As we embrace the new year, the allure of Apple's latest MacBook Air is undeniable. Yet, if you're deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem, it's time to explore some top-notch alternatives. My top pick? The Asus Zenbook S 16, a laptop that stands out for its sleek design and powerful performance.
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 MicrosoftTo be considered a true MacBook alternative, a laptop must excel in several key areas. It needs to be lightweight, highly portable, powerful, feature a high-quality screen, and boast a battery life that lasts a full workday. After reviewing numerous laptops over the past year, I've curated a selection that meets these criteria, whether you're looking to replace a MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or need a versatile 2-in-1 for creative work.
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. It's not just easy to carry, but also a joy to use, making it the ultimate choice for those needing a larger screen without sacrificing portability or 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 with great battery life
- Stunning 3K OLED touchscreen
- Surprising gaming performance
CONS
- Can get hot
The Asus Zenbook S 16 is the top alternative to the MacBook Pro, especially for those who crave a larger screen. Its thin and light design doesn't compromise its processing power, making it perfect for productivity and demanding creative tasks like 4K video editing. The laptop's design is not only functional but also stunning, featuring a durable Ceraluminum lid and intricate ventilation details that enhance its premium feel. It also offers robust connectivity options, surpassing the MacBook in this aspect.
While its screen is a highlight, with a bright 500-nit OLED display and multi-touch support, the Zenbook S 16 can run hot. However, this minor drawback is easily mitigated by using it on a desk, 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 is a budget-friendly gem that doesn't skimp on essentials. It offers a high-resolution OLED screen, impressive battery life, and a sleek, portable design, all for well under $1,000.
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
At a budget-friendly price, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an excellent alternative to the MacBook Air. Its 16-inch screen boasts a stunning 3200x2000 resolution, while its lightweight design ensures it's easy to carry. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU provides solid performance for everyday tasks and light creative work. However, its 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage might limit multitasking and storage for larger files.
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, outstanding battery life, and gorgeous chassis. Its lightweight and portable design make it a perfect companion for those on the go.
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 exceptional MacBook Air alternative. It's powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra, offering high performance and surprising gaming capabilities. Its lightweight design and long battery life make it highly portable, while its 2.8K OLED display ensures a stunning visual experience. Despite lacking a microSD card reader, its overall performance and features make it a top choice.
Asus TUF Gaming A14 – Photos
10 Images
4. 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 perfect replacement for the MacBook Pro 14. It's small, powerful, and quiet, with impressive battery life. Its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU makes it ideal for gaming, while its lightweight design makes it even lighter than the MacBook Pro 14. Available in multiple configurations, it offers flexibility and high performance, though at a higher price point.
Microsoft Surface Pro 11
Best 2-in-1 MacBook Alternative
### Microsoft Surface Pro 11
0The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a versatile 2-in-1 that excels in creative applications, offering excellent performance and portability. Its OLED display and array of accessories make it a compelling choice for both professionals and casual users.
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
- 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 stands out as a premier 2-in-1 alternative to the MacBook. Powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, it offers efficient performance suitable for creative work. While its battery life may not last all day, its fast charging capability and expandable storage make it a versatile and powerful choice. The only caveat is the ongoing expansion of app compatibility, which is improving but still not complete.
How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative
Choosing the right MacBook alternative involves considering several key factors to ensure it meets your needs:
Processor: Look for at least six cores, with eight being preferable. Opt for the highest clock speed possible, ideally with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, and avoid processors more than a generation old unless your needs are minimal.
Memory: Aim for at least 16GB of RAM. While 8GB might suffice initially, it's the bare minimum and can lead to quicker obsolescence.
Storage: Consider your usage. If you use cloud storage, 256GB may be enough, but for local files, 512GB is the minimum, with 1TB preferred for larger files and applications.
Display: A minimum of 1080p resolution is essential. Higher resolutions enhance visual clarity but may impact performance in demanding tasks. OLED displays offer superior quality but require care to prevent burn-in.
Form Factor: Consider the weight, screen size, touch capabilities, and whether a 2-in-1 is necessary for your 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. Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series are strong contenders, though they still lag behind in efficiency and battery life compared to Apple's offerings.
Are MacBooks good for gaming?
MacBooks can run games, but their game library and optimization are limited compared to Windows gaming laptops. For avid gamers, a Windows PC is the better choice.
Is a MacBook better than PC?
The answer depends on your needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications and offer unique software like Logic Pro. However, PCs have a more extensive software library and are better optimized for gaming due to their widespread use.
