As we usher in the new year, tech enthusiasts are buzzing about the latest MacBook releases, including the stunning new MacBook Air. If you're a fan of the MacBook concept but are deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem, it's time to explore alternatives that can meet your needs without sacrificing the sleek and powerful experience you crave. Let's dive into the top MacBook alternatives, starting with my top overall pick, the Asus Zenbook S 16.
TL;DR - The Best MacBook Alternatives:
Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16
4See it at Best Buy
### Acer Swift Go 16
2See it at Acer
### Asus Zenbook S 14
1See it at AsusSee it at Best Buy
### Asus TUF Gaming A14
0See it at AmazonSee it at Best BuySee it at Asus
### Microsoft Surface Pro 11
0See it at AmazonSee it at Microsoft
A laptop that aims to be a MacBook alternative must set a high standard. Key qualities include being lightweight, ultra-portable, powerful, equipped with a high-quality screen, and boasting a battery life that lasts a full workday. My selection of laptops for this list is based on extensive reviews over the past year, focusing on those that best meet these criteria to serve as true MacBook replacements. Whether you're looking to replace the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air, or need a 2-in-1 for creative applications, I've got you covered.
Asus Zenbook S 16
The Best MacBook Alternative
Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16
2The Asus Zenbook S 16 stands out as an exceptional Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. It's easy to carry and a delight to use, making it the perfect choice for those who need a laptop that combines portability with power.
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Product SpecificationsDisplay16" (2880 x 1800)CPUAMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370GPUAMD Radeon 890MRAM32GB LPDDR5XStorage1TB PCIe SSDWeight3.31 poundsSize13.92" x 9.57" x 0.47" - 0.51"Battery lifeAround 15 hoursPROSThin, light, and exceptionally portableHigh performance while still offering great battery lifeStunning 3K OLED touchscreenSurprising gaming performance CONSCan get hotThe Asus Zenbook S 16 is the top alternative to the Apple MacBook Pro, particularly if you're in the market for a larger screen. It's incredibly thin and light yet packs a punch with its processing power, making it ideal for productivity and demanding creative tasks like 4K video editing. Its design is not only functional but also visually stunning, featuring Asus's new Ceraluminum lid—a blend of ceramic and aluminum that offers durability and a fingerprint-resistant finish. The attention to detail is evident in the thousands of tiny milled holes in the ventilation area above the keyboard, adding a touch of luxury.
Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, this laptop offers top-tier performance with 12 cores and 24 threads, reaching a maximum clock speed of 5.1GHz. This processor is also found in high-end Windows gaming handhelds, hinting at its gaming capabilities. While it doesn't match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, the Zenbook S 16 still delivers impressive battery life, lasting around 15 hours at 50-60% screen brightness—enough for a full day's work.
Connectivity is another strong suit, with dual USB Type-C ports, a full-size USB Type-A, an SD card reader, a headphone jack, and an HDMI-out port. The laptop's 500-nit OLED display with a 2.8K resolution (2880x1880) supports multi-touch, offering a dynamic refresh rate between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth visuals and efficient battery use.
The only potential downside is its tendency to run hot, but this is mitigated when used on a desk. Overall, the Asus Zenbook S 16 is a fantastic choice for those seeking a MacBook Pro alternative.
Acer Swift Go 16 OLED
Best Budget MacBook Alternative
### Acer Swift Go 16
0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers a high-resolution screen, great battery life, and a slim, lightweight design, all at a budget-friendly price.
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Product SpecificationsDisplay16" (3200 x 2000), OLED multitouchCPUIntel Core Ultra 5 125HGPUIntel ArcRAM8GBStorage512GBWeight3.53 poundsDimensions14.02" x 0.59" x 9.55" PROSHigh resolution OLED displayThin, light, and portable Great battery lifeCONSLimited memory and storagePriced well under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an affordable alternative to the MacBook Air. At just 3.53lbs, it's easy to carry, and its 16-inch screen boasts an impressive 3200x2000 resolution, delivering stunning visuals that are surprising at this price point.
Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, this laptop handles day-to-day productivity and light creative work effectively. It includes a neural processing unit (NPU) for enhanced AI functionality, supporting Microsoft Copilot. However, its budget pricing reflects its 8GB of memory and 512GB of storage, which might limit multitasking and performance for more demanding tasks like video editing. For users focused on single applications and appreciating a high-quality screen and portability, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an excellent choice.
Asus Zenbook S 14 – Photos
13 Images
3. Asus Zenbook S 14
Best MacBook Air Alternative
### Asus Zenbook S 14
1The Asus Zenbook S 14 is an outstanding alternative to the MacBook Air, offering superior performance, a stunning screen, multi-day battery life, and an elegant design.
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Product SpecificationsDisplay14" (2880 x 1800)CPUIntel Core Ultra 7 258VGPUIntel ArcRAM32GB LPDDR5XStorage1TB PCIe SSDWeight2.65 poundsSize12.22" x 8.45" x 0.51"Battery life15+ hoursPROSThinner, lighter, and more powerfulGreat battery lifeImproved gaming performanceGorgeous OLED touchscreenCONSNo microSD card readerThe Asus Zenbook S 14 is an excellent choice for those looking to replace the MacBook Air. While sharing many similarities with the larger Zenbook S 16, the S 14 differentiates itself with its Intel Core Ultra processor, which offers high performance and surprisingly good gaming capabilities. It's lightweight at around 2.5lbs and less than half an inch thick, making it incredibly portable.
The laptop's 14-inch screen, with a 2.8K OLED display (2880x1880) reaching up to 500 nits, is perfect for HDR gaming and creative work. Its battery life is exceptional, lasting over 15 hours, which is ideal for those on the go. The Zenbook S 14 is a compelling MacBook Air alternative, offering powerful performance at a reasonable price.
Asus TUF Gaming A14 – Photos
10 Images
4. Asus TUF Gaming A14
Best MacBook Pro 14 Alternative
Product SpecificationsDisplay14” (2560 x 1600) IPSCPUAMD Ryzen 7 8845HS to AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370GPUNvidia RTX 4060RAM16GB to 32GB (7500MHz)Storage1TBWeight3.2 poundsDimensions12.24" x 8.94" x 0.67" – 0.78"PROSImpressive battery lifeQuiet, efficient coolingCONSExpensive
The Asus TUF Gaming A14 is the ideal MacBook Pro 14 replacement, offering a compact, powerful, and quiet design with impressive battery life. It's lighter than the MacBook Pro 14 at just 3.2lbs, and its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU is perfect for gaming.
Available in three configurations, you can choose between the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, with RAM options of 16GB or 32GB. The entry-level model with the Ryzen 7 8845HS offers excellent performance, often outpacing Apple's M3 in multicore tasks. While the cooling system is quieter than most gaming laptops, the higher-end model with the HX 370 processor promises even better performance.
Battery life is commendable, lasting around 10 hours on the processor alone, and can be extended with Advanced Optimus technology. The only drawback is the pricing, with the top-tier model reaching $1,699. However, for those committed to Windows without compromising on performance or portability, the Asus TUF Gaming A14 is an excellent choice.
Microsoft Surface Pro 11
Best 2-in-1 MacBook Alternative
### Microsoft Surface Pro 11
0The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an excellent 2-in-1 option, particularly for creatives, with enough power and efficiency to serve as a versatile daily driver.
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Product SpecificationsDisplay13-inch OLED or LCD touchscreen (2,880 x 1,920)CPUSnapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X EliteGPUIntegratedRAMUp to 64GBStorageUp to 1TB (expandable)Weight1.97 poundsDimensions11.3” x 8.2” x 0.37”PROSOLED display is excellentVery portable and easy to carry through the daySnappy performance Great accessories (including the Surface Pen)CONSSingle-day batteryApp compatibility is still expanding (though is fairly extensive already)For creative professionals, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 offers the versatility of a 2-in-1 device, similar to the MacBook but in a more flexible form factor. Powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, it provides efficient performance for creative applications like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro. Its battery life lasts around 10 hours, suitable for a full day's work, with fast charging capabilities.
The Surface Pro 11 is a powerhouse, configurable with up to 64GB of RAM and 1TB of expandable storage. The OLED or LCD display options offer crisp visuals, ideal for both productivity and entertainment. However, app compatibility remains a consideration, as the Snapdragon processors may not support all software out of the box, though the compatible app library is growing.
How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative
Navigating the vast array of MacBook alternatives requires careful consideration of several key factors to ensure you find a laptop that meets your needs:
Processor: Opt for processors with at least six cores, ideally eight, for robust performance. Aim for high clock speeds, such as those found in Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors, and avoid models more than a generation old unless your needs are basic.
Memory: A minimum of 16GB of memory is recommended to ensure smooth multitasking and longevity. While 8GB might suffice for basic tasks, it's considered the bare minimum today.
Storage: Depending on your usage, 256GB may be enough if you rely on cloud storage. However, for local file storage, particularly for large files like videos or games, 512GB or 1TB is preferable.
Display: Aim for at least a 1080p resolution. Higher resolutions enhance visual quality but may impact performance during video editing or gaming. OLED displays offer superior picture quality but require care to prevent burn-in.
Form Factor: Consider the weight and size of the laptop, as even a slight increase can be noticeable. Also, think about whether a touchscreen or 2-in-1 functionality is necessary for your needs.
Macbook Alternatives FAQ
What is the best M3 and M4 competitor?
Apple's M3 and M4 chips are renowned for their efficiency and power. While Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series CPUs offer high performance, Apple still leads in efficiency and battery life.
Are MacBooks good for gaming?
MacBooks can run many games, but the selection and optimization of titles are limited compared to Windows gaming laptops. If gaming is a priority, a Windows laptop is the better choice.
Is a MacBook better than PC?
The choice between a MacBook and a PC depends on your needs and preferences. MacBooks are favored in creative fields for their efficiency and specific software availability, while PCs offer a broader software ecosystem, especially for gaming.
