Top MacBook Alternatives for 2025: What to Buy

With the dawn of a new year, Apple unveils the latest iteration of the MacBook Air, a device that captivates many with its sleek design and robust performance. Yet, if you're deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem and can't quite make the switch, fear not—there's a world of alternatives waiting for you. Leading the pack is the Asus Zenbook S 16, my top recommendation for those seeking a MacBook-like experience without abandoning Windows.

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 MacBook alternative, it's crucial to consider several key factors. A viable substitute should be lightweight and highly portable, boast significant power, feature an excellent display, and have a battery that lasts a full workday. Drawing from my extensive reviews over the past year, I've curated a list of laptops that meet these criteria and can effectively replace a MacBook, whether you're eyeing the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or a 2-in-1 device for creative pursuits.

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 joy to use, making it a top choice for those in need of a larger screen without compromising on portability and performance.

See it at Best BuySee it at Asus

Product Specifications Display16" (2880 x 1800) CPUAMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 GPUAMD Radeon 890M RAM32GB LPDDR5X Storage1TB PCIe SSD Weight3.31 pounds Size13.92" x 9.57" x 0.47" - 0.51" Battery lifeAround 15 hours

PROS

• Thin, light, and exceptionally portable
• High performance while still offering great battery life
• Stunning 3K OLED touchscreen
• Surprising gaming performance

CONS

• Can get hot

The Asus Zenbook S 16 is the ultimate MacBook Pro alternative, especially for those needing a larger screen. It's incredibly thin and light, yet a powerhouse capable of handling productivity and demanding creative tasks like 4K video editing. The design is gorgeous, featuring a new Ceraluminum lid that combines ceramic and aluminum for durability and a fingerprint-resistant finish. 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. The 500-nit OLED display with 2.8K resolution and multi-touch support is simply stunning. However, it can run hot, which is a minor drawback compared to its overall excellence.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers a beautiful OLED screen, great battery life, and a thin, light design at a budget-friendly price, making it an excellent MacBook Air alternative.

See it at Acer

Product Specifications Display16" (3200 x 2000), OLED multitouch CPUIntel Core Ultra 5 125H GPUIntel Arc RAM8GB Storage512GB Weight3.53 pounds Dimensions14.02" 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 is a compelling MacBook Air alternative. Its 16-inch screen boasts an impressive 3200x2000 resolution, a rarity at this price point. Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, it handles daily productivity and light creative work efficiently, though its 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage may limit multitasking and handling larger 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 is a formidable MacBook Air alternative, boasting incredible performance, a stunning screen, multi-day battery life, and a sleek chassis.

See it at AsusSee it at Best Buy

Product Specifications Display14" (2880 x 1800) CPUIntel Core Ultra 7 258V GPUIntel Arc RAM32GB LPDDR5X Storage1TB PCIe SSD Weight2.65 pounds Size12.22" x 8.45" x 0.51" Battery life15+ 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 MacBook Air alternative. It's powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, delivering high performance and surprising gaming capabilities. Weighing just around 2.5lbs and less than half an inch thick, its portability is unparalleled. The 2.8K OLED display is breathtaking, with up to 500 nits of brightness, perfect for HDR gaming and creative work. With over 15 hours of battery life, it's a true workhorse that doesn't compromise on style or performance.

Asus TUF Gaming A14 – Photos

10 Images

4. Asus TUF Gaming A14

Best MacBook Pro 14 Alternative

Product Specifications Display14” (2560 x 1600) IPS CPUAMD Ryzen 7 8845HS to AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 GPUNvidia RTX 4060 RAM16GB to 32GB (7500MHz) Storage1TB Weight3.2 pounds Dimensions12.24" x 8.94" x 0.67" – 0.78"

PROS

• Impressive battery life
• Quiet, efficient cooling

CONS

• Expensive

The Asus TUF Gaming A14 is an excellent replacement for the MacBook Pro 14. It's compact, powerful, and quiet, with impressive battery life. Its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU makes it a gaming powerhouse, and at 3.2lbs, it's lighter than the MacBook Pro 14. Available in three configurations, it offers versatile performance options. The entry-level model with AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS outpaces Apple's M3 in multicore performance, ideal for creatives and power users. While it has more fan noise than the MacBook Pro, it's still significantly quieter than most gaming laptops. Battery life can last around 10 hours, and while the higher-end model is pricier, it's a worthy investment for those needing top performance without sacrificing portability.

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, particularly for creative professionals, and offers great performance and versatility for everyday use.

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Product Specifications Display13-inch OLED or LCD touchscreen (2,880 x 1,920) CPUSnapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite GPUIntegrated RAMUp to 64GB StorageUp to 1TB (expandable) Weight1.97 pounds Dimensions11.3” 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)

The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is perfect for those needing a MacBook alternative in a versatile 2-in-1 form factor. With Snapdragon X processors, it offers efficient performance suitable for creative apps like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro. Battery life lasts around 10 hours, with fast charging capabilities. The device is customizable with up to 64GB of RAM and 1TB of expandable storage, and the OLED display is crisp and vibrant. However, app compatibility might still be an issue for some users, though it's improving.

How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative

Choosing a MacBook alternative involves considering several key factors to ensure you find a laptop that meets your needs:

Processor: Opt for at least six cores, preferably eight, with the highest clock speed possible. Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 from the latest generation is recommended for a true MacBook alternative.

Memory: Aim for at least 16GB of RAM to ensure smooth multitasking and future-proofing.

Storage: Depending on your use, 256GB may suffice if you use cloud storage, but 512GB to 1TB is preferable for those working with large files.

Display: A minimum of 1080p resolution is essential. Higher resolutions offer crisper images, but consider the impact on performance. OLED displays provide superior picture quality but require care to avoid burn-in.

Form Factor: Consider the weight, screen size, and whether a touch screen or 2-in-1 functionality is necessary.

Macbook Alternatives FAQ

What is the best M3 and M4 competitor?

Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series CPUs offer high performance comparable to Apple's M3 and M4 chips, though Apple still leads in efficiency and battery life.

Are MacBooks good for gaming?

While MacBooks can play games, the selection and optimization of games on Windows gaming laptops are superior.

Is a MacBook better than PC?

It depends on your needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications and have unique software, but PCs offer a more open ecosystem with better gaming support and a broader range of software.