As we usher in the new year, the tech world welcomes the latest iteration of the MacBook Air, a device that continues to captivate with its sleek design and powerful performance. Yet, for those of us deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem, the allure of the MacBook comes with the challenge of transitioning away from a familiar environment. Fortunately, there's no shortage of excellent alternatives that offer similar elegance and functionality. Leading the pack is the Asus Zenbook S 16, my top pick for those seeking a MacBook-like experience on 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

A laptop aiming to be a MacBook alternative must meet a high standard. It should be lightweight, highly portable, powerful, boast a stellar screen, and have a battery life that lasts at least a full workday. In compiling this list, I've drawn on extensive reviews from the past year to pinpoint which laptops best embody these qualities, offering viable substitutes for the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and even 2-in-1 devices ideal for creative work.

1. Asus Zenbook S 16

The Best MacBook Alternative

Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16

2The Asus Zenbook S 16 emerges as an outstanding Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. Its portability and user experience are unmatched, making it a joy to carry and use daily.

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 impressive battery life
• Stunning 3K OLED touchscreen
• Surprising gaming performance

CONS

• Can get hot

The Asus Zenbook S 16 stands as the premier alternative to the Apple MacBook Pro, particularly for those who prefer a larger screen. It's incredibly thin and light, yet packs a punch with its processing power, making it ideal for productivity and demanding creative tasks like 4K video editing. It's also one of the most aesthetically pleasing laptops I've reviewed.

The core of the system is powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, featuring 12 cores and 24 threads with a maximum clock speed of 5.1GHz, which ensures peak performance across a variety of tasks, including gaming. While it doesn't match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, it still delivers excellent battery life, with around 15 hours of usage at 50-60% screen brightness.

The design is a standout feature, with a new Ceraluminum lid that blends ceramic and aluminum for enhanced durability and resistance to fingerprints. The attention to detail, such as the intricate ventilation area above the keyboard, underscores its premium quality.

In terms of connectivity, it surpasses 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 a 2.8K resolution and multi-touch support provides a dynamic experience, adjusting between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth visuals without sacrificing battery life.

The only drawback is that it can get hot during use, but this issue is mitigated when used on a desk, making it a worthwhile trade-off for its many advantages.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED combines a beautiful OLED screen, robust battery life, and a slim, lightweight design, all while staying under $1,000.

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

At a price well below $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers a budget-friendly alternative to the MacBook Air. Weighing just 3.53 pounds, it's easy to carry and features a 16-inch screen with an impressive 3200x2000 resolution, which is a rare find at this price point.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, though a generation old, still provides ample performance for everyday productivity and light creative tasks. It includes a neural processing unit (NPU) for enhanced AI functionality and support for Microsoft Copilot. However, with only 8GB of memory and 512GB of storage, multitasking and handling larger files may be limited.

For those not engaged in heavy multitasking or working with large files, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers an excellent screen and portability at a budget-friendly price.

Asus Zenbook S 14 – Photos

13 Images3. 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 elegant 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 a compelling alternative to the MacBook Air. While it shares similarities with the larger Zenbook S 16, it distinguishes itself with an Intel Core Ultra processor, which offers high performance and surprisingly good gaming capabilities. Its lightweight design and portability are unmatched, making it an ideal choice for those on the go.

Despite its compact size, the Zenbook S 14 boasts a 2.8K OLED display that reaches up to 500 nits, providing an exceptional visual experience. Its battery life exceeds 15 hours, making it perfect for extended use. While it lacks a microSD card reader, its overall performance and design make it a top choice for MacBook Air users looking to switch to Windows.

Asus TUF Gaming A14 – Photos

10 Images4. 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 ideal alternative to the MacBook Pro 14. It combines compact size, powerful performance, and quiet operation with impressive battery life. At just 3.2 pounds, it's lighter than the MacBook Pro 14, making it an excellent choice for those who need both portability and power.

Available in three configurations, it offers choices between AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPUs and 16GB or 32GB of RAM. The entry-level model performs exceptionally well, often outpacing Apple's M3 in multicore tasks. The Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU ensures smooth gaming performance.

While it may be pricier, especially for the higher-end models, the Asus TUF Gaming A14 is a stellar choice for those who can't leave the Windows ecosystem behind but still want a laptop that rivals the MacBook Pro 14 in performance and design.

5. Microsoft Surface Pro 11

Best 2-in-1 MacBook Alternative

### Microsoft Surface Pro 11

0The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is perfect for artists and professionals who need a versatile, portable device with robust performance.

See it at Amazon 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 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 and those seeking versatility, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 stands out as an exceptional 2-in-1 alternative to the MacBook. Powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, it offers efficient performance suitable for creative apps like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro.

Its battery life, while not all-day, lasts around 10 hours, sufficient for a full day of work or school. The device supports fast charging and can be replenished quickly. With options for up to 64GB of RAM and 1TB of expandable storage, it's a powerhouse for those who need it.

The 13-inch display is available in both LCD and OLED variants, providing crisp visuals ideal for productivity and entertainment. However, the use of ARM processors means some apps may require emulation, though the library of compatible applications continues to grow.

How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative

When searching for a MacBook alternative, consider these key factors to ensure you find a device that meets your needs:

Processor: Opt for at least six cores, preferably eight, for smooth performance. High clock speeds are crucial, so consider Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors and avoid models more than a generation old unless your use case is less demanding.

Memory: Aim for at least 16GB of RAM to ensure smooth multitasking and future-proofing. While 8GB might suffice initially, it's the bare minimum and could lead to quicker obsolescence.

Storage: Depending on your needs, 256GB may be enough if you rely on cloud storage, but for larger files or extensive local storage, opt for at least 512GB, with 1TB being ideal.

Display: Choose a display with at least a 1080p resolution. Higher resolutions enhance visual quality but may impact performance in tasks like video editing or gaming. OLED displays offer superior picture quality but require care to prevent burn-in.

Form Factor: Consider the weight and size, as even a slight increase can affect portability. Decide if you need a touchscreen or 2-in-1 functionality based on your current and future needs.

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 competitive performance, Apple still leads in efficiency and battery life.

Are MacBooks good for gaming?

While MacBooks can run many games, their game library and optimization are not as extensive as those for Windows laptops, making them less ideal for avid gamers.

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 their performance in creative applications and certain exclusive software, while PCs offer a more open ecosystem with broader software compatibility, especially for gaming.