As we step into the new year, the allure of the sleek and stylish new MacBook Air is undeniable. However, if you're deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem and hesitant to switch, there's no need to worry. The market is brimming with excellent alternatives that offer comparable features and performance. My top recommendation? The Asus Zenbook S 16, which stands out as the premier choice for those seeking a MacBook alternative.

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

Finding a suitable alternative to the iconic MacBook involves considering several crucial factors. A true MacBook alternative should be lightweight, ultra-portable, powerful, boast a high-quality screen, and have a battery life that lasts a full workday. After extensive reviews and evaluations over the past year, I've curated a list of laptops that meet these criteria, catering to those looking to replace either the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or seeking a versatile 2-in-1 for creative endeavors.

1. 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 incredibly easy to carry and a delight to use. 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 unequivocally the best alternative to the Apple MacBook Pro today, particularly if you require a larger screen. It's both incredibly thin and light, yet packs a processing punch perfect for everything from productivity to demanding creative tasks like 4K video editing. It's also one of the most visually appealing laptops I've ever reviewed.

At its core, the Zenbook S 16 is powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, boasting 12 cores and 24 threads with a max clock speed of 5.1GHz. This powerhouse processor not only excels in productivity but also supports gaming, similar to high-caliber Windows gaming handhelds. While 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, ideal for a full workday.

The laptop's design is a masterpiece, featuring Asus's new Ceraluminum lid that combines ceramic and aluminum for durability and a fingerprint-resistant finish. Subtle yet luxurious touches, like the thousand tiny milled holes for ventilation, enhance 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.

The standout feature is its vibrant 500-nit OLED display with a 2.8K resolution (2880x1880), supporting multi-touch and dynamically adjustable refresh rates from 60Hz to 120Hz for smooth motion without sacrificing battery life.

The only downside is that the laptop can get hot, a trade-off for its ultra-premium design. However, this is easily mitigated by using it on a desk, making it a small price to pay for the Zenbook S 16's comprehensive package.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0A beautiful OLED screen, impressive 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 portable Great battery lifeCONSLimited memory and storage

Priced well under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an affordable alternative to the MacBook Air, offering a stunning screen and all-day battery life in a highly portable package.

Weighing only 3.53lbs, this laptop is easy to carry throughout the day. Its 16-inch screen boasts an impressive 3200x2000 resolution, which is remarkable at this price point. The laptop also delivers solid performance with the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, suitable for everyday productivity and light creative work, enhanced by a built-in neural processing unit for AI functionality.

The budget-friendly price reflects its 8GB of memory and 512GB of storage. While the storage is adequate for most users, the memory limits its multitasking capabilities and performance with more demanding tasks like video editing. However, for those who use a few programs at a time, this trade-off provides access to its exceptional screen and portability.

Asus Zenbook S 14 – Photos

13 Images3. Asus Zenbook S 14

Best MacBook Air Alternative

### Asus Zenbook S 14

1Step aside, MacBook Air; the Asus Zenbook S 14 offers superior performance, an excellent screen, multi-day battery life, and a stunning chassis. 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 may seem like a smaller version of the Zenbook S 16, but it holds its own as a fantastic MacBook Air replacement. While the S 16 uses an AMD CPU, the S 14 opts for the latest Intel Core Ultra, delivering high performance and surprisingly good gaming capabilities.

Weighing just around 2.5lbs and less than half an inch thick, it's incredibly portable. Its 14-inch screen might seem small, but its portability is a game-changer. The laptop offers outstanding battery life, easily lasting multiple days with intermittent use, with formal testing showing over 15 hours.

The 2.8K OLED display (2880x1800) is a highlight, reaching up to 500 nits and delivering stunning visuals, especially for HDR gaming. Although it lacks a dedicated graphics card, its performance for AAA games like Baldur's Gate 3 is commendable with some adjustments.

Overall, the Asus Zenbook S 14 is an exceptional MacBook Air alternative, offering top-notch performance and portability at a reasonable price.

Asus TUF Gaming A14 – Photos

10 Images4. 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 is the top choice for those looking to replace the MacBook Pro 14. It's compact, powerful, and quiet, with impressive battery life. When it's time to game, its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU delivers excellent performance, and at 3.2lbs, it's even lighter than the MacBook Pro 14.

Available in three configurations, you can choose between an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, and 16GB or 32GB of fast RAM. The entry-level model performs exceptionally well, often surpassing Apple's M3 in multicore tasks, making it ideal for creatives and power users. The HX 370 version promises even better performance.

While the A14 does have more fan noise than the MacBook Pro, it's still significantly quieter than most powerful laptops. Its cooling system is efficient, preventing thermal throttling. The battery life is robust, lasting around 10 hours on the processor alone, and can be extended with Advanced Optimus.

The main drawback is its pricing, with the higher-end model reaching $1,699. However, for those who can't live without Windows and need performance, weight, and size, the Asus TUF Gaming A14 is an excellent alternative.

5. Microsoft Surface Pro 11

Best 2-in-1 MacBook Alternative

### Microsoft Surface Pro 11

0This 2-in-1 is perfect for artists and offers enough power and efficiency to serve as an excellent 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, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 offers the versatility of a 2-in-1 device, perfect for digital artists. It's also an excellent choice for productivity and entertainment, thanks to its portable and versatile design.

Powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, the Surface Pro 11 provides efficient performance in creative apps like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro. Its battery life lasts around 10 hours, sufficient for a full day's work, and supports fast charging.

You can customize it with up to 64GB of memory and 1TB of expandable storage. The display options include an LCD or OLED variant with a 2880x1920 resolution, offering crisp visuals for both work and play.

The main challenge is its ARM-based processor, which might not be compatible with all applications. However, the compatible app library is expanding, covering most major applications used by creatives and professionals.

How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative

Navigating the vast array of MacBook alternatives requires careful consideration to ensure you find a laptop that truly meets your needs. Here's what to look for:

Processor: The number of cores is crucial. Aim for at least six cores, preferably eight, and opt for the highest clock speed possible. An Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 from the latest generation is recommended.

Memory: At least 16GB of memory is ideal for smooth multitasking and longevity. While 8GB might suffice initially, it's considered the minimum.

Storage: Depending on your use, 256GB might be enough if you rely on cloud storage. For larger files, 512GB is a good starting point, with 1TB being preferable.

Display: Avoid anything below 1080p resolution. Higher resolutions enhance visual quality but may impact performance in demanding tasks. OLED panels offer superior picture quality but require careful use to prevent burn-in.

Form Factor: Consider the laptop's weight and size. A lighter, smaller device is easier to carry daily. Also, think about whether you need a touchscreen or a 2-in-1 convertible.

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 no Intel or AMD processor matches their efficiency, Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs, along with AMD's HX AI series, offer comparable performance for most tasks.

Are MacBooks good for gaming?

MacBooks can run games, but the selection and optimization are limited compared to Windows gaming laptops. They are not the best choice for avid gamers.

Is a MacBook better than PC?

The choice between a MacBook and a PC depends on your specific needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications and offer unique software like Logic Pro. PCs, however, provide a more open ecosystem with broader software and gaming options.