MacinCloud vs. OakHost - Comparing Mac Cloud Hosting Services

A Detailed Breakdown

Let's break down the key differences between OakHost and MacinCloud to help you decide which service is right for you.

Speed and Connection: High-Speed Needs vs. Casual Browsing

First, let’s talk speed. If you’re managing large files or testing heavy-duty apps, network speed can make a huge difference in your workflow. OakHost offers a 1 Gbit/s connection by default, with some plans scaling up to 10 Gbit/s. This kind of bandwidth is ideal if you’re dealing with data-heavy tasks or just need the lowest latency possible.

On the other hand, MacinCloud give you a 100 Mbit/s connection, upgradable to 1 Gbit/s. While that’s sufficient for most everyday tasks, power users might notice the difference. If lightning-fast connectivity is essential for your work, OakHost is the standout option.

Dedicated Hardware vs. Virtual Machines

One of the biggest questions in choosing a Mac hosting service is whether you want a dedicated machine or a virtual environment. OakHost puts you in control of a dedicated physical Mac mini, meaning you get all the resources of a single machine to yourself. This setup can be invaluable for intensive applications or performance-sensitive tasks.

By contrast, MacinCloud Dedicated offers a virtual machine (VM) on a Mac server. While this setup does give you isolated resources, it’s virtual rather than physical. If you’re looking for the middle ground between full dedication and a shared environment, this option could fit the bill. MacinCloud Managed, meanwhile, is the most economical choice, giving you access to a shared Mac mini—great if you just need access for lighter tasks without the need for dedicated hardware.

Unlimited Access or Daily Quotas?

If you’re planning to be on your Mac server round-the-clock, OakHost and MacinCloud Dedicated both offer unrestricted access, meaning you can log in any time without worrying about usage limits. However, MacinCloud Managed comes with a daily usage quota, with optional usage upgrades. This allows you to manage your costs more effectively if you only need occasional access.

Hardware Architecture: Apple silicon or Intel?

The type of processor you get can affect performance, especially with Apple’s new M-Series chips offering impressive speed and efficiency for optimized software. OakHost uses Apple silicon M-Series, which makes it an ideal choice if you’re working with newer applications that are optimized for Apple’s Arm architecture.

MacinCloud Dedicated is based on Intel’s Legacy architecture. This could actually be a plus if you’re running software that isn’t yet compatible with Apple silicon, but support for Intel-based macOS versions will not carry on forever, and performance isn't up to par with Apple silicon. MacinCloud Managed allows you to choose between Apple silicon and Intel during checkout, giving you the flexibility to work with either architecture on shared resources.

System Access and Control

Another key consideration is how much control you need over the system. With OakHost Dedicated and MacinCloud Dedicated, you get full system access, so you’re free to make system-wide changes, install any software you need. One perk exclusive to OakHost is the ability to access Recovery Mode in case something goes wrong using their Web KVM feature.

In contrast, MacinCloud Managed limits you to user-level access only. If you don’t need deep control over the system, this plan could work well, but power users may find it restrictive. Keep in mind that you may need to open a support ticket if you need specific applications installed.

Remote Desktop Options: Flexibility in Access

When it comes to remote access, each provider has slightly different options:

• OakHost supports Screen Sharing/VNC and Web KVM, giving you plenty of flexibility for how you want to connect. With the Web KVM option, you can get direct access to the display of the Mac using your browser. This allows debugging any connection or system issues with ease, even when booted into Recovery Mode.
• MacinCloud Dedicated includes Screen Sharing/VNC by default, with a paid upgrade for RDP (Remote Desktop Protocol) if that’s your preferred tool.
• MacinCloud Managed is limited to RDP only, which can be adequate for most remote access needs but may feel limited for those who prefer other methods.

Keep in mind that both OakHost and MacinCloud Dedicated allow the installation of Third-Party remote access software to further expand options. MacinCloud Managed does not offer this option.

Data Center Locations and Pricing

Your location or your audience’s location can also factor into your choice. OakHost Macs are located in an ISO/IEC 27001 certified data center Germany, which can reduce latency for European users. MacinCloud offers global data center options, making them convenient for users who need proximity to other regions.

When it comes to price, OakHost has a straight-forward pricing model which starts out a bit higher than MacinCloud, but offers more features right out of the box. When comparing CPU, RAM, disk space and networking, OakHost is more affordable than MacinCloud Dedicated.

Given the shared nature of MacinCloud Managed where each user gets a separate account on one Mac with shared resouces, this plan offers the most affordable option for users that don't have high performance requirements and get by without administrative permissions.

Which Service Should You Choose?

As with everything in life, it comes down to personal preference and requirements. Each service has its strengths, and the best choice depends on what you value most:

• For high-speed and full access and a dedicated machine with Apple Silicon power, OakHost is the best alternative to MacinCloud. It’s ideal for developers or professionals who need robust performance and full system control without compromise.
• If you need a dedicated virtual environment for a legacy application that requires the Intel architecture, or if you need low latency outside of Europe, MacinCloud Dedicated is a solid choice.
• If you’re a casual user or on a budget, MacinCloud Managed provides a shared Mac environment with just enough access for lighter tasks, at a more affordable price.