As we usher in the new year, Apple unveils the stunning new MacBook Air, capturing the attention of tech enthusiasts worldwide. Yet, if you're deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem like many of us, switching to a MacBook might not be on your agenda. Fear not, as the market brims with excellent alternatives that can meet your needs without compromising on performance or aesthetics. My top pick among these is the Asus Zenbook S 16, a powerhouse that combines elegance with robust functionality.
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 MicrosoftA laptop aiming to rival the MacBook needs to meet stringent criteria. It must be lightweight and highly portable, boast significant power, feature an excellent screen, and provide battery life that lasts through a full workday. My selections for this list are based on extensive reviews and firsthand experience, ensuring they stand up as true MacBook alternatives. Whether you're eyeing a replacement for the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or seeking a versatile 2-in-1 for creative endeavors, these suggestions will serve you well.
Asus Zenbook S 16
The Best MacBook Alternative
Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16
2The Asus Zenbook S 16 stands out as a premier Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. It's not only effortlessly portable but also a joy to use, making it a top choice for those who need a laptop that can handle everything from daily productivity to intensive creative tasks like 4K video editing. 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 hotThe Asus Zenbook S 16 is the definitive alternative to the Apple MacBook Pro, particularly if you're in need of a larger screen. It's incredibly slim and lightweight, yet it's equipped with the formidable AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, featuring 12 cores and 24 threads with a max clock speed of 5.1GHz. This powerhouse processor can tackle any task, from productivity to gaming, with ease.
While it may not 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 to get you through a full day and more. The design is a work of art, featuring a new Ceraluminum lid that combines ceramic and aluminum for durability and a fingerprint-resistant finish. It's packed with connectivity options, including dual USB Type-C ports, a full-size USB Type-A, an SD card reader, and an HDMI-out port.
The screen is a highlight, with a 500-nit OLED display at 2.8K resolution (2880x1880) that supports multi-touch. It can dynamically adjust between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth visuals while maintaining battery efficiency. The only downside is its tendency to get hot, but this is easily mitigated by using it on a desk, making it a minor trade-off for its myriad benefits.
Acer Swift Go 16 OLED
Best Budget MacBook Alternative
### Acer Swift Go 16
0A beautiful OLED screen, great battery life, and a thin and light design on a budgetSee 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 storageFor those looking for a budget-friendly MacBook Air alternative, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an excellent choice. Priced well under $1,000, it offers a stunning 16-inch OLED screen with a 3200x2000 resolution, all-day battery life, and a highly portable form factor.
Weighing just 3.53 pounds, it's easy to carry throughout your day. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU provides sufficient power for daily productivity and light creative work, with a built-in neural processing unit (NPU) enhancing AI functionality. However, its 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage might limit multitasking and handling of large files, making it ideal for users focused on a few tasks at a time.
Asus Zenbook S 14 – Photos
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3. Asus Zenbook S 14
Best MacBook Air Alternative
### Asus Zenbook S 14
1The Asus Zenbook S 14 is the perfect MacBook Air alternative, offering exceptional performance, a beautiful 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 readerThe Asus Zenbook S 14 is an outstanding MacBook Air replacement. It's even more portable than the S 16, weighing just 2.65 pounds and being less than half an inch thick. Powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, it delivers high performance across a range of tasks, from Adobe Premiere Pro to casual browsing, and it's surprisingly good for gaming.
Its 14-inch 2.8K OLED display (2880x1800) is a standout feature, offering up to 500 nits of brightness and stunning visuals, particularly for HDR gaming. The battery life is exceptional, lasting over 15 hours, making it perfect for extended use. The only minor drawback is the lack of a microSD card reader, but this doesn't detract from its overall appeal as a top MacBook Air alternative.
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 coolingCONSExpensiveFor those needing a MacBook Pro 14 alternative, the Asus TUF Gaming A14 is the ideal choice. It's small, powerful, and quiet, boasting impressive battery life and the ability to handle gaming with its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU. At just 3.2 pounds, it's even lighter than the MacBook Pro 14.
Available in three configurations with AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPUs and 16GB or 32GB of fast RAM, it offers flexibility and high performance. The entry-level model with the Ryzen 7 8845HS outpaces Apple's M3 in multicore performance, ideal for creatives and power users. While it has more fan noise than a MacBook, it's significantly quieter than most gaming laptops and maintains cooler temperatures.
The dedicated GPU does impact battery life, but using Advanced Optimus can extend it to around 10 hours on the CPU alone, sufficient for a full workday. The only challenge is its pricing, which can reach $1,699 for the top model with 32GB of RAM, but it's a worthy investment for those who can't leave Windows behind.
Microsoft Surface Pro 11
Best 2-in-1 MacBook Alternative
### Microsoft Surface Pro 11
0This 2-in-1 is ideal for artists and offers enough power and efficiency for daily use. 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)For creative professionals who need more than a traditional laptop, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a fantastic MacBook alternative. Its 2-in-1 design is perfect for digital artists, but it's also versatile enough for productivity and entertainment. Powered by Snapdragon X processors, it offers efficient performance in creative apps like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro.
The Surface Pro 11 can be configured with up to 64GB of RAM and 1TB of expandable storage, making it a powerhouse. Its 13-inch display is available in OLED or LCD, both with a crisp 2880x1920 resolution. While it offers around 10 hours of battery life, its fast charging capability replenishes 80% in about an hour. The only caveat is that some apps may not be fully compatible due to its ARM-based processors, but the library of supported applications is growing.
How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative
Choosing the right MacBook alternative requires careful consideration of several key factors to ensure it meets your needs effectively. Here's what to look for:
Processor: Opt for at least six cores, with eight being preferable. Aim for the highest clock speed possible, ideally an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 from the latest generation. This ensures your laptop can handle demanding tasks like video editing.
Memory: A minimum of 16GB of RAM is recommended for smooth multitasking and future-proofing. While 8GB might suffice for basic use, it's the bare minimum in today's standards.
Storage: Depending on your usage, 256GB might be enough if you rely on cloud storage. However, for local storage of large files, 512GB is a better minimum, with 1TB being ideal for those dealing with video, photos, or games.
Display: Never settle for less than a 1080p resolution. Higher resolutions enhance visual quality, but consider the impact on performance if you plan to use the laptop for gaming or video editing. OLED displays offer superior picture quality but require care to avoid burn-in.
Form Factor: Weight and size matter, especially if you're carrying the laptop daily. Consider screen size, touch capabilities, and whether a 2-in-1 form factor might be beneficial 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 for Mac are limited compared to Windows gaming laptops, making them less ideal for avid gamers.
Is a MacBook better than PC?
The choice between MacBook and PC depends on your needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications due to their power, efficiency, and exclusive software. However, PCs offer a more open ecosystem, better software optimization, and a vast library of games, particularly on platforms like Steam.
