As we usher in the new year, tech enthusiasts are abuzz with the release of the sleek new MacBook Air. However, if you're deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem and hesitant to switch, fear not! There are excellent alternatives to the MacBook that cater to your needs. My top recommendation? The Asus Zenbook S 16, which stands out as a premier choice for those seeking a MacBook alternative.
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
Choosing a laptop to rival the MacBook is no small feat. It must be lightweight, highly portable, powerful, equipped with a stellar screen, and boast a battery life that lasts a full workday. Drawing from my extensive reviews over the past year, I've curated a list of laptops that meet these criteria and serve as worthy MacBook alternatives, whether you're looking to replace the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or need a versatile 2-in-1 for creative work.
Asus Zenbook S 16
The Best MacBook Alternative
Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16
2The Asus Zenbook S 16 emerges as a stellar Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. It's incredibly easy to carry and a delight to use, making it the top choice for those seeking a larger screen without sacrificing portability or performance.
See it at Best BuySee it at AsusProduct 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 hot
The Asus Zenbook S 16 is the ultimate MacBook Pro alternative, especially for those who need a larger screen. Its slim and lightweight design belies its powerful performance, making it ideal for productivity and demanding creative tasks like 4K video editing. The laptop's aesthetic appeal is undeniable, featuring a stunning 3K OLED touchscreen that enhances every visual experience.
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. While it may not match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, it still delivers impressive battery life, lasting around 15 hours at 50-60% screen brightness.
The design of the Zenbook S 16 is a testament to Asus's commitment to premium quality. The Ceraluminum lid, a blend of ceramic and aluminum, not only looks elegant but also resists fingerprints. The laptop's attention to detail is evident in the ventilation area above the keyboard, composed of over a thousand meticulously milled holes.
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 500-nit OLED display with a 2.8K resolution supports multi-touch, offering versatility in input methods and dynamically adjusting between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth motion and efficient battery use.
The only notable drawback is its tendency to get hot, but this is easily mitigated by using it on a desk. Overall, the Asus Zenbook S 16 is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for 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, excellent battery life, and a sleek, portable design at a budget-friendly price.
See it at AcerProduct 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 storage
Priced well under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an affordable alternative to the MacBook Air. It boasts a 16-inch screen with a 3200x2000 resolution, delivering stunning visuals at a budget price. Its lightweight design, at just 3.53 pounds, ensures it's easy to carry throughout the day.
Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, it's a generation behind but still offers ample performance for everyday productivity and light creative work. The inclusion of a neural processing unit (NPU) enhances AI functionality and supports Microsoft Copilot.
The budget-friendly pricing is reflected in its memory and storage configuration, with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. While this may limit multitasking and performance with demanding tasks like video editing, it's a worthwhile trade-off for those prioritizing screen quality and portability.
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 a formidable MacBook Air alternative, offering superior performance, an excellent screen, multi-day battery life, and a sleek design.
See it at AsusSee it at Best BuyProduct 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 reader
The Asus Zenbook S 14 is an excellent choice for those seeking a MacBook Air alternative. It's thinner, lighter, and more powerful than its larger sibling, the Zenbook S 16, making it an ideal travel companion. Powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, it delivers high performance across various tasks, from video editing to casual browsing.
Weighing just 2.65 pounds and less than half an inch thick, the Zenbook S 14 is incredibly portable. Its 14-inch 2.8K OLED display is a standout feature, offering vibrant visuals and reaching up to 500 nits of brightness. The laptop's battery life is exceptional, lasting over 15 hours, making it perfect for extended use.
While it lacks a microSD card reader, the Zenbook S 14's overall performance, portability, and screen quality make it a top contender for those looking to replace their MacBook Air.
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 alternative for those who need a powerful, compact, and quiet laptop. It's lighter than the MacBook Pro 14 at just 3.2 pounds and offers impressive battery life, making it suitable for a full workday.
Available in three configurations, the TUF Gaming A14 allows you to choose between the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or the more powerful AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, with options for 16GB or 32GB of RAM. The entry-level model, powered by the Ryzen 7 8845HS, delivers exceptional performance, often surpassing Apple's M3 in multicore tasks.
The laptop's cooling system is notably quiet and efficient, ensuring it remains cool during use. While the Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU impacts battery life, using Advanced Optimus can extend it to around 10 hours on the processor alone.
The main drawback is its price, with the top-tier model reaching $1,699. However, for those who can't part with Windows and need a powerful, portable laptop, 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 alternative to the MacBook, perfect for creatives and those needing versatility.
See it at Amazon See it at MicrosoftProduct 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)
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a versatile 2-in-1 that offers many of the MacBook's benefits, making it ideal for digital artists and professionals. Powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, it delivers efficient performance for creative applications like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro.
With battery life lasting around 10 hours, it's suitable for a full day of work or school. The device supports fast charging, replenishing 80% of its battery in about an hour. The Surface Pro 11 can be configured with up to 64GB of RAM and 1TB of expandable storage, making it a powerhouse for those who need it.
The 13-inch display is available in both LCD and OLED variants, offering crisp visuals for productivity and entertainment. While the Snapdragon processors provide excellent performance, app compatibility is still expanding, though it already includes most major applications used by creatives and professionals.
How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative
Navigating the vast array of MacBook alternatives can be daunting. Here are key factors to consider to ensure you find a laptop that meets your needs:
Processor: Focus on the number of cores rather than the brand. Aim for at least six cores, with eight being preferable. For a true MacBook alternative, opt for the highest clock speed available, such as an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, and avoid processors more than a generation old unless your needs are minimal.
Memory: Choose a laptop with at least 16GB of RAM. While 8GB might suffice initially, it's the bare minimum and can lead to quicker obsolescence. 16GB ensures smooth multitasking and future-proofing.
Storage: Your storage needs depend on your usage. If you rely on cloud storage, 256GB might be enough, but 512GB is a more modern minimum, with 1TB being ideal for those working with large files or games.
Display: Opt for a resolution of at least 1080p. Higher resolutions offer crisper images but can strain system resources. OLED displays provide superior picture quality but require care to prevent burn-in.
Form Factor: Consider the laptop's weight and screen size. An extra pound can make a significant difference in daily portability. Also, think about whether you need a touchscreen or a 2-in-1 design for future versatility.
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 and AMD offer competitive options, such as Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series, Apple still leads in efficiency and battery life.
Are MacBooks good for gaming?
MacBooks can run many games, but the selection and optimization are limited compared to Windows gaming laptops. If gaming is a priority, a Windows laptop is generally a better choice.
Is a MacBook better than PC?
The choice between a MacBook and a PC depends on your needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications and offer unique software like Logic Pro. PCs, however, provide a more open ecosystem with a broader range of software and better gaming capabilities.
