As the new year unfolds, the tech world is abuzz with the release of the stunning new MacBook Air. If you're a fan of the MacBook's design and functionality but find yourself deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem, fear not—there are excellent alternatives to consider. My top recommendation is the Asus Zenbook S 16, which offers a compelling blend of performance and portability.
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 MicrosoftFinding a worthy alternative to the iconic MacBook requires a device that ticks several important boxes. It should be lightweight and highly portable, boast significant power, feature a top-notch screen, and provide a battery life that can last through a full workday at the very least.
In selecting the laptops for this list, I drew upon my extensive experience reviewing laptops over the past year and identified those that best meet the criteria to serve as a MacBook replacement. Whether you're seeking a substitute for the MacBook Pro, the MacBook Air, or a versatile 2-in-1 for creative work, I have curated a selection of options to suit your needs.
Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16
2The Asus Zenbook S 16 stands out as an exceptional Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. It's incredibly easy to carry and a pleasure to use, making it a top choice for those seeking a larger screen experience without sacrificing portability and performance.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 capabilitiesCONSCan get hotThe Asus Zenbook S 16 emerges as the best alternative to the Apple MacBook Pro, particularly for those who need a larger screen. Its sleek, lightweight design doesn't compromise on power, making it ideal for productivity and demanding creative tasks like 4K video editing. Its aesthetic appeal is equally impressive, making it one of the most visually appealing laptops I've reviewed.
The laptop's core is powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, which is one of the highest-performing AI processors available, featuring 12 cores and 24 threads with a peak clock speed of 5.1GHz. This powerhouse can handle a wide array of tasks, including gaming, thanks to its use in high-end Windows gaming handhelds.
While it doesn't match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, the Zenbook S 16 still delivers remarkable battery life. With the screen brightness set to 50-60%, I achieved around 15 hours of battery life, making it reliable for a full day's work and beyond.
The design of the laptop is a standout, featuring a Ceraluminum lid—a blend of ceramic and aluminum—that offers durability and resistance to fingerprints. The attention to detail is evident in the ventilation area above the keyboard, crafted with over a thousand meticulously milled holes, enhancing its premium feel.
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, providing versatile connectivity options.
The Zenbook S 16's 500-nit OLED display with a 2.8K resolution (2880x1880) and multi-touch support offers a dynamic viewing experience, smoothly transitioning between 60Hz and 120Hz to balance performance and battery life.
The laptop's only notable drawback is its tendency to run hot, a trade-off for its high performance. However, this issue is mitigated when used on a desk, and the overall benefits of this laptop far outweigh this minor concern.
### Acer Swift Go 16
0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers a budget-friendly alternative to the MacBook Air with a stunning OLED screen, impressive battery life, and a slim, lightweight design.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 well under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an affordable yet feature-rich alternative to the MacBook Air. Its lightweight design, weighing just 3.53 lbs, ensures it won't weigh you down throughout the day. The 16-inch screen with a 3200x2000 resolution is a highlight, offering exceptional clarity at a budget-friendly price.
Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, it delivers solid performance for everyday productivity and light creative work. Although a generation old, it includes a neural processing unit (NPU) for enhanced AI capabilities and support for Microsoft Copilot.
The budget pricing reflects its memory and storage configuration, with 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. While adequate for most users, those needing more demanding multitasking or working with large files may find the memory limiting.
For users who primarily work within a few applications at a time, this laptop's trade-offs provide access to its superb screen and portability at a reasonable price.
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3. Asus Zenbook S 14### Asus Zenbook S 14
1The Asus Zenbook S 14 is a formidable MacBook Air alternative, offering superior performance, an excellent screen, multi-day battery life, and a sleek design at a competitive price.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, while similar to the Zenbook S 16, offers unique features that make it an excellent MacBook Air replacement. It uses the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, which provides high performance and surprisingly good gaming capabilities.
Weighing just around 2.5 lbs and less than half an inch thick, the Zenbook S 14 is incredibly portable. Its 14-inch screen didn't feel too small, and its portability was a major plus.
The laptop's battery life is exceptional, lasting over 15 hours in testing, making it suitable for multiple days of intermittent use.
The 2.8K OLED display (2880x1800) with 500 nits of brightness is a standout feature, offering vibrant visuals and excellent HDR performance, ideal for gaming and creative work.
Overall, the Asus Zenbook S 14 is a compelling MacBook Air alternative, offering a balance of performance, portability, and price that's hard to beat.
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4. Asus TUF Gaming A14Product 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 excellent choice for those looking to replace the MacBook Pro 14. It combines a compact, lightweight design with powerful performance and quiet operation, making it ideal for both work and gaming. With the Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU, it delivers robust gaming performance, and at 3.2 lbs, it's even lighter than the MacBook Pro 14.
Available in three configurations, you can choose between the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, with options for 16GB or 32GB of RAM. The entry-level model, powered by the Ryzen 7 8845HS, offers impressive performance, often surpassing Apple's M3 in multicore tasks, making it suitable for creative and power users.
While it may have slightly more fan noise than the MacBook Pro, the TUF Gaming A14 remains quieter than most gaming laptops and runs cooler, preventing thermal throttling.
Battery life is commendable, lasting around 10 hours on the processor alone, and can be extended with Advanced Optimus to manage the GPU's power usage.
The main challenge is its pricing, especially if you opt for the higher-end model with 32GB of RAM, which bumps the cost to $1,699. However, for those who need a Windows laptop without sacrificing performance, weight, or size, the Asus TUF Gaming A14 is an excellent MacBook Pro 14 alternative.
### Microsoft Surface Pro 11
0The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an ideal 2-in-1 alternative to the MacBook, offering excellent performance and versatility for creative professionals and daily users alike.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 offers exceptional qualityHighly portable and versatileSnappy performance with great accessoriesCONSSingle-day battery lifeApp compatibility still expandingFor creative professionals seeking more than a traditional laptop, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a standout option. Its 2-in-1 design is perfect for digital artists, while its versatility makes it an excellent choice for productivity and entertainment. I was thoroughly impressed with its performance during my review and continue to use it for its portability and versatility.
Powered by the Snapdragon X processors, the Surface Pro 11 offers efficient performance akin to Apple's M-series chips. You can choose between the Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite, with options for 10 or 12 CPU cores. These processors deliver strong performance in creative applications while offering up to 10 hours of battery life, suitable for a full day of work or school.
The Surface Pro 11's hardware is robust, with storage options ranging from 256GB to 1TB and RAM from 16GB to 64GB. The expandable storage and choice between LCD or OLED displays with a resolution of 2880x1920 enhance its versatility.
The primary challenge is its app compatibility, as the Snapdragon processors use different technology than traditional x86 processors. While an emulation layer helps, the compatible app library is still expanding, though it already includes most major applications used by creatives and professionals.
Navigating the vast array of MacBook alternatives can be daunting, but focusing on key aspects ensures you find a laptop that meets your needs and serves as a true alternative.
Processor: The choice between Intel and AMD matters less than the number of cores. Aim for at least six cores, with eight being preferable. Higher clock speeds are essential for a MacBook alternative; consider at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, and avoid processors more than a generation old unless your needs are minimal.
Memory: Opt for a laptop with at least 16GB of RAM. While 8GB might suffice initially, it's the minimum today, and 16GB ensures smooth multitasking and longevity.
Storage: Your storage needs depend on your usage. If relying on cloud storage, 256GB might be enough, but 512GB is a better minimum, with 1TB preferred for working with large files or gaming.
Display: Avoid anything below 1080p resolution. Higher resolutions offer sharper visuals but may strain system resources for video editing or gaming. OLED displays provide superior quality but require care to prevent burn-in.
Form Factor: Consider weight and size carefully, as even an extra pound can become noticeable. Evaluate screen size, touch capabilities, and 2-in-1 functionality based on your current and future needs.
Apple's M3 and M4 chips are renowned for their efficiency and power. While Intel and AMD offer competitive options, such as Intel's Core Ultra 7 and 9 CPUs and AMD's HX AI series, Apple still leads in efficiency and battery life.
MacBooks can run many games, but the number of compatible titles is smaller compared to Windows gaming laptops, and many games are not optimized as well for Mac.
The choice depends on your needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications and offer unique software, but PCs provide a more open ecosystem with a wider range of software and better gaming support.
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