Top MacBook Alternatives for 2025 Revealed

It's a new year, and with it comes the allure of the latest MacBook releases, such as the stunning new MacBook Air. If you're like me and appreciate the concept of the MacBook but are too deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem to switch, it's time to explore some excellent alternatives. My top overall pick for a MacBook alternative 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 Microsoft

A laptop claiming to be an alternative to the revered MacBook must meet a high standard. There are several crucial qualities that I considered. First, any MacBook alternative must be lightweight and highly portable. It should also be relatively powerful, boast a great screen, and have a battery life that lasts at least a full workday.

In selecting the laptops for this list, I drew on the numerous reviews I've conducted over the past year and beyond, identifying which models best meet the criteria to truly serve as a MacBook replacement. Whether you're looking for an alternative to the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air, or seeking a 2-in-1 for artistic and creative applications, I have recommendations that fit the bill.

1. Asus Zenbook S 16

The Best MacBook Alternative

Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16

2The Asus Zenbook S 16 stands out as a premier Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. It's incredibly easy to carry and a pleasure to use.See it at Best BuySee it at Asus

Product Specifications
Display: 16" (2880 x 1800)
CPU: AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
GPU: AMD Radeon 890M
RAM: 32GB LPDDR5X
Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD
Weight: 3.31 pounds
Size: 13.92" x 9.57" x 0.47" - 0.51"
Battery life: Around 15 hours

PROS

• Thin, light, and exceptionally portable
• High performance with impressive battery life
• Stunning 3K OLED touchscreen
• Surprisingly good for gaming

CONS

• Can get hot

The Asus Zenbook S 16 is the top choice for a MacBook Pro alternative, particularly if you need a larger screen. It's incredibly thin and light yet packs a processing powerhouse capable of handling everything from productivity tasks to demanding creative work like 4K video editing. It's one of the most aesthetically pleasing laptops I've reviewed.

The core of the system is its AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPU, featuring 12 cores and 24 threads with a maximum clock speed of 5.1GHz, ensuring peak performance across various tasks. This processor is also used in high-end Windows gaming handhelds, which speaks to its versatility.

While it doesn't match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, it still delivers fantastic battery life. With the screen set to 50-60% brightness, I achieved about 15 hours of battery life, sufficient for a full day of work and beyond.

The laptop's design is breathtaking, featuring Asus's new Ceraluminum lid that combines ceramic and aluminum for durability and a fingerprint-resistant finish. The attention to detail, like the thousands of individually milled holes above the keyboard, elevates its premium feel.

Connectivity is superior to 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 screen is a highlight, boasting a bright 500-nit OLED display with a 2.8K resolution (2880x1880) that supports multi-touch. It dynamically adjusts between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth motion while maintaining excellent battery life.

The only drawback is that it can get hot, a trade-off for its ultra-premium design. However, placing it on a desk mitigates this issue, making it a fantastic overall choice.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers a beautiful OLED screen, great battery life, and a sleek, lightweight design at a budget-friendly price.See it at Acer

Product Specifications
Display: 16" (3200 x 2000), OLED multitouch
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 5 125H
GPU: Intel Arc
RAM: 8GB
Storage: 512GB
Weight: 3.53 pounds
Dimensions: 14.02" x 0.59" x 9.55"

PROS

• High-resolution OLED display
• Thin, light, and portable
• Excellent battery life

CONS

• Limited memory and storage

Priced well under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an affordable alternative to the MacBook Air, featuring a high-quality screen and all-day battery life in a highly portable package.

Weighing just 3.53 pounds, it's easy to carry around. Its 16-inch screen with a 3200x2000 resolution is impressive for its price point, delivering vibrant visuals.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU provides sufficient power for everyday productivity and light creative tasks. It also includes a neural processing unit (NPU) for enhanced AI functionality and support for Microsoft Copilot.

However, its budget pricing reflects its limited memory and storage, with only 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. This setup may limit multitasking and performance with more demanding applications like video editing.

If you primarily work with one or two programs at a time, this trade-off allows you to enjoy its excellent screen and portability.

Asus Zenbook S 14 – Photos

13 Images

3. Asus Zenbook S 14

Best MacBook Air Alternative

### Asus Zenbook S 14

1The Asus Zenbook S 14 outshines the MacBook Air with its exceptional performance, stunning screen, multi-day battery life, and elegant design. See it at AsusSee it at Best Buy

Product Specifications
Display: 14" (2880 x 1800)
CPU: Intel Core Ultra 7 258V
GPU: Intel Arc
RAM: 32GB LPDDR5X
Storage: 1TB PCIe SSD
Weight: 2.65 pounds
Size: 12.22" x 8.45" x 0.51"
Battery life: 15+ hours

PROS

• Thinner, lighter, and more powerful
• Excellent battery life
• Improved gaming performance
• Gorgeous OLED touchscreen

CONS

• No microSD card reader

The 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 7 258V, delivering high performance and surprisingly good gaming capabilities.

At just 2.65 pounds and less than half an inch thick, it's incredibly portable. Its 14-inch screen didn't feel too small, and its portability was a major win.

The battery life is outstanding, easily lasting multiple days with intermittent use and achieving over 15 hours in formal testing.

The 2.8K OLED display (2880x1800) is another highlight, reaching up to 500 nits and delivering stunning visuals. It's perfect for HDR gaming, though you'll need to adjust settings for optimal performance.

Overall, the Asus Zenbook S 14 is an outstanding MacBook Air alternative at a competitive price.

Asus TUF Gaming A14 – Photos

10 Images

4. Asus TUF Gaming A14

Best MacBook Pro 14 Alternative

Product Specifications
Display: 14” (2560 x 1600) IPS
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS to AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370
GPU: Nvidia RTX 4060
RAM: 16GB to 32GB (7500MHz)
Storage: 1TB
Weight: 3.2 pounds
Dimensions: 12.24" x 8.94" x 0.67" – 0.78"

PROS

• Impressive battery life
• Quiet, efficient cooling

CONS

• Expensive

The Asus TUF Gaming A14 is the ideal choice for replacing the MacBook Pro 14. It's compact, powerful, and quiet, with impressive battery life and an Nvidia RTX 4060 for gaming. At just 3.2 pounds, it's even lighter than the MacBook Pro 14.

Available in three versions, you can choose between AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 CPUs and 16GB or 32GB of fast RAM. The entry-level version performs exceptionally well, with the Ryzen 7 8845HS often outpacing Apple's M3 in multicore performance.

While it has more fan noise than the MacBook Pro, it's significantly quieter than most other powerful laptops and maintains cooler temperatures, reducing the risk of thermal throttling.

Battery life is affected by the dedicated graphics card, but using Advanced Optimus can extend it to around 10 hours on the processor alone, sufficient for a full workday.

The main challenge is its pricing, with the top-tier model costing $1,699. However, if you need a Windows laptop 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 perfect for artists and offers enough power and efficiency to be a great daily driver. See it at Amazon See it at Microsoft

Product Specifications
Display: 13-inch OLED or LCD touchscreen (2,880 x 1,920)
CPU: Snapdragon X Plus or Snapdragon X Elite
GPU: Integrated
RAM: Up to 64GB
Storage: Up to 1TB (expandable)
Weight: 1.97 pounds
Dimensions: 11.3” x 8.2” x 0.37”

PROS

• Excellent OLED display
• Highly portable
• Snappy performance
• Great accessories, including the Surface Pen

CONS

• Single-day battery life
• App compatibility still expanding

For creative professionals, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 offers MacBook-like benefits in a versatile 2-in-1 form factor. Its Snapdragon X processors provide efficient performance for creative applications, with battery life lasting around 10 hours and fast charging capabilities.

The Surface Pro 11 is a powerhouse, with options up to 64GB of RAM and 1TB of expandable storage. The 13-inch display comes in both LCD and OLED variants, delivering crisp visuals for productivity and entertainment.

The biggest challenge is its ARM-based architecture, which may limit app compatibility. While it runs an emulation layer and supports many major applications, it's not yet 100% compatible with all software.

How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative

Navigating the vast array of potential MacBook alternatives can be daunting. Here are key factors to consider to ensure you find a laptop that meets your needs:

Processor: Opt for at least six cores, preferably eight, for smooth performance. Aim for the highest clock speed available, with at least 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 RAM to ensure smooth multitasking and longevity.

Storage: Depending on your needs, 256GB might suffice if you use cloud storage, but 512GB to 1TB is ideal, especially for working with large files.

Display: A minimum of 1080p resolution is essential. Consider OLED panels for superior picture quality, though they require careful use to avoid burn-in.

Form Factor: Consider the weight and screen size, as well as whether you need a touchscreen or 2-in-1 functionality.

Macbook Alternatives FAQ

What is the best M3 and M4 competitor?

Apple's silicon is renowned for its efficiency and power. Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series offer high performance, but Apple still leads in efficiency and battery life.

Are MacBooks good for gaming?

While MacBooks can run many games, they have fewer compatible titles and less optimization compared to Windows gaming laptops.

Is a MacBook better than PC?

It depends on your needs and preferences. MacBooks are excellent for creative work due to their efficiency and specialized software. PCs offer a broader ecosystem, more software options, and are preferred for gaming due to extensive game libraries.