Top MacBook Alternatives for 2025: What to Buy

As the new year unfolds, the launch of the sleek MacBook Air has sparked interest among tech enthusiasts. However, if you're deeply invested in the Windows ecosystem and hesitant to switch, there are compelling alternatives to consider. Among the top choices is the Asus Zenbook S 16, which stands out as my top overall pick for those seeking a 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 MicrosoftA laptop that aims to be a viable alternative to the MacBook must meet stringent criteria. It should be lightweight, highly portable, powerful, feature a superior screen, and have a battery life that lasts at least a full workday. In curating this list, I've drawn from extensive reviews over the past year to identify laptops that truly match up to the MacBook standard, whether you're looking to replace the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or need a 2-in-1 for creative and artistic endeavors.

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, offering exceptional portability and a delightful user experience.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 highly portableOffers high performance with impressive battery lifeFeatures a stunning 3K OLED touchscreenDelivers surprising gaming performanceCONSCan become warm during heavy useThe Asus Zenbook S 16 is the premier choice for those seeking an alternative to the MacBook Pro, especially if a larger screen is a priority. Its slim profile and lightweight design don't compromise on power, making it perfect for productivity and demanding creative tasks like 4K video editing. Its aesthetic appeal is unmatched, making it one of the most visually pleasing laptops I've reviewed.

Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, this laptop delivers top-tier performance with 12 cores, 24 threads, and a maximum clock speed of 5.1GHz. It's versatile enough for a range of tasks, including gaming, thanks to its use in high-caliber Windows gaming handhelds. While it doesn't match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, it still provides excellent battery life, lasting around 15 hours at 50-60% screen brightness, which is more than enough for a full day's work.

The design incorporates a unique Ceraluminum lid, blending ceramic and aluminum for durability and a fingerprint-resistant finish. The attention to detail is evident in features like the ventilation area above the keyboard, which is meticulously crafted with over a thousand tiny holes. Connectivity exceeds 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 screen is a highlight, boasting a 500-nit OLED display with a 2.8K resolution and multi-touch support. It dynamically adjusts between 60Hz and 120Hz, ensuring smooth motion without sacrificing battery life.

The only potential downside is that the laptop can get warm under heavy use. However, this is mitigated when used on a desk and is a minor trade-off for the many advantages it offers.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers a premium OLED screen, long-lasting battery, and a sleek design at an affordable price point.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 portableExcellent battery lifeCONSLimited memory and storageThe Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an excellent budget-friendly alternative to the MacBook Air. Priced well under $1,000, it delivers a high-quality 16-inch screen with a 3200x2000 resolution, which is surprising at this price point.

Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, it handles everyday productivity and light creative tasks well, though it's a generation behind, contributing to its affordability. It includes a neural processing unit (NPU) for enhanced AI functionality and support for Microsoft Copilot.

The budget pricing reflects its 8GB of memory and 512GB of storage, which may limit multitasking and performance with more demanding applications like video editing. However, for users focused on single-task productivity, this trade-off is worthwhile, offering access to its exceptional screen and portable design.

Asus Zenbook S 14 – Photos

13 Images3. Asus Zenbook S 14

Best MacBook Air Alternative

### Asus Zenbook S 14

1The Asus Zenbook S 14 offers superior performance, a stunning screen, multi-day battery life, and a sleek design, making it an ideal MacBook Air alternative.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 powerful than the MacBook AirExceptional battery lifeEnhanced gaming capabilitiesBeautiful OLED touchscreenCONSNo microSD card readerThe Asus Zenbook S 14 is a compelling alternative to the MacBook Air, sharing similarities with the Zenbook S 16 but offering distinct advantages. It uses the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, which delivers high performance and is surprisingly adept at gaming. During my review, it handled Adobe Premiere Pro, Microsoft Excel, and even social media and YouTube with ease.

Weighing just around 2.5lbs and less than half an inch thick, it's incredibly portable, making it easy to carry without feeling burdened. Its 14-inch screen is complemented by outstanding battery life, lasting over 15 hours in formal testing, which is exceptional for a laptop of this caliber.

The screen is another standout feature, with a 2.8K OLED display reaching up to 500 nits. It's perfect for HDR gaming, though you may need to adjust settings for optimal performance. This laptop is a fantastic choice for those needing a MacBook Air alternative at a reasonable price.

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 coolingCONSExpensiveThe Asus TUF Gaming A14 is the top pick for those seeking a MacBook Pro 14 alternative. It combines a compact form factor with powerful performance and quiet operation, making it ideal for both work and gaming. At 3.2lbs, it's even lighter than the MacBook Pro 14.

Available in multiple configurations, you can choose between AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processors and either 16GB or 32GB of high-speed RAM. The entry-level model with the Ryzen 7 8845HS impressed with its speed, often outpacing Apple's M3 in multicore performance. The Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU ensures robust gaming performance.

While it has more fan noise than the MacBook Pro, it's significantly quieter than most gaming laptops. Its cooling system is also effective, preventing thermal throttling. Battery life is around 10 hours, which can be extended with Advanced Optimus for power-efficient use.

The main drawback is its cost, especially for the higher-end models with 32GB of RAM. Nonetheless, for Windows users needing high performance in a compact form, the Asus TUF Gaming A14 is an excellent 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, perfect for artists and professionals needing a portable, powerful daily driver.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 offers exceptional qualityHighly portable with excellent battery lifeStrong performance with great accessories like the Surface PenCONSShorter battery life compared to some alternativesApp compatibility still expandingThe Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an ideal MacBook alternative for creative professionals and those seeking a versatile 2-in-1 device. Powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, it offers efficient performance for creative applications like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro.

With options for the Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite, you can select from 10 or 12 CPU cores, ensuring snappy performance. Battery life lasts around 10 hours, suitable for a full day of work, with fast charging capabilities.

The Surface Pro 11 is a powerhouse, offering configurations up to 64GB of RAM and 1TB of expandable storage. The 13-inch display is available in both LCD and OLED variants, providing crisp visuals for productivity and entertainment.

However, its ARM-based processors may limit app compatibility, though the compatible app library continues to grow. This is something to consider before making a purchase.

How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative

Navigating the array of MacBook alternatives can be daunting. Here are key factors to consider to find a laptop that meets your needs and serves as a true alternative to a MacBook.

Processor: Focus on the number of cores; at least six, ideally eight, for a robust performance. For high-demand tasks like video editing, opt for the latest Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors with high clock speeds.

Memory: A minimum of 16GB is recommended for smooth multitasking and longevity. While 8GB might suffice initially, it's the bare minimum and may not future-proof your device.

Storage: Depending on your use, 256GB may be sufficient if you rely on cloud storage. For local storage, aim for at least 512GB, with 1TB being ideal for larger files and applications.

Display: Avoid anything below 1080p resolution, as it may indicate an outdated model. Higher resolutions offer sharper images, but consider the impact on performance. OLED displays provide superior quality but require care to prevent burn-in.

Form Factor: Consider the weight and size of the laptop, as well as features like touch screens or 2-in-1 functionality, based on your daily needs and future requirements.

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

Are MacBooks good for gaming?

MacBooks can run games, but the selection of compatible titles is limited compared to Windows gaming laptops. They are not the best choice for avid gamers.

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 more open ecosystem with broader software availability, especially for gaming.