Without a doubt, the updated M4 MacBook Air is a top-tier laptop for individuals seeking a powerful device in a portable package. It’s small, light, powerful, and reasonably priced, which isn’t frequently the case with Apple devices. Although it’s an excellent laptop, many people may find the fact that it runs macOS to be a deal-breaker. Despite the fact that macOS Sequoia has many helpful features and there aren’t any significant problems with the operating system itself, some users might choose a Windows PC mainly because of program compatibility. For example, some applications and programs are exclusively compatible with Windows and do not have a Mac version. You are compelled to purchase a Windows laptop if you are a student and your university uses such software.
Gaming may be an additional justification for purchasing an M4 MacBook Air substitute. Casual games on Apple Arcade have undoubtedly improved Mac gaming skills, but the selection pales in comparison to the graphically demanding games available on Windows. If you’re in the market for a new laptop, we’ve put together a list of the top M4 MacBook Air competitors, regardless of your reasons for sticking with Windows. We have taken into account every critical aspect, including performance, display, battery life, and—above all—form factor, as the MacBook Air is recognized for being incredibly light. Additionally, we have included options in a variety of pricing levels so that everyone, whether they are working professionals or students, can find something they like.
OLED Asus Zenbook 14
First up is the Asus Zenbook 14, a Windows notebook that is incredibly portable and has some impressive specifications considering its pricing. Unprecedented in this market, the Zenbook 14’s Full HD OLED display, which costs $589, supports the entire DCI-P3 color gamut. Watching content on an OLED display is incredibly entertaining due to its vibrant colors, deep inky blacks, and excellent contrast ratio. The screen on the Zenbook 14 OLED will therefore really impress you if you frequently watch movies or TV series on your laptop. It’s convenient and large enough for most people at 14 inches. Additionally, it has a touchscreen display, which increases the level of interaction.
The Zenbook 14 OLED boasts an Intel Core Ultra 5 CPU and an Intel Arc GPU in addition to its stunning display. This guarantees smooth performance on a daily basis. Additionally, less complex operations like light video editing, running several spreadsheets and internet tabs simultaneously, and photo editing can also be completed without any issues. The 8GB of onboard RAM may be the only bottleneck, preventing users from using demanding games, high-end video editing software, and other demanding tasks. There isn’t much to be upset about here, given that the Zenbook 14 OLED costs nearly half as much as the M4 MacBook Air. A 512GB internal SSD is standard, and there is a good assortment of connections.
The 2-in-1 HP Envy x360
The HP Envy x360 2-in-1 is available for a little more than the Zenbook 14 OLED. A 16-inch touchscreen display on a hinge that folds into a tablet, double the RAM and storage at 16GB and 1TB respectively, and Windows 11 Pro for a full desktop experience make up for the lack of some of the Asus laptop’s luxuries, such as an OLED display and Harman Kardon-tuned speakers. The HP Envy x360 weights 4.14 lbs (1.8 kg), which isn’t much given that laptops of this size are typically heavier, even if it has a much larger display.
Regarding performance, the Intel Core Ultra 5 125U chipset, which powers the Envy x360, is more than capable of handling daily applications without any issues. Since it allows you to open and run numerous apps at once, the 16GB of memory is really helpful in this area. HP has included a stereo speaker arrangement that is upward-firing, akin to those on the MacBook Air, in order to make good use of the big form factor.
The variety of ports is where it differs from the MacBook, though. In contrast to Apple, HP has included a 3.5mm audio connector along with two Thunderbolt 4 connections, two USB-A ports, and an HDMI port. Given this, the HP Envy x360 may be more practical than the M4 MacBook Air, particularly if you frequently connect a large number of external devices.
Microsoft Surface Laptop (2024)
Providing the greatest Windows experience on a computer has always been the goal of Microsoft’s Surface line of laptops and tablets. Because they are produced by the same corporation that manufactures Windows, they are essentially the Apple equivalent of the Windows world. Therefore, the same degree of hardware and software synergy as Macs should be expected.
The Surface Laptop 2024 with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus SoC was introduced by Microsoft in an effort to support that idea and persuade more companies to release laptops with ARM-based chipsets. As demonstrated by the Surface Laptop, the X Plus CPU offers a great mix between performance and endurance, while being one level below the premium X Elite chip. The Surface Laptop lasts up to 20 hours on a single charge and outperforms Apple’s M3-powered devices, according to the firm. The Surface Laptop 2024 with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X Plus SoC was introduced by Microsoft in an effort to support that idea and persuade more companies to release laptops with ARM-based chipsets. As demonstrated by the Surface Laptop, the X Plus CPU offers a great mix between performance and endurance, while being one level below the premium X Elite chip. The Surface Laptop lasts up to 20 hours on a single charge and outperforms Apple’s M3-powered devices, according to the firm.
The seamless performance and all-day battery make it one of the greatest MacBook Air substitutes in the Windows ecosystem, regardless of whether it lives up to that claim or not. Because of the speedier AI processing made possible by the integrated NPU, Microsoft refers to this as a Copilot+ PC. A 13.8-inch touchscreen, 256GB of built-in storage, and 16GB of RAM are all present. Whether you’re browsing the web or doing more complex tasks like editing a video, these specifications work together to provide an outstanding user experience. The Microsoft Surface Laptop is the answer to your search for a thin and light Windows laptop that can be used without a wall outlet for the whole day.
The 14-inch OLED Copilot AI PC from Asus
This is an upgraded model of the Asus Zenbook 14 that was previously discussed. A more powerful version of the laptop with an Intel 16-core Ultra 7 155H chipset and Intel Arc graphics is available for a few hundred dollars more. To 16GB and 1TB, respectively, the RAM and storage have been increased. With the more RAM and the more potent CPU, you should anticipate a significant improvement in performance, particularly while completing taxing jobs. We strongly advise spending the extra money on this version if you frequently play casual games, edit images and videos, or use multiple tabs in your browser.
The same 14-inch OLED screen, which can reach a maximum brightness of 500 nits, returns for the best possible media viewing experience. Additionally, it has a touchscreen, which is useful if you dislike navigating with a trackpad. A Harman Kardon-tuned pair of speakers with Dolby Audio compatibility raises the entertainment factor. Asus hasn’t skimped on the ports in spite of being incredibly light and thin.
Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, one USB-A port, and an HDMI connector for video output are all present. One of the greatest substitutes for the M4 MacBook Air for professionals and students, the Asus Zenbook 14 offers a full package of dependable performance, an excellent display, and a portable design, all at a somewhat reduced cost.
The MSI Prestige 13 EVO
One of the most attractive laptops on this list is undoubtedly the MSI Prestige 13 EVO. For many customers who appreciate design, that is sufficient justification for purchasing the laptop. The Prestige 13 EVO is powered by Intel’s 12th-generation Core i5-1240P CPU with Intel Iris Xe graphics, making it ideal for users that prioritize performance and affordability. It has a powerful processor that can easily handle the majority of work, even though the internal components are a little outdated when compared to some of the other laptops on this list. We wouldn’t suggest this option for people who want to generate 4K videos or play a lot of games, though, because the graphics performance is lacking.
The Acer Swift Go 16
For the same price as the M4 MacBook Air, this is yet another enormous 16-inch laptop that is a true powerhouse. As the name implies, the Acer Swift Go 16 features a 16-inch screen with an IPS touchscreen panel. Even so, Acer has succeeded in significantly reducing the bezels, which makes for a more engaging viewing experience. Furthermore, there is no compromised webcam as a result of the thin bezels. A 1440p camera with an inbuilt shutter is available for crystal-clear video calls.
But it’s not just about appearances. Beginning with the CPU selection, Acer has given careful consideration to the Swift Go 16’s internal components. Daily tasks are handled by the Intel 16-core Ultra 9 185H CPU, which is a true beast of a processing machine. It is paired with Intel’s Arc graphics, and the two work together to deliver great performance with few issues.
But Acer didn’t stop there. 32GB of RAM has been included by the brand to remove any memory bottlenecks. A 1TB NVMe M.2 SSD is also included for storage. It’s difficult to see why someone would choose Apple’s computer over the Acer Swift Go 16 when all of this is included at a price comparable to the M4 MacBook Air. For the price, it’s a really attractive option; the average battery life is a minor disappointment. You shouldn’t overlook this performance monster if you frequently pass a wall outlet.
The Surface Pro 11 from Microsoft
For those on a budget, the Microsoft Surface laptop is an excellent substitute for the MacBook Air. However, the Surface Pro 11 is a better option if you’re looking for a laptop that can tackle a variety of tasks. The Surface Pro 11 has a different strategy even though it uses the same Snapdragon X Plus chipset. When used alone, it functions more like a tablet than a true laptop. To use it like a PC, you’ll need to buy the magnetic keyboard separately.
In contrast to the iPad, which remains uses iPadOS even with the Magic Keyboard, it runs the entire Windows 11 Pro operating system. The end product is a tablet-like experience that is incredibly portable and useful for drawing and taking notes, but it can still function as a real computer when necessary.
Other than the distinctive look, the specifications are very typical. This Copilot+ AI PC is equipped with a powerful and effective Qualcomm ARM-based CPU, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of SSD. But compared to the rest of the competition, the display is very different. Like many other options, it is 13 inches in size, but it is buttery smooth thanks to its brilliant 2880 x 1920 pixels and 120Hz refresh rate. For all of your productivity requirements, this specific bundle includes the Surface Slim Pen in addition to the keyboard adapter. The Surface Pro 11 is an exceptional performance if you’re searching for a device that can function as both a tablet and a powerful computer when needed.
The ROG Zephyrus G14 2025 from Asus
An all-out power horse that can tackle any task may be what some people desire. Although many solutions are available to meet those demands, very few are as powerful as the M4 MacBook Air in a physical factor that is as portable. Among them is the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14. With an RTX 4060 GPU, 8GB of vRAM, and a Ryzen 9 8945HS CPU, it’s one of the most potent laptops in a small 14-inch chassis. On this list, this is without a doubt the most potent graphics card found in a laptop. Even when playing AAA titles, the gaming experience is exceptional thanks to the combination of 16GB of RAM, Wi-Fi 6E, and a 120Hz OLED panel.
The experience is further enhanced by an RGB illuminated keyboard, a gorgeous white chassis, and an LED lighted top casing that uses a dot matrix pattern to display text or graphics. The Zephyrus G14 is the best choice if you want unadulterated performance for demanding video editing or gaming that won’t put a burden on your back while you carry it around. However, note that just like every Windows laptop powered by an Intel or AMD CPU, you’ll need to plug the laptop into a power outlet for maximum performance, and also because the battery life is good, but not good enough to last an entire day, especially when gaming.
Dell XPS 13 9345
In this list, we highlighted a few choices using the ARM-based Snapdragon X Plus chipset. With the Snapdragon X Elite CPU, the Dell XPS 13 goes above and beyond. Despite sharing the same ARM architecture, it is far more potent, particularly when it comes to GPU performance. Because of this, the XPS 13 with the X Elite CPU can perform on par with or better than the MacBook Air’s M4 chip.
In terms of raw power, this places it among the top substitutes for the M4 MacBook Air, all without sacrificing form factor.Actually, there are some features of the XPS 13 that make it far superior to the MacBook. The 13-inch display, for example, refreshes at 120 Hz instead of 60 Hz on the Air. Then, to make sure there are no memory-related problems, there is 1TB of SSD storage and 32GB of RAM.
The advantages of the X Elite CPU extend beyond performance and extend battery life. The main lesson from this is that you shouldn’t have any problems with your laptop lasting a whole day on a full charge, even while its longer battery life than the MacBook Air partly depends on the individual capacity of the batteries used in both notebooks. The Dell XPS 13 is the best option if you’re looking for a similar alternative for the MacBook Air that runs Windows and is made with the same premium components as Apple’s notebook.
Carbon Lenovo ThinkPad X1
Because they are strong, dependable, and have a durable exterior that can withstand some damage, ThinkPad laptops are frequently recognized as among of the greatest notebooks for business use. This is precisely the situation with the ThinkPad X1 Carbon 12th generation. When paired with 32GB of RAM and a 1TB Gen4 performance SSD, Intel’s Ultra 7 165U vPro processor offers strong daily performance. The 14-inch FHD+ screen boasts a touchscreen panel, 100% sRGB color gamut coverage, and refreshes at 120 Hz. Additionally, there is a big touchpad for convenient navigation and an infrared camera on top for Windows Hello.
Anyone who has seen or used a ThinkPad previously can tell the X1 Carbon is a ThinkPad just by looking at it. Despite having a hinge that can keep the display open at 180 degrees, the form factor is very compact, the chassis is sturdy, and the recycled materials used in the construction appear to be of good quality. Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, an HDMI port, and a headphone/mic combo jack are located on the sides. The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon is a great option if you’re searching for a high-end workplace laptop constructed with premium components like carbon fiber that increase the machine’s strength.
Techniques
Following a thorough review of hundreds of options, we selected the top 10 M4 MacBook Air substitutes based on aspects including battery life, display quality, and portability in a backpack. Internal storage size, RAM configuration, display refresh rate, graphics card brand and performance, and user reviews of each laptop were additional considerations in the selection process. The ultimate objective was to identify substitutes that, in certain cases, could equal or even outperform the experience offered by the M4 MacBook Air.
The new Snapdragon X Elite chipset, Qualcomm’s response to Apple’s ARM-based technology, powers a number of the devices on this list. These are the choices to give high priority if you’re searching for a Windows laptop with a long battery life. Although it’s difficult to locate a dependable gaming laptop with a small form factor, we’ve also made an effort to include a few options for all the gamers out there.
The majority of the M4 MacBook Air substitutes on this list are nearly identical to Apple’s laptop, with the exception of some notable variations in build quality and operating system. However, other features, such as the M4 MacBook Air’s internal speakers and battery life, remain unrivaled.Therefore, you should choose the Mac if you can handle macOS and the small port options.