Top MacBook Alternatives for 2025: What to Buy

As we usher in the new year, Apple has unveiled its latest MacBook Air, a device that many of us admire for its sleek design and performance. However, if you're like me and deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem, finding a worthy alternative is essential. After extensive research and hands-on experience, I've selected the Asus Zenbook S 16 as my top choice among the best MacBook alternatives.

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

Choosing a laptop to rival the MacBook's reputation is no easy task. A true alternative must be lightweight, ultra-portable, powerful, equipped with a stunning display, and boast a battery life that lasts through a full workday. My recommendations are based on my thorough reviews over the past year, ensuring that each laptop on this list meets the high standards set by the MacBook.

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, offering a perfect blend of portability and performance. Its sleek design and robust capabilities make it a joy to use on the go.
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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 an outstanding MacBook Pro alternative, especially for those needing a larger screen. Its slim and lightweight build doesn't compromise on power, making it ideal for productivity and demanding creative tasks like 4K video editing. The laptop's design is both functional and visually appealing, featuring a durable Ceraluminum lid and intricate ventilation details. Despite its high performance, it may run hot, but this can be managed by using it on a desk.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0Offering a high-resolution OLED screen and all-day battery life at a budget-friendly price, the Acer Swift Go 16 is an excellent MacBook Air alternative.
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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

The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is a fantastic option for those seeking a MacBook Air alternative without breaking the bank. Its lightweight design and impressive screen make it a compelling choice, though its memory and storage capacities 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 offers superior performance, an excellent screen, and remarkable battery life in a chassis that rivals the MacBook Air's elegance.
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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 ideal replacement for the MacBook Air, offering exceptional portability and performance. Its Intel Core Ultra processor ensures high performance across various tasks, while its OLED screen provides a stunning visual experience. The lack of a microSD card reader is a minor drawback in an otherwise stellar package.

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 the top choice for those looking to replace the MacBook Pro 14. It combines compactness, power, and quiet operation with impressive battery life. The Nvidia RTX 4060 ensures robust gaming performance, making it a versatile choice for both creative professionals and gamers.

5. Microsoft Surface Pro 11

Best 2-in-1 MacBook Alternative

### Microsoft Surface Pro 11

0The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is perfect for creative professionals and those seeking a versatile 2-in-1 device. Its OLED display and powerful performance make it an excellent MacBook alternative.
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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 still expanding

The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an ideal choice for those who require the flexibility of a 2-in-1 device. Its Snapdragon processors deliver efficient performance, though its battery life is limited to around 10 hours. The OLED display is a highlight, offering superior visuals for creatives and professionals alike.

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 and rivals the MacBook experience.

Processor: Opt for a processor with at least six cores, ideally eight, for smooth performance. Aim 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: A minimum of 16GB of RAM is recommended to ensure smooth multitasking and future-proofing. While 8GB may suffice for basic tasks, it's the bare minimum in today's computing landscape.

Storage: Depending on your usage, 256GB may be sufficient if you rely on cloud storage, but for local storage of large files, 512GB or 1TB is preferable.

Display: A 1080p resolution is the minimum you should consider. Higher resolutions offer better clarity, but consider the impact on battery life and performance for tasks like video editing or gaming. OLED panels provide superior picture quality, though they require care to avoid burn-in.

Form Factor: Consider the laptop's weight and screen size, as well as whether a touch screen or 2-in-1 functionality is necessary for your needs.

Macbook Alternatives FAQ

What is the best M3 and M4 competitor?

While Apple's M3 and M4 chips are renowned for their efficiency and power, Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series offer competitive performance. However, Apple still leads in efficiency and battery life.

Are MacBooks good for gaming?

MacBooks can run games, but the selection and optimization of games for macOS are limited compared to Windows. For serious gaming, a Windows laptop is the better choice.

Is a MacBook better than PC?

This depends on your specific needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications and offer unique software like Logic Pro. PCs, on the other hand, provide a more open ecosystem with broader software availability and are the preferred platform for gaming.