It's a new year, and that means the release of new MacBooks like the gorgeous new MacBook Air. If you're like me and appreciate the concept of the MacBook but are too entrenched in the Windows ecosystem to switch, it's time to explore alternatives. There are numerous excellent laptops out there, and my top overall pick is the Asus Zenbook S 16.
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 a MacBook alternative must meet high standards. Key qualities I considered include lightweight design, hyper-portability, substantial power, excellent screen quality, and a battery that lasts at least a full workday.
In compiling this list, I drew on extensive reviews from the past year and beyond to identify laptops that truly rival the MacBook. Whether you're looking to replace the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or seeking a versatile 2-in-1 for creative work, I have recommendations for you.
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 lightweight design 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 highly portableHigh performance with excellent battery lifeStunning 3K OLED touchscreenSurprising gaming capabilitiesCONSCan get hotThe Asus Zenbook S 16 stands out as the premier alternative to the Apple MacBook Pro, especially for those needing a larger screen. It's incredibly thin and light yet packs a powerful punch, perfect for productivity and demanding creative tasks like 4K video editing. It's one of the most visually stunning laptops I've reviewed.
The core of this system is the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, featuring 12 cores and 24 threads with a max clock speed of 5.1GHz. This processor excels in a variety of tasks, including gaming, as it's also used in high-end Windows gaming handhelds.
While it doesn't match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, the Zenbook S 16 still offers impressive battery life. At 50-60% screen brightness, I achieved around 15 hours of usage, sufficient for a full day's work.
The laptop's design is breathtaking, featuring a new Ceraluminum lid that combines ceramic and aluminum for durability and a fingerprint-resistant finish. Small details, like the ventilation area above the keyboard with over a thousand milled holes, add to its premium feel.
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 for external monitors.
The 500-nit OLED display with a 2.8K resolution (2880x1880) is stunning and supports multi-touch, allowing for versatile input options. It can dynamically switch between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth motion and efficient battery use.
The only potential drawback is that the laptop can get hot, but this issue is mitigated when used on a desk, making it a minor trade-off for its numerous benefits.
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, lightweight 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 storageAt under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is a compelling budget alternative to the MacBook Air, providing an excellent screen and all-day battery life in a highly portable package.
Weighing just 3.53lbs, this laptop is easy to carry throughout the day. Its 16-inch screen boasts an impressive 3200x2000 resolution, which is remarkable for the price.
Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, it's a generation behind but still handles everyday productivity tasks and light creative work well. It also includes a neural processing unit (NPU) for enhanced AI functionality and Microsoft Copilot support.
The budget-friendly price is partly due to its 8GB memory and 512GB storage configuration. While the storage is adequate for most users, the 8GB memory limits multitasking and performance in demanding tasks like video editing.
However, if you're primarily working in one or two programs at a time, this trade-off allows you to enjoy its exceptional 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 incredible 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 lifeEnhanced gaming performanceGorgeous OLED touchscreenCONSNo microSD card readerThe Asus Zenbook S 14, while similar to the Zenbook S 16, offers unique features that make it an excellent MacBook Air replacement.
It uses the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, delivering high performance and surprising gaming capabilities. During my review, it handled tasks from Adobe Premiere Pro to social media browsing with ease and remained cooler than the S 16.
Weighing just around 2.5lbs and under half an inch thick, it's incredibly portable. Its 14-inch screen might seem small, but its portability is a significant advantage.
Battery life is outstanding, lasting multiple days with intermittent use, and it achieved over 15 hours in formal testing.
The 2.8K OLED display (2880x1800) is exceptional, reaching up to 500 nits and perfect for HDR gaming. While you may need to adjust settings for optimal performance, it's a great compromise for a laptop primarily designed for productivity and creativity.
Overall, the Asus Zenbook S 14 is a stellar 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 coolingCONSExpensiveThe Asus TUF Gaming A14 is the ideal choice for those seeking a MacBook Pro 14 replacement. It's compact, powerful, and quiet, with impressive battery life and the Nvidia RTX 4060 for gaming. At 3.2lbs, 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 processors and 16GB or 32GB of fast RAM, it outperforms many competitors. The Ryzen 7 8845HS often surpasses Apple's M3 in multicore performance, making it ideal for creatives and power users.
While it has more fan noise than the MacBook Pro, it's significantly quieter than most other gaming laptops and maintains cooler temperatures.
The dedicated graphics card impacts battery life, but Advanced Optimus helps mitigate this, allowing up to 10 hours of use on the processor alone.
The main drawback is its price, especially for the 32GB RAM model, which costs $1,699. However, for those committed to Windows without sacrificing 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 perfect for artists and offers enough power and efficiency for everyday 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 excellentHighly portable and easy to carry through the daySnappy performanceGreat accessories (including the Surface Pen)CONSSingle-day batteryApp compatibility still expanding (though extensive)For creative professionals, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 offers the benefits of a MacBook in a versatile 2-in-1 form factor, perfect for digital artists. It's also a great choice for productivity and entertainment, thanks to its portability and versatility.
Powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, it's among the first to use an ARM processor akin to Apple's M-series chips. With options for 10 or 12 CPU cores, it performs well in creative applications like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro, offering around 10 hours of battery life and fast charging capabilities.
This generation of the Surface Pro is a powerhouse, with storage options from 256GB to 1TB and RAM up to 64GB. The expandable storage and crisp 2880x1920 display, available in LCD or OLED, make it excellent for various tasks.
The primary challenge is app compatibility due to the Snapdragon processors' different technology. While an emulation layer helps, not all applications are fully compatible yet, so it's crucial to consider this before purchasing.
How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative
Choosing the right MacBook alternative involves considering several factors to ensure the laptop meets your needs effectively.
Processor: The number of cores is more important than the brand. Aim for at least six cores, preferably eight, for optimal performance. For tasks like video editing, opt for the highest clock speed available, such as an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, and avoid processors more than a generation old unless your needs are basic.
Memory: A minimum of 16GB of memory is recommended for smooth multitasking and to future-proof your device. While 8GB might suffice initially, it's the bare minimum and may lead to outdated performance sooner.
Storage: Depending on your usage, 256GB might be enough if you rely heavily on cloud storage. However, for larger files or extensive local storage needs, 512GB or 1TB is preferable.
Display: Ensure a resolution of at least 1080p. Higher resolutions offer crisper images but can impact performance in demanding tasks. OLED displays provide superior quality but require care to prevent burn-in.
Form Factor: Consider the laptop's weight and screen size, as well as whether a touch screen or 2-in-1 functionality is necessary for your needs.
Macbook Alternatives FAQ
What is the best M3 and M4 competitor?
Apple's M3 and M4 chips are highly efficient and powerful. While Intel and AMD offer competitive processors like the Intel Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series, Apple still leads in efficiency and battery life.
Are MacBooks good for gaming?
MacBooks can run games, but the selection and optimization of games for macOS are limited compared to Windows gaming laptops.
Is a MacBook better than PC?
It depends on your needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications due to their performance, efficiency, and portability. However, PCs offer a more open ecosystem with broader software availability, especially for gaming.
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