by Emily May 01,2025
As the new year rolls in, so does the allure of the latest MacBook releases, like the stunning new MacBook Air. If you're a fan of the MacBook's sleek design but can't quite let go of your Windows ecosystem, fear not—there are plenty of stellar alternatives out there. My top recommendation? The Asus Zenbook S 16, which I believe stands out as the best overall choice.
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 stringent criteria. It should be lightweight, highly portable, powerful, boast a superior screen, and have a battery that lasts at least a full workday. My selections are based on extensive reviews over the past year, ensuring they truly rival the MacBook in key areas, whether you're looking for a MacBook Pro substitute, a MacBook Air alternative, or a versatile 2-in-1 for creative work.
Our Top Pick### Asus Zenbook S 16
2The Asus Zenbook S 16 emerges as an exceptional Windows alternative to the MacBook Pro. It's incredibly easy to carry and a delight to use, making it the top choice for those needing a larger screen without sacrificing portability or 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 while still offering great battery lifeStunning 3K OLED touchscreenSurprising gaming performance CONSCan get hotThe Asus Zenbook S 16 is the premier choice for a MacBook Pro alternative, especially if you need a larger screen. It's incredibly thin and light, yet packs a punch with its processing power, perfect for productivity and demanding creative tasks like 4K video editing. It's one of the most visually stunning laptops I've had the pleasure of reviewing.
At its core is the AMD Ryzen 9 AI HX 370 CPU, Asus's highest-performance AI processor with 12 cores and 24 threads, reaching up to 5.1GHz. This powerhouse not only handles productivity but also surprises with its gaming capabilities, a feature often found in high-end gaming handhelds.
While it doesn't match the efficiency of Apple's M3 or M4 chips, the Zenbook S 16 still delivers impressive battery life. At 50-60% screen brightness, it lasts around 15 hours, ensuring it can power through your day and beyond.
Its design is breathtaking, featuring Asus's new Ceraluminum lid, which combines ceramic and aluminum for durability and fingerprint resistance. The attention to detail, such as the ventilation area with over a thousand tiny milled holes, underscores its premium status.
Connectivity surpasses 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 500-nit OLED display with a 2.8K resolution (2880x1880) supports multi-touch, dynamically adjusting between 60Hz and 120Hz for smooth visuals and excellent battery life.
The only downside is its tendency to get hot, but this is easily mitigated by using it on a desk. Overall, the Zenbook S 16 is a remarkable MacBook alternative.
### Acer Swift Go 16
0The Acer Swift Go 16 OLED offers a stunning screen, long battery life, and a sleek, lightweight design, all at a budget-friendly price point.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 well under $1,000, the Acer Swift Go 16 OLED is an excellent budget alternative to the MacBook Air. It's incredibly portable at just 3.53lbs and features a 16-inch screen with an impressive 3200x2000 resolution, a rare find at this price.
Powered by the Intel Core Ultra 5 125H CPU, it's a generation old but still offers ample performance for daily productivity and light creative work. It also includes an NPU for enhanced AI functionality and Microsoft Copilot support.
Its budget-friendly nature is reflected in its 8GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. While the storage is adequate, the memory may limit multitasking and more demanding tasks like video editing. However, for those working with one or two applications at a time, it's a worthwhile trade-off for its exceptional screen and portability.
13 Images
3. Asus Zenbook S 14### Asus Zenbook S 14
1The Asus Zenbook S 14 outshines the MacBook Air with its impressive performance, stunning screen, multi-day battery life, and 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 powerfulGreat battery lifeImproved gaming performanceGorgeous OLED touchscreenCONSNo microSD card readerThe Asus Zenbook S 14 is a compelling MacBook Air alternative, sharing many similarities with the larger Zenbook S 16 but with distinct advantages. It features the latest Intel Core Ultra 7 258V CPU, delivering high performance and surprising gaming capabilities, making it ideal for everything from Adobe Premiere Pro to casual browsing.
Weighing just 2.65lbs and less than half an inch thick, its portability is unmatched. I often forgot I was carrying it, it's that light. Despite its smaller 14-inch screen, its portability and stunning 2.8K OLED display (2880x1800) won me over.
The battery life is exceptional, lasting over 15 hours, making it perfect for multiple days of intermittent use. Its screen is fantastic for HDR gaming, though you might need to adjust settings for optimal performance.
Overall, the Asus Zenbook S 14 is a top-tier MacBook Air alternative at a reasonable price.
10 Images
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 the ideal MacBook Pro 14 replacement, offering a compact, powerful, and quiet design with impressive battery life. Its Nvidia RTX 4060 GPU is perfect for gaming, and at 3.2lbs, 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 model with the Ryzen 7 8845HS is incredibly fast, often outpacing Apple's M3 in multicore performance, ideal for creative professionals.
While it has more fan noise than the MacBook Pro, it's significantly quieter than most gaming laptops and manages heat well, avoiding thermal throttling. With Advanced Optimus, battery life can last around 10 hours, sufficient for a full workday.
The main drawback is its price, with the top-end model reaching $1,699. However, for those committed to Windows without sacrificing performance, weight, or size, the Asus TUF Gaming A14 is an excellent choice.
### Microsoft Surface Pro 11
0The Microsoft Surface Pro 11 is a versatile 2-in-1 that's perfect for artists and professionals alike, offering strong performance and portability. 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, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11 offers the versatility of a 2-in-1, similar to the MacBook, but with added flexibility for digital art. It's also an excellent choice for productivity and entertainment, making it a versatile MacBook alternative.
Powered by the latest Snapdragon X processors, similar to Apple's M-series chips, it offers fast and efficient performance in creative apps like Adobe Photoshop and Premiere Pro. Battery life lasts around 10 hours, with fast charging capabilities.
The Surface Pro 11 is a powerhouse, with options for up to 64GB of RAM and 1TB of expandable storage. The 13-inch display is available in both LCD and OLED variants, offering crisp visuals for any task.
However, its ARM processor means not all applications are instantly compatible, though the app library is expanding. This is something to consider before purchasing.
Choosing the right MacBook alternative involves considering several key factors to ensure it meets your needs.
Processor: Look for at least six cores, preferably eight, for robust performance. Aim for high clock speeds, opting for at least an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5, and avoid processors more than a generation old unless your needs are minimal.
Memory: At least 16GB of memory is recommended to ensure smooth multitasking and longevity. While 8GB might suffice initially, it's the bare minimum in today's standards.
Storage: Depending on your usage, 256GB may be enough if you rely on cloud storage, but 512GB is a better minimum for local files. For large files or gaming, 1TB is ideal.
Display: Opt for a resolution of at least 1080p. Higher resolutions offer sharper images but can impact performance in video editing or gaming. OLED displays provide superior quality but require care to prevent burn-in.
Form Factor: Consider the laptop's weight, screen size, and whether a touchscreen or 2-in-1 functionality is necessary for your daily needs.
Apple's M3 and M4 chips are renowned for their efficiency and power. While Intel and AMD offer competitive options like the Intel 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 selection and optimization are limited compared to Windows gaming laptops. For avid gamers, a Windows machine is generally a better choice.
The choice depends on your needs and preferences. MacBooks are excellent for creative work due to their power, efficiency, and portability, with some exclusive applications. However, PCs offer a more open ecosystem with broader software availability, especially for gaming, thanks to platforms like Steam.
Girls Frontline 2: Exilium Global Website Goes Live, Along With Its Socials!
Marvel Rivals: Understanding Bussing and Catching It
New Game Plus in Assassin's Creed Shadows: Confirmed?
Top Skills to Prioritize for Yasuke in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Pokemon GO Leak Teases New Adventure Effects
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Movements Reviewed by Two Parkour Athletes
Amazon Music Unlimited: Free 3-Month Trial Available
Death Stranding 2 Release Date Unveiled in Massive Trailer
Category 
