Top MacBook Alternatives for 2025: What to Buy

It's a new year, and with it comes the excitement of new MacBooks, like the stunning MacBook Air. However, if you're deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem and not ready to switch, there are excellent alternatives to consider. My top pick is the Asus Zenbook S 16, a laptop that stands out as a premier 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

Choosing a MacBook alternative is no small task. The ideal laptop should be lightweight, highly portable, powerful, boast a superior screen, and have a battery that lasts a full workday. Drawing from my extensive reviews, I've selected laptops that meet these criteria and can serve as worthy replacements for MacBook models, including the Pro, Air, and versatile 2-in-1 options for creative professionals.

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 excellent Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. Its lightweight design and exceptional performance make it a joy to use and carry around.

See it at Best BuySee 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 a top contender for replacing the Apple MacBook Pro, especially if you prefer a larger screen. It's incredibly thin and light yet packed with processing power, making it ideal for productivity and demanding tasks like 4K video editing. The laptop's design is not only functional but also visually appealing, featuring Asus's innovative Ceraluminum lid, which combines ceramic and aluminum for durability and a fingerprint-resistant finish.

Powered by the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, the Zenbook S 16 delivers peak performance across a variety of tasks, including gaming. While it may not match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, its battery life remains impressive, lasting around 15 hours at moderate screen brightness.

Connectivity options surpass those of the MacBook, including dual USB Type-C ports, a full-size USB Type-A, an SD card reader, a headphone jack, and an HDMI-out port. The 500-nit OLED display with 2.8K resolution is a standout feature, supporting multi-touch and dynamically adjusting refresh rates for smooth visuals and extended battery life.

The only notable drawback is that the laptop can get hot, but this issue is mitigated when used on a desk.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0With its beautiful OLED screen, impressive battery life, and slim, lightweight design, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an affordable alternative to the MacBook Air.

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 under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is a budget-friendly alternative to the MacBook Air. Its 16-inch screen offers an impressive 3200x2000 resolution, providing excellent visuals at a lower cost.

Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, it's capable of handling everyday productivity tasks and light creative work. It also features a built-in neural processing unit (NPU) for enhanced AI functionality. However, with only 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, its capabilities for multitasking and handling large files are somewhat limited.

If you're looking for a cost-effective option with a great screen and all-day battery life, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is a compelling choice.

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 stellar alternative to the MacBook Air, offering superior performance, a vibrant screen, extended battery life, and a sleek design.

See it at AsusSee 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 replacement. It features the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 258V CPU, which delivers high performance and surprisingly good gaming capabilities. Despite its compact size, weighing just 2.65 pounds, it doesn't compromise on power or portability.

The Zenbook S 14's battery life is exceptional, lasting over 15 hours, making it ideal for extended use. Its 2.8K OLED display is another highlight, offering brilliant visuals and HDR gaming support, although you may need to adjust settings for optimal performance.

Overall, the Asus Zenbook S 14 is a fantastic MacBook Air alternative, combining performance, portability, and a reasonable price.

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 outstanding replacement for the MacBook Pro 14, offering a compact, powerful, and quiet design with impressive battery life. It's equipped with an Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU, making it suitable for gaming as well.

Available in multiple configurations, including AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPUs and 16GB or 32GB of RAM, the TUF Gaming A14 provides excellent performance. The entry-level model with the Ryzen 7 8845HS outpaces the Apple M3 in multicore performance, ideal for creatives and power users.

While the TUF Gaming A14 has more fan noise than the MacBook Pro, it remains significantly quieter than other gaming laptops and runs cooler, reducing the risk of thermal throttling. Its battery life is robust, lasting around 10 hours on the processor alone, and can be extended with Advanced Optimus.

The higher-end model with 32GB of RAM is pricier but necessary for demanding applications like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve. For those committed to Windows without sacrificing performance or portability, the Asus TUF Gaming A14 is a top choice.

5. Microsoft Surface Pro 11

Best 2-in-1 MacBook Alternative

### Microsoft Surface Pro 11

0The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a versatile 2-in-1 device that's perfect for creatives and offers excellent performance and portability.

See it at AmazonSee 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 life
• App compatibility is still expanding

The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an excellent choice for creative professionals and anyone needing a versatile 2-in-1 device. It's powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, offering performance comparable to Apple's M-series chips. The Surface Pro 11 supports a wide range of configurations, from 256GB to 1TB of storage and 16GB to 64GB of RAM.

Its 13-inch display is available in both LCD and OLED variants, providing crisp and vibrant visuals. While battery life tops out at around 10 hours, it's sufficient for a full day of work and supports fast charging.

The biggest challenge with the Surface Pro 11 is app compatibility due to its ARM-based processor. However, the compatible app library is expanding, covering most major creative and professional applications.

How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative

Selecting the perfect MacBook alternative requires careful consideration of several key factors:

• Processor: Opt for at least six cores, preferably eight, and the highest clock speed available. Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 CPUs are good starting points, and avoid models more than a generation old.
• Memory: 16GB is recommended for smooth multitasking and longevity, though 8GB might suffice for basic tasks.
• Storage: 256GB is enough for cloud-based users, but 512GB to 1TB is better for those working with large files.
• Display: Aim for at least 1080p resolution. OLED displays offer superior picture quality but require care to prevent burn-in.
• Form Factor: Consider weight, screen size, and whether a touch screen or 2-in-1 design is beneficial.

MacBook Alternatives FAQ

What is the best M3 and M4 competitor?

Apple's M3 and M4 chips are known for their efficiency and power. Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series are strong contenders, but Apple still leads in efficiency and battery life.

Are MacBooks good for gaming?

While MacBooks can run many games, they have fewer compatible titles and less optimization compared to Windows gaming laptops.

Is a MacBook better than PC?

The choice depends on your needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications and offer unique software like Logic Pro. PCs provide a broader software ecosystem, especially for gaming, and are often the first choice for developers due to their widespread adoption.