Top MacBook Alternatives for 2025 Revealed

As we usher in the new year, the excitement around the latest MacBook releases, such as the stunning new MacBook Air, is palpable. However, if you're deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem but still crave the elegance and functionality of a MacBook, it's time to explore other options. The Asus Zenbook S 16 stands out as my top choice for an all-around MacBook alternative.

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 that aims to be a MacBook alternative must meet stringent criteria. Key qualities include lightweight design, high portability, robust performance, an exceptional screen, and a battery life that lasts at least a full workday. Drawing on extensive reviews from the past year, I've curated a list of laptops that meet these standards, offering alternatives to the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and even versatile 2-in-1 devices suitable for creative work.

1. Asus Zenbook S 16

The Best MacBook Alternative

Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16

2The Asus Zenbook S 16 is an exemplary Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. It's incredibly portable and a delight to use daily.
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 highly portableHigh performance with impressive battery lifeStunning 3K OLED touchscreenSurprisingly capable gaming performanceCONSCan get hotThe Asus Zenbook S 16 emerges as the top MacBook Pro alternative, particularly for those needing a larger screen. Its slim profile and lightweight design belie its powerful performance, making it ideal for productivity and demanding creative tasks like 4K video editing. It boasts one of the most visually appealing designs I've encountered.

At its core, the Asus Zenbook S 16 features the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, a top-tier AI processor with 12 cores, 24 threads, and a maximum clock speed of 5.1GHz, ensuring peak performance across various tasks, including gaming. While it may not match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, it still delivers around 15 hours of battery life at moderate screen brightness, comfortably powering through a workday.

The laptop's design is exquisite, featuring a Ceraluminum lid that combines ceramic and aluminum for durability and resistance to fingerprints. The attention to detail, such as the thousands of individually milled ventilation holes, underscores its premium nature. Connectivity exceeds 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. The vibrant 500-nit OLED display with 2.8K resolution supports multi-touch and dynamically adjusts between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth visuals and extended battery life.

The only notable drawback is its tendency to heat up during use, though this is mitigated when used on a desk, making it a minor trade-off for its overall excellence.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0Featuring a beautiful OLED screen, impressive 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 portableExcellent battery lifeCONSLimited memory and storagePriced under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is a compelling budget-friendly alternative to the MacBook Air. Its 3.53-pound frame is easy to carry, and the 16-inch screen boasts a remarkable 3200x2000 resolution, a feature typically found in more expensive laptops.

Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, it's a generation behind but still delivers sufficient performance for everyday tasks and light creative work. It includes an NPU for enhanced AI functionality and support for Microsoft Copilot. However, its 8GB of memory and 512GB of storage may limit multitasking and performance with larger files, making it ideal for users focusing on a few applications at a time.

Asus Zenbook S 14 – Photos

13 Images3. Asus Zenbook S 14

Best MacBook Air Alternative

### Asus Zenbook S 14

1Surpassing the MacBook Air, the Asus Zenbook S 14 offers exceptional performance, a superior 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 powerfulOutstanding battery lifeEnhanced gaming performanceGorgeous OLED touchscreenCONSNo microSD card readerThe Asus Zenbook S 14, while similar to its larger sibling, the Zenbook S 16, distinguishes itself as an excellent MacBook Air alternative. It's equipped with the latest Intel Core Ultra CPU, delivering high performance and surprising gaming capabilities. Its lightweight and slim design, weighing just about 2.5 pounds, enhances its portability.

This laptop's battery life is exceptional, lasting over 15 hours, making it ideal for extended use. The 2.8K OLED display, reaching up to 500 nits, is perfect for HDR gaming and general use, despite lacking a dedicated graphics card. At a competitive price, it's a stellar 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 coolingCONSExpensiveFor those looking to replace the MacBook Pro 14, the Asus TUF Gaming A14 is an excellent choice. It's compact, powerful, and offers impressive battery life, with the added advantage of gaming prowess thanks to its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU. Weighing just 3.2 pounds, it's lighter than its Apple counterpart.

Available in three configurations, you can choose between AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or the more powerful Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, with RAM options ranging from 16GB to 32GB. The Ryzen 7 model we tested outpaced Apple's M3 in multicore performance, making it ideal for creative and power users. The cooling system is remarkably quiet and efficient, reducing thermal throttling concerns.

Although the dedicated GPU affects battery life, utilizing Advanced Optimus helps mitigate this, offering around 10 hours of use on the processor alone. The higher-end model, while more expensive, is a worthwhile investment for those needing top-tier performance and staying within the Windows ecosystem.

5. Microsoft Surface Pro 11

Best 2-in-1 MacBook Alternative

### Microsoft Surface Pro 11

0This versatile 2-in-1 is perfect for artists but also powerful enough for daily use.
See it at AmazonSee 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 lightweightFast performanceExcellent accessory ecosystem (including the Surface Pen)CONSSingle-day battery lifeApp compatibility still expanding (though extensive)For creative professionals needing more than a traditional laptop, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 offers MacBook-like benefits in a 2-in-1 form factor. Its versatility makes it suitable for both productivity and entertainment. Powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, it provides efficient performance for apps like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro.

With battery life up to 10 hours and fast charging capabilities, it's ideal for a full day of work. The device can be configured with up to 64GB of RAM and 1TB of expandable storage, and the OLED display offers stunning visuals. However, its ARM-based processors mean some applications may not be instantly compatible, though the app library is expanding.

How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative

Navigating the plethora of MacBook alternatives requires attention to key specifications:

Processor: Opt for processors with at least six cores, ideally eight, and a high clock speed. Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processors, no more than a generation old, are recommended for a true MacBook alternative.

Memory: 16GB of memory is the sweet spot for smooth multitasking and future-proofing, though 8GB might suffice for basic needs.

Storage: Consider your usage; 256GB might be enough for cloud-based workflows, but 512GB or 1TB is preferable for larger files and local storage.

Display: A minimum 1080p resolution is essential, with OLED panels offering superior picture quality but requiring care to prevent burn-in.

Form Factor: Consider the weight and screen size, as well as features like touchscreens and 2-in-1 functionality for added versatility.

Macbook Alternatives FAQ

What is the best M3 and M4 competitor?

Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series are strong competitors to Apple's M3 and M4 chips, though they still lag in efficiency and battery life.

Are MacBooks good for gaming?

While MacBooks can run games, the selection and optimization for Mac are limited compared to Windows gaming laptops.

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, but PCs offer a broader software ecosystem and are preferred for gaming.