind is NOT for you
- If you need Apple apps (Final Cut, Logic, iMessage, AirDrop) or apps that only exist for macOS: look at OpenCore Legacy Patcher.
- If your Mac has the Apple T2 chip (2018 and later) or Apple Silicon: not supported yet (the installer stops before erasing anything).
- If you cannot back up your files: Second Wind replaces macOS and erases the Mac.
Is Second Wind macOS?
No. It is Ubuntu 24.04 LTS set up to look and behave like a Mac. It contains no Apple software, logos or fonts.
How much does Second Wind cost?
Second Wind is free forever: the Mac look, the drivers, the app store and the updates. Mac Experience (the ⌘ keyboard shortcuts and the ⌘Space search) is free for 30 days and then costs US$10 once; it is not a subscription. Without Mac Experience the Mac still looks like a Mac.
Which is better for an old Mac, Second Wind or OpenCore Legacy Patcher?
It depends on what you need. OpenCore Legacy Patcher installs real macOS and keeps Apple's apps, but the process is technical and macOS 26 is Apple's last version for Intel Macs. Second Wind installs Ubuntu with a Mac feel, no terminal, drivers ready and security updates until 2029.
Which Macs work with Second Wind?
Intel Macs from 2013 to 2017: MacBook Air (tested end to end), MacBook Pro Retina and iMac from 2013 to 2015. MacBook Pro 2016-2017 is in development; Macs with the T2 chip and Apple Silicon are not supported.