As we usher in the new year, the tech world is abuzz with the latest release of the stunning MacBook Air. If you're drawn to the elegance of MacBooks but are firmly rooted in the Windows ecosystem, fear not—there are exceptional alternatives out there. My top pick? The Asus Zenbook S 16, which combines power, portability, and a premium feel that rivals the best from Apple.
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 that aims to be an alternative to the iconic MacBook must meet stringent standards. Key factors I consider include lightweight design, powerful performance, excellent screen quality, and battery life that lasts a full workday. Drawing from numerous reviews over the past year, I've curated a list of laptops that stand out as genuine MacBook replacements, catering to needs ranging from professional tasks to creative endeavors.
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, boasting ease of portability and a delightful user experience. 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 undoubtedly the best alternative to the Apple MacBook Pro, especially if you desire a larger screen. It's incredibly thin and light yet packs a punch with the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, making it ideal for everything from productivity to 4K video editing. The 3K OLED touchscreen is one of the most beautiful I've ever seen, and despite not matching the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, it offers robust battery life that can easily last a full workday.
The laptop's design is equally impressive, featuring a unique Ceraluminum lid that combines ceramic and aluminum for durability and resistance to fingerprints. The attention to detail, such as the intricate ventilation above the keyboard, underscores its premium status. Connectivity is also superior, with dual USB Type-C ports, a full-size USB Type-A, an SD card reader, and an HDMI-out port. The screen's ability to dynamically adjust between 60Hz and 120Hz ensures smooth motion without compromising battery life. The only notable drawback is its tendency to get hot, but this is easily mitigated by using it on a desk.
Acer Swift Go 16 OLED
Best Budget MacBook Alternative
### Acer Swift Go 16
0Offering a beautiful OLED screen, excellent battery life, and a sleek, portable design at a budget-friendly price, the Acer Swift Go 16 is an impressive MacBook Air alternative. 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 storagePriced well under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED provides a budget-friendly alternative to the MacBook Air with a stunning screen and all-day battery life in a highly portable package. Weighing just 3.53 pounds, it's easy to carry, and the 16-inch screen boasts an impressive 3200x2000 resolution, which is remarkable for the price.
Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, it delivers sufficient performance for everyday productivity and light creative work, enhanced by a built-in neural processing unit for AI functionality. However, with only 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, multitasking and handling large files may be limited. If your workflow involves single applications and you prioritize screen quality and portability, this laptop is an excellent choice.
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 offers a compelling alternative to the MacBook Air, with superior performance, an outstanding screen, multi-day battery life, and a sleek chassis. 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 a fantastic MacBook Air alternative, sharing many similarities with its larger sibling, the S 16, but with distinct advantages. Powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra CPU, it offers high performance and surprisingly good gaming capabilities, making it versatile for a range of tasks. Its lightweight design at just 2.65 pounds and slim profile make it incredibly portable, while its battery life can last multiple days with intermittent use.
The 2.8K OLED display is a highlight, reaching up to 500 nits and providing excellent visuals, especially for HDR gaming. Despite lacking a dedicated graphics card, it handles AAA games well with adjusted settings. The S 14's outstanding performance and reasonable price make it a top choice for those seeking a 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 coolingCONSExpensiveThe Asus TUF Gaming A14 stands out as a top MacBook Pro 14 alternative, offering a compact, powerful, and quiet design with impressive battery life. Its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU makes it ideal for gaming, and at 3.2 pounds, it's even lighter than the MacBook Pro 14.
Available in three configurations, you can choose between the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or the faster AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, with RAM options of 16GB or 32GB. The entry-level model impressed with its speed, often outpacing Apple's M3 in multicore performance. The A14's cooling system is notably quieter and more efficient than most gaming laptops, minimizing thermal throttling concerns.
While its dedicated GPU impacts battery life, using Advanced Optimus can mitigate this, allowing for up to 10 hours of use on the processor alone. The higher-end model, with 32GB of RAM, comes at a steeper price, but for those who need Windows and can't compromise on performance, weight, or size, 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 exceptional 2-in-1 alternative to the MacBook, particularly for creatives, offering power, efficiency, and versatility in a portable package. 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, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 offers the versatility of a 2-in-1 device, making it a great alternative to the MacBook. Powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, it delivers efficient performance for creative applications, though its battery life tops out at around 10 hours. The device's fast charging capability is a plus, replenishing around 80% of its battery in 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 OLED display option offers exceptional picture quality, ideal for both productivity and entertainment. While app compatibility is expanding, it's worth noting that not all applications are fully optimized for the Snapdragon processors.
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 a processor with at least six cores, preferably eight, and aim for the highest clock speed possible. Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 from the latest generation are good starting points.
Memory: 16GB of RAM is the sweet spot for ensuring smooth multitasking and future-proofing your laptop. 8GB might suffice for basic tasks but is the bare minimum.
Storage: If you rely on cloud storage, 256GB may be enough, but for local storage needs, 512GB or 1TB is recommended, especially for large files like videos and games.
Display: A minimum resolution of 1080p is essential. Consider OLED for superior picture quality, but be mindful of potential burn-in over time.
Form Factor: Evaluate the laptop's weight and size, as well as features like touchscreens and 2-in-1 capabilities, to ensure it fits your lifestyle and 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 offer high performance, they still fall short of Apple's efficiency and battery life.
Are MacBooks good for gaming?
MacBooks can run many games, but the selection and optimization for macOS 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 and offer a seamless ecosystem, while PCs provide a broader software library and are better suited for gaming.
