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 plenty of excellent laptops to choose from, 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 an alternative to the MacBook must meet high standards. There are several key qualities to consider. First, any MacBook alternative should be lightweight and highly portable. It should also be powerful, have a great screen, and boast a battery life that lasts at least a full workday.

In selecting the laptops for this list, I drew on my extensive reviews from the past year and beyond, focusing on those that best meet the criteria to truly replace a MacBook. Whether you're looking for a substitute for the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air, or a 2-in-1 that offers similar benefits while also being suitable for art and creative applications, I have recommendations.

1. Asus Zenbook S 16

The Best MacBook Alternative

Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16

2The Asus Zenbook S 16 is an outstanding Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. It's incredibly easy to carry and a pleasure 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 hotThe Asus Zenbook S 16 is the best alternative to the Apple MacBook Pro today, especially if you need a larger screen. It's incredibly thin and light, yet a processing powerhouse capable of handling 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.

The core of the system is its processor. Asus has equipped it with the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, the company's highest performance AI processor to date, featuring 12 cores and 24 threads with a maximum clock speed of 5.1GHz, offering peak performance across various tasks. This processor is also used in many top-tier Windows gaming handhelds.

While it doesn't match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, it still delivers impressive battery life. With the screen set to 50-60% brightness, I measured around 15 hours of battery life, which should comfortably last you through the day and beyond.

The laptop's design is stunning, featuring Asus's new Ceraluminum lid, which combines ceramic and aluminum for an extra durable, fingerprint-resistant finish. Small details, like the ventilation area above the keyboard composed of over a thousand tiny milled holes, emphasize its premium nature.

Connectivity surpasses the MacBook with dual USB Type-C ports, a full-size USB Type-A, and an SD card reader. Both Type-C ports support video transfer and laptop charging. There's also a headphone jack and an HDMI-out port for connecting to external monitors.

The screen is a highlight, featuring a bright 500-nit OLED display with a 2.8K resolution (2880x1880). It supports multi-touch, allowing you to choose your preferred input method. The screen dynamically adjusts between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth motion while maintaining excellent battery life.

The only downside is that the laptop can get hot. This was the first model to use Asus's new ultra-premium design, and it's the one area where it falls short compared to the MacBook. However, placing it on a desk mitigates this issue, making it a worthwhile trade-off for all the laptop offers.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers a beautiful OLED screen, great battery life, and a thin, light 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 storagePriced well under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an affordable alternative to the MacBook Air, offering a high-quality screen and all-day battery life in a highly portable package.

Weighing just 3.53 pounds, this laptop is easy to carry throughout the day. It features a 16-inch screen with an impressive 3200x2000 resolution, which is surprising at this price point.

It doesn't skimp on processing power either, equipped with Intel's Core Ultra 5 125H CPU. Though a generation old, it's still capable of handling daily productivity tasks and light creative work. It also includes a neural processing unit (NPU) for enhanced AI functionality and support for Microsoft Copilot.

The budget-friendly price is partly due to its memory and storage configuration. With 8GB of memory and 512GB of storage, it's suitable for those not working with large files. However, the 8GB of memory may limit multitasking and performance with more demanding tasks like video editing.

If you're not planning on such tasks and will only use a few programs at a time, this laptop offers a great balance of screen quality and portability.

Asus Zenbook S 14 – Photos

13 Images3. Asus Zenbook S 14

Best MacBook Air Alternative

### Asus Zenbook S 14

1The Asus Zenbook S 14 is an excellent alternative to the MacBook Air, offering incredible performance, a great screen, multi-day battery life, and a beautiful 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 readerThe Asus Zenbook S 14, while similar to the Zenbook S 16, stands out as a fantastic MacBook Air replacement. It uses the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, which offers high performance and surprisingly good gaming capabilities. During my review, it handled everything from Adobe Premiere Pro to Microsoft Excel with ease, and it's noticeably cooler and more portable than the S 16.

At just 2.5 pounds and less than half an inch thick, it's incredibly easy to carry. Its portability is so impressive that I often forgot I was carrying it. Despite initial concerns about its 14-inch screen size, its portability won me over.

The battery life is outstanding, easily lasting multiple days with intermittent use. In formal testing, it achieved over 15 hours of battery life, which is exceptional.

The screen is another highlight, featuring a 2.8K OLED display (2880x1800) that reaches up to 500 nits. It's perfect for HDR gaming, though you may need to adjust settings for optimal performance. Given its lack of a dedicated graphics card, this is a reasonable compromise for playing AAA games on the go.

Overall, the Asus Zenbook S 14 is an excellent MacBook Air alternative at a surprisingly 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 coolingCONSExpensiveThe Asus TUF Gaming A14 is the ideal choice for replacing the MacBook Pro 14. It's compact, powerful, and quiet, with impressive battery life. Its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU excels at gaming, and at 3.2 pounds, it's even lighter than the MacBook Pro 14.

Available in three versions, you can choose between an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, with either 16GB or 32GB of RAM. The RAM is faster than many competitors, giving it a performance edge. We tested the entry-level version and were impressed by its speed. The Ryzen 7 8845HS frequently outpaces Apple's M3 in multicore performance, ideal for creatives and power users. The HX 370 version is even faster, making the TUF Gaming A14 an even better fit.

While it has more fan noise than the MacBook Pro, it's significantly quieter than most other powerful laptops. Its cooling system is also more efficient, reducing the risk of thermal throttling.

The dedicated graphics card impacts battery life, but using Advanced Optimus can mitigate this. On the processor alone, it lasts around 10 hours, easily covering a full workday.

The main challenge is its pricing. The entry-level model is sufficient for many, but if you need 32GB of memory for apps like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve, you'll need the most expensive version, increasing the price from $1,399 to $1,699. However, if you need Windows without sacrificing performance, weight, or 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

0The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an excellent 2-in-1 alternative to the MacBook, perfect for artists and versatile enough for daily 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 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, a traditional laptop might not suffice. That's where the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 comes in, offering MacBook-like benefits in a versatile 2-in-1 form factor ideal for digital artists. Even if you're not a creative, its design makes it a stellar alternative for productivity and entertainment. I fell in love with it during my review and still use it regularly for its portability and versatility.

Powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, the Surface Pro 11 is one of the first systems to use an ARM processor similar to Apple's M-series chips. You can choose between the Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite, offering 10 or 12 CPU cores. They provide excellent performance in creative apps like Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Illustrator. While battery life tops out at around 10 hours, it's sufficient for a full day of work or school, and fast charging can replenish about 80% in an hour.

Unlike earlier generations, the Surface Pro 11 is a powerhouse. You can configure it with up to 1TB of storage and 64GB of memory, with expandable storage via an easy-access panel. The display is available in LCD or OLED variants with a 2880x1920 resolution, offering crisp visuals for work or entertainment.

The main challenge is app compatibility. Because Snapdragon processors use different technology than x86 processors, not all applications are compatible. However, an app emulation layer helps, and the compatible app library has expanded to include most major applications used by creatives and professionals.

How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative

Choosing the best MacBook alternative involves navigating a sea of options, each claiming to offer excellent performance. Here are key factors to consider to ensure you find a laptop that meets your needs:

Processor: The number of cores is more important than the brand. Aim for at least six cores, preferably eight. For a true MacBook alternative, 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. For text processing, a slower processor might suffice, but for video editing, it could be an issue.

Memory: Choose a laptop with at least 16GB of memory. While 8GB might be acceptable, it's the bare minimum and will become outdated quickly. 16GB ensures smooth multitasking and future-proofing.

Storage: Your storage needs depend on usage. If you rely on cloud storage, 256GB might be enough, but it's considered small. For larger files, videos, photos, or games, aim for at least 512GB, with 1TB being ideal.

Display: Don't settle for less than a 1080p resolution. Higher resolutions offer crisper images but can strain system resources for video editing or gaming. OLED panels provide superior picture quality but are susceptible to burn-in, so take care with static images.

Form Factor: Consider the laptop's weight and screen size. An extra pound can be noticeable when carrying it daily. Also, consider whether you need a touch screen or 2-in-1 functionality.

Macbook Alternatives FAQ

What is the best M3 and M4 competitor?

Apple's silicon is renowned for its efficiency and power. While Intel and AMD offer high-performance options, they don't match Apple's efficiency and battery life. Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series are strong contenders, but Apple still leads in efficiency.

Are MacBooks good for gaming?

While you can play games on a MacBook, the number of compatible titles is limited compared to Windows gaming laptops. Many games are not optimized for Mac as well as for PC, making MacBooks less ideal for gaming.

Is a MacBook better than PC?

It depends on your needs and preferences. MacBooks are excellent for creative applications due to their processing power, efficiency, and portability. Some apps are exclusive to Mac, like Logic Pro. However, PCs offer a more open ecosystem with more software options, especially for gaming, where Windows has a vast library of games on platforms like Steam.