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AAPL vs MSFT: Apple Inc. vs Microsoft Corporation Stock Comparison [2026]

AAPL vs MSFT — head-to-head comparison of Apple Inc. and Microsoft Corporation: P/E 0.00 vs 0.00, dividend 0.40% vs 0.65%, growth, risk, and which is the better buy by investor type.

By StockSignal24 AI··12 min read
AAPL vs MSFT: Apple Inc. vs Microsoft Corporation Stock Comparison [2026]
📊 Data as of July 5, 2026 · Refreshed weekly
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A head-to-head, data-driven comparison of AAPL (Apple Inc.) and MSFT (Microsoft Corporation) — covering valuation, growth, dividends, risk, and which one fits your portfolio. All metrics pulled from live market data.

If you're choosing between AAPL and MSFT, the answer depends on what kind of investor you are. Both are watched closely in the Technology sector, but they look different on almost every metric that matters: P/E, growth rate, dividend, balance-sheet quality, and volatility.

Below we break down the head-to-head numbers, name a winner on each dimension, and give a clear recommendation by investor type. Want to run this comparison live with charts and 50+ metrics? Use the free interactive AAPL vs MSFT comparison tool.

Apple Inc. (AAPL)

Technology · Consumer Electronics · NASDAQ

Apple Inc. designs, manufactures, and markets smartphones, personal computers, tablets, wearables, and accessories worldwide. The company offers iPhone, a line of smartphones; Mac, a line of personal computers; iPad, a line of multi-purpose tablets; and wearables, home, and accessories comprising AirPods, Apple TV, Apple Watch, Beats products, and HomePod. It also provides AppleCare support and cloud services; and operates various platforms, including the App Store that allow customers to discover and download applications and digital content, such as books, music, video, games, and podcasts, …

Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)

Technology · Software - Infrastructure · NASDAQ

Microsoft Corporation develops, licenses, and supports software, services, devices, and solutions worldwide. The company operates in three segments: Productivity and Business Processes, Intelligent Cloud, and More Personal Computing. The Productivity and Business Processes segment offers Office, Exchange, SharePoint, Microsoft Teams, Office 365 Security and Compliance, Microsoft Viva, and Skype for Business; Skype, Outlook.com, OneDrive, and LinkedIn; and Dynamics 365, a set of cloud-based and on-premises business solutions for organizations and enterprise divisions. The Intelligent Cloud segm…

Quick Verdict

Better for Growth
Tie
growth profiles are roughly comparable
Better for Value
Tie
both trade at similar earnings multiples
Better for Income
MSFT
0.65% yield vs the other name's lower payout
Better for Safety
Tie
risk profiles look similar
Editor's Take
By StockSignal24 Research · Reviewed May 7, 2026

Editor's Take: This isn't really an Apple-vs-Microsoft question. It's an AI-cycle-timing question.

The standard framing — Microsoft has the growth story because of Azure and AI, Apple is the buyback machine — has been right for the last 24 months. But that framing papers over the actual decision in front of you: do you believe AI demand keeps accelerating at current capex levels, or do you think we're 12–18 months from a reckoning that looks more like the 2000 telecom buildout?

Microsoft's cloud business is genuinely incredible, but it now requires $80B+ in annual capex to maintain growth — that's the cost of being the AI infrastructure layer. Apple is making the opposite bet: defer the AI race, milk the Services flywheel, return cash via dividends and buybacks. Both strategies can work, but they aren't the same kind of investment anymore.

If you think AI demand sustains, MSFT is the leverage play and the premium multiple is justified. If you think capex spending is about to compress, AAPL's lower-risk, cash-return-heavy profile looks safer. The decision is rarely made on P/E — it gets made on your view of where the AI cycle is. Most institutional books own both at roughly 50/50 weight and rebalance annually. That's not laziness; that's recognizing this isn't a one-or-the-other call.

How to Read This AAPL vs MSFT Comparison

Stock comparisons can be misleading if you focus on a single metric. A "cheaper" P/E doesn't automatically make a stock a better buy — slower-growing companies should trade at lower multiples. The right framework is to score each name on four independent dimensions and weight them according to your investing goal.

The Four-Dimension Framework

  • Growth — How fast is the business expanding? We look at year-over-year revenue and EPS growth. Faster growers earn premium multiples but carry execution risk.
  • Value — Are you paying a fair price? P/E, P/B, EV/EBITDA, and free cash flow yield tell you what the market is charging per dollar of business performance.
  • Income — Does the stock pay you to wait? Dividend yield, payout ratio, and dividend history matter for retirees, FIRE investors, and anyone funding ongoing expenses.
  • Safety — How much can you lose if things go wrong? Low beta, manageable debt-to-equity, and high ROE indicate a more durable business.

No single stock wins on all four. AAPL and MSFT likely each lead on at least one dimension. The "right" answer is the one that matches your portfolio gap — if you already own a basket of high-growth tech, the cheaper, lower-volatility name probably adds more diversification value than another momentum bet.

Side-by-Side Metrics: AAPL vs MSFT

Metric AAPL MSFT
Price $266.25 $487.50
Market Cap $3.93T $3.62T
P/E Ratio (lower is cheaper) 0.00 0.00
EPS $0.00 $0.00
Dividend Yield 0.40% 0.65%
Beta (volatility vs market) 1.11 1.06
ROE (higher is better) 0.00% 0.00%
Debt/Equity (lower is safer) 0.00 0.00
Revenue Growth (YoY) 6.43% 14.93%
EPS Growth (YoY) 22.59% 15.51%
52-Week High $277.32 $555.45
52-Week Low $169.21 $344.79
Sector Technology Technology

Which Stock Has Better Growth?

AAPL grew revenue 6.43% and EPS 22.59% year-over-year. MSFT grew revenue 14.93% and EPS 15.51%.

Roughly tied — growth profiles are roughly comparable.

Which Stock Is Cheaper on Valuation?

AAPL trades at a P/E of 0.00, while MSFT trades at 0.00. ROE for AAPL is 0.00% versus 0.00% for MSFT.

Roughly tied — both trade at similar earnings multiples.

Which Stock Pays More Income?

AAPL yields 0.40%; MSFT yields 0.65%.

MSFT wins — 0.65% yield vs the other name's lower payout.

Which Stock Is the Safer Bet?

AAPL has a beta of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.00. MSFT sits at beta 1.06 and D/E 0.00.

Roughly tied — risk profiles look similar.

Where AAPL and MSFT Sit in Their 52-Week Range

Price action over the last 12 months gives important context. A stock near its 52-week high has momentum on its side but limited room before profit-taking; one near its low may be a value opportunity or a structural problem.

  • AAPL currently trades at $266.25, near the upper end of its 52-week range — momentum is strong but the easy gains may be behind it (52-week range: $169.21–$277.32).
  • MSFT currently trades at $487.50, in the upper half of its 52-week range — established uptrend with room to run if fundamentals continue (52-week range: $344.79–$555.45).

Key Risks for AAPL and MSFT

Every stock has tail risks that the headline numbers don't capture. Here's what stands out from the available metrics:

  • AAPL: no obvious red flags in the headline metrics, but always read the most recent 10-K and earnings call before sizing a position.
  • MSFT: no obvious red flags in the headline metrics, but always read the most recent 10-K and earnings call before sizing a position.

This is a quick heuristic risk scan, not a full risk assessment. Always read the "Risk Factors" section of each company's most recent 10-K filing before investing.

AAPL vs MSFT — Best Pick by Investor Type

  • Long-term holder (10+ years): Lean toward either name works; durability and balance-sheet strength matter more than the next-quarter print.
  • Income / dividend-focused: MSFT — higher yield, but always check payout sustainability before chasing.
  • Aggressive growth: either name works — faster top-line and EPS expansion at the cost of richer multiples.
  • Value-oriented: either name works — paying less per dollar of earnings, with the trade-off of slower growth.

The Bottom Line: AAPL vs MSFT

On balance, MSFT wins on 1 of 4 dimensions, making it the slightly better all-around pick for a generalist investor.

If you're the kind of investor who hates picking, the easiest answer is to own both names in equal weight inside a sector basket and rebalance once a year. That way, you capture the winner without having to predict it, and you pay the lowest possible behavioral cost (no second-guessing, no FOMO).

If you must pick one, anchor on the dimension that fixes your biggest portfolio gap — not the one with the most exciting headline. Tilting toward defensive names when you already own three growth winners adds more risk-adjusted return than another momentum bet.

Metrics Glossary — What Each Number Means

If you're new to fundamental analysis, here's a plain-English reference for every metric in the table above:

  • P/E Ratio (Price-to-Earnings): Share price divided by earnings per share. Tells you how many years of current earnings the stock costs. Lower = cheaper, but slow growers should have lower P/Es.
  • EPS (Earnings Per Share): Net income divided by shares outstanding. The per-share slice of company profits.
  • Market Cap: Share price × shares outstanding. The market's total valuation of the company's equity.
  • Dividend Yield: Annual dividend per share ÷ current price, expressed as a percent. A 3% yield means you receive $3 per year for every $100 invested at today's price.
  • Beta: Volatility relative to the broader market (S&P 500 = 1.0). Beta of 1.5 means the stock historically moves 1.5× the market, both up and down.
  • ROE (Return on Equity): Net income ÷ shareholder equity. How efficiently the company turns equity capital into profit. Above 15% is generally considered high quality.
  • Debt-to-Equity: Total debt ÷ shareholder equity. Lower ratios mean less leverage and lower interest-rate risk.
  • Revenue Growth (YoY): Percentage change in revenue versus the year-ago period. The single best top-line health check.
  • EPS Growth (YoY): Same comparison but for earnings per share — captures both revenue growth and operating leverage.
  • 52-Week High / Low: The trailing 12-month price range. Useful for context on current price (e.g. a stock near its 52-week high is in an uptrend; near the low is in a downtrend or value zone).

Run a Live AAPL vs MSFT Comparison

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Frequently Asked Questions: Is AAPL

Is AAPL a better buy than MSFT in 2026?
It depends on your investment goal. For growth investors, Both AAPL and MSFT are roughly comparable on this dimension has the edge — AAPL grew revenue 6.43% versus 14.93% for MSFT. For value investors, Both AAPL and MSFT are roughly comparable on this dimension looks more attractive on earnings multiples (P/E 0.00 vs 0.00). For income, MSFT pays a higher yield (0.40% vs 0.65%). For safety, Both AAPL and MSFT are roughly comparable on this dimension has the more defensive profile (beta 1.11 vs 1.06).
What is the P/E ratio of AAPL vs MSFT?
AAPL trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 0.00, while MSFT trades at 0.00. A lower P/E means you pay less per dollar of current earnings — MSFT is the cheaper name on this metric. However, a higher P/E often reflects faster expected growth, so don't pick on P/E alone.
Does AAPL or MSFT pay a higher dividend?
AAPL currently yields 0.40% and MSFT yields 0.65%. MSFT pays the higher current yield. Always verify payout ratio and dividend history before treating yield as guaranteed income — a high yield can also be a warning sign of a falling share price.
Which stock is more volatile, AAPL or MSFT?
AAPL has a beta of 1.11 and MSFT has a beta of 1.06. A beta above 1.0 means the stock historically moves more than the broader market; below 1.0 means it moves less. AAPL has been the more volatile name based on historical price action.
What is the market cap of AAPL vs MSFT?
AAPL has a market capitalization of $3.93T and MSFT is at $3.62T. Market cap is share price multiplied by shares outstanding and reflects the total equity value the market assigns to the company.
Should I buy AAPL or MSFT for long-term investing?
For a long-term holder (10+ years), the safer-quality name usually wins because compounding requires durability. Both AAPL and MSFT are roughly comparable on this dimension screens better on safety metrics here: lower beta, more conservative debt levels, and stronger return on equity. That said, MSFT is growing faster, so a long-term investor may want both — or split allocation 60/40 toward the safer name.
Which has higher growth, AAPL or MSFT?
MSFT is the faster grower right now. AAPL grew revenue 6.43% year-over-year and EPS 22.59%; MSFT grew revenue 14.93% and EPS 15.51%. AAPL's slower growth often comes with a lower valuation — it's the classic growth-vs-value trade-off.
Is AAPL overvalued compared to MSFT?
AAPL trades at a higher P/E than MSFT, which can mean the market is pricing in faster expected growth. Whether that premium is justified depends on whether AAPL can actually deliver the implied earnings expansion. Cross-check P/E with PEG ratio (P/E ÷ growth rate) — a PEG under 1.5 is generally considered reasonable, over 2.0 starts to look stretched.
What sector are AAPL and MSFT in?
AAPL (Apple Inc.) operates in the Technology sector, specifically the Consumer Electronics industry. MSFT (Microsoft Corporation) is in the Technology sector, specifically the Software - Infrastructure industry. Because both are in the same sector, this is a true head-to-head comparison.
How do I decide between AAPL and MSFT?
Start with your goal. (1) If you need income, weight the higher-yield name. (2) If you want growth, weight the faster top-line and EPS grower. (3) If you want capital preservation, weight the lower-beta, lower-debt, higher-ROE name. (4) If you're unsure, the most common professional approach is to own both in a sector basket so you don't have to predict the winner — and rebalance annually.

Disclaimer: This comparison is generated from live market data for informational purposes only. It is not investment advice, a recommendation to buy or sell any security, or a substitute for the analysis of a licensed financial advisor. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Always read the most recent 10-K and consult a qualified professional before making investment decisions. StockSignal24 is not responsible for losses incurred from trading decisions made based on this content.

AAPL vs MSFTStock ComparisonAAPLMSFTTechnologyAAPL stockMSFT stock

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AAPL a better buy than MSFT in 2026?

It depends on your investment goal. For growth investors, Both AAPL and MSFT are roughly comparable on this dimension has the edge — AAPL grew revenue 6.43% versus 14.93% for MSFT. For value investors, Both AAPL and MSFT are roughly comparable on this dimension looks more attractive on earnings multiples (P/E 0.00 vs 0.00). For income, MSFT pays a higher yield (0.40% vs 0.65%). For safety, Both AAPL and MSFT are roughly comparable on this dimension has the more defensive profile (beta 1.11 vs 1.06).

What is the P/E ratio of AAPL vs MSFT?

AAPL trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 0.00, while MSFT trades at 0.00. A lower P/E means you pay less per dollar of current earnings — MSFT is the cheaper name on this metric. However, a higher P/E often reflects faster expected growth, so don't pick on P/E alone.

Does AAPL or MSFT pay a higher dividend?

AAPL currently yields 0.40% and MSFT yields 0.65%. MSFT pays the higher current yield. Always verify payout ratio and dividend history before treating yield as guaranteed income — a high yield can also be a warning sign of a falling share price.

Which stock is more volatile, AAPL or MSFT?

AAPL has a beta of 1.11 and MSFT has a beta of 1.06. A beta above 1.0 means the stock historically moves more than the broader market; below 1.0 means it moves less. AAPL has been the more volatile name based on historical price action.

What is the market cap of AAPL vs MSFT?

AAPL has a market capitalization of $3.93T and MSFT is at $3.62T. Market cap is share price multiplied by shares outstanding and reflects the total equity value the market assigns to the company.

Should I buy AAPL or MSFT for long-term investing?

For a long-term holder (10+ years), the safer-quality name usually wins because compounding requires durability. Both AAPL and MSFT are roughly comparable on this dimension screens better on safety metrics here: lower beta, more conservative debt levels, and stronger return on equity. That said, MSFT is growing faster, so a long-term investor may want both — or split allocation 60/40 toward the safer name.

Which has higher growth, AAPL or MSFT?

MSFT is the faster grower right now. AAPL grew revenue 6.43% year-over-year and EPS 22.59%; MSFT grew revenue 14.93% and EPS 15.51%. AAPL's slower growth often comes with a lower valuation — it's the classic growth-vs-value trade-off.

Is AAPL overvalued compared to MSFT?

AAPL trades at a higher P/E than MSFT, which can mean the market is pricing in faster expected growth. Whether that premium is justified depends on whether AAPL can actually deliver the implied earnings expansion. Cross-check P/E with PEG ratio (P/E ÷ growth rate) — a PEG under 1.5 is generally considered reasonable, over 2.0 starts to look stretched.

What sector are AAPL and MSFT in?

AAPL (Apple Inc.) operates in the Technology sector, specifically the Consumer Electronics industry. MSFT (Microsoft Corporation) is in the Technology sector, specifically the Software - Infrastructure industry. Because both are in the same sector, this is a true head-to-head comparison.

How do I decide between AAPL and MSFT?

Start with your goal. (1) If you need income, weight the higher-yield name. (2) If you want growth, weight the faster top-line and EPS grower. (3) If you want capital preservation, weight the lower-beta, lower-debt, higher-ROE name. (4) If you're unsure, the most common professional approach is to own both in a sector basket so you don't have to predict the winner — and rebalance annually.

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