Introduction
The MacBook Air is well-known for its elegant design, impressive performance, and lightweight build. However, not everyone wants or needs to stick with Apple’s ecosystem—or its price tag. Fortunately, several alternatives offer similar or even better features while catering to different budgets and operating system preferences.
This guide will explore the best MacBook Air alternatives for 2021, focusing on stylish designs, portability, high performance, and affordability.
| Laptop Model | Key Features | Price Range | Why Choose It? |
| Dell XPS 13 | 13.4-inch edge-to-edge display with 11th-generation Intel processors | $950–$1,450 | Premium design, excellent performance, long battery |
| HP Spectre x360 | 2-in-1 design, 4K OLED touchscreen, lightweight | $1,100–$1,500 | Versatile, great for creatives, stunning display |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 | 3:2 touchscreen, AMD Ryzen/Intel processors | $1,000–$1,400 | Sleek design, long battery life, great for productivity |
| ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED | OLED display, AMD Ryzen/Intel processors | $800–$1,200 | Stunning display, ultra-light, great value |
| Acer Swift 3 | Full HD display, AMD Ryzen/Intel processors | $650–$900 | Affordable, lightweight, strong performance for the price |
This table highlights the best MacBook Air alternatives, focusing on key features, price ranges, and reasons to consider each laptop.
Key Features to Look for in a MacBook Air Alternative
When choosing a laptop to rival the MacBook Air, certain features are essential:
- Portability: A lightweight, slim design for easy mobility.
- Performance: Robust specifications for productivity and multitasking.
- Display: High-resolution screens with vibrant colors.
- Battery Life: Long-lasting performance for on-the-go use.
- Build Quality: Premium materials to ensure durability.
- Price: A range of options for different budgets.
Best MacBook Air Alternatives for 2021
1. Dell XPS 13
The Dell XPS 13 has been a long-time favorite among ultrabook enthusiasts and is one of the best MacBook Air alternatives available.
Key Features:
- Display: 13.4-inch InfinityEdge display with Full HD+ or 4K UHD options.
- Performance: Equipped with 11th-generation Intel Core i5 or i7 processors and up to 32GB of RAM.
- Design: Ultra-slim bezels and a lightweight, durable aluminum chassis.
- Battery Life: Up to 14 hours.
Why Choose It?
The XPS 13 matches the MacBook Air in elegance while offering Windows users a comparable experience with excellent performance and design.
2. HP Spectre x360 (13-inch)
The HP Spectre x360 is a premium 2-in-1 laptop that combines style, portability, and functionality.
Key Features:
- Display: 13.3-inch touchscreen with 4K OLED or Full HD options.
- Performance: 11th Gen Intel Core i5/i7, up to 32GB RAM.
- Portability: Thin and lightweight with a convertible design.
- Battery Life: Up to 12 hours.
Why Choose It?
Its stunning 2-in-1 design and convertible flexibility make it perfect for professionals and creatives who need versatility.
3. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4
The Surface Laptop 4 delivers a premium build and a streamlined Windows experience, making it a strong contender.
Key Features:
- Display: 13.6-inch Pixel touchscreen with a 3:1 aspect ratio.
- Performance: AMD Ryzen or Intel Core processors, up to 32GB RAM.
- Design: Sleek aluminum body with a soft Alcantara finish option.
- Battery Life: Up to 17 hours.
Why Choose It?
Its minimalist design and excellent integration with Windows 10 (and Windows 11-ready) provide a polished experience for productivity.
4. Lenovo Yoga 9i
The Lenovo Yoga 9i is a versatile laptop that combines premium features with a competitive price point.
Key Features:
- Display: 14-inch Full HD or 4K touchscreen.
- Performance: Powered by an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor with support for up to 16GB of RAM.
- Convertible Design: 360-degree hinge for laptop, tent, and tablet modes.
- Battery Life: Up to 15 hours.
Why Choose It?
With its exceptional build quality, versatile design, and included stylus, the Yoga 9i is ideal for creatives and business users.
5. ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED
The ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED is notable for its remarkable display quality and excellent battery performance.
Key Features:
- Display: 13.3-inch OLED Full HD with vivid colors.
- Performance: AMD Ryzen 5000 or Intel Core i7, up to 16GB RAM.
- Portability: Ultra-light at just 2.5 pounds.
- Battery Life: Up to 13 hours.
Why Choose It?
Its OLED screen offers incredible color accuracy, making it a great choice for media enthusiasts and creators.
6. Acer Swift 3
For budget-conscious buyers, the Acer Swift 3 delivers excellent value without compromising performance.
Key Features:
- Display: 14-inch Full HD.
- Performance: AMD Ryzen 7 or Intel Core i5/i7, up to 16GB RAM.
- Portability: Lightweight aluminum chassis.
- Battery Life: Up to 11 hours.
Why Choose It?
The Swift 3 offers premium features like fast processors and a lightweight build at a fraction of the price of other ultrabooks.
7. LG Gram 14
Known for its ultra-lightweight design, the LG Gram 14 is perfect for users prioritizing portability.
Key Features:
- Display: 14-inch Full HD IPS.
- Performance: 11th Gen Intel Core i5/i7, up to 16GB RAM.
- Battery Life: Up to 18.5 hours.
- Weight: Just under 2.2 pounds.
Why Choose It?
With its industry-leading battery life and featherweight design, the LG Gram 14 is a travel-friendly powerhouse.
8. Huawei MateBook X Pro
The Huawei MateBook X Pro combines sophisticated design with state-of-the-art technology.
Key Features:
- Display: 13.9-inch 3K touchscreen with a 3:2 aspect ratio.
- Performance: Featuring an 11th-generation Intel Core i7 processor and support for up to 16GB of RAM.
- Portability: Slim and lightweight with a sleek metallic finish.
- Battery Life: Up to 13 hours.
Why Choose It?
Its near-bezel-less display and stunning design rival the MacBook Air, making it a stylish and functional alternative.
Tips for Choosing the Right MacBook Air Alternative
When choosing a laptop, start by assessing your needs—whether for work, entertainment, or creative tasks—to identify the most important features. Establish a clear budget to avoid overspending, as there are excellent options at various price points.
Read user reviews and professional evaluations to understand real-world performance, build quality, and customer support. If possible, visit a store to test different models, paying close attention to the keyboard, trackpad, and overall build quality.
Lastly, consider the long-term value of your investment; spending slightly more on a durable laptop that meets your needs for years can often be the most economical choice.
Conclusion
Each of these laptops offers unique strengths, from sleek designs to exceptional performance and affordability. Your ideal MacBook Air alternative will depend on your specific needs, whether it’s portability, display quality, or budget.
For Windows users seeking a premium experience, the Dell XPS 13 and HP Spectre x360 are top choices. Budget-conscious buyers might prefer the Acer Swift 3, while media enthusiasts will appreciate the ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED.
With so many excellent options available, 2021 is the perfect time to find a laptop that combines style, performance, and value to suit your lifestyle.
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FAQs
Look for portability, robust performance, high-resolution displays, long battery life, and a sleek design similar to the MacBook Air.
Yes, options like the Acer Swift 3 and ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED provide excellent features at more affordable price points.
The HP Spectre x360 and Lenovo Yoga 9i are great choices, offering versatile 2-in-1 designs and powerful specs for creative tasks.
