Home The Best Macbook Alternatives in 2022
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MacBook customers are charmed by the look, feel, and experience of their MacBook, just as people favor specific cars for comfort and performance. Apple fans desire innovation and a pleasant and simple user experience, which is also the company’s aim, and it’s safe to say the tech giant has achieved its mission.
The user experience on a MacBook is radically different from that of any Windows machine, and it’s not simply because of the software. The user experience is influenced by all of the components.
Its keyboard alone offers a different typing experience as it requires minimal finger pressure while creating a pleasant sound when used. What’s more, the keyboard arrangement is popular among MacBook users since it is designed to require minimum hand and finger movement while typing.
The keyboard arrangement is popular among MacBook users since it is designed to require minimum hand and finger movement while typing.
Additionally, when it comes to software, MacBook users enjoy an advantage over others. Many features in standard applications are optional for most individuals.
With your Macbook, you can sign PDF documents without extra fees, rename files in batches, get mail from different accounts, have the toolbar customized to set rules where certain emails should go, and record your screen easily.
But, like any other Apple product, one of the things that turn off many users is its price. The good news is there are plenty of other options in the market today. If you’re looking for the best Macbook alternatives, here are some of the best that we highly recommend. Check out which ones suit your budget and your needs.
The HP Envy range has long been one of many users’ favorites. It’s the company’s intermediate line, which sits between the flagship Spectre and the entry-level Pavilion models. The 13-inch Envy laptop is offered in two configurations: clamshell or x360 (13z-ay000), which we evaluated here. The latter includes a 360-degree hinge that allows you to use it as a traditional laptop, a tent or easel, or a tablet by folding the keyboard flush with the monitor. The Envy x360 13 has AMD Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, or Ryzen 7 processors, 8 GB or 16 GB of memory, and up to 1 TB of solid-state storage on the inside. To handle visual output, all configurations rely on AMD Radeon Graphics embedded within the Ryzen processor. This gives it above-average performance. Furthermore, the display almost entirely covers the laptop’s borders, making the bezels on the sides incredibly tiny. One of the Envy x360 13’s coolest features is a 720p webcam with an integrated privacy shutter. This automatic shutter is found on a number of HP’s most recent laptop models, including the otherwise unremarkable Envy 17, and it’s the finest solution I’ve seen for dealing with the problem of leaving your camera on accidentally. In terms of comfortability, the HP Envy x360 13 provides a comfortable typing experience. This is thanks to its well-spaced keys that feel sturdy. They also produce a satisfying thud when pressed. Despite this, some people still feel that it’s a bit uncomfortable to use due to its cramped touchpad. Also, because it has a glossy display, it’s quite hard to use outside, particularly on a very sunny day.
Above-average performanceNifty automatic camera shutterComfortable keyboard
Cramped touchpadGlossy display makes outside use difficult
The 14-inch Yoga 9i Gen 7 is a 2-in-1 convertible featuring a stunning OLED touch screen, an Intel Core i7 CPU from the 12th Generation, and luxury touches throughout. It outperforms the HP Spectre x360 14 thanks to newer technology. What makes this laptop really stand out is its sound quality. Two subwoofers on the sides and two speakers in the screen hinge are part of Lenovo’s Bowers & Wilkins speaker system. They generate excellent sound, albeit you shouldn’t go above 70 or 80 percent volume because the full volume is so high that things start to sound harsh and boomy after that. There’s more bass than most laptops can handle, and overlapping songs are easily distinguished. The Dolby Atmos software includes settings for dynamic, movie, music, and voice, as well as an equalizer. On the inside, you’ll find that it has 16 GB memory and a 512 GB NVMe solid-state drive. This doubles the RAM and storage. The processor is a 2.1GHz Intel Core i7-1260P with 16 threads and four performance cores, as well as Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics. Another great thing about this laptop is that you can use it all day as it has an impressive battery life. However, some users are turned off by its design. It could have been improved. Also, its bloatware mars the experience a bit, but with its features, it’s still worth buying if you’re not a fan of Apple’s Macbook.
Excellent speakers and audio systemPowerful processorAll-day battery life
Staid designBloatware mars the experience
The Dell XPS 17 9700 builds on the MacBook Pro’s recipe by increasing the size and power of everything. The XPS 17 boasts a 17.0-inch diagonal display, Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 Max-Q graphics, and the high build quality and features you’d expect from a laptop at this price. It also has incredibly extended battery life. This, of course, makes it one of the best Macbook substitutions you can find. The upper end of the Dell XPS series has been rejuvenated in a way we haven’t seen in years, bringing significant competition to the MacBook Pro and other large laptops aimed at professionals with big budgets and demanding specifications, thanks to the new Dell XPS 15. For those who can afford it, the XPS 17 makes a simple, enticing offer: a combination of seriously powerful optional components (in addition to the RTX graphics, an Intel Core i9 CPU will be available later this year) with the exceptional build quality and attention to detail in a 17-inch notebook PC that weighs less than 5 pounds. The XPS 15 and XPS 17 are difficult to distinguish from the outside. Both are made from a mix of CNC-milled aluminum, Corning Gorilla Glass, and carbon fiber. The interior is black, and the display lid and base are silver with a huge Dell logo. The computer is quite durable, with a hinge that allows you to tap your fingers on the touch-enabled display with almost no bouncing. Even without touching the XPS 17, the engraved, regulatory logos on the bottom indicate that this is a high-end laptop. However, it lacks numerous features that can be crucial for working on your projects. It’s also not for those who are on a tight budget either. Unfortunately, this laptop costs almost $2,500.
Great keyboardImpressive battery lifeSlick, sturdy design
Numerous missing featuresPretty expensive
The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 is a 13.3-inch touch-screen convertible laptop. This consumer convertible is somewhat thicker, but lighter, than Lenovo’s 13.3-inch corporate 2-in-1 ThinkPad C13 Yoga Chromebook, measuring 0.67 by 12.2 by 8.4 inches and weighing 2.97 pounds (3.3 pounds). The magnesium alloy structure of a few Chromebooks makes them even lighter. Right off the bat, you can see that it’s excellently built. It performs well, and despite its price, you’ll find that it’s worth buying due to its performance. Even at maximum volume, the Maxx Audio speakers flanking the keyboard offer surprisingly good sound; although, vocals are a little muffled. For some, this is a bit disappointing, but the audio isn’t harsh or tinny. Although the bass isn’t particularly powerful, overlapping tracks can be distinguished. The 720p webcam produces photos that are relatively sharp, slightly dim, have nice color, and have minimal static. The full HD (1,920-by-1,080-pixel) display has a low brightness rating of 250 nits, and even if you turn the brightness up, it still doesn’t seem to improve much. The colors, while vivid enough, appear faint on white backdrops. The contrast is superb, but the touch panel’s reflections limit viewing angles. The Lenovo Chromebook Flex 5 doesn’t come with a stylus like some convertibles. In spite of that, it’s an enticing touch-screen 2-in-1 with above-average performance and a comfortable keyboard that could replace Apple’s Macbook.
Excellent build qualityGood performance for the priceResponsive keyboard
Slightly dim displayDisappointing audio
Whether you’re a gamer or not, you’ve probably heard about the gaming laptops and other devices that Razer produces. Fortunately, if you’re looking for a MacBook alternative that’s perfect for a gamer, the brand has come up with the Blade 14. The Blade 14 is a brand-new gaming laptop from Razer with a size and component sweet spot in between the Blade Stealth 13 and Blade 15. The new Blade 14 strikes the perfect balance of power and portability. It sports a 0.66-inch thick chassis that houses an AMD Ryzen 9 5900HX processor and up to Nvidia GeForce RTX 3080 graphics card. That’s a compelling setup for on-the-go gamers, and our tests show that it achieves high-end frame rates at high settings. The Blade 14 is a trailblazer as a 14-inch powerhouse thanks to its performance, superior construction, long battery life, and high-refresh display. What makes it stand out is its bright and responsive QHD screen. With this, you’ll be taken to a whole new level of gaming experience. Even if you use this laptop for gaming, you will still enjoy it as it lets you see all the details you need to work on your project, thanks to its impressive screen. On the outside, you’ll notice that it’s made out of durable material, so you’re guaranteed that it will last longer. Plus, its case gives off a premium look, making it even more aesthetically pleasing. On the inside, AMD chips outperform Intel chips. As a result, the Blade 14 is a superior media editing laptop that won’t keep you waiting for long periods of time. Plus, even though it’s not a dedicated machine, you may use its GPU as necessary. It can accomplish the job as a portable editing machine to support a more stationary PC.
Bright and responsive QHD screenSturdy and premium casePowerful AMD CPU and NVIDIA GPUs
The only way to get Ryzen at RazerHigher-spec GPUs sacrifice performance
Asus is also one of the leading laptop brands today. If you’re looking for something that can replace the Macbook under this brand, you’re in luck, thanks to the Asus ZenBook Duo. Asus has put the most money into the concept, releasing many dual-screen laptop models under the “Duo” brand. The most recent update is for the ZenBook Duo 14, the Duo’s smallest model. The dual-display build seems exquisite in a compact chassis, compared to its larger rivals, and the machine is even thinner than the original (closer to an ultraportable, though still not quite there at 3.5 pounds). The performance is competitive, and most importantly, there is no significant second-screen premium in the pricing. Asus’ dual-screen design, whether on the ZenBook Pro Duo, the ROG Zephyrus Duo 15, or the 14-inch ZenBook Duo, is unquestionably eye-catching. Other manufacturers have tried dual-screen devices, but Asus goes all-in, which is, at the very least, visually appealing. Both displays are touch-enabled and have a maximum brightness of 400 nits, which is higher than the original. When you open the laptop from clamshell mode, the ScreenPad Plus lifts off the keyboard deck at an angle, leaning toward you for a better viewing angle. The best part of it is that it has an impressive battery life too. In fact, it can last up to 10 hours of use. Unfortunately, the Asus ZenBook Duoo lacks Thunderbolt 3 support. It also has a sharp fold-under hinge.
Stylus support10-hour battery lifeUseful extra screen
No Thunderbolt 3Sharp fold-under hinge
Dell sure is great at producing laptops that can compete with Apple’s Macbook. If you think the previously mentioned Dell laptops are not for you, then you might like this one: the Dell XPS 13. What makes this laptop stand out is its keyboard ad touchpad. They’re very comfortable to use, especially for short typing and tapping sessions. The wide keycaps and large surface area of the pad are welcome upgrades over certain competitors’ tight counterparts, such as the Asus ZenBook 13, and if you’re into gaming, the Dell XPS 13 is also a decent choice. This is thanks to its integrated graphics, which can handle some gaming. Aesthetically speaking, it is one beautiful laptop. But, it’s not just all about that; it is pretty sturdy as well. However, if you use it for work and your office requires a lot of online video meetings, this might not be the best option for you as many complain about it having a bad webcam. If you use it for long hours of work, this laptop might let you down a bit as its keyboard gets hot under load.
Standout keyboard and touchpadIntegrated graphics can handle some gamingBeautiful, sturdy design
Bad webcamKeyboard gets hot under load
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