As we usher in the new year, Apple enthusiasts are excited about the latest MacBook releases, including the stunning new MacBook Air. However, for those of us deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem, it's time to explore compelling alternatives. One standout option is the Asus Zenbook S 16, which tops my list as the best overall alternative to the MacBook.
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
To be considered a viable alternative to the MacBook, a laptop must meet stringent criteria. It should be lightweight and highly portable, possess significant power, feature an outstanding screen, and have a battery life that lasts a full workday at minimum. My selection process involved reviewing numerous laptops over the past year, ensuring they meet these high standards to serve as true MacBook replacements. Whether you're seeking a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air alternative, or a versatile 2-in-1 for creative work, I've curated a list of top contenders.
Asus Zenbook S 16
The Best MacBook Alternative
Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16
2The Asus Zenbook S 16 stands out as a premier Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. Its lightweight design and impressive performance make it a joy to use and carry.
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
- Surprising gaming performance
CONS
- Can get hot
The Asus Zenbook S 16 is undoubtedly the best alternative to the Apple MacBook Pro, particularly for those needing a larger screen. Its slim and lightweight design belies its processing prowess, capable of handling everything from productivity tasks to demanding creative work like 4K video editing. The laptop's design is not only functional but also visually appealing, featuring a new Ceraluminum lid that's both durable and fingerprint-resistant. Connectivity options surpass those of the MacBook, offering 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 bright 500-nit OLED display with a 2.8K resolution, supporting multi-touch for versatile input methods. The screen dynamically adjusts between 60Hz and 120Hz, ensuring smooth visuals while conserving battery life. The only notable drawback is its tendency to run hot, though this is mitigated when used on a desk.
Acer Swift Go 16 OLED
Best Budget MacBook Alternative
### Acer Swift Go 16
0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers a budget-friendly alternative to the MacBook Air, combining a high-resolution OLED screen, impressive battery life, and a sleek, portable design.
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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 well under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an excellent choice for those looking for a MacBook Air alternative without breaking the bank. It's lightweight at only 3.53 pounds and features a stunning 16-inch screen with a 3200x2000 resolution. While its Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU is a generation old, it still delivers sufficient performance for everyday productivity and light creative work. The laptop's budget pricing reflects its 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, which may limit multitasking and handling large 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 is a formidable MacBook Air alternative, offering superior performance, a stunning screen, multi-day battery life, and a sleek chassis.
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 Asus Zenbook S 14 is an excellent choice for those seeking a MacBook Air alternative. It's powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, delivering high performance and surprisingly good gaming capabilities. Its lightweight design, at just 2.65 pounds, and slim profile make it incredibly portable. The laptop's 14-inch 2.8K OLED display is a highlight, offering vibrant visuals and HDR support for gaming. With over 15 hours of battery life, it's perfect for extended use.
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 an ideal replacement for the MacBook Pro 14, offering a compact, powerful, and quiet design with impressive battery life. Its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU makes it a strong contender for gaming, while its lightweight design at 3.2 pounds is even lighter than the MacBook Pro 14. Available in multiple configurations, it provides flexibility in performance and memory options. The laptop's cooling system is notably efficient, ensuring quiet operation and preventing thermal throttling. However, its higher price point, especially for the top-tier model, is a consideration.
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, particularly for creatives, with its versatile design and powerful performance.
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
- Snappy performance
- Great accessories (including the Surface Pen)
CONS
- Single-day battery
- App compatibility is still expanding
The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a versatile 2-in-1 device that's perfect for digital artists and professionals needing a portable and efficient solution. Powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, it offers strong performance in creative applications. The device's OLED display provides exceptional visuals, and its lightweight design at 1.97 pounds makes it highly portable. While its battery life tops out at around 10 hours, fast charging capabilities help mitigate this. The main challenge is app compatibility, as the Snapdragon processors use different technology than traditional x86 processors, though the compatible app library is expanding.
How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative
Choosing the right MacBook alternative involves considering several key factors to ensure the laptop meets your needs and performs as expected.
Processor: Focus on the number of cores rather than the brand. A minimum of six cores, preferably eight, is recommended for most users. For high-performance tasks like video editing, 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.
Memory: Aim for at least 16GB of RAM. While 8GB might suffice for basic tasks, 16GB ensures smooth multitasking and future-proofing.
Storage: Depending on your usage, 256GB might be enough if you rely on cloud storage, but 512GB or 1TB is preferable for those working with large files or needing local storage.
Display: A minimum of 1080p resolution is essential. Higher resolutions offer crisper images but may impact performance in demanding tasks. OLED displays provide superior picture quality but require care to prevent burn-in.
Form Factor: Consider the laptop's weight and size, as well as features like touchscreens and 2-in-1 capabilities, based on your daily needs and future requirements.
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 Intel and AMD offer competitive options, such as Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series, Apple still leads in efficiency and battery life.
Are MacBooks good for gaming?
MacBooks can run many games, but the selection and optimization are limited compared to Windows gaming laptops. For avid gamers, a Windows PC is generally a better choice.
Is a MacBook better than PC?
The choice between MacBook and PC depends on your needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications and offer unique software like Logic Pro. PCs, however, provide a more open ecosystem with a broader range of software and better gaming support.
