Top MacBook Alternatives for 2025: What to Buy

As the new year unfolds, the release of stunning new MacBooks like the MacBook Air captures the attention of tech enthusiasts. Yet, for those deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem, switching to a MacBook can be a daunting prospect. Fortunately, there are exceptional alternatives available, and the Asus Zenbook S 16 stands out as my top overall pick for its remarkable features and performance.

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 Microsoft

When considering a laptop as a MacBook alternative, certain criteria must be met. It should be lightweight, highly portable, powerful, equipped with a great screen, and boast a battery life that lasts at least a full workday. My selection process for this list involved reviewing numerous laptops over the past year, focusing on those that best meet these standards. Whether you're seeking a replacement for the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or a versatile 2-in-1 for creative applications, I have recommendations that will 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, 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 exceptionally portableHigh performance while still offering great battery lifeStunning 3K OLED touchscreenSurprising gaming performance CONSCan get hot

The Asus Zenbook S 16 emerges as the premier alternative to the MacBook Pro, especially for those who crave a larger screen. It's incredibly thin and light, yet packs a punch with its processing capabilities, suitable for everything from productivity tasks to demanding creative work like 4K video editing. Its design is not only functional but also visually appealing, making it one of the most beautiful laptops I've reviewed.

The core of this machine is the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, featuring 12 cores and 24 threads, with a maximum clock speed of 5.1GHz. This processor is ideal for multitasking and even handles gaming well, a feature often seen in high-end Windows gaming devices. While it may not match Apple's M3 or M4 chips in efficiency, it still provides around 15 hours of battery life at 50-60% screen brightness, ensuring you can work through the day without recharging.

The laptop's design is enhanced with a Ceraluminum lid, a fusion of ceramic and aluminum, offering durability and resistance to fingerprints. Its premium feel is further emphasized by detailed touches such as the ventilation area above the keyboard, which is crafted with over a thousand meticulously milled holes.

In terms of connectivity, it 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 monitor connections. The 500-nit OLED display with a 2.8K resolution (2880x1880) supports multi-touch, dynamically adjusting between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth visuals while conserving battery life.

While the Zenbook S 16 excels in many areas, it can get hot, particularly during intensive tasks. This minor drawback is easily mitigated by using it on a desk, and considering its overall performance and features, it's a trade-off well worth making.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0A budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on screen quality, battery life, and portability. 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 storage

Priced under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers an affordable alternative to the MacBook Air. It's lightweight at 3.53lbs and features a 16-inch screen with a 3200x2000 resolution, which is remarkable for its price point. The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, though a generation old, provides sufficient power for daily productivity and light creative tasks, including an NPU for enhanced AI functionality and support for Microsoft Copilot.

The budget-friendly nature of this laptop is reflected in its 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. While this configuration is adequate for general use, it may limit performance for multitasking or working with larger files. For those who primarily work within one or two applications at a time, the trade-off is worthwhile, especially for 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 surpasses the MacBook Air with its superior performance, stunning screen, and exceptional battery life, all wrapped in an elegant 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 powerfulGreat battery lifeImproved gaming performanceGorgeous OLED touchscreenCONSNo microSD card reader

The Asus Zenbook S 14 shares many similarities with the S 16 but distinguishes itself with unique features, making it an excellent MacBook Air replacement. It uses the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 CPU, delivering high performance across various tasks, including gaming. Its lightweight design, at only about 2.5lbs, and thin profile make it incredibly portable, often going unnoticed in a bag.

This laptop's battery life is remarkable, capable of lasting multiple days with intermittent use and exceeding 15 hours in formal testing. The 2.8K OLED display (2880x1800) with up to 500 nits of brightness is perfect for HDR gaming and other high-quality visual tasks. Although it lacks a microSD card reader, its overall performance and value make it a top choice for those seeking a MacBook Air alternative.

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 coolingCONSExpensive

The Asus TUF Gaming A14 is the ideal replacement for the MacBook Pro 14, offering a compact, powerful, and quiet design with impressive battery life. Weighing in at 3.2lbs, it's even lighter than the MacBook Pro 14. Available in multiple configurations, it can be equipped with either an AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or the more powerful AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, along with 16GB or 32GB of fast RAM.

The entry-level version with the Ryzen 7 8845HS performs admirably, often surpassing the Apple M3 in multicore performance, which is crucial for creative and power users. The laptop's cooling system is notably efficient, maintaining lower temperatures and quieter operation compared to other gaming laptops. With the Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU, it's well-suited for gaming, although this impacts battery life, which can still last around 10 hours with Advanced Optimus enabled.

The main drawback is its pricing, with the top model reaching $1,699. However, for those committed to Windows without compromising 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

0A versatile 2-in-1 that excels in creative tasks and daily productivity, featuring an excellent OLED display. 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 and those needing versatility, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an outstanding 2-in-1 alternative to the MacBook. It's powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, offering fast and efficient performance in creative applications. The OLED or LCD display with a 2880x1920 resolution is crisp and ideal for both productivity and entertainment.

The Surface Pro 11's battery life lasts around 10 hours, sufficient for a full day of work, and supports fast charging. While it's a powerful device, its ARM architecture means not all applications are instantly compatible, though the app library is expanding to cover most major creative and professional tools.

How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative

Choosing the right MacBook alternative involves considering several key factors to ensure the laptop meets your specific needs:

Processor: Focus on the number of cores and clock speed. A minimum of six cores is recommended, with eight preferred for demanding tasks. Opt for the latest Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors for optimal performance.

Memory: Aim for at least 16GB of RAM to ensure smooth multitasking and future-proof your laptop. While 8GB may suffice for basic tasks, it's the bare minimum and can lead to quicker obsolescence.

Storage: Depending on your use, 256GB might be enough if you rely on cloud storage, but 512GB is a more practical minimum, with 1TB preferred for handling large files and applications.

Display: A minimum of 1080p resolution is essential. Higher resolutions enhance visual quality but may impact performance for video editing or gaming. OLED displays offer superior picture quality but require care to prevent burn-in.

Form Factor: Consider the laptop's weight and size for portability, as well as features like touch screens or 2-in-1 functionality if they align with 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 more limited compared to Windows gaming laptops. If gaming is a priority, a Windows laptop is generally a better choice.

Is a MacBook better than PC?

The choice between MacBook and PC depends on your specific needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications and efficiency, while PCs offer a broader software ecosystem and better gaming support due to their widespread adoption.