Top MacBook Alternatives for 2025: Best Buys

It's a new year, and that means the release of new MacBooks, including the stunning new MacBook Air. If you're like me and appreciate the concept of a MacBook but are too deeply entrenched in the Windows ecosystem to switch, it's time to explore alternatives. Fortunately, there are excellent laptops out there that can meet your needs, such as the Asus Zenbook S 16, which is my top overall pick.

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 aiming to be a MacBook alternative must meet a high standard. There are several key qualities to consider. First, it needs to be lightweight and highly portable. It should also be relatively powerful, feature a great screen, and have a battery that can last at least a full workday.

In selecting the laptops for this list, I've drawn on my extensive reviews over the past year and beyond, focusing on those that best meet the criteria to serve as true MacBook replacements. Whether you need a substitute for the MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or a 2-in-1 for creative applications, I have recommendations for you.

1. Asus Zenbook S 16

The Best MacBook Alternative

Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16

2The Asus Zenbook S 16 stands out as an excellent Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. It's incredibly portable and a delight to use.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 impressive battery lifeStunning 3K OLED touchscreenSurprising gaming performanceCONSCan get hotThe Asus Zenbook S 16 is the top choice for those seeking a MacBook Pro alternative, especially if you need a larger screen. It's slim, lightweight, and a powerhouse capable of handling everything from productivity tasks to demanding creative work like 4K video editing. It's also one of the most visually stunning laptops I've ever reviewed.

The core of the system is the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU. This is Asus's highest-performance AI processor, featuring 12 cores and 24 threads, with a maximum clock speed of 5.1GHz, offering peak performance across various tasks. It's also used in high-caliber Windows gaming handhelds, indicating its gaming prowess.

While it doesn't match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, the Zenbook S 16 still delivers fantastic battery life. With the screen at 50-60% brightness, I measured around 15 hours of battery life, which should comfortably last you through a workday.

The laptop's design is breathtaking, featuring a new Ceraluminum lid that combines ceramic and aluminum for durability and a fingerprint-resistant finish. Small details like the ventilation area above the keyboard, composed of over a thousand individually milled holes, underscore its premium nature.

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). It supports multi-touch, allowing you to choose your preferred input method. It dynamically adjusts between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth motion while maintaining great battery life.

The only notable drawback is that the laptop can get hot. This is the first model with Asus's new ultra-premium design, and while it's a minor issue alleviated by placing it on a desk, it's something to consider compared to the MacBook. Overall, the Zenbook S 16 is an outstanding choice.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers a stunning OLED screen, long 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, light, and highly portableExcellent battery lifeCONSLimited memory and storagePriced under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an affordable alternative to the MacBook Air, offering a top-notch screen and all-day battery life in a highly portable package.

At just 3.53 pounds, it's easy to carry throughout the day. Its 16-inch screen boasts an impressive 3200x2000 resolution, which is remarkable for a laptop in this price range.

Performance-wise, it's equipped with the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU. Though a generation old, it's still robust enough for daily productivity and light creative work. It includes a built-in neural processing unit (NPU) for enhanced AI functionality and support for Microsoft Copilot.

The budget pricing reflects its 8GB of memory and 512GB of storage. While the storage is adequate for smaller files, the 8GB of memory may limit multitasking and performance with demanding tasks like video editing.

However, if you stick to using one or two programs at a time, this trade-off grants access to its excellent screen and ultra-portable design.

Asus Zenbook S 14 – Photos

13 Images3. Asus Zenbook S 14

Best MacBook Air Alternative

### Asus Zenbook S 14

1The Asus Zenbook S 14 is a compelling alternative to the MacBook Air, offering superior performance, a stunning screen, multi-day battery life, and an elegant design. 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 S 16, offers unique features that make it an excellent MacBook Air replacement.

It's powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processor, which delivers high performance and surprisingly good gaming capabilities. During my review, it excelled in tasks ranging from Adobe Premiere Pro to browsing social media, never missing a beat. It also runs cooler than the S 16 and is even more portable.

Weighing only about 2.5 pounds and less than half an inch thick at its widest point, it's incredibly easy to carry. Its portability is so impressive that I often forgot it was in my bag.

Battery life is exceptional, easily lasting multiple days with intermittent use. In formal testing, it achieved over 15 hours of battery life, which is outstanding.

The screen is another highlight, featuring a 2.8K OLED display (2880x1800) that reaches up to 500 nits. It's perfect for HDR gaming, though you may need to adjust settings for optimal performance without a dedicated graphics card.

Overall, the Asus Zenbook S 14 is a stellar MacBook Air alternative, offering great value for its price.

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 coolingCONSExpensiveThe Asus TUF Gaming A14 is the ideal choice for those looking to replace the MacBook Pro 14. It's compact, powerful, and quiet, with impressive battery life. Plus, its Nvidia RTX 4060 processor excels at gaming, and at 3.2 pounds, it's lighter than the MacBook Pro 14.

Available in three versions, you can choose between the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, and either 16GB or 32GB of RAM. The RAM is faster than many competitors, enhancing performance. The entry-level version, with the Ryzen 7 8845HS, outpaces Apple's M3 in multicore performance, ideal for creatives and power users. The HX 370 version is even faster, making the TUF Gaming A14 an even better fit.

While it has more fan noise than the MacBook Pro, it's quieter than most other powerful laptops and runs cooler, preventing thermal throttling.

The dedicated graphics card affects battery life, but Advanced Optimus can mitigate this by only activating the 4060 when needed. On the processor alone, it lasts around 10 hours, easily covering a full workday.

The main challenge is its pricing, with the top model costing $1,699 for 32GB of memory. However, if you can't live without Windows and need performance, weight, and size, the Asus TUF Gaming A14 is an excellent alternative.

5. Microsoft Surface Pro 11

Best 2-in-1 MacBook Alternative

### Microsoft Surface Pro 11

0The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is ideal for artists and versatile enough for daily use, offering great performance and efficiency. 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 with all-day carry convenienceSnappy performanceGreat accessories (including the Surface Pen)CONSSingle-day batteryApp compatibility still expanding (though extensive)For creative professionals, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 offers MacBook-like benefits in a versatile 2-in-1 form factor perfect for digital artists. Even non-creatives will appreciate its productivity and entertainment capabilities. I fell in love with it during my review and continue to use it for its portability and versatility.

Powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, it's one of the first systems to use an ARM processor similar to Apple's M-series chips. Choose between the Snapdragon X Plus or X Elite for 10 or 12 CPU cores, delivering fast and efficient performance in creative apps like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro. Battery life reaches around 10 hours, sufficient for a full day of work or school, with fast charging to replenish 80% in about an hour.

The Surface Pro 11 is a powerhouse, with storage options from 256GB to 1TB and memory from 16GB to 64GB. The storage is expandable via a panel behind its kickstand. The display is available in LCD or OLED variants, with a crisp 2880x1920 resolution on a 13-inch screen, perfect for various tasks.

The main challenge is app compatibility due to the Snapdragon processors using different technology than x86 processors from Intel and AMD. While an app emulation layer helps, and the compatible app library has expanded, it's not yet 100% complete.

How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative

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

Processor: Focus on the number of cores rather than the brand. A minimum of six cores, preferably eight, is recommended. For high-performance tasks like video editing, opt for the highest clock speed available, ideally an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, and avoid processors more than a generation old.

Memory: Aim for at least 16GB of memory. While 8GB might suffice initially, it's the minimum today, and 16GB ensures smooth multitasking and future-proofing.

Storage: Your storage needs depend on your usage. If you rely on cloud storage, 256GB might be enough, but 512GB or 1TB is preferred for local storage of large files like videos, photos, music, or games.

Display: Avoid anything below 1080p resolution, as it indicates an outdated model. Higher resolutions offer crisper images but can strain system resources for video editing or gaming. OLED panels provide superior picture quality but require care to prevent burn-in.

Form Factor: Consider the weight, screen size, touch capabilities, and whether a 2-in-1 form factor suits your needs now or in the future.

Macbook Alternatives FAQ

What is the best M3 and M4 competitor?

Apple's silicon is renowned for its 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.

Are MacBooks good for gaming?

MacBooks can play games, but the selection and optimization of titles are limited compared to Windows gaming laptops. For avid gamers, a Windows PC is the better choice.

Is a MacBook better than PC?

The choice depends on your needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications due to their processing power, efficiency, and portability, and offer exclusive software like Logic Pro. However, PCs offer a more open ecosystem with a broader software library, especially for gaming, and are often the first choice for software optimization due to their widespread use.