Top MacBook Alternatives for 2025: What to Buy

It's a new year, and that means the release of new MacBooks, like the stunning new MacBook Air. If you're like me and appreciate the concept of the MacBook but are too invested in the Windows ecosystem to switch, it's time to explore alternatives. There are numerous excellent laptops out there, and my top overall pick is the Asus Zenbook S 16.

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 aiming to be a MacBook alternative must meet high standards. Key qualities include being lightweight and ultra-portable, powerful, equipped with a great screen, and boasting a battery life that lasts a full workday at minimum.

In selecting these laptops, I considered numerous reviews from the past year and identified which ones best meet the criteria to replace a MacBook. Whether you're seeking a replacement for the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or a 2-in-1 for creative applications, I have suggestions to fit your needs.

1. Asus Zenbook S 16

The Best MacBook Alternative

Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16

2The Asus Zenbook S 16 stands as an outstanding Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. It's incredibly lightweight and a pleasure to use.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 impressive battery lifeStunning 3K OLED touchscreenSurprisingly capable for gaming CONSCan get warmThe Asus Zenbook S 16 is the premier alternative to the Apple MacBook Pro, especially for those needing a larger screen. It's incredibly thin and light, yet delivers robust processing power suitable for everything from productivity to demanding creative tasks like 4K video editing. It's one of the most visually appealing laptops I've reviewed.

The laptop's core is the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, the highest performance AI processor from Asus as of this writing, with 12 cores, 24 threads, and a maximum clock speed of 5.1GHz. This processor excels in a wide range of tasks, including gaming, as it's also used in top-tier Windows gaming handhelds.

While it doesn't match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, it still offers excellent battery life. I measured around 15 hours at 50-60% screen brightness, which is suitable for indoor use. The actual battery life will vary with usage, but the Zenbook S 16 is reliable for a full day and beyond.

The laptop's design is stunning, featuring Asus's new Ceraluminum lid that combines ceramic and aluminum for durability and resistance to fingerprints. Small touches like the ventilated area above the keyboard, composed of over a thousand meticulously milled holes, highlight its premium quality.

Connectivity 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 for external monitors.

The screen is a highlight, boasting a bright 500-nit OLED display with a 2.8K resolution (2880x1880). It supports multi-touch and dynamically adjusts between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth visuals while maintaining battery efficiency.

If there's a downside, it's that the laptop can get warm. However, placing it on a desk mitigates this issue, and it's a minor trade-off for the laptop's overall excellence.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0With a beautiful OLED screen, great battery life, and a slim, lightweight design, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is a budget-friendly 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 displaySlim, lightweight, and portable Excellent battery lifeCONSLimited memory and storagePriced well under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an affordable alternative to the MacBook Air, offering an impressive screen and all-day battery life in a highly portable form factor.

Weighing just 3.53 lbs, it's easy to carry throughout the day. The 16-inch screen boasts a remarkable 3200x2000 resolution, which is surprising at this price point.

It's powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, which, while a generation old, provides ample performance for daily productivity and light creative work. It also features a neural processing unit (NPU) for enhanced AI functionality and support for Microsoft Copilot.

The budget pricing reflects its 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. While the storage is adequate for most users, the RAM limits multitasking and performance with more demanding tasks like video editing.

However, if your workflow involves only a few applications at a time, this laptop offers a compelling balance of screen quality and portability.

Asus Zenbook S 14 – Photos

13 Images3. Asus Zenbook S 14

Best MacBook Air Alternative

### Asus Zenbook S 14

1The Asus Zenbook S 14 is an impressive MacBook Air alternative, offering superior performance, a fantastic screen, multi-day battery life, and a sleek 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 powerfulExcellent battery lifeEnhanced gaming performanceGorgeous OLED touchscreenCONSNo microSD card readerThe Asus Zenbook S 14, while similar to the Zenbook S 16, stands out in several ways, making it an excellent MacBook Air alternative.

Unlike the S 16, which uses an AMD CPU, the S 14 features the latest generation Intel Core Ultra, offering high performance and surprisingly good gaming capabilities. Whether working in Adobe Premiere Pro, Microsoft Excel, or browsing social media and YouTube, it's consistently fast and reliable. It's also cooler and more portable than the S 16.

At just around 2.5 lbs and less than half an inch thick, it's incredibly portable. The 14-inch screen might seem small, but its portability is a significant advantage.

The battery life is exceptional, lasting multiple days with intermittent use. In testing, it exceeded 15 hours, which is outstanding.

The 2.8K OLED display (2880x1800) is another highlight, reaching up to 500 nits and delivering stunning visuals, especially for HDR gaming. While you may need to adjust settings for optimal gaming performance, it's a reasonable trade-off for a laptop primarily designed for creativity and productivity.

Overall, the Asus Zenbook S 14 is a stellar MacBook Air alternative at a competitive 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 choice for replacing the MacBook Pro 14. It's compact, powerful, and quiet, with impressive battery life. When gaming, its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU performs admirably. At 3.2 lbs, it's even lighter than the MacBook Pro 14.

Available in three configurations, you can choose between an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, with RAM options of 16GB or 32GB. The RAM is faster than many competitors, such as the MSI Stealth 14, enhancing performance. We tested the entry-level model and found it impressively fast. The Ryzen 7 8845HS often outperforms Apple's M3 in multicore tasks, ideal for creatives and power users. The HX 370 version, while untested, is expected to further elevate performance.

MacBook Pro users appreciate its quiet and power-efficient operation. The A14 has more fan noise but remains significantly quieter than most gaming laptops. Its cooling system is also more effective, reducing the risk of thermal throttling.

The dedicated graphics card impacts battery life, but Advanced Optimus helps mitigate this by only activating the 4060 when necessary. On the processor alone, it lasts about 10 hours, suitable for a full workday.

The main challenge is its pricing. While the entry-level model is sufficient for many, 32GB of memory for applications like Adobe Premiere Pro or DaVinci Resolve requires the pricier version, increasing the cost from $1,399 to $1,699. Despite this, the Asus TUF Gaming A14 is an excellent alternative for those committed to Windows without sacrificing performance, weight, or size.

5. Microsoft Surface Pro 11

Best 2-in-1 MacBook Alternative

### Microsoft Surface Pro 11

0This versatile 2-in-1 is perfect for artists and offers enough power and efficiency to serve as a 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 is outstandingHighly portable and easy to carryExcellent performanceGreat accessories, including the Surface PenCONSSingle-day battery lifeApp compatibility still expanding (though extensive)For creative professionals, a traditional laptop might not suffice. That's where the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 shines, offering MacBook-like benefits in a versatile 2-in-1 form factor perfect for digital artists. Even if you're not a creative, its design makes it an excellent alternative for productivity and entertainment.

Powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, the Surface Pro 11 uses ARM technology similar to Apple's M-series chips. You can choose between the Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite, offering 10 or 12 CPU cores. These processors deliver efficient performance in creative apps like Adobe Photoshop, Premiere Pro, and Illustrator. Battery life tops out at around 10 hours, sufficient for a full day of work or school, and supports fast charging.

The Surface Pro 11 is a powerhouse, with storage options from 256GB to 1TB and RAM from 16GB to 64GB. The storage is expandable via a panel behind the kickstand. The display options include LCD or OLED with a resolution of 2880x1920 on a 13-inch screen, providing crisp visuals for work or entertainment.

The main challenge is app compatibility due to the Snapdragon processors' use of different technology than x86 processors from Intel and AMD. While an app emulation layer helps, not all applications are compatible. However, the library has expanded to include most major applications used by creatives and professionals.

How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative

With numerous laptops claiming to be MacBook alternatives, it's essential to focus on key features to ensure you find the right one for your needs.

Processor: The number of cores is crucial, with at least six cores recommended, and eight preferred. For true MacBook alternatives, aim for the highest clock speed available. Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors, ideally no more than a generation old, are good starting points. Slower processors may suffice for text processing but can struggle with video editing.

Memory: Opt for at least 16GB of RAM. While 8GB might be adequate initially, it's the minimum for modern use and can lead to quicker obsolescence. 16GB ensures smooth multitasking.

Storage: Your needs will dictate storage requirements. If you use cloud storage, 256GB might suffice, but it's small by modern standards. For local storage, 512GB is a minimum, with 1TB preferred, especially for large files, photos, music, or games.

Display: Aim for at least a 1080p resolution. Higher resolutions offer crisper images but may strain system resources for video editing or gaming. OLED displays provide superior picture quality but are susceptible to burn-in, so care is needed.

Form Factor: Consider weight and size, as even a slight increase can be noticeable daily. Also, think about screen size, touch capabilities, and whether a 2-in-1 design might be beneficial now or in the future.

Macbook Alternatives FAQ

What is the best M3 and M4 competitor?

Apple's silicon is renowned for its efficiency and power. While Intel and AMD have competitive options, none match Apple's efficiency and battery life. Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series are high-performance alternatives, but Apple still leads in overall performance.

Are MacBooks good for gaming?

While MacBooks can run many games, the selection is limited compared to Windows gaming laptops. Games often aren't optimized as well for Mac, making Windows a better choice for avid gamers.

Is a MacBook better than PC?

This depends on your needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications due to their processing power, efficiency, and portability. Some applications are exclusive to Mac, like Logic Pro. However, PCs offer a more open ecosystem with a broader software library, particularly beneficial for gaming and productivity.