Top MacBook Alternatives for 2025: What to Buy

As we usher in the new year, the allure of the latest MacBook Air is undeniable. However, if you're deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem, it's time to explore some stellar alternatives. Among the plethora of options, the Asus Zenbook S 16 stands out as my top overall pick for those seeking a MacBook-like experience without leaving Windows behind.

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 MacBook alternative must meet high standards. Key qualities include being lightweight and highly portable, offering strong performance, featuring a great screen, and providing a battery life that lasts a full workday at minimum. When compiling this list, I drew from numerous reviews over the past year to identify laptops that truly embody these attributes, whether you're replacing a MacBook Pro, a MacBook Air, or seeking a versatile 2-in-1 for creative applications.

1. Asus Zenbook S 16

The Best MacBook Alternative

Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16

2The Asus Zenbook S 16 stands as an exemplary Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro, offering effortless 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 exceptionally portableHigh performance with excellent battery lifeStunning 3K OLED touchscreenImpressive gaming capabilities CONSCan get hotThe Asus Zenbook S 16 is the premier choice for those seeking a MacBook Pro alternative, particularly if a larger screen is a priority. Its thin and light design belies its powerful performance, making it perfect for productivity and demanding creative tasks like 4K video editing. The laptop's aesthetic appeal is unmatched, featuring a stunning Ceraluminum lid and intricate ventilation design.

Powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, the Zenbook S 16 delivers exceptional performance across various tasks, including gaming. While it doesn't match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, its battery life is impressive, lasting around 15 hours at 50-60% screen brightness. Connectivity options surpass the MacBook, including dual USB Type-C ports, a full-size USB Type-A, an SD card reader, and HDMI-out.

The OLED display, with its 2.8K resolution and multi-touch support, dynamically adjusts between 60Hz and 120Hz for a smooth visual experience. The only notable downside is its tendency to heat up, but this is mitigated by using it on a desk.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0Offering a high-resolution OLED screen, excellent battery life, and a sleek design at a budget-friendly price, the Acer Swift Go 16 is a compelling 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 displaySleek, lightweight, and portable Excellent battery lifeCONSLimited memory and storagePriced under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is a cost-effective alternative to the MacBook Air. Its 16-inch screen boasts a remarkable 3200x2000 resolution, delivering a premium viewing experience at a budget price. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU ensures sufficient power for everyday productivity and light creative work, with an integrated neural processing unit for enhanced AI functionality.

However, its 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage may limit multitasking and handling large files. If your needs align with lighter workloads, the Swift Go 16'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 offers a compelling alternative to the MacBook Air, with incredible 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 powerfulImpressive battery lifeEnhanced gaming performanceStunning OLED touchscreenCONSNo microSD card readerThe Asus Zenbook S 14 is an excellent MacBook Air alternative, combining the best of portability and performance. It's powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU, offering high performance and surprisingly good gaming capabilities. Its lightweight design at just 2.5 pounds and slim profile make it incredibly easy to carry, while its 14-inch 2.8K OLED display offers vibrant visuals and HDR support.

With a battery life exceeding 15 hours, the S 14 is perfect for those who need a laptop that can last through multiple days of intermittent use. The only minor drawback is the lack of a microSD card reader, but its overall performance and design make it a standout 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 an ideal choice. It's compact, powerful, and quiet, with impressive battery life and the ability to handle demanding games thanks to its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU. At just 3.2 pounds, it's lighter than the MacBook Pro 14.

Available in multiple configurations, the TUF Gaming A14 offers flexibility with AMD Ryzen processors and RAM options up to 32GB. Its cooling system is notably efficient, minimizing noise and thermal throttling. While its battery life is slightly impacted by the dedicated GPU, it still manages around 10 hours of use. The higher-end model can be pricey, but for Windows users needing high performance, it's a worthy investment.

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, offering versatility and efficiency for daily use.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 carrySnappy performance Excellent accessories (including the Surface Pen)CONSSingle-day batteryApp compatibility still expandingThe Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is perfect for creatives and those seeking a versatile 2-in-1 device. Powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, it offers efficient performance for creative applications. Its OLED display provides stunning visuals, and its lightweight design at just 1.97 pounds makes it highly portable.

While its battery life lasts around 10 hours, fast charging helps mitigate this. The Surface Pro 11 can be configured with up to 64GB of RAM and 1TB of expandable storage, making it a powerhouse. However, app compatibility might still be expanding, so it's worth considering your software needs before purchasing.

How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative

With a sea of potential MacBook alternatives, it's essential to focus on key factors to ensure you find a laptop that meets your needs:

Processor: Look for at least six cores, with eight being preferable. Opt for the highest clock speed available, such as an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, and avoid processors more than a generation old unless your use is minimal.

Memory: Aim for at least 16GB of RAM. While 8GB might suffice initially, it's the bare minimum and can lead to quicker obsolescence.

Storage: Depending on your use, 256GB may be enough if you rely on cloud storage. For larger files, consider 512GB as a minimum, with 1TB being ideal.

Display: Choose a display with at least 1080p resolution. Higher resolutions offer sharper images but can impact performance in video editing or gaming. OLED displays provide superior picture quality but require care to prevent burn-in.

Form Factor: Consider the weight, screen size, and whether a touch screen or 2-in-1 functionality is necessary 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. Competitors like Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series offer strong performance but still fall short of Apple's efficiency and battery life.

Are MacBooks good for gaming?

MacBooks can run many games, but the selection and optimization are generally better on Windows gaming laptops. If gaming is a priority, a Windows machine is the better choice.

Is a MacBook better than PC?

The choice between a MacBook and a PC depends on your specific needs and preferences. MacBooks are favored in creative fields for their performance and efficiency, and some applications are exclusive to macOS. PCs offer a broader software ecosystem and better gaming options due to their widespread adoption.