MacBooks are great, but they’re also expensive and don’t have Windows. If you’re shopping for the best MacBook alternatives, we list models from Dell and more.
The starting prices of the best MacBooks aren’t exactly cheap, but you’re paying for the premium experience of a top laptop brand. The devices are elegant and solidly designed. Still, what if you don’t want to use MacOS? What if the Mac doesn’t support your favorite software? That’s where this guide comes in.
One innovative and attractive alternative to a MacBook, and one of the best laptops overall, is Dell’s XPS 13 Plus. It’s as sleek as the MacBook, and it delivers speed and performance while staying relatively lightweight. You’ll find other alternatives on our list as well from Asus, Lenovo, and Microsoft.
Why you should buy this: It’s an innovative 13-inch laptop that gives the MacBook a run for its money.
Who’s it for: Anyone who wants a mid-sized laptop with plenty of power and a solid build.
Why we chose the Dell XPS 13 Plus:
Dell’s XPS 13 Plus is based on 12th-generation Core i5 and i7 processors. Apple’s MacBook Pro 13, meanwhile, features Apple’s in-house Ms processor as does the MacBook Air. Design-wise, the XPS 13 Plus measures 0.6 inches thick and weighs around 2.71 pounds. The 13-inch MacBook Pro is slightly thicker and heavier at 0.61 inches and 3.1 pounds, while the MacBook Air M2 is 0.44 inches thick and weighs 2.7 pounds. These are all just numbers, however, as other than the MacBook Air’s extreme thinness, you won’t notice any significant differences when toting them from place to place.
Under the hood, the Dell XPS 13 Plus offers up to 32GB of system memory and up to 2TB of storage. The 13.3-inch MacBook Pro M2 and 13.5-inch MacBook Air M2 offer up to 24GB of system memory and up to 2TB of storage. Note that a new XPS 13 is on its way and will offer a complete redesign and an upgrade to Intel 12th-gen CPUs. Like the MacBook, the XPS 13 Plus enjoys a haptic touchpad that’s superior to mechanical versions, with the entire surface being clickable and precise response. The edge-to-edge keyboard rivals Apple Magic Keyboard for typing speed and comfort.
The Dell XPS 13 Plus provides similar connectivity with two Thunderbolt 3 ports, although it omits a 3.5mm audio jack. It ships with a USB-C to USB-A adapter and a USB-C to 3.5mm audio adapter so you can connect an external keyboard or mouse or wired headset. Some configurations include touch-based screens with a UHD+ resolution as well, and there’s the option of an OLED panel that offers some of the best colors and contrast you’ll find on a laptop today.
If you want an alternative to Apple’s larger 16-inch MacBook Pro, Dell’s XPS 15 is a good match. Starting at $1,149, it features 12th-generation Intel core i5 and i7 processors, up to a GeForce RTX 3050 Ti discrete graphics chip, up to 64GB of system memory, and up to a 2TB on PCIe-based solid-state drive. Apple’s 16-inch MacBook Pro starts at $2,399.
Why you should buy this: It’s a well-built laptop with a 90Hz OLED display for an attractive price.
Who’s it for: Anyone who wants a beautiful display and good performance but doesn’t want to spend a lot.
Why we chose the HP Pavilion Plus 14:
If you’re looking for something with the premium design and build of a MacBook but without the high price, the HP Pavilion Plus 14 is the ultimate solution for you. It offers an all-aluminum chassis that’s as solid as laptops costing significantly more, and yet it can be purchased for $830 on sale.
Not only that, but it uses a 45-watt 12th-gen Intel Core i7-12700H and sports a 16:10 2.
