Best MacBook alternatives: Framework, Razer & more

Looking to buy a MacBook alternative for your work or school? Well, don’t fear; Dexerto is here to help you out with the best options to choose from

Switching from Mac to Windows is difficult, and suggesting a MacBook alternative is even more challenging. This is primarily because all the new MacBooks use Apple’s in-house chipsets.

These new chipsets ensure that the MacBook remains thin, looks fantastic, and offers unparalleled battery backup apart from raw power that you don’t normally associate with laptops. It’s easy to say that these new chipsets have made the MacBook the favorite of everyone.

The recent releases from the Californian monolith have all been excellent. If you weren’t after an alternative, we’d still say to grab one of their newer M2 laptops, as they’re near perfect in terms of performance and options.

That said, not everything is lost on the Windows side of the world. Some machines still boast performance, looks, and power similar to the new M1 or M2-powered laptops.

So, if you want something that isn’t from Apple, we break down what you should look for and, eventually, commit to purchasing.

What to look for in a MacBook Alternative

When recommending something as an alternative, we need to consider what a current MacBook houses, that could be replicated elsewhere.

For content creators, a powerful GPU and CPU combo to compete with Apple Silicon’s high-end machines using M1 Max and Ultra. Though, something that’s svelt and easy to lug around, rather than a gangly beast.

Gaming isn’t necessarily something we should be considering here, but, the M1 series of laptops have proven themselves to be quite adept at playing a variety of titles through emulation of old consoles, or even modern Windows environments.

Every day uses too. The MacBook is a sublime office and everyday device due to its lack of flair and faff. Comfortable keyboards, and large trackpads.

Then, finally, those who like to tinker, or need something with a little bit more capability than your average PC environment. It shouldn’t surprise you why some developers wind up using macOS over everything else.

The best alternative for a MacBook Air: Framework

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When we reviewed the Framework, we weren’t only blown away by its upgradability and modular options. No, we loved that it performed spectacularly in terms of coming in with a 12th-generation Intel chip. The MacBook Air isn’t as capable as its bigger brethren, but it can certainly still hold its own under duress.

The Framework is no different. It provides enough power to allow you to do certain tasks and light gaming, while still being completely usable as an everyday device as the MacBook Air was originally envisioned.

It is also sporting a 3:2 monitor, the best for working and browsing the web. Framework’s monitor offers better verticality than your traditional laptop.

Surface Laptop Studio

The Surface Laptop Studio is a fairly powerful device but doesn’t beat the other options below. Topping out at the 3050 Ti, this all-in-one device gives you excellent Microsoft build quality and a unique design.

It can fold in on itself to become a tablet, as well as fold-out just a little bit to give you a little stand too. Microsoft’s Surface range always seems to be one step behind the rest, with its CPU being the 11th generation, just as the 12th generation laptops were launching.

However, the Surface Laptop Studio is an excellent all-in-one choice to go for, with the 11th generation and 3050 Ti combo still providing great performance despite its aging specs.

If you’re a content creator, this should be one you consider going for, especially as it seems to be getting discounted more and more.

The best alternative for a MacBook Pro: Razer Blade (14 and 15)

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The Razer Blade is unquestionably the best choice when moving from macOS to Windows, to try to replicate the finesse of a MacBook Pro. From its lush design to the excellent onboard specs, Razer knows how to make a laptop.

We’ve recommended both the 15 and 14-inch variations, as it depends on what you want to carry with you. A Razer Blade 14 is considerably lighter and uses AMD CPU and GPU. The Blade 15 uses an Intel CPU but also has the benefit of the RTX series of GPUs.

Razer’s laptops are truly sublime to use. It’s not even just at a gaming level, but the specs on board allow you to get creative. The 2022 version comes booted with an excellent high refresh rate OLED screen, making for a luxurious feel while using it.

On top of that, the wide keyboard buttons and great-feeling trackpad make for a great machine to tap out a few words on.

Dell XPS 17

The Dell XPS 17 offers almost the same that you expect from a Macbook – portability, battery backup, and decent computing performance.

Coupled with a capable Raptor Lake chipset and up to an RTX 4080 graphics, it is one of the worthiest MacBook Pro alternatives. Together this combination of CPU and GPU ensures that the laptop sails through every task thrown at it including image and video editing and even gaming.

The Dell XPS 17 ships with an exceptionally bright touch-friendly IPS LCD panel, and the ultra-thin bezels make the display look gorgeous.

Apart from the internals, this 17-inch laptop is slightly bigger than the MacBook Pro and makes a style statement thanks to its looks and design. So, if you’re an Apple user looking to switch loyalties, the Dell XPS 17 presents a strong case for itself.  

System76 Oryx Pro

A recommendation list including a Linux-focused machine? It’s more likely than you think.

The System76 Oryx Pro is an excellent alternative to your typical Windows affair. System76 builds specialist systems, but also has turned into an excellent supplier for consumers. Coming pre-installed with either Pop_OS! or Ubuntu, the Oryx Pro can provide up to a 3080 Ti, as well as DDR5 RAM.

It’s an exceptionally well-made machine, one that will serve you well in almost every single facet of wanting to use a PC. Video editing, gaming, and even further in terms of utilizing it as a developer’s machine.

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