Top MacBook Alternatives for 2025: What to Buy

It's a new year, and with it comes the release of new MacBooks, including the stunning new MacBook Air. If you're like me and appreciate the MacBook concept but are deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem, it's time to explore alternatives. There are plenty of excellent laptops to consider, and my top 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 needs to meet high standards. I've identified several key qualities to consider. First, it must be lightweight and highly portable. It should also be powerful, have an excellent screen, and a battery that lasts at least a full workday.

When compiling this list, I drew from extensive reviews over the past year to find laptops that truly meet these criteria. Whether you need a replacement for the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or a versatile 2-in-1 for creative work, I have recommendations for you.

1. Asus Zenbook S 16

The Best MacBook Alternative

Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16

2The Asus Zenbook S 16 is an outstanding 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 with excellent battery lifeStunning 3K OLED touchscreenImpressive gaming performance CONSCan get hotThe Asus Zenbook S 16 is the best alternative to the Apple MacBook Pro, especially if you need a larger screen. It's remarkably thin and light, yet packs a punch with its processing power, making it ideal for productivity and demanding creative tasks like 4K video editing. It's one of the most visually appealing laptops I've ever reviewed.

The core of the system is its AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, which boasts 12 cores and 24 threads with a maximum clock speed of 5.1GHz. This processor delivers top-notch performance across various tasks, including gaming, thanks to its use in high-performance Windows gaming handhelds.

While it doesn't match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, it still offers fantastic battery life. At 50-60% screen brightness, I measured around 15 hours of usage, ensuring it lasts through a full day and beyond.

The laptop's design is striking, featuring a new Ceraluminum lid that combines ceramic and aluminum for added durability and resistance to fingerprints. Small details, like the over 1,000 individually milled holes in the ventilation area above the keyboard, emphasize its premium quality.

Connectivity surpasses 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 for external monitors.

The screen is a highlight, with a bright 500-nit OLED display at a 2.8K resolution (2880x1880). It supports multi-touch and can dynamically switch between 60Hz and 120Hz, ensuring smooth motion and excellent battery life.

The only downside is that it can get hot, a trade-off for its ultra-premium design. However, this is mitigated by using it on a desk, making it an acceptable compromise for the laptop's many benefits.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers a beautiful screen, great battery life, and a slim, lightweight 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 displaySlim, lightweight, and portable Excellent battery lifeCONSLimited memory and storageThe Acer Swift Go 16 OLED, priced under $1,000, 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 3.53lbs, this laptop is easy to carry throughout the day. It features a 16-inch screen with an impressive 3200x2000 resolution, which is exceptional for its price point.

Despite being a generation old, the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU provides ample power for daily productivity and light creative work. It also includes a neural processing unit (NPU) for enhanced AI functionality and support for Microsoft Copilot.

The budget-friendly price comes from its 8GB of memory and 512GB of storage. While the storage is adequate for most users, the limited memory can restrict multitasking and performance with more demanding tasks like video editing.

However, if you stick to using one or two programs at a time, this laptop's excellent screen and portability make it a worthwhile 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 outperforms the MacBook Air with its incredible performance, excellent screen, multi-day battery life, and stunning 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 powerfulExcellent battery lifeEnhanced gaming performanceGorgeous OLED touchscreenCONSNo microSD card readerThe Asus Zenbook S 14 is an excellent smaller counterpart to the Zenbook S 16 and a fantastic MacBook Air alternative. While sharing many similarities, the S 14 stands out with its unique features.

The S 14 uses the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, which delivers high performance and surprisingly good gaming capabilities. During my review, it handled everything from Adobe Premiere Pro to Microsoft Excel with ease, never missing a beat. It's also cooler and more portable than the S 16, weighing just 2.5lbs and less than half an inch thick.

Its portability is so remarkable that I often forgot I was carrying it. Despite initial concerns about its 14-inch screen size, its ease of transport won me over.

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

The 2.8K OLED display (2880x1800) is another highlight, reaching up to 500 nits and delivering stunning visuals, especially in HDR gaming. While you may need to adjust settings for optimal performance, this is a reasonable compromise for a productivity and creative laptop that can also handle gaming on the go.

Overall, the Asus Zenbook S 14 is an excellent MacBook Air alternative, offering great value for its 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 an ideal choice for replacing the MacBook Pro 14. It's compact, powerful, and quiet, with impressive battery life. Its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU is perfect for gaming, and at 3.2lbs, it's lighter than the MacBook Pro 14.

This laptop comes in three versions, allowing you to choose between an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, and 16GB or 32GB of RAM. The RAM's speed gives it a performance edge over competitors like the MSI Stealth 14. The entry-level model with the Ryzen 7 8845HS offers excellent performance, often surpassing Apple's M3 in multicore tasks, making it ideal for creatives and power users.

While it has more fan noise than the MacBook Pro, it's significantly quieter than most other powerful laptops. Its cooling system is also highly efficient, preventing thermal throttling.

The dedicated Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU impacts battery life, but using Advanced Optimus can mitigate this by only activating the GPU when needed. On the processor alone, it lasts around 10 hours, ensuring it can last through a full workday.

The main challenge is its pricing, with the 32GB RAM version costing $1,699. However, if you need Windows and can't compromise on performance, size, or weight, 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 ideal for artists and offers enough power and efficiency to be a great 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 exceptionalHighly portable and easy to carry throughout the dayExcellent performance Great accessories (including the Surface Pen)CONSSingle-day battery lifeApp compatibility is still expanding (though extensive)For creative professionals, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 offers the benefits of a MacBook in a versatile 2-in-1 form factor, perfect for digital artists. Its design also makes it a stellar choice for productivity and entertainment.

Powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, the Surface Pro 11 is one of the first systems to use an ARM processor 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 for efficient performance in creative apps like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro. While its battery life tops out at around 10 hours, it supports fast charging, replenishing 80% of its battery in about an hour.

This model is a powerhouse, with storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB and RAM from 16GB to 64GB. The storage is expandable, and the display is available in both LCD and OLED variants with a resolution of 2880x1920 on a 13-inch screen, delivering crisp visuals for any task.

The main challenge is app compatibility due to its ARM processor, which differs from traditional x86 processors. While an app emulation layer helps, not all applications work seamlessly yet. However, the compatible app library includes most major applications used by creatives and professionals.

How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative

Navigating the vast array of MacBook alternatives requires a focus on key features to ensure you find a laptop that meets your needs.

Processor: The number of cores is more important than the brand. Aim for at least six cores, preferably eight, for a true MacBook alternative. For high-performance tasks like video editing, opt for the fastest clock speed available, such as an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, and avoid processors more than a generation old.

Memory: Choose a laptop with at least 16GB of memory. While 8GB might suffice initially, it's the bare minimum and will quickly become outdated. 16GB ensures smooth program operation and multitasking.

Storage: Your storage needs depend on usage. If you rely on cloud storage, 256GB may be enough, but it's small by modern standards. For local storage, aim for at least 512GB, with 1TB preferred, especially if you work with large files or download games.

Display: Opt for a display with at least a 1080p resolution. Higher resolutions enhance visual clarity but may impact performance for video editing or gaming. OLED panels offer superior picture quality but can be susceptible to burn-in over time, so take care to avoid static images.

Form Factor: Consider the laptop's weight and screen size. An extra pound can feel significant when carrying it daily. Also, assess whether a touchscreen or 2-in-1 functionality is necessary for your needs.

Macbook Alternatives FAQ

What is the best M3 and M4 competitor?

Apple's silicon is renowned for its efficiency and processing power. While Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series offer high performance, they don't yet match Apple's efficiency and battery life.

Are MacBooks good for gaming?

MacBooks can run many games, but their game library is limited compared to Windows gaming laptops. Games are often not optimized for Mac as well as for PC, making Windows the better choice for avid gamers.

Is a MacBook better than PC?

The answer depends on your needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications due to their processing power, efficiency, and portability. However, PCs offer a more open ecosystem with a wider range of software and better gaming support, thanks to platforms like Steam.