Top MacBook Alternatives for 2025: What to Buy

As we welcome the new year, Apple has unveiled its latest MacBook Air, a device that's undeniably sleek and powerful. However, if you're deeply invested in the Windows ecosystem and aren't ready to switch, there's no need to fret. There are excellent alternatives to the MacBook that can cater to your needs without compromising on performance or design. My top pick for an overall MacBook alternative is the Asus Zenbook S 16.

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

When searching for a laptop that can serve as a viable alternative to the iconic MacBook, it's essential to look for a device that is not only lightweight and easy to carry but also boasts impressive power, a superior screen, and a battery that can last through a full day's work. My selection of the best MacBook alternatives is based on extensive reviews over the past year, focusing on those that truly meet these criteria. Whether you're in the market for a replacement for the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or seeking a versatile 2-in-1 for creative work, I have some compelling options for you.

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 the top choice for those seeking a larger screen without sacrificing portability or performance.

See it at Best BuySee it at Asus

Product 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 hot

The Asus Zenbook S 16 is the ultimate alternative to the Apple MacBook Pro, especially if you need a larger screen. It's incredibly thin and light yet packs a punch with its processing power, making it ideal for everything from productivity to demanding creative tasks like 4K video editing. It's one of the most visually appealing laptops I've ever reviewed.

The core of this powerhouse is the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, featuring 12 cores and 24 threads with a maximum clock speed of 5.1GHz. This processor delivers top-notch performance across various tasks, including gaming. While it doesn't match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, it still offers impressive battery life. At 50-60% screen brightness, it lasts around 15 hours, ensuring it can power through a full day and beyond.

The design of the Zenbook S 16 is truly stunning, featuring a new Ceraluminum lid that combines ceramic and aluminum for durability and resistance to fingerprints. Small details like the ventilation area, composed of over a thousand tiny milled holes, highlight its premium nature. Connectivity is also superior to 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 boasts a vibrant 500-nit OLED display with a 2.8K resolution (2880x1880) and multi-touch support, offering smooth motion and excellent battery life. However, the surface temperatures can get hot, which is a minor drawback compared to the MacBook, though using it on a desk mitigates this issue.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is a budget-friendly alternative to the MacBook Air, offering a stunning OLED screen, long battery life, and a slim, portable design.

See it at Acer

Product 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 storage

Priced under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an affordable alternative to the MacBook Air that doesn't skimp on screen quality or battery life. At just 3.53 pounds, it's easy to carry throughout the day, and its 16-inch screen boasts an impressive 3200x2000 resolution.

Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, it's a generation old but still handles day-to-day productivity and light creative work well. It includes a neural processing unit (NPU) for enhanced AI functionality and support for Microsoft Copilot. The budget-friendly price comes from its 8GB of memory and 512GB of storage, which may limit multitasking and performance with more demanding tasks like video editing. However, for users focusing on single applications, it's a fantastic option.

Asus Zenbook S 14 – Photos

13 Images3. Asus Zenbook S 14

Best MacBook Air Alternative

### Asus Zenbook S 14

1The Asus Zenbook S 14 surpasses the MacBook Air with its incredible performance, stunning screen, multi-day battery life, and elegant design.

See it at AsusSee it at Best Buy

Product 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 reader

The Asus Zenbook S 14 is a fantastic MacBook Air alternative, sharing many similarities with the Zenbook S 16 but with distinct advantages. It uses the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, which provides high performance and is surprisingly good for gaming. Its lightweight design, weighing only around 2.5 pounds, makes it incredibly portable.

The battery life is exceptional, lasting over 15 hours in testing, which is ideal for users with intermittent use. The 2.8K OLED display (2880x1800) is another highlight, offering up to 500 nits of brightness and excellent HDR gaming capabilities. The only minor downside is the lack of a microSD card reader, but its performance and portability make it an outstanding choice.

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 coolingCONSExpensive

The Asus TUF Gaming A14 is an excellent alternative to the MacBook Pro 14, offering a compact, powerful, and quiet design with impressive battery life. It's also lighter than the MacBook Pro 14 at 3.2 pounds.

Available in three versions, you can choose between AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPUs and either 16GB or 32GB of RAM. The entry-level version with the Ryzen 7 8845HS delivers fast performance, often outpacing Apple's M3 in multicore tasks, making it perfect for creative and power users. The cooling system is remarkably quiet and efficient, preventing thermal throttling.

The dedicated Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU impacts battery life, but with Advanced Optimus, it can last around 10 hours on the processor alone. The main drawback is its price, with the 32GB RAM version costing $1,699. However, for those who need Windows without sacrificing performance, weight, or size, the Asus TUF Gaming A14 is an excellent choice.

5. 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, perfect for artists and versatile enough for everyday use.

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Product 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)

The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is ideal for creative professionals who need a versatile 2-in-1 device. It's also suitable for productivity and entertainment, making it a great MacBook alternative. Powered by Snapdragon X processors, it offers excellent performance in creative apps like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro.

Battery life lasts around 10 hours, sufficient for a full day of work or school, and it supports fast charging. The hardware is robust, with storage options up to 1TB and RAM up to 64GB. The display is available in LCD or OLED variants with a crisp 2880x1920 resolution.

The biggest challenge is app compatibility, as the Snapdragon processors differ from traditional x86 processors. However, the compatible app library has expanded significantly, covering most major applications used by creatives and professionals.

How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative

Choosing the right MacBook alternative requires careful consideration of several key factors. Here's what to look for:

Processor: Aim for a processor with at least six cores, preferably eight, and the highest clock speed possible. Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 are good starting points, and try to avoid processors more than a generation old unless your needs are minimal.

Memory: Opt for at least 16GB of RAM to ensure smooth multitasking and future-proofing. While 8GB might suffice for basic tasks, it's considered the minimum today.

Storage: Depending on your usage, 256GB might be enough if you rely on cloud storage. However, for larger files or extensive local storage, consider at least 512GB, with 1TB being ideal.

Display: Don't settle for less than a 1080p resolution. Higher resolutions offer better clarity, but consider the impact on performance if you plan to edit videos or play games. OLED displays provide superior image quality but require care to avoid burn-in.

Form Factor: Consider the weight and screen size, as well as features like touchscreens or 2-in-1 functionality, based on your daily needs and potential 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's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series offer high performance, Apple's chips still lead in efficiency and battery life.

Are MacBooks good for gaming?

While MacBooks can run many games, the number of compatible titles and optimization levels are lower compared to Windows gaming laptops. If gaming is a priority, a Windows laptop is generally a better choice.

Is a MacBook better than PC?

The choice between a MacBook and a PC depends on your specific needs and preferences. MacBooks are favored for creative work due to their performance, efficiency, and some exclusive apps like Logic Pro. However, PCs offer a more open ecosystem with a broader range of software and better gaming capabilities.