As we usher in a new year, the allure of the sleek new MacBook Air is undeniable. Yet, for those of us deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem, the quest for a suitable alternative remains paramount. Fear not, as there's a myriad of excellent laptops out there, with the Asus Zenbook S 16 standing out as my top overall choice.
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 that claims to be an alternative to the iconic MacBook must meet stringent standards. Key qualities I considered include being lightweight, highly portable, powerful, equipped with a superior screen, and boasting a battery that lasts at least a full workday. In curating this list, I drew upon extensive reviews conducted over the past year and beyond to pinpoint the laptops that truly stand as viable MacBook replacements. Whether you're seeking a substitute for the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or a versatile 2-in-1 for creative endeavors, my recommendations cater to all needs.
Asus Zenbook S 16
The Best MacBook Alternative
Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16
2The Asus Zenbook S 16 emerges as an exceptional Windows counterpart to the MacBook Pro, offering unparalleled portability and an exquisite 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 hot
The Asus Zenbook S 16 is the quintessential alternative to the Apple MacBook Pro, particularly for those who need a larger screen. Its sleek, lightweight design belies its processing prowess, making it ideal for productivity and demanding creative tasks like 4K video editing. This laptop is a visual delight, arguably one of the most aesthetically pleasing I've reviewed.
Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, it features 12 cores and 24 threads, reaching a maximum clock speed of 5.1GHz. This robust performance extends to gaming, thanks to its use in top-tier Windows gaming handhelds. 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, perfect for a full day's work.
The design is nothing short of stunning, featuring Asus's innovative Ceraluminum lid—a blend of ceramic and aluminum for durability and a fingerprint-resistant finish. The attention to detail is evident in the ventilation area above the keyboard, crafted with over a thousand meticulously milled holes, enhancing its premium appeal.
Connectivity surpasses that of 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 boasts a 2.8K resolution (2880x1880) and supports multi-touch, dynamically adjusting between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth visuals and energy efficiency.
The only downside is its tendency to run hot, a minor drawback in an otherwise stellar package. Placing it on a desk mitigates this issue, making it a worthwhile trade-off for its myriad benefits.
Acer Swift Go 16 OLED
Best Budget MacBook Alternative
### Acer Swift Go 16
0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers a budget-friendly alternative to the MacBook Air, combining a stunning OLED screen, impressive battery life, and a sleek, lightweight design.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 delivers exceptional value. Its lightweight 3.53-pound frame and 16-inch 3200x2000 resolution OLED screen make it a standout choice for those on a budget. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, though a generation old, offers ample power for daily productivity and light creative work, with an integrated NPU enhancing AI capabilities and support for Microsoft Copilot.
The budget-friendly price is reflected in its 8GB of memory and 512GB of storage. While the storage is adequate for most users, the memory may limit multitasking and performance with more demanding applications. However, for users who primarily work with one or two applications at a time, this is an excellent compromise for accessing its premium screen 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 outshines the MacBook Air with its superior performance, stunning screen, multi-day battery life, and elegant 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, while similar to the Zenbook S 16, distinguishes itself as a remarkable MacBook Air replacement. It features the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, delivering high performance and surprising gaming capabilities. Whether editing in Adobe Premiere Pro, crunching numbers in Excel, or simply browsing the web, it handles tasks with ease and remains cooler than its larger sibling.
Weighing just 2.65 pounds and less than half an inch thick, its portability is unmatched. Its 14-inch screen, with a 2.8K OLED display reaching 500 nits, offers stunning visuals, particularly for HDR gaming. The battery life is equally impressive, lasting over 15 hours, making it a perfect companion for extended use.
Despite its compact size, the Zenbook S 14 does not compromise on performance, making it a top choice for those seeking a MacBook Air alternative at a reasonable 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 stands as the premier alternative to the MacBook Pro 14, offering a compact, powerful, and quiet design with exceptional battery life. Its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU makes it a gaming powerhouse, while its 3.2-pound weight makes it even lighter than the MacBook Pro 14.
Available in three configurations, it allows for a choice between AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPUs and 16GB or 32GB of RAM. The high-speed RAM gives it a performance edge over competitors like the MSI Stealth 14. The entry-level model, powered by the Ryzen 7 8845HS, often outpaces Apple's M3 in multicore performance, ideal for creatives and power users.
Despite the added fan noise, the TUF Gaming A14 is remarkably quiet for its class, with effective cooling that prevents thermal throttling. Its battery life, aided by Advanced Optimus, can last up to 10 hours on the processor alone, making it suitable for a full workday.
The main drawback is its higher price, particularly for the top-tier model with 32GB of memory, which is essential for demanding applications like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve. Nevertheless, for those committed to Windows without sacrificing performance, size, or weight, 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 ideal for artists and professionals seeking a versatile 2-in-1 device that also excels as a daily driver.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 and anyone needing a versatile device, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 offers the benefits of a MacBook in a 2-in-1 form factor, perfect for digital art and productivity. Powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, it provides efficient performance across creative applications like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro.
The battery life, while not all-day, lasts around 10 hours, sufficient for a full day's work or school, with fast charging capabilities to replenish 80% in about an hour. Configurations range from 256GB to 1TB of storage and 16GB to 64GB of RAM, with expandable storage options. The 13-inch display, available in LCD or OLED, offers a crisp 2880x1920 resolution, ideal for various tasks, including streaming games via Nvidia GeForce Now.
The primary challenge is app compatibility due to its ARM-based processors, though the app emulation layer has expanded to include most major creative and professional applications. It's crucial to verify compatibility before purchasing.
How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative
Navigating the vast array of MacBook alternatives requires careful consideration to ensure the chosen laptop meets your needs. Here are key factors to consider:
Processor: Focus on the number of cores—aim for at least six, ideally eight. Higher clock speeds are crucial for a true MacBook alternative. Opt for at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, avoiding processors more than a generation old unless your usage is light.
Memory: A minimum of 16GB is recommended for smooth multitasking and longevity, though 8GB might suffice for basic tasks.
Storage: Depending on your needs, 256GB may be enough if you use cloud storage, but 512GB to 1TB is ideal for larger files and extensive local storage.
Display: Opt for a minimum of 1080p resolution. Higher resolutions offer better clarity but may impact performance for video editing or gaming. OLED displays provide superior picture quality but require care to prevent burn-in.
Form Factor: Consider the laptop's weight and screen size, as well as features like touch screens or 2-in-1 functionality based on your future 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?
While MacBooks can run games, their library of compatible titles and optimization lag behind Windows gaming laptops, making them less ideal for avid gamers.
Is a MacBook better than PC?
The preference between MacBook and PC hinges on individual needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications and offer unique software like Logic Pro, but PCs provide a more open ecosystem with greater software availability and better gaming support.
