The iconic Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M2) laptop continues to set the bar for thin and light laptops. However, some of us want choice—as in, the choice to buy an equally thin and light laptop that runs Microsoft Windows instead of MacOS. If you’re one of those people, read on: We’ve compiled the best MacBook Air alternatives you can buy today.
In the world of thin and light laptops, there are several compelling options for those who prefer Microsoft Windows over MacOS. These laptops offer impressive specs, sleek designs, and excellent performance for productivity tasks, media creation, and even casual gaming. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a casual user, there’s a MacBook Air alternative out there for you.
Best MacBook Air Alternative Overall: Asus ZenBook S 13 OLED
The Asus ZenBook S 13 OLED is our top pick for the best MacBook Air alternative overall. With its stunning 13.3-inch OLED display and a weight of just 2.2 pounds, this laptop offers a perfect balance of portability and performance. It is powered by an Intel Core i7-1355U processor and features a whopping 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, ensuring smooth multitasking and excellent performance for daily productivity tasks and entertainment.
The 2.8K OLED screen of the ZenBook S 13 OLED is sharp, with ultra-crisp text and images, inky blacks, and vibrant colors. It’s perfect for work, entertainment, and content creation. The laptop’s lightweight design makes it easy to carry around, and its battery can last up to 10 hours on mixed use, allowing you to stay productive throughout the day. The ZenBook S 13 OLED also features two Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C connectors and one USB 3.2 Type-A port, providing fast data transfer speeds and connectivity options.
According to tech editor Melissa Perenson, “This laptop’s light weight makes it easy to carry around without straining myself. The screen looks amazing, and I appreciated the feel of the plasma ceramic coating on the chassis.” Overall, the Asus ZenBook S 13 OLED is an excellent choice for those looking for a lightweight and powerful MacBook Air alternative.
Best 16-Inch MacBook Air Alternative: Acer Swift Go 16
If you prefer a larger display similar to the 16-inch MacBook Air, the Acer Swift Go 16 is the best alternative for you. With its 16-inch OLED display and a weight of 3.5 pounds, this laptop offers a spacious screen and a lightweight design. It is powered by an Intel Core i7-13700H processor, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and a roomy 1TB SSD, providing excellent performance and ample storage for your needs.
The 2.8K OLED display of the Swift Go 16 supports cinema-grade 100 percent DCI-P3 wide color gamut, ensuring crisp images with vibrant colors. The display also has a 120Hz refresh rate, making fast action and animations look smooth. This laptop is perfect for content creation, casual gaming, and media consumption. It features two Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C ports, two USB 3.2 Gen 1 Type-A ports, HDMI 2.1, and a microSD card slot for versatile connectivity options.
Best Value MacBook Air Alternative: Dell XPS 13
For those looking for a budget-friendly MacBook Air alternative without compromising on performance, the Dell XPS 13 is the best value option. With its sleek design and solid performance, it strikes a balance between size and price. The baseline model of the XPS 13 offers a 13.4-inch FHD+ anti-glare display, an Intel Core i7-1250U processor, 8GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 512GB SSD.
The XPS 13 weighs just 2.6 pounds, making it light enough to carry all day. It features two Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C ports for fast data transfers and dual speakers for immersive audio. The laptop’s battery can last up to 12 hours, providing enough power for a full day of work or entertainment. While it may lack certain ports like USB-A, the XPS 13 offers a sleek and lightweight design that is perfect for users on the go.
Best MacBook Air Alternative For Multitasking: LG Gram 14-Inch OLED
If multitasking is a priority for you, the LG Gram 14-Inch OLED is the best MacBook Air alternative. Weighing just 2.2 pounds, this laptop is highly portable and perfect for users who need to work on the go. It is powered by an Intel Core i7-1360P processor, 32GB of LPDDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD, providing excellent performance for multitasking and storage capacity for your files and media.
The 14-inch FHD+ OLED display of the Gram 14-Inch supports 99 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut, ensuring vivid and sharp graphics. With its long battery life of up to 15.5 hours, you can work or entertain yourself without constantly needing to charge. The Gram 14-Inch also offers a wide range of ports, including Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C ports, USB Gen 2.2 x 1 Type-A ports, HDMI, and a microSD card slot. It also features a 3.5mm audio port and Bluetooth 5.1 for connectivity options.
Best 2-in-1 MacBook Alternative: Lenovo Yoga 9i
For users who need the flexibility of a 2-in-1 laptop, the Lenovo Yoga 9i is the best MacBook Air alternative. With its 14-inch 4K OLED touchscreen display and versatile design, this laptop can be used in various modes to suit your needs. It features an Intel Core i7-1360P processor, 16GB of DDR5 RAM, and a 1TB SSD, providing powerful performance and ample storage capacity.
The 4K OLED touchscreen display of the Yoga 9i is vibrant and sharp, supporting HDR500, Dolby Vision, and 100 percent of the DCI-P3 color gamut. The laptop’s sound system by Bowers & Wilkins offers immersive audio experience with Dolby Atmos support. It features Thunderbolt 4 USB Type-C ports, USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, and a 3.5mm headphone/mic jack for versatile connectivity options. The Yoga 9i also comes with Lenovo’s Precision Pen 2, allowing you to handwrite or draw directly on the screen.
How We Chose The Best MacBook Air Alternatives
To determine the best MacBook Air alternatives, we conducted extensive research, hands-on testing, and interviews with product experts and industry leaders. We evaluated each laptop based on its design, features, operating system, price, and what sets it apart from its competitors. Our goal was to provide a comprehensive list of Windows-based laptops that offer a lightweight and powerful alternative to the MacBook Air.
How To Choose The Best MacBook Air Alternative For Your Needs
When choosing a MacBook Air alternative, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and preferences. Here are some key factors to keep in mind:
Operating System
Consider whether you prefer macOS or if you’re open to Windows or Linux. Windows laptops offer a wide range of software compatibility and customization options, making them a suitable alternative to the MacBook Air. Chromebooks, on the other hand, run a Linux-based operating system and are more designed for casual use cases.
Performance
Evaluate your performance requirements before making a choice. For basic tasks like web browsing and document editing, a laptop with an Intel Core i5 or AMD Ryzen 5 processor should suffice. For more demanding tasks like video editing or gaming, look for laptops with higher-end processors and dedicated graphics cards.
Portability
If portability is important to you, seek out laptops with a slim and lightweight design. Many of the laptops on our list offer a lightweight chassis and a portable design, making them ideal for users on the go.
Battery Life
Battery life is crucial for on-the-go users. Look for laptops that offer long battery life, allowing you to work or entertain yourself without constantly needing to charge. Many of the laptops on our list offer impressive battery life, ensuring you can stay productive throughout the day.
Display
Consider the display quality and resolution of the laptop. If you’re using your laptop for video editing or graphics-intensive tasks, a high-resolution screen, either Full HD or 4K, is a must. Additionally, consider the type of display technology, such as IPS or OLED, which can provide accurate colors and wide viewing angles.
Connectivity
Ensure that the laptop has the necessary ports for your needs. Depending on your use case, you may require USB-C, Thunderbolt, HDMI, and SD card slots. Check if your chosen laptop offers these ports and any other connectivity options you may need.
Budget
Consider your budget when choosing a MacBook Air alternative. Windows-based laptops can offer budget-friendly options, while higher-end options may cost more. Keep in mind that Apple laptops often pack a lot of power, so you may need to spend more on Windows-based alternatives.
Ultimately, the best MacBook Air alternative for you should align with your specific use case and preferences. Whether you’re a creative professional, a student, or a casual user, there’s a Windows-based laptop out there that can meet your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a MacBook Air alternative, there are several excellent options available. From the Asus ZenBook S 13 OLED, which offers a lightweight design and powerful performance, to the Acer Swift Go 16 with its large 16-inch OLED display, these laptops provide a range of choices for users who prefer Windows over MacOS. The Dell XPS 13 offers great value, while the LG Gram 14-Inch OLED excels in multitasking. Lastly, the Lenovo Yoga 9i provides the versatility of a 2-in-1 design. Consider your specific needs and preferences, and choose the MacBook Air alternative that best suits you.
