Top MacBook Alternatives for 2025: Buying Guide

As we usher in the new year, Apple has unveiled the stunning new MacBook Air, captivating fans of sleek design and powerful performance. However, if you're deeply rooted in the Windows ecosystem and hesitant to switch, there's no need to despair. The market is brimming with excellent alternatives that can match or even surpass the MacBook's appeal. My top pick? The Asus Zenbook S 16, a laptop that combines elegance with robust 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 MicrosoftA laptop seeking to be a MacBook alternative must meet stringent criteria. It should be lightweight and highly portable, boast significant power, feature an excellent screen, and offer battery life that lasts at least a full workday. In curating this list, I drew from extensive reviews over the past year to identify laptops that truly stand as viable MacBook replacements, whether you're looking for a MacBook Pro or Air equivalent, or a versatile 2-in-1 for creative and artistic applications.

1. Asus Zenbook S 16

The Best MacBook Alternative

Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16

2The Asus Zenbook S 16 emerges as a stellar alternative to the MacBook Pro, offering a blend of portability and performance that's hard to beat. 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 hotThe Asus Zenbook S 16 stands out as the premier MacBook Pro alternative, especially for those seeking a larger screen. Its sleek, lightweight design doesn't compromise on power, making it perfect for productivity and demanding tasks like 4K video editing. The laptop's aesthetic is equally impressive, featuring a durable Ceraluminum lid and meticulous design details that scream premium.

The Asus Zenbook S 16 is powered by the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, a top-tier processor with 12 cores and 24 threads, reaching up to 5.1GHz. This powerhouse handles everything from productivity to gaming with ease. 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, ensuring it lasts through the day.

Its connectivity surpasses that of the MacBook, with dual USB Type-C ports, a USB Type-A, an SD card reader, a headphone jack, and an HDMI-out port. The screen is a highlight, boasting a 500-nit OLED display with 2.8K resolution and multi-touch support, capable of dynamic refresh rates from 60Hz to 120Hz for smooth visuals and energy efficiency.

The only minor drawback is its tendency to get hot, but this is easily mitigated by using it on a desk.

2. Acer Swift Go 16 OLED

Best Budget MacBook Alternative

### Acer Swift Go 16

0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers a high-resolution screen, solid battery life, and a sleek 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 displayThin, light, and portable Great battery lifeCONSLimited memory and storagePriced under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an affordable MacBook Air alternative that doesn't skimp on quality. Its lightweight design and 3.53-pound frame make it an ideal travel companion. The 16-inch OLED screen with a 3200x2000 resolution is a standout feature, offering exceptional clarity at this price point.

Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, it's well-suited for everyday tasks and light creative work, thanks to its integrated neural processing unit for enhanced AI functionality. However, its budget-friendly nature comes with compromises, such as only 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage, which may limit multitasking and handling large files.

For users focused on single-tasking or lighter workloads, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED presents a compelling option, balancing cost and performance effectively.

Asus Zenbook S 14 – Photos

13 Images3. Asus Zenbook S 14

Best MacBook Air Alternative

### Asus Zenbook S 14

1The Asus Zenbook S 14 offers a compelling alternative to the MacBook Air with superior performance, a stunning screen, and impressive battery life. 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 readerThe Asus Zenbook S 14 is an outstanding MacBook Air alternative, offering a blend of power and portability that rivals Apple's offering. Its lightweight design, weighing just around 2.5 pounds, is incredibly easy to carry, and its slim profile doesn't compromise on performance.

Powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 258V CPU, it delivers high performance across various tasks, from video editing to gaming. Its 14-inch OLED screen with 2.8K resolution is bright and vibrant, perfect for HDR gaming and creative work. With over 15 hours of battery life, it's designed to last through multiple days of intermittent use.

The only notable omission is a microSD card reader, but this minor flaw is easily overlooked given its overall excellence.

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 MacBook Pro 14 alternative, offering a compact, powerful, and quiet design with impressive battery life. It's even lighter than the MacBook Pro 14 at 3.2 pounds. Available in multiple configurations, it allows you to choose between the AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS or the more powerful AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, with options for 16GB or 32GB of RAM.

The entry-level model, powered by the Ryzen 7 8845HS, outperforms Apple's M3 in multicore tasks, making it ideal for creative professionals. The Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU ensures excellent gaming performance. While it's louder than the MacBook Pro, its cooling system is efficient and quieter than most gaming laptops.

Battery life is robust, lasting around 10 hours on the processor alone, and can be extended further with Advanced Optimus technology. The main drawback is its price, with the top model reaching $1,699, but for those unwilling to switch from Windows, it's a worthy investment.

5. Microsoft Surface Pro 11

Best 2-in-1 MacBook Alternative

### Microsoft Surface Pro 11

0The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a versatile 2-in-1 that excels for artists and serves as an efficient daily driver. 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 seeking versatility, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is an excellent MacBook alternative. Its 2-in-1 design is perfect for digital artists, yet it remains a powerful choice for productivity and entertainment. Powered by Snapdragon X processors, it offers efficient performance similar to Apple's M-series chips, suitable for apps like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro.

While its battery life tops out at around 10 hours, fast charging capabilities ensure quick recharges. The Surface Pro 11 can be configured with up to 64GB of RAM and 1TB of expandable storage, making it a versatile powerhouse. Its OLED display provides stunning visuals, ideal for both work and play.

The primary challenge is app compatibility due to its ARM-based processors, but the expanding app library covers most major applications.

How to Choose the Best MacBook Alternative

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

Processor: Aim for at least six cores, with eight being preferable. For a true MacBook alternative, opt for the highest clock speed possible, such as an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, and avoid processors more than a generation old unless your needs are basic.

Memory: At least 16GB of RAM is recommended to ensure smooth multitasking and future-proofing. While 8GB might suffice initially, it's the bare minimum.

Storage: Depending on your usage, 256GB might be enough if you rely heavily on cloud storage. However, 512GB to 1TB is preferable for local storage of large files or games.

Display: A minimum of 1080p resolution is essential. Higher resolutions offer sharper images but can impact performance. OLED displays provide superior picture quality but require care to prevent burn-in.

Form Factor: Consider the laptop's weight and screen size. A touchscreen or 2-in-1 design might be beneficial if you need versatility.

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 strong performance, they still lag behind in efficiency and battery life compared to Apple's offerings.

Are MacBooks good for gaming?

MacBooks can run many games, but their game library is limited compared to Windows gaming laptops. Games are often better optimized for Windows, making it the preferred platform for gaming enthusiasts.

Is a MacBook better than PC?

The choice depends on your needs and preferences. MacBooks excel in creative applications and offer unique software like Logic Pro. PCs, however, offer a broader software ecosystem and are the go-to choice for gaming due to their extensive game library and optimizations.