As we usher in the new year, Apple enthusiasts are buzzing about the latest MacBook Air, a device that encapsulates sleek design and impressive performance. However, if you're deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem like myself, it might be time to explore top-notch alternatives that offer similar appeal without switching platforms. Among the plethora of choices, the Asus Zenbook S 16 stands out as my top overall pick for its exceptional blend of performance and portability.
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
When searching for a laptop to serve as a MacBook alternative, certain criteria must be met to ensure it's a worthy substitute. The ideal alternative should be lightweight, highly portable, powerful, equipped with an excellent screen, and boast a battery life that lasts a full workday at minimum. Drawing from my extensive experience reviewing laptops over the past year, I've curated a list of top contenders that embody these qualities, offering viable options whether you're looking to replace the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or seeking a versatile 2-in-1 for creative pursuits.
Asus Zenbook S 16
The Best MacBook Alternative
Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16
2The Asus Zenbook S 16 emerges as an outstanding Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro, combining effortless portability with a delightful user experience. See it at Best BuySee it at Asus
Product Specifications Display: 16" (2880 x 1800) CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 GPU: AMD Radeon 890M RAM: 32GB LPDDR5X Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD Weight: 3.31 pounds Size: 13.92" x 9.57" x 0.47" - 0.51" Battery life: Around 15 hours
PROS:
- Thin, light, and exceptionally portable
- High performance with excellent battery life
- Stunning 3K OLED touchscreen
- Surprising gaming performance
CONS:
- Can get hot
The Asus Zenbook S 16 is undoubtedly the best alternative to the Apple MacBook Pro today, especially for those craving a larger screen. Its slim profile and lightweight design make it a joy to carry, while its powerful AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, featuring 12 cores and 24 threads with a max clock speed of 5.1GHz, handles everything from productivity to intensive 4K video editing with ease. Although it doesn't match Apple's M3 or M4 chips in efficiency, it still offers impressive battery life, clocking in at around 15 hours at 50-60% screen brightness, ensuring it lasts through a full day of work and beyond.
The laptop's aesthetic is equally impressive, featuring a Ceraluminum lid that combines ceramic and aluminum for enhanced durability and fingerprint resistance. The attention to detail, such as the ventilation area crafted from over a thousand individually milled holes, underscores its premium nature. Connectivity surpasses 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. Its 500-nit OLED display with a 2.8K resolution supports multi-touch and dynamically adjusts between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth visuals and sustained battery life.
The only notable drawback is its tendency to heat up, a trade-off for its powerful performance. However, using it on a desk mitigates this issue, making it a fantastic choice overall.
Acer Swift Go 16 OLED
Best Budget MacBook Alternative
### Acer Swift Go 16
0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers a beautiful screen, great battery life, and a sleek design at a budget-friendly price. See it at Acer
Product Specifications Display: 16" (3200 x 2000), OLED multitouch CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H GPU: Intel Arc RAM: 8GB Storage: 512GB Weight: 3.53 pounds Dimensions: 14.02" x 0.59" x 9.55"
PROS:
- High-resolution OLED display
- Thin, light, and portable
- Great battery life
CONS:
- Limited memory and storage
Priced under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED stands out as a cost-effective MacBook Air alternative, boasting a stunning 3200x2000 resolution OLED screen and all-day battery life in a portable package. Weighing just 3.53 pounds, it's easy to carry and use throughout the day. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU ensures sufficient performance for everyday productivity and light creative tasks, supported by a neural processing unit for enhanced AI capabilities.
However, its budget-friendly nature comes with trade-offs in memory and storage, with only 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. This configuration may limit multitasking and performance with more demanding applications like video editing, but it's an excellent choice for users who prioritize screen quality and portability over high-end specs.
Asus Zenbook S 14 – Photos
13 Images
Asus Zenbook S 14
Best MacBook Air Alternative
### Asus Zenbook S 14
1The Asus Zenbook S 14 outshines the MacBook Air with its superior performance, stunning screen, multi-day battery life, and elegant design. See it at AsusSee it at Best Buy
Product Specifications Display: 14" (2880 x 1800) CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V GPU: Intel Arc RAM: 32GB LPDDR5X Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD Weight: 2.65 pounds Size: 12.22" x 8.45" x 0.51" Battery life: 15+ hours
PROS:
- Thinner, lighter, and more powerful
- Great battery life
- Improved gaming performance
- Gorgeous OLED touchscreen
CONS:
- No microSD card reader
The Asus Zenbook S 14 is an excellent choice for anyone seeking a MacBook Air alternative. While sharing similarities with the larger Zenbook S 16, the S 14 distinguishes itself with its Intel Core Ultra 7 258V CPU, which offers high performance and surprisingly good gaming capabilities. Its lightweight and compact design, weighing just 2.65 pounds and less than half an inch thick, makes it highly portable and easy to carry.
The laptop's 2.8K OLED display, reaching up to 500 nits, delivers stunning visuals, especially for HDR gaming, despite lacking a dedicated graphics card. Its battery life is exceptional, lasting over 15 hours, making it ideal for extended use. The only minor downside is the absence of a microSD card reader, but its overall performance and portability make it a stellar MacBook Air replacement at a competitive price.
Asus TUF Gaming A14 – Photos
10 Images
Asus TUF Gaming A14
Best MacBook Pro 14 Alternative
Product Specifications Display: 14” (2560 x 1600) IPS CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS to AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 GPU: Nvidia RTX 4060 RAM: 16GB to 32GB (7500MHz) Storage: 1TB Weight: 3.2 pounds Dimensions: 12.24" x 8.94" x 0.67" – 0.78"
PROS:
- Impressive battery life
- Quiet, efficient cooling
CONS:
- Expensive
The Asus TUF Gaming A14 is the ideal choice for those looking to replace the MacBook Pro 14. It combines a compact, lightweight design with powerful performance and impressive battery life. Available in three configurations, it offers a choice between AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS and Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPUs, with RAM options from 16GB to 32GB. The entry-level model with the Ryzen 7 8845HS outpaces Apple's M3 in multicore performance, making it a strong contender for creatives and power users.
The TUF Gaming A14's Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU ensures excellent gaming performance, while its cooling system remains quiet and efficient, preventing thermal throttling. Its battery life can last around 10 hours with the processor alone, making it suitable for a full workday. The only potential drawback is its higher price, particularly for the top-end model with 32GB of RAM, but it's a worthy investment for those committed to the Windows ecosystem without sacrificing performance or portability.
Microsoft Surface Pro 11
Best 2-in-1 MacBook Alternative
### Microsoft Surface Pro 11
0The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is perfect for creatives and offers robust performance and efficiency in a versatile 2-in-1 form factor. See it at Amazon See it at Microsoft
Product Specifications Display: 13-inch OLED or LCD touchscreen (2,880 x 1,920) CPU: Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite GPU: Integrated RAM: Up to 64GB Storage: Up to 1TB (expandable) Weight: 1.97 pounds Dimensions: 11.3” x 8.2” x 0.37”
PROS:
- Excellent OLED display
- Very portable and easy to carry
- Snappy performance
- Great accessories, including the Surface Pen
CONS:
- Single-day battery life
- App compatibility still expanding
For creative professionals, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 offers a compelling alternative to the MacBook in a versatile 2-in-1 form factor. Powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, it provides efficient performance suitable for creative applications like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro. Its OLED display delivers crisp, vibrant visuals, and its lightweight design, at just 1.97 pounds, makes it an excellent choice for on-the-go use.
The Surface Pro 11 supports up to 64GB of RAM and 1TB of expandable storage, offering flexibility for various needs. While its battery life tops out at around 10 hours, it supports fast charging, replenishing about 80% in an hour. The only caveat is that its ARM-based processors may limit compatibility with some applications, though the library of supported apps continues to grow.
How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative
Navigating the myriad of MacBook alternatives can be daunting, but focusing on key criteria can help you find the perfect fit. Consider the following when selecting your next laptop:
Processor: Opt for at least six cores, with eight being ideal for most users. Aim for high clock speeds, ideally with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 from the latest generation. For lighter tasks, you might compromise on speed, but for intensive applications like video editing, performance is crucial.
Memory: Choose a laptop with at least 16GB of RAM. While 8GB might suffice initially, it's the bare minimum today, and 16GB ensures smoother multitasking and longevity.
Storage: Depending on your use, 256GB might be enough if you rely on cloud storage, but 512GB is a more comfortable minimum, with 1TB preferred for those working with large files or downloading games.
Display: Avoid anything below 1080p resolution, as it indicates an outdated model. Higher resolutions offer sharper images, but consider the impact on performance for tasks like gaming or video editing. OLED panels provide superior picture quality but require care to prevent burn-in.
Form Factor: Consider the weight and size of the laptop, as even a small increase can affect daily portability. Evaluate whether you need a touchscreen or 2-in-1 functionality for future needs.
Macbook Alternatives FAQ
What is the best M3 and M4 competitor?
Apple's M3 and M4 chips set a high bar for efficiency and performance. While Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series offer strong competition, Apple remains the leader in efficiency and battery life. For similar performance, look to the latest offerings from both Intel and AMD.
Are MacBooks good for gaming?
MacBooks can run many games, but the selection of compatible titles is limited compared to Windows gaming laptops. Games are often not optimized as well for Mac, making Windows a better choice for avid gamers.
Is a MacBook better than PC?
The answer depends on your specific needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications due to their processing power, efficiency, and portability, with exclusive software like Logic Pro. However, PCs offer a more open ecosystem with broader software availability and better gaming support, particularly on platforms like Steam.
