As we step into a new year, the tech world buzzes with excitement over the latest MacBooks, including the stunning MacBook Air. Yet, for those of us deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem, transitioning to a MacBook might not be feasible. Fortunately, there are exceptional alternatives that can match, if not surpass, the MacBook's allure. My top pick? 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 Microsoft
When seeking a MacBook alternative, several key attributes are non-negotiable. The laptop must be lightweight and highly portable, offer robust performance, boast a superior screen, and maintain a battery life that lasts a full workday. Drawing from my extensive reviews over the past year, I've selected laptops that excel in these areas, providing viable options whether you're looking to replace a 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 stands out as an exemplary Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. It's incredibly portable and a delight to use, making it a top choice for those seeking a larger screen without compromising on performance.
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 while still offering great 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, especially if you need a larger screen. Its ultra-thin and lightweight design houses a powerhouse processor, the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, with 12 cores and 24 threads, capable of reaching up to 5.1GHz. This makes it ideal for everything from productivity to demanding tasks like 4K video editing. Although it doesn't 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.
The laptop's design is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing, featuring a Ceraluminum lid that's both durable and fingerprint-resistant. It includes dual USB Type-C ports, a full-size USB Type-A, an SD card reader, a headphone jack, and an HDMI-out port, providing superior connectivity compared to the MacBook.
The 500-nit OLED display with a 2.8K resolution (2880x1880) is a highlight, supporting multi-touch and dynamically adjusting between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth visuals and efficient battery use. The only downside is its tendency to heat up, but this is mitigated by using it on a desk.
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, featuring a high-resolution OLED screen, excellent battery life, and a slim, portable design.
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 is an attractive option for those looking to save money without sacrificing quality. Weighing just 3.53 pounds, it's easy to carry, and its 16-inch screen boasts an impressive 3200x2000 resolution, which is remarkable for its price point.
The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU provides sufficient power for everyday productivity and light creative work, though it's a generation old. The laptop's 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage are adequate for basic use but may limit multitasking and handling larger files.
Asus Zenbook S 14 – Photos
13 Images
Asus Zenbook S 14
Best MacBook Air Alternative
### Asus Zenbook S 14
1The Asus Zenbook S 14 is an outstanding MacBook Air alternative, offering incredible performance, a superior screen, multi-day battery life, and a sleek 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 those looking to replace the MacBook Air. It's equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, which delivers high performance and surprisingly good gaming capabilities. Its lightweight design, weighing just around 2.5 pounds, and thin profile make it highly portable.
The 2.8K OLED display (2880x1800) is a standout feature, offering up to 500 nits of brightness and exceptional visuals, particularly for HDR gaming. With over 15 hours of battery life, it's perfect for extended use. The only minor drawback is the lack of a microSD card reader.
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 replacing the MacBook Pro 14. It's compact, powerful, and quiet, with impressive battery life and an Nvidia RTX 4060 for gaming. Weighing just 3.2 pounds, it's lighter than the MacBook Pro 14.
Available in three configurations, it offers flexibility with AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPUs and 16GB or 32GB of RAM. The entry-level model is fast and efficient, often outperforming Apple's M3 in multicore performance. Its cooling system is notably quiet and effective, reducing thermal throttling concerns.
While the dedicated graphics card impacts battery life, Advanced Optimus helps mitigate this by only activating the GPU when necessary. The laptop can last around 10 hours on the processor alone, suitable for a full workday. The main challenge is its price, with the higher-end model costing $1,699.
Microsoft Surface Pro 11
Best 2-in-1 MacBook Alternative
### Microsoft Surface Pro 11
0The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an excellent 2-in-1 alternative, perfect for creatives but versatile enough for daily use.
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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:
- OLED display is excellent
- Very portable and easy to carry through the day
- Snappy performance
- Great accessories (including the Surface Pen)
CONS:
- Single-day battery
- App compatibility is still expanding (though is fairly extensive already)
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a versatile 2-in-1 that's perfect for digital artists and professionals needing a portable device. It's powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, offering efficient performance for creative applications. The battery life lasts around 10 hours, suitable for a full day's work, with fast charging capabilities.
The device can be configured with up to 64GB of RAM and 1TB of expandable storage, making it a powerhouse. Its 13-inch display is available in OLED or LCD, with a crisp 2880x1920 resolution. The main challenge is app compatibility due to its ARM-based processor, but the library of supported applications is growing.
How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative
When searching for a MacBook alternative, consider the following key factors to ensure you find a laptop that meets your needs:
Processor: Aim for at least six cores, with eight being ideal. High clock speeds are crucial, so look for an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, and avoid processors more than a generation old unless your use is light.
Memory: A minimum of 16GB of RAM is recommended to ensure smooth multitasking and future-proofing.
Storage: Depending on your needs, 256GB might suffice if you use cloud storage, but 512GB or 1TB is preferred, especially for handling large files.
Display: Opt for at least a 1080p resolution. OLED panels offer superior picture quality but require careful use to prevent burn-in.
Form Factor: Consider the laptop's weight and screen size. A touchscreen or 2-in-1 functionality can be beneficial depending on your use case.
Macbook Alternatives FAQ
What is the best M3 and M4 competitor?
Apple's M3 and M4 chips are renowned for their efficiency and power. Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs, along with AMD's HX AI series, are strong contenders, though they don't yet match Apple's efficiency and battery life.
Are MacBooks good for gaming?
MacBooks can run many games, but the gaming library and optimization on Windows are far superior, making Windows gaming laptops a better choice 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 efficiency, but PCs offer a more open ecosystem with a broader range of software and better gaming support.
