It's a new year, bringing with it exciting new MacBooks like the stunning MacBook Air. But if, like me, you're deeply invested in the Windows ecosystem, switching isn't an easy decision. Fortunately, there are fantastic Windows laptop alternatives. My top overall pick? The Asus Zenbook S 16.
TL;DR - The Best MacBook Alternatives:
Asus Zenbook S 16
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Acer Swift Go 16
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Asus Zenbook S 14
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Asus TUF Gaming A14
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Microsoft Surface Pro 11
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A truly compelling MacBook alternative needs to meet high standards. Key qualities include lightweight portability, robust performance, a stunning screen, and all-day battery life. My selections, based on extensive reviews, offer the best balance to genuinely replace a MacBook, whether you're after a MacBook Pro, MacBook Air equivalent, or a versatile 2-in-1 for creative work.
1. Asus Zenbook S 16
The Best MacBook Alternative
Asus Zenbook S 16
The Asus Zenbook S 16 is a superb Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. It's incredibly portable and a pleasure to use.
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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 Zenbook S 16 excels as a MacBook Pro replacement, especially if you need a larger screen. Its thin, light design houses a powerful processor, handling everything from productivity to demanding creative tasks like 4K video editing. The stunning design and high-quality display further enhance the experience. While it can get warm under heavy load, this is a minor drawback considering its overall capabilities.
2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED
Best Budget MacBook Alternative
Acer Swift Go 16
A beautiful OLED screen, great battery life, and a thin and light design—all at a budget-friendly price.
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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 excellent budget alternative to the MacBook Air. Its 16-inch, high-resolution OLED display and all-day battery life are impressive for the price point. However, the limited RAM and storage should be considered.
3. Asus Zenbook S 14
Best MacBook Air Alternative
Asus Zenbook S 14
The ZenBook S14 offers incredible performance, a great screen, multi-day battery life, and a beautiful chassis. It's a serious contender to the MacBook Air.
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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 a smaller, yet equally impressive sibling to the S 16. It boasts a powerful Intel processor, exceptional battery life, and a stunning OLED display, making it an ideal MacBook Air replacement. Its portability is a major advantage.
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 a strong contender for the MacBook Pro 14. It's compact, powerful, and quiet, offering impressive battery life and excellent gaming performance thanks to its dedicated Nvidia GPU. While it's more expensive, the performance justifies the cost for demanding users.
5. Microsoft Surface Pro 11
Best 2-in-1 MacBook Alternative
Microsoft Surface Pro 11
This 2-in-1 is perfect for artists but also a great daily driver thanks to its power and efficiency.
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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; Snappy performance; Great accessories (including the Surface Pen).
CONS: Single-day battery; App compatibility is still expanding.
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 offers a compelling 2-in-1 alternative, particularly for creative professionals. Its versatility and portability, combined with strong performance, make it a strong contender. While app compatibility is still evolving, the device offers a compelling blend of portability and power.
How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative
Choosing the right MacBook alternative requires careful consideration of several factors:
Processor: Aim for at least six cores, ideally eight, with a high clock speed. Consider Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors, ideally from the latest generation.
Memory: 16GB of RAM is recommended for smooth multitasking.
Storage: 256GB is sufficient if you primarily use cloud storage, but 512GB or 1TB is preferable for large files.
Display: A minimum of 1080p resolution is essential. OLED displays offer superior quality but are susceptible to burn-in.
Form Factor: Consider weight, screen size, touchscreen functionality, and 2-in-1 capabilities.
Macbook Alternatives FAQ
What is the best M3 and M4 competitor? Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 and AMD's HX AI series CPUs offer comparable performance, but Apple still leads in efficiency and battery life.
Are MacBooks good for gaming? MacBooks have limited game compatibility compared to Windows laptops.
Is a MacBook better than a PC? It depends on your needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications and offer a streamlined ecosystem, while PCs offer greater software compatibility and gaming options.
