Home PC Components and Peripherals The Best Macbook Air Alternatives in 2022
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Apart from the iPhone, the MacBook is one of the best-selling products of Apple. It’s not quite a surprise though, as it boasts the best quality that you could find in a laptop.
First off, it is extremely fast and responsive, regardless of the number of programs open at the same time. This, of course, is perfect for those who always have busy schedules or have a pile of work to do.
The MacBook is also smooth – both in terms of aesthetics and performance. So, no need to wait long for your laptop to work. Of course, it also has a smooth and sleek design on the outside, which makes it stand out and makes you feel its premium quality.
It also features a touch bar, which is one of its most-loved features. For starters, it’s actually an OLED strip that replaces the manual function keys at the top of your keyboard.
In addition to that, it has long battery life. In fact, you can expect it to go without charging for over 12 hours.
However, one of the drawbacks of getting a MacBook is its price. Apple has a reputation for putting expensive price tags on its products. So, expect it to cost more than your average laptop in the market. Speaking of prices, another con of using the MacBook is that even simple repairs could cost you a lot of dollars.
Also, it has a limited number of ports. This may be a huge dealbreaker for some, especially if you’re using it for office work.
Overall, it sure is a great laptop. However, if you’re looking for something that will suit your budget or has better features to suit your needs, there are plenty of options on the market. Here are some of them.
Because of the switch to Intel’s Tiger Lake CPUs, the Dell XPS 13 (11th Gen) is more powerful and battery-efficient than its predecessor, solidifying its position as the best Windows Ultrabook you can buy right now. It’s a good thing you waited if you were tempted to buy an XPS 13 earlier this year after its substantial overhaul (model 9300). You may now have everything we enjoy about the new laptop with the extra benefit of Intel’s newest chip. The new XPS 13 replaces Intel’s 10th Generation “Ice Lake” processors with Tiger Lake processors. While the XPS 13 has always depended on integrated graphics rather than a standalone GPU, this edition now includes Intel’s newest Iris Xe technology, which replaces the Iris Plus graphics of the previous model. In terms of aesthetics, this laptop boasts of its sleek style. If you love MacBook’s design, this is the one for you. The XPS 13 is a fantastic ultraportable laptop with cutting-edge computing components housed in a beautifully designed and well-built chassis. Even in the saturated sector of premium ultraportable laptops, these are remarkable accomplishments. Aside from the operating system differences, the XPS 13 is arguably a better choice for most people right now than the MacBook Pro, because Apple’s notebook is running older-generation chips that are about to be replaced.
Upgraded performance from Intel "Tiger Lake" CPUSleek stylingExceptionally compact chassis
Limited port selectionExpensive as configured
If you believe that a high-end laptop doesn’t have to be expensive, the Asus ZenBook 13 is for you. Also known as ZenBook 13 UX333FA, this laptop comes with a strong 8th Gen Core i5 engine and a ridiculously long battery life, all bundled in a gorgeous casing for $749. This is hundreds less than systems like the Dell XPS 13. However, there are other drawbacks. Despite this, the ZenBook 13 is a solid laptop with a reasonable price tag. The ZenBook 13 comes in a plethora of configurations, all of which are distinguished by esoteric model numbers, just like many other premium laptops. The latest versions, which will be available this spring, will include OLED panels and the latest Intel or AMD processors. Other configurations with Core i5, Core i7, and Ryzen 5 CPUs, as well as different memory and storage quantities, are available. An Intel variant with one of the latest “Tiger Lake” processors was recently tested. With this, you can expect a decent CPU performance. Many users laud it for having an impressive battery life, which is perfect for when you have a lot of work to do on your laptop. However, this device doesn’t have a headphone jack, so if your work requires you to join meetings or if you need to deal with files that have audio, this might not be the ideal laptop for you.
Gorgeous OLED displayDecent CPU performancePhenomenal battery life
No headphone jackRadeon graphics underperform
You’ll forget you’re holding Lenovo’s lightest ThinkPad X1 Nano, but you’ll love every second of it. If you think the ThinkPadX1 Carbon is a little overweight, Lenovo has something better for you: the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Nano. This is great if you want a business laptop that is even more portable. The ThinkPad X1 Nano swaps out the Carbon’s 14-inch screen for a 13-inch panel with a slightly taller 16:10 rather than 16:9 aspect ratio, similar to the Dell XPS 13. The Nano now weighs only 1.99 pounds, compared to Dell’s 2.64 pounds. The ThinkPad X1 Nano isn’t the lightest laptop in its class, but it’s a fantastic grab-and-go productivity machine. The display resolution of the little Lenovo is a unique 2,160 by 1,350 pixels, which falls somewhere between the XPS 13’s base 1,920-by-1,200-pixel and optional 3,840-by-2,400-pixel panels. When it comes to its design on the inside, it is made out of quality materials to keep it performing well. On the outside, you can also expect a good quality as it is made with a stylish and stealthy design, but because of its screen size, expect to have a smaller touchpad. Also, it only offers limited ports.
Stylish, stealthy designBright 13-inch, 2K display12-hour battery life
Small touchpadLimited ports
Razer is known in the gaming industry for its gaming laptops and accessories. It’s actually a nice brand, but if you’re a non-gamer, it’s hard to think that there’s a laptop for you from this brand. Luckily, there is – and that’s the Razer Book 13. The Razer Book 13 is the company’s only non-gaming laptop. It has a sleek and tiny machine that ranks among the best ultraportables in terms of design, performance, and features. To produce something fresh, the Razer Book 13 mixes two well-known styles. It has a lot in common with Razer’s Blade gaming laptops in terms of design, especially the squared-off sides and branding. Instead of the Blade’s iconic black-and-green color scheme, the Razer Book 13 takes inspiration from Apple’s original MacBook design. To put it another way, this is a slim, all-silver ultraportable with a small footprint. It’s a little thicker than its competitors, though. Yet, it has one of the tiniest footprints of the bunch, taking up even less desk or suitcase room than the notoriously compact MacBook Air. This boosts its portability, making it ideal for fitting onto an aircraft tray table or your lap. But, this might not be the one for you, though, if you’re looking for huge storage. Apparently, the Razer Book 13 can only offer you up to 256 GB of storage.
Attractive Blade-esque designPowerful performancePer-key RGB keyboard
Clunkier than some competitorsJust 256 GB of storage in base and midrange models
Because the Spectre x360 14 is an Intel Evo laptop, it features Intel’s newest features, such as a fast wake, Thunderbolt 4 connections, and an 11th Generation “Tiger Lake” processor with Iris Xe integrated graphics This laptop combines Core i5 processing power with 16 GB of memory, a 512 GB solid-state drive, and a touch screen with a resolution of 1,920 by 1,280 pixels. A rechargeable tilt pen and carrying sleeve are included, as well as one of HP’s Sure View Reflect privacy screens. On the outside, you’ll see that this is one of the most attractive laptops you can buy today. The HP is one of the most gorgeous laptops you can buy, with gem-cut contrasting edges showcasing its CNC-machined aluminum chassis, just like prior Spectres. It comes in two colors: Nightfall Black with Copper Luxe accents and Poseidon Blue with Pale Brass accents, both of which are $10 more than the silver variant. The lid is decorated with HP’s stylized four-slash emblem, which unfortunately requires two hands to open. Two hinges allow you to fold the display back into the familiar easel, tent, and tablet configurations. In laptop form, the screen rarely wobbles, and there’s almost no flex in the chassis if you hold its edges or press the keyboard deck. However, it’s not at all cheap as it costs $1,619.99. Its touchpad is a bit stiff too and the device comes with some bloatware.
Beautiful designGreat battery life3:2 display with OLED and 1,000-nit options
It’s not cheapTouchpad is a bit stiffComes with some bloatware
Another great MacBook alternative from HP is the Envy x360. If you’re looking for a speedy and economical big-screen convertible, HP’s Ryzen-based Envy x360 is a good choice, as long as you don’t mind the full-HD display (rather than 4K) in its AMD iteration, this is the one for you. HP says its Envy line is aimed toward creative customers and bridges the gap between the flagship Spectre and the budget Pavilion series. You can get an Envy x360 with Intel or AMD processors, but Core i7-1165G7 machines with discrete Nvidia GeForce MX450 graphics instead of integrated graphics and a 4K AMOLED screen instead of a 1,920-by-1,080-pixel display are available. In terms of design, this laptop talks big about its classy aesthetics. Its keyboard also has a lot of functions; however, there are a few drawbacks to using this laptop. Ironically, one of them is its design. Unfortunately, it is a little bulky compared to most of the best MacBook alternatives on the market today. Also because of this, expect it to be heavy too, even if you hold it in tablet mode. This can be a bit inconvenient for some. Lastly, it has no 4K screen option, which of course, is a huge letdown if you’re into 4K streaming.
Speedy eight-core Ryzen 7 CPUClassy, if bulky, designFunction-packed keyboard
No 4K screen option with AMD CPUToo heavy to hold in tablet mode
LG’s Gram laptops are distinguished by a single feature. They’re designed to be light, and the larger they are, the more distinct they are from the competition. The case for getting a laptop with a giant screen has never been stronger. The LG Gram 17, with its beautiful 17-inch QHD display, is the first exhibit. With an Intel Core i7 processor from the 11th generation, a revamped keyboard and touchpad, and a sleek black finish, this laptop is ready for 2022. If you’re neither a gamer nor a multimedia content developer, it’s clearly the greatest 17-inch laptop you can buy. When LG originally unveiled its one-of-a-kind ultraportable, it had little to make it stand out outside an amazing screen and a weight that seemed to defy physics. However, the lackluster 2019 model gave way to a brand-new model for 2021. The slim frame and beautiful QHD screen are still there, but LG has focused primarily on the rest of the user experience. This means a better keyboard and touchpad, as well as a more attractive laptop with Intel’s latest hardware and long battery life. The Gram 17 does not appear to be very huge from the outside. The display lid’s thin-font Gram logo is embossed in silver, while the remainder of the lid is a continuous span of black magnesium alloy. It looks a lot better than the previous Gram 17 model’s drab shell, which had curled edges. However, unlike other MacBook alternatives, this one doesn’t have touchscreen options. It also offers no configuration options.
Has a giant screen but is very lightSleek designLooks slim on the outside
No touchscreen Offers no configuration options
Another great option that you can use instead of the MacBook is the Elite Dragonfly Max that’s also from HP. The HP Elite Dragonfly Max ultraportable laptop has an enticing combination of 5G, a 5-megapixel webcam, and a security screen that keeps curious seatmates at bay, but it costs an extra $1,000. If you’re familiar with the Elite Dragonfly G2, you’ll be even more surprised by the Max. The Elite Dragonfly G2 has a choice of 1080p or 4K resolution displays, but the Max only has a 1080p touch panel with HP’s Sure View Reflect, which makes the display opaque to anyone not directly in front of it with a touch of the F2 key. In terms of display, the Backgrounds are lovely and white in standard mode, and the colors are rich but not very vibrant. The contrast is good, and the details are sharp. Even when disabled, the privacy technology appears to absorb around 700 of the rated 1,000 nits of brightness and reduces viewing angles to a fraction of what they are on today’s IPS panels, but this isn’t a problem, and unlike the MacBook, this laptop can offer you a robust port selection. However, the HP Elite Dragonfly Max is also on the expensive side of the market.
Sure View Reflect screenBeautiful designRobust port selection
Doesn’t ship with a penExpensive
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