As the new year rolls in, Apple enthusiasts are buzzing about the release of the latest MacBook Air. While the allure of a MacBook is undeniable, if you're deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem, it's time to explore some stellar alternatives. Among the plethora of options, the Asus Zenbook S 16 stands out as my top pick for an overall MacBook alternative.
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
A laptop that aspires to replace a MacBook must meet a high standard. Key qualities I considered include being lightweight and highly portable, powerful, equipped with an excellent screen, and boasting a battery life that lasts at least a full workday. To compile this list, I drew on numerous reviews from the past year, selecting laptops that truly meet these criteria to effectively serve as MacBook substitutes. Whether you're seeking a replacement for the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or a versatile 2-in-1 for creative tasks, I have recommendations that fit the bill.
Asus Zenbook S 16
The Best MacBook Alternative
Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16
2The Asus Zenbook S 16 emerges as a compelling Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro, offering effortless portability and a joy to use experience.
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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 while maintaining excellent battery life
- Stunning 3K OLED touchscreen
- Surprising gaming performance
CONS
- Can get hot
The Asus Zenbook S 16 is the premier choice for those seeking a MacBook Pro alternative, particularly if a larger screen is essential. Its ultra-slim and lightweight design doesn't compromise its performance, making it a powerhouse for productivity and demanding creative tasks like 4K video editing. Its aesthetic appeal is unmatched, making it one of the most visually stunning laptops I've reviewed.
Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, the Zenbook S 16 offers top-tier performance across a variety of tasks, including gaming. While it may not match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, it still provides impressive battery life. With the screen at 50-60% brightness, I recorded about 15 hours of usage, ensuring it can last through a full day and beyond.
The design features a novel Ceraluminum lid, combining ceramic and aluminum for a durable and fingerprint-resistant finish. The attention to detail, such as the meticulously crafted ventilation area above the keyboard, underscores its premium quality. Connectivity options surpass those 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.
The laptop's 500-nit OLED display with a 2.8K resolution (2880x1880) and multi-touch support offers a dynamic viewing experience, switching between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth motion and excellent battery efficiency. The only notable drawback is its tendency to get hot, though this is mitigated when used on a desk. Overall, the Asus Zenbook S 16 is a phenomenal alternative to the MacBook Pro.
Acer Swift Go 16 OLED
Best Budget MacBook Alternative
### Acer Swift Go 16
0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers a high-resolution screen, robust battery life, and a slim design at a budget-friendly price.
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
Priced well under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED stands as an affordable alternative to the MacBook Air. Its lightweight design and 16-inch screen with a 3200x2000 resolution make it a surprising value at this price point. Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, it handles everyday productivity and light creative tasks efficiently, with an integrated neural processing unit enhancing AI functionality.
While the budget pricing is partly due to its 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, these specs are sufficient for users who work with a few programs at a time and don't require extensive multitasking or handling large files. The trade-off is access to a superior screen and ultra-portable form, making it an excellent choice for those on a budget.
Asus Zenbook S 14 – Photos
13 Images
Asus Zenbook S 14
Best MacBook Air Alternative
### Asus Zenbook S 14
1The Asus Zenbook S 14 outshines the MacBook Air with its superior performance, stunning screen, multi-day battery life, and sleek design.
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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 outstanding alternative to the MacBook Air, offering a blend of high performance and portability. Unlike its larger sibling, the S 14 uses the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, delivering robust performance across various applications, including gaming. Its lightweight design, weighing just around 2.5 pounds, makes it incredibly portable, while its 14-inch OLED screen with a 2.8K resolution provides a visually stunning experience.
With over 15 hours of battery life, this laptop is perfect for extended use. Its performance is snappy and efficient, handling everything from Adobe Premiere Pro to casual browsing without faltering. While it lacks a microSD card reader, the Zenbook S 14 is a top choice for those seeking a MacBook Air alternative at a competitive price.
Asus TUF Gaming A14 – Photos
10 Images
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 excellent battery life. Its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU makes it a formidable gaming laptop, while its lightweight build at 3.2 pounds makes it easier to carry than its Apple counterpart.
Available in multiple configurations, the TUF Gaming A14 can be equipped with either an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or the more powerful AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, with RAM options from 16GB to 32GB. The entry-level version, powered by the Ryzen 7 8845HS, offers impressive performance that often surpasses the Apple M3 in multicore tasks, ideal for creative professionals. The cooling system is notably quiet and efficient, ensuring the laptop remains cool even during intensive tasks.
While the dedicated GPU impacts battery life, utilizing Advanced Optimus can extend it to around 10 hours on the processor alone, sufficient for a full workday. The main drawback is its price, with higher-end configurations reaching up to $1,699, but for those who need Windows without sacrificing performance or portability, the Asus TUF Gaming A14 is an excellent choice.
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 device, particularly suited for creative professionals, offering power, efficiency, and versatility.
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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 through the day
- Snappy performance
- Great accessories (including the Surface Pen)
CONS
- Single-day battery
- App compatibility is still expanding (though is fairly extensive already)
For creative professionals seeking the versatility of a 2-in-1 device, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a stellar MacBook alternative. Powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, it offers efficient performance for creative applications like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro. The battery life, while not all-day, can last around 10 hours, with fast charging capabilities.
The Surface Pro 11 is a powerhouse, configurable up to 64GB of RAM and 1TB of expandable storage. Its 13-inch display is available in both LCD and OLED variants, providing exceptional clarity for both productivity and entertainment. While the ARM-based processor might have some app compatibility limitations, the compatible library has grown to include most major creative and professional applications.
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. Here's what to look for:
Processor: The number of cores is more crucial than the brand. Aim for at least six cores, preferably eight, to handle modern tasks efficiently. 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 unless your needs are minimal.
Memory: A minimum of 16GB of RAM is recommended for smooth multitasking and future-proofing. While 8GB might suffice for basic tasks, it's considered the bare minimum today.
Storage: Your storage needs depend on usage. If you rely on cloud storage, 256GB might be enough, but for local storage, aim for at least 512GB, with 1TB being ideal for working with large files or games.
Display: Avoid anything below a 1080p resolution, as it's a sign of outdated technology. Higher resolutions provide sharper images but require more system resources. Consider OLED displays for superior picture quality, but be mindful of potential burn-in.
Form Factor: Weight and screen size are critical. An extra pound can be noticeable when carried daily. Consider whether you need a touchscreen or a 2-in-1 for added versatility.
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's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series offer strong competition, Apple still leads in efficiency and battery life.
Are MacBooks good for gaming?
MacBooks can run many games, but the selection is limited compared to Windows gaming laptops, and many games are not optimized for Mac as well as they are for PC.
Is a MacBook better than PC?
The choice between MacBook and PC depends on your needs and preferences. MacBooks are favored for their performance in creative applications and specific software like Logic Pro. However, PCs offer a more open ecosystem with broader software compatibility, especially for gaming, due to platforms like Steam.
