A new year brings exciting new MacBooks, like the stunning new MacBook Air. But if, like me, you're deeply invested in the Windows ecosystem, it's time to explore alternatives. Fortunately, there are fantastic Windows laptops available, and the Asus Zenbook S 16 is my top overall recommendation.
TL;DR - Top MacBook Alternatives:
Our Top Pick: 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 several key features: lightweight portability, robust performance, a stunning display, and all-day battery life. This list highlights laptops I've extensively reviewed, meticulously chosen for their ability to seamlessly replace a MacBook.
Whether you're seeking a MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or a versatile 2-in-1 for creative tasks, I've got suggestions for you.
1. Asus Zenbook S 16: The Best MacBook Alternative
The Asus Zenbook S 16 is a superb Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. It's effortlessly portable and a joy to use. See it at Best Buy See 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; Impressive gaming performance.
Cons: Can get hot.
The Zenbook S 16, powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU (a 12-core, 24-thread processor with a 5.1GHz max clock speed), excels at everything from productivity to demanding creative tasks like 4K video editing. Its battery life easily surpasses a full workday (around 15 hours at 50-60% brightness). The stunning Ceraluminum lid is both durable and fingerprint-resistant. Connectivity is superior to the MacBook, with dual USB-C ports, USB-A, SD card reader, headphone jack, and HDMI out. The 2.8K (2880x1880) OLED display is a visual masterpiece, dynamically adjusting between 60Hz and 120Hz. While it can get warm under heavy load, this is mitigated by placing it on a desk. Overall, it's a fantastic option.
2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED: Best Budget MacBook Alternative
At under $1000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers a beautiful OLED screen, excellent battery life, and a thin, light 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.
Weighing just 3.53 lbs, the Swift Go 16 boasts a stunning 3200x2000 resolution 16-inch display—remarkable for its price point. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, while a generation older, provides ample power for daily tasks and light creative work. The integrated NPU enhances AI functionality. However, the 8GB RAM and 512GB storage limit its capabilities for demanding tasks. It's a great choice if you prioritize screen quality and portability without intensive multitasking needs.
3. Asus Zenbook S 14: Best MacBook Air Alternative
The Zenbook S 14 outshines the MacBook Air with incredible performance, a fantastic screen, multi-day battery life, and a beautiful design. See it at Asus See 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 Zenbook S 14, powered by the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, is remarkably fast and cool-running, even under heavy loads. Its incredibly portable design (2.65 lbs) belies its power. The 2.8K OLED display is stunning, and its performance in games is surprisingly good. The 15+ hour battery life is exceptional.
4. Asus TUF Gaming A14: Best MacBook Pro 14 Alternative
The Asus TUF Gaming A14 is the ideal replacement for the MacBook Pro 14. It's small, powerful, quiet, and offers impressive battery life. Its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU handles gaming with ease. At 3.2lbs, it's even lighter than the MacBook Pro 14.
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.
Available with AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPUs and 16GB or 32GB RAM, the TUF Gaming A14 offers exceptional performance. Even the base model outperforms the Apple M3 in multi-core tasks. While not silent, its cooling is remarkably efficient. Advanced Optimus optimizes battery life by only activating the 4060 when needed. The higher-end configurations are pricier, but the performance is well worth it for demanding users.
5. Microsoft Surface Pro 11: Best 2-in-1 MacBook Alternative
This 2-in-1 is perfect for artists but also excels as a daily driver. 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: Excellent OLED display; Very portable; Snappy performance; Great accessories (including the Surface Pen).
Cons: Single-day battery; App compatibility is still expanding.
The Surface Pro 11, using Snapdragon X processors, offers strong performance in creative apps. While not offering all-day battery life (around 10 hours), it supports fast charging. Configurable with up to 64GB RAM and 1TB expandable storage, it's a powerful device. The high-resolution display is excellent. While app compatibility isn't fully universal, it covers most major creative applications.
Choosing the Best MacBook Alternative
Consider these factors when selecting a MacBook replacement:
- Processor: Aim for at least 6 cores, preferably 8, with a high clock speed. Consider Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 or higher, and avoid older generations.
- Memory: 16GB minimum is recommended for smooth multitasking.
- Storage: 256GB is sufficient for cloud-based workflows, but 512GB or 1TB is preferable for local storage.
- Display: Minimum 1080p resolution; OLED offers superior picture quality but may be 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 offer comparable performance, but Apple's chips still lead in efficiency and battery life.
Are MacBooks good for gaming? No, Windows laptops offer far superior gaming capabilities.
Is a MacBook better than a PC? It depends on your needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications and portability, while PCs offer wider software compatibility and better gaming.
