Apple Inc.
Large (~164,000)
✨ AI-generated
Microsoft Corporation
Large (~220,000)
✨ AI-generated
Best For
Apple Inc.
Best for: Engineers and designers passionate about building world-class products with relentless attention to detail and aesthetic excellence.
Microsoft Corporation
Best for: Engineers and technologists seeking a stable, innovative tech giant with strong learning opportunities and competitive compensation.
Ratings
Apple Inc.Microsoft Corporation
3.8
4.1
Overall
3.2
3.6
Work-Life Balance
4.1
4.0
Culture & Values
4.3
4.2
Comp & Benefits
3.6
3.8
Senior Mgmt
3.7
4.1
Career Opps
👍 72% Recommend
👤 82% CEO Approval (Tim Cook)
👍 78% Recommend
👤 82% CEO Approval (Satya Nadella)
Culture Values
Apple Inc. only
🎧 Deep Work / Low Meetings
Microsoft Corporation only
🌱 Learning & Growth🌈 Diverse & Inclusive
Shared
⚙️ Engineering-Driven🎯 Direct Product Impact🤖 Ethical AI / Safety💜 Mission-Driven
Pros & Cons
Apple Inc.
- Exceptional compensation and benefits packages for top talent
- Uncompromising focus on product quality and user experience
- Demanding work environment with long hours expected during product launches
- Hierarchical structure can limit autonomy for individual contributors
Microsoft Corporation
- Exceptional compensation and benefits package including generous stock equity
- Strong focus on professional development and upskilling through internal training programs
- Large bureaucratic structure can slow decision-making and innovation velocity
- Internal competition between divisions can create siloed teams and politics
Bottom Line
Apple Inc.
Choose Apple if you want product-obsessed culture and top compensation — but expect intense work demands and limited work-life balance.
Microsoft Corporation
Choose Microsoft if you want growth, strong benefits, and work on impactful products — but expect bureaucracy and competitive internal dynamics.
Summary
Apple Inc. scores 3.8/5.0 on Glassdoor with a 3.2 work-life balance rating. Microsoft Corporation scores 4.1/5.0 overall with a 3.6 WLB. That’s a 0.3-point gap on overall satisfaction.
Both companies share these culture values: Engineering-Driven, Direct Product Impact, Ethical AI / Safety, Mission-Driven. Apple Inc. also emphasizes Deep Work / Low Meetings. Microsoft Corporation also emphasizes Learning & Growth, Diverse & Inclusive.