macOS Big Sur and macOS Sonoma are both operating systems developed by Apple for Mac computers. Sonoma, being the newer release, brings more advanced capabilities compared to Big Sur, such as customizable desktop widgets and Game Mode. Importantly, Sonoma continues to receive critical security patches from Apple, whereas Big Sur stopped being supported in 2023, marking its end of life.

Overview of macOS Big Sur and Sonoma

Launched in 2020, macOS Big Sur (version 11) marked the 17th major iteration of the Mac operating system. Notable upgrades included a redesigned Time Machine and the debut of the Control Centre. It was also the first macOS version built to run on Apple’s custom ARM-based chips—Apple Silicon. Following Big Sur, Apple released macOS Monterey, then Ventura, and later introduced Sonoma, Sequoia, and Tahoe.

macOS Sonoma (version 14), the 20th major release, arrived in 2023 as the successor to macOS Ventura. A standout feature of Sonoma is the ability to place interactive widgets directly on the desktop. The lock screen received a visual refresh, and Apple added Game Mode, which optimizes CPU and GPU performance when running games. Sonoma has since been succeeded by macOS Sequoia.

1. Performance and stability

The overall performance of either macOS version depends heavily on your Mac's hardware and usage patterns. Key factors include:

• The age of your Mac.
• Whether you’ve increased your RAM capacity.
• Available storage space.
• The types of applications you use regularly.

With both Big Sur and Sonoma, user experiences vary—some report slower performance after updating, while others notice speed improvements. This inconsistency can stem from post-update background tasks like Spotlight reindexing or software bugs. As long as your device meets the minimum requirements for macOS Sonoma, upgrading is generally recommended.

2. Battery life and energy efficiency

Big Sur replaced the older Energy Saver settings with a dedicated Battery section in System Settings, offering detailed insights into battery health and usage trends on MacBooks.

However, some users have reported faster-than-usual battery drain after upgrading to either Big Sur or Sonoma. If you're experiencing ongoing power issues, it’s wise to check which apps or processes are consuming energy in the background.

3. App compatibility and developer support

App support differs between the two OS versions, especially regarding processor architecture.

Big Sur compatibility highlights:

• First macOS version designed for Apple Silicon Macs.
• Included Rosetta 2 translation layer to run Intel-based apps on M1-powered devices.
• Provided developers with tools to transition their apps from Intel to Apple Silicon.

Sonoma compatibility highlights:

• Supports both Intel and Apple Silicon Macs.
• Introduced the Game Porting Toolkit, helping developers bring Windows games to macOS.

4. User interface and design

Apple positioned Big Sur as the most significant visual overhaul since Mac OS X, while Sonoma focused on refining that foundation rather than reinventing it.

Key UI changes in Big Sur:

• Widespread use of transparency effects.
• Redesigned Dock and Menu Bar with softer edges.
• Introduction of the Control Center, borrowed from iOS.

Sonoma enhances Big Sur’s design language:

• Full customization options for widget appearance and placement.
• Clicking the desktop now hides all open windows.
• Further polish to icons and interface animations.

5. New and improved features

Each OS brought notable enhancements tailored to modern computing needs.

Big Sur innovations:

• Control Center for quick access to brightness, audio, Wi-Fi, and media controls.
• Ability to run iPhone and iPad apps natively on Apple Silicon Macs.
• Upgraded Safari, Messages, and Maps with new functionality.

Features introduced in Sonoma:

• Interactive widgets placed directly on the desktop.
• Enhanced screen sharing during FaceTime and other video calls.
• Additional improvements to Safari and Messages.
• Launch of Game Mode for optimized gaming performance.

6. Gaming and graphics performance

While Macs aren’t traditionally seen as gaming machines, Apple has steadily improved gaming support.

Gaming in Big Sur:

• Revamped Game Center for multiplayer coordination.
• Access to thousands of mobile games via iOS app compatibility.
• Better integration for game controllers.
• Social features for connecting with other players.

Advancements in Sonoma:

• Game Mode automatically prioritizes system resources when playing supported titles, boosting frame rates and responsiveness.
• Game Porting Toolkit simplifies porting PC games to macOS.
• Overall better graphics performance, especially on Apple Silicon models.

7. Privacy and security enhancements

Security remains a top priority across all macOS versions.

Privacy features in Big Sur:

• Privacy Report showing trackers blocked in Safari.
• Password monitoring for data breaches.
• Greater transparency over app data access.
• Implementation of Signed System Volume (SSV), enhancing system integrity.

Privacy features in Sonoma:

• Lockdown Mode: an extreme protection setting for users at risk of targeted cyberattacks.
• Safari now offers auto-locking private browsing windows when you step away from your Mac.

8. Device compatibility and usage scenarios

Supported Mac models differ significantly between Big Sur and Sonoma.

Macs compatible with Big Sur:

• MacBook (2015 and newer)
• MacBook Air (2013 and later)
• MacBook Pro (Late 2013 and later)
• Mac mini (2014 and later)
• iMac (2014 and later)
• iMac Pro (2017 and later)
• Mac Pro (2013 and later)

Macs that support macOS Sonoma:

• iMac (2019 and later)
• iMac Pro (2017)
• MacBook Air (2018 and later)
• MacBook Pro (2018 and later)
• Mac Mini (2018 and later)
• Mac Pro (2019 and later)
• Mac Studio (all models)

Performance will naturally vary based on your hardware configuration and workload. Machines equipped with discrete GPUs tend to deliver stronger gaming results, even if they’re older models.

Ensure you have sufficient free storage before installing any macOS update. For details, refer to guides on how much disk space macOS requires.

9. Integration with Apple ecosystem

Apple continues strengthening seamless interactions between its devices.

Big Sur ecosystem features:

• Run iPhone and iPad apps directly on Mac.
• Smart Folders organize favorite Apple Watch recordings.
• Share navigation routes from Mac Maps to iPhone seamlessly.

Sonoma expands on these integrations:

• Create personalized stickers in Messages using photos or Memoji.
• Smarter dictation with punctuation prediction.
• Context-aware predictive text across apps.

Which is better: Big Sur or Sonoma?

macOS Sonoma clearly outperforms Big Sur in terms of features, interface refinement, and security updates. If your Mac struggles with Sonoma, consider stepping back to macOS Ventura or Monterey—but only if necessary. Ideally, always run the latest macOS version your device supports to benefit from new tools and extended security coverage.

Do what’s best for your Mac

So, Big Sur vs Sonoma—which should you choose? Given the generational gap and multiple intervening macOS releases, there’s little reason today to stick with Big Sur. While Big Sur was a groundbreaking release, Apple has made substantial advancements since. To understand the evolution further, explore our comparison of Ventura vs Sonoma.

If you notice sluggishness after upgrading to Sonoma or another recent macOS version, try MacKeeper’s Safe Cleanup tool for a fast performance boost. MacKeeper, developed by Clario Tech, is an Apple-notarized application designed to clean, secure, and optimize your Mac quickly. Try it today.

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