It’s been 20 years since macOS X first arrived. Since then, there have been 15 different versions of OS X. Some were revolutionary, while others have stayed the course.

Of course, the question for almost any Mac user is which version of OS X is best. Most machines are compatible with several versions, so you can choose.

Many people wonder about High Sierra vs Mojave. Mojave is the second-most recent version of OS X, and the last one to have support for 32-bit apps. High Sierra is the version before that, which builds on Sierra.

So, which is better? This guide will help you compare the two.

Many Mac users who are attempting to download macOS High Sierra from the Mac App Store will find that a small 19 MB version of “Install macOS High Sierra.app” downloads to the /Applications folder of the target Mac, rather than the complete 5.2 GB Installer application for macOS High Sierra. This is annoying because it prevents a single. Install macOS High Sierra to your non-startup drive Launch the Installer from the Applications folder and press Continue. Change the target drive for installation. MacOS will offer you startup drive by default so you need to click Show All Disks button and choose your non-startup disk volume.

High Sierra vs Mojave

When it comes to macOS versions, Mojave and High Sierra are very comparable. The two have a lot in common, unlike Mojave and the more recent Catalina.

Like other updates to OS X, Mojave builds on what its predecessors have done. It refines Dark Mode, taking it further than High Sierra did. It also refines the Apple File System, or APFS, that Apple introduced with High Sierra.

APFS replaces the old Hierarchical File System (HFS+). It changes the way your computer organizes data. Apple had introduced it to mobile devices since it can help save space.

It also makes the process of copying files faster, among other things. True APFS functionality for fusion drives didn’t arrive until Mojave rolled out, though.

Another key difference between the two versions is support for 32-bit apps. With Mojave, Apple said they were no longer supporting 32-bit apps without compromise.

So, while a 32-bit app will still run on Mojave, it might act a bit strange. Functionality may be reduced or you may notice the app crashes a lot.

Still, Mojave will run 32-bit apps, unlike Catalina. If you want to keep running 32-bit apps without issue, though, High Sierra is your best bet. It supports 32-bit apps fully.

More Compatibility With iOS

Mojave continued the trend toward “iPadification.” More iOS apps made their way to macOS, as well as features.

High Sierra, for example, allows your Messages history to be kept in sync across devices. Mojave introduced a feature that allows you to choose your iPhone as a method of “content capture” while you’re working on your Mac.

Some iOS apps, like News, made their way to macOS with Mojave. If you’re using an older version of the OS, these apps won’t be available to you.

A True Dark Mode With Mojave

Dark Mode was first introduced in macOS El Capitan. Sierra called it “Night Shift.” High Sierra also included a Dark Mode, but users were less than impressed.

If you’re using Sierra or High Sierra, you can get more info about how to use Night Shift.

In High Sierra, the best you can get is a “dark” menu bar. Almost everything else remains bright. Even some of Apple’s own software defies dark mode and remains bright on the screen.

Mojave fixes this issue. Dark Mode now applies to every feature of every app, across the system. It’s truly a dark mode.

Many users like dark mode because it reduces eye strain. It’s particularly helpful for anyone who does a lot of work late at night or in a darkened room. Many users are familiar with dark mode from mobile apps, so they’ll be happy to see this option available.

Finder and Desktop Stacks

Other changes between High Sierra and macOS Mojave have to do with your desktop and the Finder. These features could help you stay a little more organized.

macOS Sierra had introduced Share Desktops, while Mojave introduces Desktop Stacks.

Mojave groups files, folders, and photos you drag onto your desktop. You’ll no longer need to hunt for a particular document. Instead, you can click on the relevant stack to see a list of files of that type.

Mojave also makes changes to Finder. It combines Quick Look and the Markup tools that first appeared back in 2014. You can now make changes to documents without even opening them.

Mojave also introduced Gallery View to Finder. It also makes screenshots work similar to iOS.

Which Is Better?

Mojave has some distinct advantages over High Sierra, but which one is really better? Choosing between macOS Mojave vs High Sierra depends on what you want to do with your Mac.

If you have a fusion drive, then Mojave is almost certainly the better bet for you. The refinements to APFS translate into a speedier computer and help you free up space.

If you’re a fan of dark mode, then you may well want to upgrade to Mojave. If you’re an iPhone or iPad user, then you may want to consider Mojave for the increased compatibility with iOS.

Install High Sierra Mac Pro 3.1

If you plan to run a lot of older programs that don’t have 64-bit versions, then High Sierra is probably the right choice. If you’re not concerned with integration between your iPhone and your Mac, then High Sierra could be the right choice.

Is Your Computer Compatible?

Before you decide to install either High Sierra or Mojave, you should make sure your computer is compatible.

Mojave will run on most Mac computers newer than 2012, with a few exceptions. MacBooks will need to be 2015 or newer, while iMac Pro computers will need to be 2017 or newer.

Mac Pro models from late 2013, mid-2012, and mid-2010 will also run Mojave. Most Macs from 2009 or 2010 will run High Sierra.

Get the Most out of Your Mac

If you’re not ready to make the leap to macOS Catalina, then Mojave or High Sierra could be the right choice. The winner of High Sierra vs Mojave depends on what features you want to see in your operating system.

As Apple keeps upgrading its OS, it’s bringing more apps to desktop platforms. Wondering if it’s a good idea to invest in a mobile app for your business? Discover how this and other tech can help you grow.

Install High Sierra Mac

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