The Best MacBook Alternatives You Can Buy in 2025

As we usher in a new year, the latest MacBook Air has captured the attention of many with its stunning design. However, if you're deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem and not ready to switch, there are excellent alternatives to consider. My top recommendation is the Asus Zenbook S 16, which stands out as a remarkable overall choice.

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 an alternative to the iconic MacBook must meet stringent standards. Key factors include being lightweight, highly portable, powerful, equipped with a superior screen, and boasting a battery life that lasts a full workday at minimum.

In curating this list, I've drawn on extensive reviews from the past year to identify laptops that truly rival the MacBook. Whether you need a replacement for the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or a versatile 2-in-1 for creative applications, these options cater to various needs.

1. Asus Zenbook S 16

The Best MacBook Alternative

Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16

2The Asus Zenbook S 16 is an exceptional Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. It's incredibly easy to carry 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 while still offering great battery lifeStunning 3K OLED touchscreenSurprising gaming performance CONSCan get hotThe Asus Zenbook S 16 is the premier choice for those seeking an alternative to the Apple MacBook Pro, particularly if you need a larger screen. It's incredibly thin and light, yet delivers powerhouse performance capable of handling everything from productivity tasks to demanding creative work like 4K video editing. Its design is among the most beautiful I've reviewed.

The laptop is powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, the company's top-tier AI processor with 12 cores and 24 threads, reaching a maximum clock speed of 5.1GHz. This processor not only excels in productivity but also supports gaming, similar to those used in high-end Windows gaming handhelds.

While it doesn't match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, it still offers impressive battery life. At 50-60% screen brightness, it lasts around 15 hours, ensuring you can work through the day and beyond.

The Zenbook S 16's design is striking, featuring a new Ceraluminum lid that combines ceramic and aluminum for durability and a fingerprint-resistant finish. Premium touches, such as the ventilation area composed of over a thousand tiny milled holes, add to its allure.

It also offers better connectivity than 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 and dynamically adjusts between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth motion and excellent battery life.

The only notable drawback is its tendency to get hot, but using it on a desk mitigates this issue. Despite this, the Zenbook S 16 remains an outstanding choice.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED combines a beautiful screen, impressive battery life, and a sleek, portable 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 storagePriced well under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an affordable alternative to the MacBook Air, offering a high-quality screen and all-day battery life in a highly portable package.

At just 3.53 pounds, it's easy to carry around. The 16-inch screen boasts a remarkable 3200x2000 resolution, which is surprising for its price point.

Powered by Intel's Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, it's a bit older but still performs well for everyday productivity and light creative work. It includes a neural processing unit (NPU) for enhanced AI functionality and Microsoft Copilot support.

The budget pricing reflects its 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, which might limit multitasking and handling larger files. However, if you're primarily working with a few applications at a time, this trade-off allows you to enjoy its excellent screen 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 offers superior performance, an excellent screen, multi-day battery life, and a sleek chassis, 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 powerfulGreat battery lifeImproved gaming performanceGorgeous OLED touchscreenCONSNo microSD card readerThe Asus Zenbook S 14, while similar to the Zenbook S 16, offers distinct advantages that make it an excellent MacBook Air alternative. It uses the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, which delivers high performance and surprisingly good gaming capabilities.

Weighing only about 2.5 pounds and less than half an inch thick, it's incredibly portable. Its 14-inch screen might seem small, but its portability is a significant advantage.

Battery life is exceptional, lasting multiple days with intermittent use, and it achieved over 15 hours in formal testing.

The 2.8K OLED display (2880x1800) is stunning, reaching up to 500 nits and is especially impressive for HDR gaming. While you may need to adjust settings for optimal performance, it's a remarkable feat for a laptop without a dedicated graphics card.

Overall, the Asus Zenbook S 14 is a top choice for those seeking 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 ideal choice for those looking to replace the MacBook Pro 14. It's compact, powerful, and quiet, with impressive battery life and the ability to handle gaming with its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU. At just 3.2 pounds, 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, and 16GB or 32GB of RAM. The RAM is faster than many competitors, like the MSI Stealth 14, enhancing its performance. The entry-level model with the Ryzen 7 8845HS is highly capable, often outperforming Apple's M3 in multicore tasks.

While it has more fan noise than the MacBook Pro, it's still significantly quieter than most gaming laptops and runs cooler, avoiding thermal throttling.

The dedicated graphics card impacts battery life, but using Advanced Optimus can mitigate this, allowing up to 10 hours of use on the processor alone.

The main challenge is its pricing, with the top model reaching $1,699. However, for those who need Windows without sacrificing performance, weight, or size, 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 an excellent 2-in-1 alternative, particularly for artists, but also suitable for everyday use with its powerful and efficient design.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, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 offers the versatility of a 2-in-1 device, perfect for digital artists. Its Snapdragon X processors provide fast and efficient performance, suitable for creative applications like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro. Battery life lasts around 10 hours, sufficient for a full day's work, and it supports fast charging.

This device is a powerhouse, with storage options up to 1TB and RAM up to 64GB. The 13-inch display is available in both LCD and OLED variants, offering crisp visuals for productivity and entertainment.

A challenge is its app compatibility, as the Snapdragon processors use different technology than traditional x86 processors. However, the compatible app library has expanded significantly, covering most major applications used by creatives and professionals.

How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative

When searching for a MacBook alternative, several key factors should guide your decision to ensure the laptop meets your needs effectively.

Processor: Focus on processors with at least six cores, ideally eight, for optimal performance. Aim for high clock speeds, with at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, and avoid processors more than a generation old unless your needs are minimal.

Memory: Choose a laptop with at least 16GB of RAM. While 8GB might suffice initially, it's the bare minimum and may lead to quicker obsolescence. 16GB ensures smooth multitasking and future-proofing.

Storage: Depending on usage, 256GB might be enough if you rely heavily on cloud storage. However, for local storage needs, 512GB is a good minimum, with 1TB preferred, especially for large files or gaming.

Display: Opt for a resolution of at least 1080p. Higher resolutions offer sharper images but can strain system resources for video editing or gaming. OLED displays provide superior quality but require care to prevent burn-in.

Form Factor: Consider the laptop's weight and size, as even a small increase can be noticeable. Also, think about screen size, touch capabilities, and whether a 2-in-1 might be beneficial for 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's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series offer high performance, Apple's chips still lead in efficiency and battery life.

Are MacBooks good for gaming?

MacBooks can run many games, but the selection and optimization are limited compared to Windows gaming laptops. For avid gamers, a PC is the better choice.

Is a MacBook better than PC?

The answer depends on your specific needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications and offer unique software like Logic Pro. PCs, however, provide a broader software ecosystem and are the preferred platform for gaming due to their extensive game libraries and optimizations.