Top MacBook Alternatives for 2025 Revealed

As we usher in a new year, the allure of Apple's latest MacBook Air is undeniable. However, if you're deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem but crave a similar sleek and powerful experience, there's no need to switch sides. Instead, explore these top MacBook alternatives that promise to deliver comparable performance and portability without straying from your preferred operating system. My top pick? The Asus Zenbook S 16, which combines elegance with robust functionality.

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 MicrosoftA laptop that aims to stand in for a MacBook must meet stringent criteria. Essential qualities include being lightweight and highly portable, while also boasting significant power, an exceptional screen, and a battery that can last through a full workday. Drawing from extensive reviews over the past year, I've handpicked laptops that truly embody these qualities, offering viable replacements for the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and even versatile 2-in-1 devices tailored 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 the premier Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro, offering a seamless blend of portability and performance that makes it a joy to 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 while still offering great battery lifeStunning 3K OLED touchscreenSurprising gaming performance CONSCan get hotThe Asus Zenbook S 16 is the ultimate MacBook Pro alternative, especially if you require a larger display. Its slim profile and lightweight design make it an ideal travel companion, while its powerful AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor ensures it can handle everything from productivity tasks to intensive 4K video editing. The laptop's aesthetic appeal is undeniable, featuring a unique Ceraluminum lid that resists fingerprints and showcases meticulous craftsmanship with thousands of tiny ventilation holes. Its connectivity options surpass those of the MacBook, including dual USB Type-C, a full-size USB Type-A, an SD card reader, and HDMI-out.

The Zenbook S 16's 500-nit OLED display with 2.8K resolution and multi-touch support is a standout feature, offering vibrant visuals and smooth motion with dynamic refresh rates from 60Hz to 120Hz. While the laptop can run hot, placing it on a desk mitigates this issue, making it a minor concession for the wealth of benefits it provides.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers a stunning screen, impressive battery life, and a sleek design at a budget-friendly price.

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 portable Great battery lifeCONSLimited memory and storageAt a price well under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an excellent budget-friendly MacBook Air alternative. Its 16-inch screen boasts an impressive 3200x2000 resolution, a rarity at this price point. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU ensures smooth performance for everyday tasks and light creative work, with the added benefit of AI enhancements via a built-in neural processing unit.

The laptop's 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage are adequate for users who don't require extensive multitasking or large file storage. Its lightweight design at 3.53 pounds makes it a comfortable companion throughout the day, offering a compelling mix of affordability and quality.

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 remarkable performance, exceptional screen, and multi-day battery life, all wrapped in an elegant chassis.

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 powerfulGreat battery lifeImproved gaming performanceGorgeous OLED touchscreenCONSNo microSD card readerThe Asus Zenbook S 14 is a stellar MacBook Air alternative, offering a perfect balance of power and portability. Its Intel Core Ultra 7 258V processor delivers high performance across a range of tasks, from video editing to casual gaming, all while maintaining cooler temperatures than its larger sibling, the S 16. At just 2.65 pounds, it's incredibly portable, making it easy to forget you're even carrying it.

The laptop's 2.8K OLED display, reaching up to 500 nits, is a visual treat, especially for HDR content. Its battery life exceeds 15 hours, ensuring you can work multiple days without recharging. Although it lacks a microSD card reader, the Zenbook S 14's combination of features and price 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 coolingCONSExpensiveFor those seeking a MacBook Pro 14 alternative, the Asus TUF Gaming A14 is a top contender. It's compact, powerful, and boasts impressive battery life, making it an ideal choice for creatives and gamers alike. The Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU ensures smooth gaming performance, while the AMD Ryzen processors offer superior multicore performance compared to Apple's M3 chip.

Available in multiple configurations, the TUF Gaming A14 can be tailored to your needs, from the entry-level Ryzen 7 8845HS to the more powerful Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. Despite its higher cost, especially for models with 32GB of RAM, its quiet and efficient cooling system sets it apart from other gaming laptops.

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 that excels for artists and daily productivity, powered by efficient Snapdragon processors.

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 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)For creative professionals or anyone needing versatility, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an excellent MacBook alternative. Its 2-in-1 design caters to digital artists while offering robust performance for daily tasks. The Snapdragon X processors deliver efficiency and power, ideal for creative applications like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro.

While the battery life is around 10 hours, the device supports fast charging, ensuring minimal downtime. The expandable storage and high-resolution OLED or LCD display make it a powerhouse in a compact form. However, potential buyers should consider the ongoing expansion of app compatibility due to its ARM-based architecture.

How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative

Navigating the plethora of MacBook alternatives requires attention to key factors to ensure you find a laptop that meets your specific needs.

Processor: Opt for at least a six-core processor, with eight cores being preferable. Aim for high clock speeds, ideally with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 from the latest generation.

Memory: A minimum of 16GB of RAM is recommended for smooth multitasking and longevity, though 8GB might suffice for basic tasks.

Storage: Depending on your use, 256GB may be enough if you rely on cloud storage, but 512GB is more practical, with 1TB being ideal for large files and gaming.

Display: Stick to at least a 1080p resolution, with OLED panels offering superior quality, though they require care to prevent burn-in.

Form Factor: Consider the weight and screen size for daily portability, and whether a touch screen 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. Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series are strong competitors, though they lag slightly in efficiency compared to Apple's offerings.

Are MacBooks good for gaming?

While MacBooks can run games, the selection and optimization are limited compared to Windows gaming laptops. They are not the best choice for avid 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, while PCs provide a more open ecosystem with better gaming support and broader software availability.