As we embrace the new year, the release of the sleek and stylish new MacBook Air has many of us considering a switch. However, if you're deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem, you might be looking for compelling alternatives. Fortunately, there are several excellent laptops that can serve as worthy substitutes for the MacBook, with the Asus Zenbook S 16 standing out as my top overall pick.

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 iconic MacBook must meet stringent criteria. Key qualities include being lightweight and highly portable, offering robust performance, featuring a superior screen, and boasting a battery life that lasts a full workday at the very least.

In compiling this list, I drew upon my extensive reviews from the past year and beyond, selecting laptops that best meet these criteria to serve as true MacBook replacements. Whether you're seeking a substitute for the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air, or a versatile 2-in-1 for creative work, I have recommendations to suit your needs.

1. Asus Zenbook S 16

The Best MacBook Alternative

Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16

2The Asus Zenbook S 16 stands out as an exceptional Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. It's incredibly easy to carry and a delight to use, making it a top choice for those seeking a premium laptop experience.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 premier alternative to the Apple MacBook Pro, particularly for those who need a larger screen. It's remarkably thin and light, yet packs a powerful punch, capable of handling everything from productivity tasks to demanding creative work like 4K video editing. Its design is one of the most visually appealing I've encountered.

The core of the system is the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, which is the highest performance AI processor from Asus to date. With 12 cores and 24 threads, and a maximum clock speed of 5.1GHz, it delivers top-tier performance across a wide range of tasks, including gaming.

While it doesn't match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, the Zenbook S 16 still offers impressive battery life. At 50-60% screen brightness, I achieved around 15 hours of usage, ensuring it can last through a full day and beyond.

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

Connectivity surpasses that of 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 for external monitor connections.

The screen is a highlight, boasting a bright 500-nit OLED display with a 2.8K resolution (2880x1880). It supports multi-touch and dynamically adjusts between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth visuals while maintaining excellent battery life.

The only notable drawback is that the laptop can get hot, a trade-off for its ultra-premium design. However, this issue is mitigated when used on a desk, making it a minor concern given the laptop's overall excellence.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers a stunning screen, impressive battery life, and a sleek, lightweight design at a budget-friendly price, making it an excellent alternative to the MacBook Air.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 a cost-effective alternative to the MacBook Air, delivering 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. Its 16-inch screen boasts an impressive 3200x2000 resolution, which is remarkable for its price point.

Performance is solid, thanks to the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU. Though a generation old, it's still capable of handling everyday 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 pricing reflects its memory and storage configuration, with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. While the storage is adequate for most users, the 8GB of RAM may limit multitasking and performance with more demanding applications like video editing.

For users who primarily work with one or two applications at a time, this trade-off is worthwhile, providing access to its excellent screen 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 a formidable competitor to the MacBook Air, offering superior performance, an outstanding screen, multi-day battery life, and a sleek design at a competitive price point.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, offers unique features that make it an excellent MacBook Air replacement. It uses the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, which delivers high performance and surprisingly good gaming capabilities.

At just 2.65 pounds and less than half an inch thick, the S 14 is incredibly portable. Its 14-inch screen initially seemed small, but its portability quickly won me over.

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

The 2.8K OLED display (2880x1800) is another highlight, reaching up to 500 nits and delivering stunning visuals, especially for HDR gaming. While you may need to adjust settings for optimal performance, the ability to play AAA games on a productivity laptop is impressive.

Overall, the Asus Zenbook S 14 is a stellar MacBook Air alternative, offering a compelling combination of performance, portability, and 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 those looking to replace the MacBook Pro 14. It's compact, powerful, and quiet, with impressive battery life and the added benefit of an Nvidia RTX 4060 for gaming. At just 3.2 pounds, it's even lighter than the MacBook Pro 14.

Available in three configurations, you can choose between the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, with options for 16GB or 32GB of RAM. The RAM's speed gives it a performance edge over competitors like the MSI Stealth 14. The entry-level model with the Ryzen 7 8845HS offers exceptional performance, often surpassing Apple's M3 in multicore tasks, making it ideal for creatives and power users.

While it has more fan noise than the MacBook Pro, it's significantly quieter than most gaming laptops and maintains cooler temperatures, reducing the risk of thermal throttling.

Battery life is impacted by the dedicated graphics card, but using Advanced Optimus can extend it to around 10 hours on the processor alone, sufficient for a full workday.

The main challenge is its pricing, with the top model with 32GB of RAM costing $1,699. However, for those who need Windows and can't compromise on 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 exceptional 2-in-1 alternative to the MacBook, perfect for artists and versatile enough for daily use, with impressive performance and efficiency.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, making it an excellent alternative to the MacBook. Its design is perfect for digital artists, but it's also a great choice for productivity and entertainment.

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 X Elite, offering 10 or 12 CPU cores for efficient performance in creative apps like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro. Battery life lasts around 10 hours, enough for a full day of work, with fast charging capabilities.

The hardware is robust, with storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB and RAM from 16GB to 64GB. The display is available in LCD or OLED variants, both with a crisp 2880x1920 resolution, ideal for various tasks.

The main challenge is app compatibility due to the Snapdragon processors' different technology. While an emulation layer helps, not all applications are fully compatible yet, so it's important to check before purchasing.

How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative

Navigating the vast array of MacBook alternatives can be daunting. Here are key factors to consider to ensure you find a laptop that meets your needs:

Processor: Focus on the number of cores rather than the brand. 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: Choose a laptop with at least 16GB of RAM. While 8GB might suffice initially, it's the minimum and can lead to quicker obsolescence. 16GB ensures smooth multitasking and future-proofing.

Storage: Your storage needs depend on your usage. If you rely on cloud storage, 256GB might be enough, but 512GB is a more modern minimum, with 1TB preferred for larger files and games.

Display: Opt for at least a 1080p resolution. Higher resolutions offer sharper images but can strain system resources. OLED panels provide superior picture quality but require care to prevent burn-in.

Form Factor: Consider the laptop's weight and screen size. A touch screen or 2-in-1 functionality might be beneficial depending on your needs.

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. They are not the best choice for avid gamers.

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 broader software availability and are preferred for gaming due to their extensive game libraries.