Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
Best Alternative to the 14-Inch MacBook Pro
Dell XPS 14 (9440)
Pros & Cons
Slick touchpad and LED function row
Long battery life
Available GeForce RTX 4050 GPU
Ample memory and storage options
Effective webcam
Pricey for the spec loadout
Heavy for its size
Uncomfortable keyboard
HDMI and USB-A relegated to (admittedly cute) dongle
Why We Picked It
Windows laptops with discrete graphics chips and 14-inch screens are rare outside of the gaming aisle, so we were delighted to see the Nvidia GPU options of Dell’s XPS 14. While this system has a couple of shortcomings, the bottom line is that it’s one of the few laptops of this size to compete with the MacBook Pro in terms of build quality, feature set, battery life, and performance. The Intel Core Ultra 7 155H CPU is snappy, and the GeForce RTX 4050 in our review unit delivers much more power than the integrated graphics of most ultraportables. A sharp webcam, modern design, and crisp 120Hz display sweeten the pot.
Who It’s For
Like the 14-inch MacBook Pro, Dell’s XPS 14 is aimed at power users on the go. Yes, you can find larger and more powerful laptops, but anyone eyeing a 14-inch system is concerned with grab-and-go portability. While the Dell isn’t the lightest machine around, due in part to its metal exterior and dedicated GPU, it has a small footprint and all-day battery life. The CPU and GPU ensure you can get real work done on this machine despite its petite size.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Business, Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
Screen Size
14.5 inches
Native Display Resolution
1920 by 1200
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
Dynamic
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
6 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.71 by 12.6 by 8.5 inches
Weight
3.7 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
19:36
Learn More
Dell XPS 14 (9440) Review
Best Alternative to the 16-Inch MacBook Pro
Dell XPS 16 (9640)
Pros & Cons
Sleek, slim aesthetic and inputs
Brilliant 4K OLED touch screen
High performance from Intel Core Ultra 7 and GeForce RTX 4070
Impressive battery life
Expensive
Not all design changes are improvements
USB-C ports only (though USB-A and HDMI adapter provided)
Why We Picked It
As is the case at 14 inches, Dell’s XPS 16 is the best like-for-like 16-inch MacBook Pro replacement, though you’ll find more competition at this size. Its starting price is high—and, like that of Apple’s desktop replacement, can scale into the stratosphere. Our pricey review unit packed an Intel Core Ultra 7 155H processor, a GeForce RTX 4070 GPU, 32GB of memory, and a 1TB solid-state drive. Its gorgeous 4K OLED screen is yet another draw, as is its impressive battery life, putting it on par with or even ahead of Apple’s flagship MacBook Pro in some areas.
Who It’s For
Demanding professional users, content creators, and anyone seeking a portable powerhouse should find the XPS 16 a treat to use. Its uncommon graphics power puts it in a different tier than most, allowing you to play games on the side while empowering editing and rendering workloads. The XPS 16 is an expensive product—only users who need its performance should indulge—but that’s to be expected as an alternative to the MacBook Pro.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Desktop Replacement
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
Screen Size
16.3 inches
Native Display Resolution
3840 by 2400
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
90 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.74 by 14.1 by 9.4 inches
Weight
4.7 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
18:40
Learn More
Dell XPS 16 (9640) Review
Best Midrange MacBook Pro Alternative
Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 (14.5-Inch)
Pros & Cons
Outstanding performance
Well-priced
Vivid OLED screen
Long battery life
Classy aluminum design
RAM isn’t upgradeable
Average speakers
Audible fans
Why We Picked It
The Legion brand is Lenovo’s gaming laptop line, but this pick is included for its compelling value: It’s well-priced both to start and as configured. For a gaming machine, a discrete GPU is a given, and the Nvidia RTX 4060 in our unit will help it speed through graphics-intensive media tasks. The laptop flaunts a classy aluminum design, an attractive 120Hz, 1800p OLED screen, and speedy performance for its size. We should note that while its battery life is above average for a gaming laptop (eight hours), it’s a bit short compared to that of Apple’s MacBook Pro models. Otherwise, this is an excellent portable bargain in a sea of costlier, larger alternatives.
Who It’s For
This machine is all the better if you like to play games, which you can do comfortably on this system when not working. Even if not, its build and design are more MacBook-like than many gaming systems, which helps justify its presence here. Media pros and editors on the go will find this a well-priced solution for intense graphics work and high-fidelity gaming.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Gaming
Processor
AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS
Processor Speed
3.8 GHz
RAM (as Tested)
16 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
Screen Size
14.5 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.2
Dimensions (HWD)
0.84 by 12.9 by 9.9 inches
Weight
3.85 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
8:09
Learn More
Lenovo Legion Slim 5 Gen 8 (14.5-Inch) Review
Best MacBook Pro Alternative for Demanding Content Creation
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra
Pros & Cons
Potent CPU and GPU combo
Gorgeous 3K AMOLED display
Svelte design
HDMI, USB-A, and USB-C ports
Pricier than rivals with sharper screens
Enormous AC adapter
Keyboard includes numeric pad but skimps on cursor controls
Preinstalled apps favor Galaxy smartphone owners
Why We Picked It
Similar in spirit and specs to our 16-inch alternative pick, Samsung’s Galaxy Book4 Ultra is one of our list’s most MacBook Pro-like laptops. It’s a sleek and slick 16-inch notebook with a load of ports, a beautiful screen, and a pairing of components that can substitute for a MacBook Pro. It starts at well over $2,000, and our nearly $3,000 review model was decked out with an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor, 32GB of memory, and an Nvidia RTX 4070 GPU. Its 120Hz, 1800p, AMOLED display is a treat. Its only real downside is the price, though that’s in parity with the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Who It’s For
Even more than our general 16-inch alternative pick, this laptop with its Ultra 9 processor is meant for content creators, media editors, and 3D application users. A slim and portable chassis with a long-lasting battery and this much power makes working on the road a treat. If you need a desktop replacement to serve as your only PC, you’ll be well taken care of.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Desktop Replacement
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Panel Technology
AMOLED
Variable Refresh Support
Dynamic
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.65 by 14 by 9.9 inches
Weight
4.1 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
17:06
Learn More
Samsung Galaxy Book4 Ultra Review
Best MacBook Pro Alternative for Creating and Gaming
Razer Blade 18 (2024)
Pros & Cons
Best-in-class sleek metal build
Blazing-fast performance
300Hz QHD+ mini LED or 4K 200Hz IPS panel
Loads of upgradable memory and storage
Thunderbolt 5 support
Expensive starting price and prohibitive as tested
Poor battery life
Why We Picked It
While primarily a gaming brand, Razer has certainly targeted MacBook-loving creative professionals with its sleek all-metal Blade laptops. The Blade is available in 14, 16, and 18 inches, but it’s the biggest one we suggest as a do-it-all machine for media editors, 3D professionals, and gamers alike. If you want a laptop as your only PC, the Blade 18 can definitely do the job. Its sky-high price rules it out as an option for many shoppers, but it’s not out of the question next to the 16-inch MacBook Pro. Our upgraded review unit went all out with an Intel Core i9-14900HX processor, an Nvidia RTX 4090 GPU, 32GB of RAM, and a 2TB SSD for fantastic performance.
Who It’s For
Artists, engineers, and everyone in between can make good use of the bodacious Blade 18. It even provides two different display options: a 300Hz, QHD+ mini LED display or a 4K, 200Hz, IPS screen, depending whether you want a more gaming- or creative-centric panel, respectively. It also launched as the first laptop with Thunderbolt 5 support, so its speedy transfer speeds should appeal to pros moving tons of data.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Gaming
Processor
Intel Core i9-14900HX
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
2 TB
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
Screen Size
18 inches
Native Display Resolution
2560 by 1600
Panel Technology
Mini LED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
200 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4090 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
12 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7
Dimensions (HWD)
0.86 by 15.7 by 10.8 inches
Weight
6.8 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
2:33
Learn More
Razer Blade 18 (2024) Review
Best MacBook Pro Alternative for Business Users
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12
Pros & Cons
Elegant and light design
Fabulous keyboard
Sharp, vivid OLED screen
USB-A, HDMI, and USB-C ports
Sky-high price
Decent but not class-leading performance and battery life
No SD or microSD card slot
Why We Picked It
While you’d hardly classify a MacBook Pro as a business laptop, you’ll undoubtedly notice an overlap with professional users. You can find cheaper or less elegant business options, but you can’t do better than Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 as a specific alternative to something as sleek, light, and comfortable as a 14-inch MacBook Pro. This is our favorite business machine for execs and power users, and is more premium than an average fleet system. Our lofty test model flaunts a 14-inch, 120Hz, 1800p OLED screen, 1TB of storage, and 32GB of RAM alongside its Core Ultra 7 155H CPU—all while weighing under 2.5 pounds.
Who It’s For
Everyday office workers will be fine with something more affordable, but upscale professionals can’t go wrong with the Carbon. Its price and features are overkill for most (though corporate IT departments usually get a break on price with volume buys), but Lenovo’s business flagship has earned our praise as arguably the best laptop, period. It’s an awesome choice for enterprise execs.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Business, Ultraportable
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
Screen Size
14 inches
Native Display Resolution
2880 by 1800
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
Manual
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Intel Arc Graphics
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.59 by 12.3 by 8.5 inches
Weight
2.47 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Home
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
13:51
Learn More
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 12 Review
Best Workstation-Grade MacBook Pro Alternative
Dell Precision 5690
Pros & Cons
Stunning 4K OLED touch screen
Blazing performance for its size
Elegant build with snappy keyboard
Not quite as fast or expandable as heavier rivals
No USB-A ports or webcam shutter
Mega expensive, as most mobile workstations are
Why We Picked It
Plenty of powerful laptops are on this list, but workstations are in a tier of their own. Our current favorite at the 16-inch MacBook Pro size is Dell’s Precision 5690, which pairs an Intel Core Ultra 9 185H processor with Nvidia RTX 5000 Ada graphics. This powerful AI-ready chip and professional-grade GPU deliver blistering performance for content creation, media editing, 3D design, engineering programs, and anything else in this category. You can find a handful of even more powerful (and bulkier and heavier) laptops, but as an alternative to Apple’s reasonably portable computers, the 4.46-pound Precision is a slim, speedy choice. Long battery life and a 4K OLED display make the comparison to Apple’s flagship more apt.
Who It’s For
A machine this powerful stands to benefit professional users crunching through the demanding workloads described above. Those who need workstation-class horsepower know who they are; the average user doesn’t need to spend this much on a laptop. The top-quality screen, blazing performance, premium build, and lengthy battery life make this an ideal pick for demanding users looking for a MacBook alternative.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Workstation
Processor
Intel Core Ultra 9 185H
RAM (as Tested)
32 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Secondary Drive Type
SSD
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
512 GB
Screen Size
16 inches
Native Display Resolution
3840 by 2400
Panel Technology
OLED
Variable Refresh Support
None
Screen Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia RTX 5000 Ada
Graphics Memory
16 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth
Dimensions (HWD)
0.87 by 13.9 by 9.5 inches
Weight
4.46 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11 Pro
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
17:11
Learn More
Dell Precision 5690 Review
Best MacBook Pro Alternative for Pen-Based Digital Artists
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
Pros & Cons
Convertible touch screen becomes drafting tablet
Latest Intel and Nvidia silicon
Dedicated neural chip for local AI
120Hz screen refresh rate
Added USB-A and microSD
Long battery life
Cleverly located, charging magnetic stylus holder
Surface Pen still sold separately
Expensive
Just-okay Adobe RGB and DCI-P3 color coverage
AI boosts only Windows Studio Effects, for now
Why We Picked It
Apple’s computers still don’t provide touch-screen capability, which isn’t essential for the average office laptop but is a near necessity for artists and others who need a drawing surface. This is where Windows alternatives can shine, and none does it better than Microsoft’s own Surface Laptop Studio 2. Its reclining display can sit angled or lay flat like a canvas, which is ideal for stylus and pen use. The laptop houses an attractive 120Hz, 1600p display, so using the laptop and drawing on the display are both a treat. The Intel Core i7 H Series chip and Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU inside power these workflows, making it a perfect fit for creative pros.
Who It’s For
The primary target for this machine is creative experts who need a digital drawing pad and computer in one. Given the lack of touch support, Apple simply can’t compete in this arena. While you’ll find alternative multi-device solutions, it’s easy to enjoy the portable convenience and performance of this premium-built all-in-one. It’s not cheap, so casual hobbyists beware, but it’ll spoil you for something less.
Specs & Configurations
Class
Convertible 2-in-1, Desktop Replacement
Processor
Intel Core i7-13700H
RAM (as Tested)
64 GB
Boot Drive Type
SSD
Boot Drive Capacity (as Tested)
1 TB
Secondary Drive Capacity (as Tested)
Screen Size
14.4 inches
Native Display Resolution
2400 by 1600
Panel Technology
IPS
Variable Refresh Support
Manual
Screen Refresh Rate
120 Hz
Graphics Processor
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU
Graphics Memory
8 GB
Wireless Networking
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Dimensions (HWD)
0.86 by 12.72 by 9.06 inches
Weight
4.18 lbs
Operating System
Windows 11
Tested Battery Life (Hours:Minutes)
15:23
Learn More
Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2 Review
Buying Guide: The Best MacBook Pro Alternatives for 2024
On the most basic level, the MacBook Pro features a premium design and deluxe build quality, slightly thicker than ultraportable laptops but more portable than most mobile workstations. Currently, Apple sells the MacBook Pro in 13-inch, 14-inch, and 16-inch screen sizes. Windows laptops have no problem matching those choices; they come in all different shapes and sizes and even surpass the MacBook at 17 and 18 inches.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Smaller sizes naturally prioritize mobility but have a lower power ceiling, while the 16-inch MacBook Pro goes all in on power and performance. Read each linked MacBook Pro review for more about their specific tradeoffs.Windows laptops include two options MacBooks don’t: touch screens and 2-in-1 convertible designs. Apple hasn’t adopted touch-screen technology for any of its laptops, and it even removed the pseudo-solution Touch Bar found above the keyboards of previous models. Many if not most Windows laptops, by contrast, feature both touch and non-touch displays, and plenty are convertibles that let you fold back their screens to work in tablet mode or prop up the system like an easel for presentations.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
You can find tons of 13- and 14-inch convertibles in lines like HP’s Envy and Spectre, Lenovo’s Yoga, and Dell’s XPS and Inspiron, though hybrid designs are a bit less common among larger, more powerful laptops. Not every user will want a touch screen, either, but one can be convenient. For some creative pros, it can make or break your experience—stylus support for digital manipulation or drawing can be an enormous boon.But back to the actual screen. Choosing a size is one part personal preference, one part how often you plan to travel with your laptop, and one part your performance needs—the 16-inch MacBook Pro can deliver power that the smaller machines cannot. If you only need modest oomph in your system and would consider a 13-inch MacBook Pro, the same size will be fine for a Windows system, and so on.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
Apple laptop screens are also beautiful, high-resolution Retina Displays that can show the details and colors of photos and visual content to their best advantage. You’ll want to meet this level of quality in your alternative, so look for a Windows laptop that goes beyond full HD (1,920-by-1,080-pixel) resolution.Our reviews not only list laptops’ native screen resolutions but also measure their color coverage and brightness. UHD or 4K resolution (3,840 by 2,160 pixels) is increasingly popular among professional systems, as is OLED screen technology that presents more brilliant colors and higher contrast, with unbeatably dark blacks compared with more common IPS panels. A growing number of systems sport displays with 16:10 aspect ratios instead of the more common 16:9, stretching 4K to 3,840 by 2,400.The priciest Windows content creator laptops and mobile workstations will have 4K screens at sizes as large as 17 inches (with brand-new 18-inch gaming laptops available recently). If you want to digitally draw, look for systems that combine these high resolutions or OLED technology with a touch display and pen for the best of both worlds—something that MacBooks can’t give you.The Processor Landscape: What Competes With Apple’s Chips?While users who simply enjoy macOS and the Apple aesthetic can get by with the MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro is the pick for creative pros who need superior horsepower and a creation-focused feature set. Photo and video editors, animators, virtual reality (VR) authors, music producers, and many more professionals will benefit from top-end speed. Our picks for the best laptops for video editing are relevant here, as they delve into high-end performance and feature sets, as does our general laptop processor buying advice.Apple “M” Chips, ExplainedToday’s record-setting MacBook performance was first made possible by Apple’s 2020 switch to its M1 chips rather than Intel processors. Today, we have models with the newer M2 chips (MacBook Air), as well as the very newest M3 processors (MacBook Pro).Apple’s SoC platform executes both the processing and graphics needs of the laptop, and as we’ve seen in testing, does so at an impressive level. The M1 architecture was the first step for all new Apple laptops and desktops, and now its successors come in many different power tiers. For the most relevant coverage of Apple’s current line of processors, check out our review of the M2-based MacBook Pro, (plus our comparison of the differences between M1 and M2), and our review of the M3-based MacBook Pro.M2 Pro and Max variants (along the same lines as the M1 Pro and M1 Max) launched in early 2023, but they have already been phased out for the M3 Pro and M3 Max, which we have reviewed within the latest 14- and- 16-inch MacBook Pro reviews. While the M1 MacBook Air is arguably still a fine deal, Apple has all but moved on to the M2 and M3. These are what you’ll need to judge your Windows options against.The shift to Apple silicon was a big one, but the move has paid off for Apple, giving the company more flexibility and letting it optimize its hardware and software for one another. To keep up, you’ll want to find an equally fast AMD or Intel solution for your new Windows laptop. As we said, 13- and 14-inch models have lower power ceilings, while 15- through 17-inch systems tend to be the workhorses.The Windows CPU AlternativesIn the Windows world, Intel’s Core processors have ruled the roost for a long time, but AMD has made a roaring comeback in recent years. Its Ryzen chips are particularly proficient at media editing workloads. Additionally, Intel has introduced its AI-ready Core Ultra processors, dropping the “i” nomenclature and equipped with neural processing units (NPUs). These devices manage AI-driven tasks and workloads to unburden a processor’s CPU and graphics processor, and you may see these chips inside thin and light laptops instead of Core i or Ryzen silicon. These are roughly equivalent to their generational Core i predecessors, so you don’t need to turn away when you see them while shopping if the AI capability does not appeal to you.In addition, Qualcomm and its Arm-based Snapdragon X processors are now major players among Windows laptops for the first time. Like Intel’s Core Ultra solutions, these are AI-centric processors with NPUs. Snapdragon X’s presence began with the launch of Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC program, for which Qualcomm was the only partner ready with fully AI-capable PCs at launch. Intel and AMD are launching their Copilot+ PC-compliant “Lunar Lake” and “Strix Point” generations this year.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Snapdragon processors will be seen in some MacBook-like laptops moving forward despite some Windows compatibility limitations. For the Qualcomm rundown, read our first Snapdragon X laptop review, the 2024 Microsoft Surface Laptop, and our graphics and compatibility testing pieces.Among 13- and 14-inch laptops for creative pros, your Intel and AMD options will generally be Core i7, Core Ultra 7, and Ryzen 7 processors respectively. Some base models may come with Core i5, Core Ultra 5, or Ryzen 5 chips, which are fine for day-to-day productivity but generally below the level of power favored for pro-grade work.Laptops 15 inches and up will either use Core i7, Core Ultra 7, and Ryzen 7 chips or ascend to the blistering 9-series tier. This is where true workstation-grade performance lies, and are the chips you’d put up against the best the M series chips the MacBook Pro has on hand.Bottom line: If you’re seeking a do-it-all mobile workstation as an alternative to the 16-inch MacBook Pro, go for a Ryzen 9, Core i9, or Core Ultra 9 chip. The Core Ultra chips and their NPUs accelerate workflows or ease the burden of background tasks, as well, which may be of worth to content creators. If you can work with something more modest, Core i7 and Ryzen 7 will get the job done and are your best bet for alternatives to the 14-inch MacBook Pro.Among the latest processor generations inside the laptops selected here, there are some massive core and thread counts. The best of them feature as many as 20 cores (supporting 28 threads) at the Core i7 level, and 24 cores (with 32 threads) at the Core i9. Some of our selections here run with 13th Gen Intel or AMD Ryzen 7000 processors, but the 14th Gen “Raptor Lake Refresh” CPUs, Ryzen 8000 CPUs, and Core Ultra chips are the newest generations of processors available. There’s far more to modern processors than raw core count, though. Exactly why involves more details than we have space for here, but given the complex microarchitectures and synergies chipmakers are developing nowadays, comparisons based on paper specifications aren’t as useful as they used to be. Read the performance-testing sections in our laptop reviews to see how they stack up to one another. Also, check out our deep-dive explainer to choosing among today’s laptop processors.Dedicated Graphics: Assessing the Laptop’s GPU For many creative workloads listed here (editing video, encoding, streaming, modeling, animating, and more), a powerful GPU is key. Discrete laptop graphics processing units aren’t quite as fast as the equivalent graphics cards of the top gaming desktops, but modern mobile GPUs still pack plenty of power.Note that not every creative professional needs a laptop with a discrete GPU. If your work is more processing- or data-intensive than visual, put less of your budget toward a strong GPU and more into the processor and memory. A notebook with integrated graphics might suffice for your needs, or at least an entry-level GPU rather than a pricey one.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
While the advent of the “M” architecture means MacBooks no longer employ a dedicated GPU from Nvidia or AMD alongside the processor, with a Windows laptop, if you opt for a discrete GPU, you’ll get one from one of those two graphics giants (or, rarely, Intel). Despite some inroads by AMD and early efforts by Intel, Nvidia is much the dominant player with its GeForce (consumer and gaming) and RTX A series (workstation, formerly known as Quadro) GPU lines. We just don’t see as many laptops with AMD Radeon GPUs.Nvidia’s GeForce and A series both use the RTX moniker to denote the company’s advanced, ray-tracing-capable GPUs. The A series GPUs excel at CGI rendering and CAD applications for animators, VFX pros, engineers, and others who work in visual production and modeling. Even so, you’ll find more GeForce GPUs in our recommended laptops, as they’re popular for content creation as well as gaming. The most common GPUs you’ll see are the previous-generation Nvidia GeForce RTX 3050 (still around as an entry-level option for now) and the current-generation RTX 4050 and RTX 4060 for moderate workloads. At the high end, you have the RTX 4070, 4080, and 4090 as performance leaders, topping Apple’s chip family.A small caveat here is that Intel’s Iris Xe integrated graphics have been outstripped by the 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro’s graphics capabilities, which can play games like Baldur’s Gate 3 at 1080p, but this may change as we see more Intel Core Ultra laptops with Intel’s integrated version of Arc graphics. You may find a couple of our picks that rely on integrated graphics, but only among smaller laptops for less visually demanding workloads.Memory, Storage, and ConnectivityRounding out a laptop’s internal specs are its memory and storage. Fortunately, this is one area where you don’t need to do much work to translate from Mac-land: All systems operate within the same rule, the more the merrier. More storage gives you more room to save big media files and projects, and more RAM helps your computer run more tasks at once.
(Credit: Molly Flores)
The minimum you should look for in a professional laptop today is 16GB of memory. Even many general-use consumer notebooks come with 16GB rather than 8GB of RAM these days. Demanding workloads like video editing can benefit from 32GB or more. Many professional creators wouldn’t be caught dead with less than 32GB, while the toughest workstation customers may opt for 64GB or even 128GB. As for storage, look for at least a 1TB solid-state drive and seriously consider 2TB or more if you work with 4K video or other space-hogging files.Next up, ports. The average user can get by just fine with a couple of USB connections, but it’s different for creative pros. For one, USB-C has become the standard for slim laptops, and it’s even more important for people moving large files around—USB-C and Thunderbolt data transfer speeds make a notable difference. Most content creator laptops, including the MacBook Pro, have Thunderbolt 3 or 4 ports with USB-C connectors. Larger models will also likely provide USB Type-A ports.For content creators, it’s not just about USB, though. You can buy USB-based monitors or plug a DisplayPort monitor into a Thunderbolt port with an adapter, but many prefer dedicated video-out ports with either HDMI or DisplayPort connectors. SD card slots are also prized by some users, particularly photographers who need to move images between their cameras and laptops.How Much Should You Expect to Spend?As a general rule, professional-grade laptops are pricey. Smaller, less powerful machines have lower starting points, but you’ll likely need to scale up some components or features to satisfy your needs.Apple’s 14-inch MacBook Pro starts at $1,599. You can readily find Windows laptops at or less than that mark, but the larger MacBook Pro models represent a higher power tier and have prices to match. The 16-inch MacBook Pro starts at $2,499, for instance.
(Credit: Joseph Maldonado)
Since you’ll find so many options from so many manufacturers, Windows laptops will fall in and around all of those price points. As mentioned, some are more configurable or customizable at the time of order than Apple’s machines, so you can scale the price to your needs and budget.Apple computers have a reputation for carrying a price premium, but the truth is that elite Windows laptops aren’t cheap, either. Pure value becomes less of a factor with these laptops than performance, capacity, and display quality, and it’s easy to push a loaded MacBook Pro or Windows mobile workstation past $4,000.Which MacBook Pro Alternative Should You Buy?With the key criteria covered, we’ve selected our top picks among worthy alternatives to the MacBook Pro. Whether you’re facing a corporate switch from macOS to Windows, merely considering the jump for the sake of particular software, or making your first professional laptop pick, one of these options will surely suit your needs. Some are thin-and-light rivals to the 14-inch MacBook Pro, while others are closer to professional workstations like the 16-inch model. All of them hit at least the minimum specifications and feature requirements described above, and most can take you as high as you want to go.
