As we usher in the new year, the allure of the latest MacBook Air is undeniable. However, if you're deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem but crave the elegance and efficiency of a MacBook, it's time to explore some compelling alternatives. Leading the pack is the Asus Zenbook S 16, which stands out as my top recommendation for those seeking a Windows laptop that matches the MacBook's finesse.
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 aiming to be a MacBook alternative must meet stringent criteria. It should be lightweight and highly portable, boast impressive power, feature a stellar screen, and offer a battery life that lasts a full workday at the very least. My selections for this list are based on extensive reviews and hands-on experience, ensuring they meet these high standards. Whether you're looking to replace a MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or seeking a versatile 2-in-1 for creative work, I have you covered.
Asus Zenbook S 16
The Best MacBook Alternative
Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16
2The Asus Zenbook S 16 is an exceptional Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro, offering a blend of portability and performance that's a joy to use every day.
See it at Best Buy
See 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 performanceCONSCan get hot
The Asus Zenbook S 16 stands out as the best MacBook Pro alternative, particularly for those who appreciate a larger screen. Its sleek and lightweight design doesn't compromise on power, making it perfect for productivity and demanding tasks like 4K video editing. It's one of the most aesthetically pleasing laptops I've had the pleasure of reviewing.
At its core is the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, which delivers top-tier performance with 12 cores, 24 threads, and a max clock speed of 5.1GHz. This makes it versatile enough for everything from everyday tasks to high-end gaming. While it doesn't quite match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, the Zenbook S 16 still provides excellent battery life, achieving around 15 hours at 50-60% screen brightness.
The laptop's design is equally impressive, featuring a new Ceraluminum lid that combines ceramic and aluminum for durability and a fingerprint-resistant finish. Small details, such as the thousands of individually milled holes in the ventilation area above the keyboard, add to its premium feel.
Connectivity is superior to the MacBook, 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 and dynamically adjusts between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth visuals and optimal battery life.
The only minor drawback is that it can get hot, but this is easily managed by using it on a desk. Overall, the Asus Zenbook S 16 is a fantastic choice that delivers on every front.
Acer Swift Go 16 OLED
Best Budget MacBook Alternative
### Acer Swift Go 16
0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers a high-resolution screen, impressive battery life, and a sleek 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 portableGreat battery lifeCONSLimited memory and storage
Priced under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an affordable alternative to the MacBook Air. It's lightweight at just 3.53 pounds and features a stunning 16-inch OLED screen with a 3200x2000 resolution, offering exceptional value.
Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, it handles everyday tasks and light creative work with ease. Its built-in neural processing unit (NPU) enhances AI functionality, supporting Microsoft Copilot. However, its 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage may limit multitasking and performance with more demanding applications. If you're focused on single-task productivity, this laptop provides a great balance of performance 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 stellar alternative to the MacBook Air, offering top-notch performance, an outstanding screen, multi-day battery life, and a sleek design.
See it at Asus
See 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. Despite its smaller size compared to the S 16, it doesn't skimp on performance or features. Powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, it delivers impressive performance across a range of tasks, including gaming, which is surprising for a laptop without a dedicated graphics card.
Weighing just around 2.5 pounds and less than half an inch thick, the S 14 is incredibly portable. Its 14-inch 2.8K OLED display is stunning, reaching up to 500 nits and providing excellent HDR visuals. Battery life is another highlight, with the S 14 easily lasting multiple days with intermittent use.
While it lacks a microSD card reader, the Zenbook S 14's overall package is outstanding, making it a highly recommended MacBook Air alternative at a competitive 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. Its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU makes it perfect for gaming, and it's even lighter than the MacBook Pro 14 at just 3.2 pounds.
Available in multiple configurations, the A14 can be equipped with either the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, along with 16GB or 32GB of RAM. The entry-level model is already fast, frequently outpacing Apple's M3 in multicore performance, which is crucial for creatives and power users.
Despite its powerful components, the A14 remains relatively quiet and cool, thanks to efficient cooling. Battery life is solid, lasting around 10 hours on the processor alone, and can be extended with Advanced Optimus technology.
The main drawback is its price, especially for the higher-end configurations. However, if you need a high-performance Windows laptop that doesn't compromise on size or weight, the Asus TUF Gaming A14 is a top choice.
Microsoft Surface Pro 11
Best 2-in-1 MacBook Alternative
### Microsoft Surface Pro 11
0The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a versatile 2-in-1 that's perfect for artists and professionals, offering excellent performance and portability.
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 performanceGreat accessories (including the Surface Pen)CONSSingle-day batteryApp compatibility is still expanding (though is fairly extensive already)
For creatives and professionals needing a versatile device, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an outstanding MacBook alternative. Its 2-in-1 design is ideal for digital artists, but it also excels in productivity and entertainment. Powered by the Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite processors, it offers efficient performance for tasks 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. The 13-inch display is available in both LCD and OLED options, providing crisp visuals for work and play. Battery life lasts around 10 hours, with fast charging capabilities.
While the Surface Pro 11 uses ARM processors, which can limit some app compatibility, the emulation layer has expanded to include most major creative and professional applications. This is a minor consideration given its overall versatility and performance.
How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative
Choosing the right MacBook alternative involves considering several key factors to ensure it meets your needs:
Processor: Opt for processors with at least six cores, preferably eight, for smooth performance. Aim for high clock speeds, with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, and avoid models more than a generation old unless your needs are minimal.
Memory: A minimum of 16GB of RAM is recommended for modern multitasking, though 8GB can suffice for basic tasks. More memory ensures smoother operation and longevity.
Storage: Depending on your use, 256GB might be enough if you rely on cloud storage, but for local storage, aim for at least 512GB, with 1TB being ideal for larger files and applications.
Display: Go for a minimum resolution of 1080p. Higher resolutions enhance visual clarity but may impact performance in demanding tasks. OLED displays offer superior quality but require care to prevent burn-in.
Form Factor: Consider the laptop's weight and size, as even a small increase can affect daily portability. Decide if you need touch screen capabilities or a 2-in-1 design for future flexibility.
Macbook Alternatives FAQ
What is the best M3 and M4 competitor?
Apple's M3 and M4 chips are renowned for their efficiency and performance. While Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs, and AMD's HX AI series offer high performance, they don't yet match Apple's 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. For avid gamers, a Windows machine is typically a better choice.
Is a MacBook better than PC?
Whether a MacBook is better than 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 wider range of software and better gaming support.
