Top MacBook Alternatives for 2025: What to Buy

As we usher in the new year, the allure of the newly released MacBook Air is undeniable. Yet, for those of us deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem, the search for a worthy alternative is crucial. Among the plethora of options, the Asus Zenbook S 16 stands out as my top overall pick, offering a compelling blend of performance, design, and portability that rivals the MacBook experience.

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

To be considered a true MacBook alternative, a laptop must meet a high standard. It should be lightweight, highly portable, relatively powerful, feature a great screen, and boast a battery that lasts through a full workday. Drawing from extensive reviews conducted over the past year, I've curated a list of laptops that not only meet these criteria but also provide diverse options for replacing the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or even offering the versatility of a 2-in-1 device for creative applications.

1. Asus Zenbook S 16

The Best MacBook Alternative

Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16

2The Asus Zenbook S 16 emerges as a stellar Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. Its sleek design and robust performance make it a joy to carry and use daily. See it at Best BuySee it at AsusProduct 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 with great battery lifeStunning 3K OLED touchscreenImpressive gaming performanceCONSCan get hotThe Asus Zenbook S 16 is an outstanding alternative to the MacBook Pro, especially for those who desire a larger screen. Its ultra-slim and lightweight design belies its powerful performance, capable of handling everything from productivity tasks to demanding 4K video editing. It's one of the most visually appealing laptops I've reviewed, featuring the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, which boasts 12 cores and 24 threads, reaching up to 5.1GHz. While it doesn't match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, it still offers impressive battery life, lasting around 15 hours at 50-60% screen brightness. The laptop's design includes a unique Ceraluminum lid, enhancing durability and aesthetics. Connectivity is 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 500-nit OLED display with a 2.8K resolution supports multi-touch, dynamically adjusting between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth visuals. The only drawback is its tendency to get hot, but this is mitigated when used on a desk, making it a fantastic choice overall.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0Offering a beautiful OLED screen, impressive battery life, and a thin, light design at a budget-friendly price, the Acer Swift Go 16 is an excellent MacBook Air alternative. See it at AcerProduct 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 highly portableExcellent battery lifeCONSLimited memory and storagePriced well under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an affordable alternative to the MacBook Air. At just 3.53lbs, it's incredibly portable, featuring a 16-inch screen with a stunning 3200x2000 resolution. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU ensures sufficient performance for daily productivity and light creative work, with a built-in neural processing unit enhancing AI functionality. However, the budget pricing reflects its limited 8GB of memory and 512GB of storage, which might restrict multitasking and handling larger files. If you prioritize screen quality and portability without needing intensive multitasking, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is a smart choice.

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 incredible performance, stunning screen, multi-day battery life, and elegant design. See it at AsusSee it at Best BuyProduct 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 powerfulExceptional battery lifeEnhanced gaming performanceGorgeous OLED touchscreenCONSNo microSD card readerThe Asus Zenbook S 14 is a stellar MacBook Air alternative, offering a smaller yet powerful version of the Zenbook S 16. It uses the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 258V, delivering high performance and surprising gaming capabilities. Despite its compact size and weight of just 2.65lbs, it boasts a 2.8K OLED display that's perfect for both productivity and entertainment. Its battery life exceeds 15 hours, making it ideal for extended use. The only downside is the absence of a microSD card reader, but its overall performance and portability make it an excellent 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 and efficient coolingCONSExpensiveThe Asus TUF Gaming A14 is the ideal MacBook Pro 14 replacement, offering a compact, powerful, and quiet design with excellent battery life. It's lighter than the MacBook Pro 14 at just 3.2lbs and features the Nvidia RTX 4060 for superior gaming performance. Available in three configurations with varying AMD Ryzen processors and RAM options, it excels in multicore performance, often surpassing Apple's M3 chip. The cooling system is notably quiet and efficient, reducing thermal throttling concerns. While the dedicated graphics card affects battery life, using Advanced Optimus helps mitigate this, ensuring up to 10 hours of use. The main drawback is its higher price, especially for the top-tier model with 32GB of RAM.

5. Microsoft Surface Pro 11

Best 2-in-1 MacBook Alternative

### Microsoft Surface Pro 11

0This versatile 2-in-1 device is perfect for creatives and daily users alike, offering great performance and portability. See it at Amazon See it at MicrosoftProduct 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 delivers exceptional visualsHighly portable with efficient performanceGreat accessories, including the Surface PenCONSBattery life limited to a single dayApp compatibility still expandingThe Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an excellent 2-in-1 alternative to the MacBook, ideal for digital artists and versatile enough for productivity and entertainment. Powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, it offers efficient performance for creative applications. It supports up to 64GB of RAM and 1TB of expandable storage, making it a powerhouse. The OLED display provides stunning visuals, but battery life tops out at around 10 hours. While app compatibility is expanding, it's not yet comprehensive, which is something to consider before purchasing.

How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative

Selecting the right MacBook alternative involves considering several key factors to ensure the laptop meets your needs. Here's what to look for:

Processor: Focus on the number of cores—aim for at least six, with eight being preferable. For true MacBook performance, choose the latest Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors, ensuring high clock speeds for optimal performance.

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

Storage: Depending on your use, 256GB might be enough if you rely on cloud storage, but 512GB is a safer minimum, with 1TB being ideal for large files and media.

Display: A minimum of 1080p resolution is essential. Higher resolutions enhance clarity, but consider the impact on performance for tasks like video editing. OLED panels offer superior quality but require care to prevent burn-in.

Form Factor: Consider weight and screen size for portability. Decide if a touchscreen or 2-in-1 functionality suits your 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 and AMD offer competitive alternatives, such as Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series, they still lag in efficiency and battery life compared to Apple's offerings.

Are MacBooks good for gaming?

MacBooks can run games, but their game library is limited compared to Windows gaming laptops. Most games are better optimized for Windows, making it the preferred platform for gamers.

Is a MacBook better than PC?

The choice between MacBook and PC depends on your needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications and offer unique software like Logic Pro. However, PCs provide a more open ecosystem with broader software availability, especially for gaming, where Windows has a vast library of games.