HP Overtakes Apple as the Most Preferred PC in 2025 Survey; Microsoft and Acer See Declines
The 2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) reveals a shakeup in PC brand rankings. HP overtakes Apple as the top-rated brand, while Microsoft and Acer Laptop saw notable declines.
HP Overtakes Apple as Most Preferred PC Brand in 2025
HP has surged ahead of Apple to claim the title of most preferred PC maker in the 2025 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI)—even as overall satisfaction with personal computers takes a slight dip
A Little Slump Across the Board
ACSI conducted 16,205 completed surveys, gathering insights on expectations, perceived quality, and value across major PC makers. While overall satisfaction with PCs held steady at 81/100, individual brand scores reveal sharp shifts. HP edged up to 83, surpassing Apple, which slid from 85 to 82, placing it in a tie with Dell. Dell also scored 82, with Microsoft, Acer, and Asus Laptops are falling behind.
| Brand | 2024 | 2025 | Change | Key Takeaway |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HP | 82 | 83 | ▲ +1 | Now #1, praised for reliability and variety |
| Apple | 85 | 82 | ▼ -3 | Drop tied to higher cost and limited options |
| Dell | 81 | 82 | ▲ +1 | Steady growth, balanced consumer and business lineup |
| Microsoft (Surface) | 82 | 80 | ▼ -2 | Premium build, but support and pricing issues |
| Acer | 81 | 79 | ▼ -2 | Affordable, but users cite durability concerns |
| Asus | 80 | 79 | ▼ -1 | Innovation strong, service weaker |
What Makes HP Stand Out
Consumers credited HP’s solid build quality, broad product lineup, and value across consumer and business segments for its rise. Its varied offerings—from budget-friendly Chromebooks to premium Spectre and Envy systems—help appeal to a wider audience.
Device Type Insights
Desktop users reported the highest satisfaction at 84, up from 82 last year. Laptop satisfaction remained steady at 81, while tablet satisfaction fell—dropping from 81 to 77.
| Device Type | 2024 | 2025 | Change | What It Means |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Desktops | 82 | 84 | ▲ +2 | Most reliable, best satisfaction |
| Laptops | 81 | 81 | — | Still the most common, steady performance |
| Tablets | 81 | 77 | ▼ -4 | Big decline, users unhappy with performance/value |
Where Satisfaction Faltered
Across all brands, the biggest pain point remains customer support. ACSI found “call-center satisfaction” to be the lowest-performing area. Other consistent issues included system reliability and feature availability, such as preventing crashes and useful bundled software.
Key Takeaways for Buyers
- HP is the top performer in 2025, offering strong reliability and better value.
- Apple still leads in design, but satisfaction slipped due to pricing.
- Dell is rising and remains a safe option for both personal and business needs.
- Microsoft Surface, Acer, and Asus face challenges with durability, support, or pricing.
- Desktops score highest in satisfaction, while tablets saw the steepest decline.
What This Means for You
If you’re shopping for a PC, these results suggest that value and support matter just as much as specs. HP’s rise indicates that solid design and accessibility across price tiers can sway user satisfaction. Brands like Apple and Dell remain strong, but the margin is narrow—and getting support post-sale may weigh heavily on long-term satisfaction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
Why did HP overtake Apple in the 2025 PC satisfaction survey?
HP gained the top spot thanks to stronger reliability, broader product options, and competitive pricing. Apple slipped as customers cited higher costs and limited configurations.
Which PC brand had the biggest decline in 2025?
Acer and Microsoft saw the sharpest declines. Acer struggled with durability concerns, while Microsoft’s Surface line was impacted by pricing and support issues.
Are desktops or laptops more satisfying for consumers in 2025?
Desktops scored the highest at 84 points. Laptops remained steady at 81, while tablets dropped sharply to 77, reflecting user frustration with performance and value.