The release of the Apple M1 MacBook Air completely shifted the landscape of lightweight computing. It brought unprecedented battery life and performance to the $999 price point. But let’s be honest it’s not for everyone.
Maybe you are locked into the Windows ecosystem for work, you need a touchscreen (which Apple still refuses to add), or you simply can’t live the “dongle life” required by the Air’s limited port selection. You aren’t alone. Thousands of users are searching for the best MacBook Air alternatives for 2021 that offer that same premium “ultrabook” feel without the macOS limitations.
In this guide, we cut through the noise to bring you the definitive list of Windows laptops that stood toe-to-toe with the MacBook Air in 2021. Whether you need a 2-in-1 convertible or a business workhorse, these are the machines that prove you don’t need an Apple logo to get world-class performance.
Table of Contents
Quick Snapshot: The Top Contenders
- Best Overall Alternative: Dell XPS 13 (9310)
- Best 2-in-1 Convertible: HP Spectre x360 14
- Best Battery Life: Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 (Ryzen Edition)
- Best Value / Screen: ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED
- Best for Business: Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9
Why Look for an Alternative to the M1?
Before we dive into the reviews, it is essential to understand why users look outside of Apple. While the M1 chip is powerful, the 2021 Windows market responded with Intel’s Evo Platform and AMD’s Ryzen 5000 series.
- Port Variety: Most Windows alternatives listed here offer USB-A, HDMI, and MicroSD slots features the MacBook Air deleted long ago.
- Touchscreens & 2-in-1s: Apple does not make a convertible MacBook. If you want to draw on your screen or flip it into tablet mode, you need a PC.
- Gaming Compatibility: While the M1 is fast, the Windows library of games remains vastly superior.
If you are researching the market, check out our to see how these specs translate to real-world usage.
1. Dell XPS 13 (9310): The Windows Twin
The definitive Windows answer to the MacBook Air.
If you want the closest experience to a MacBook Air but running Windows 10 (or 11), the Dell XPS 13 (9310) is the undisputed king. In 2021, Dell perfected the “InfinityEdge” display, removing the bezels almost entirely to squeeze a 13.4-inch screen into an 11-inch form factor.
Why it makes the list:
The build quality is exceptional, carved from a single block of aluminum with a carbon fiber palm rest that feels premium and stays cool. Unlike the MacBook Air, the XPS 13 offers a 4K touchscreen option, giving creators pixel-perfect control that Apple users can only dream of.
Key Specs:
- CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i5 / i7
- Screen: 13.4-inch FHD+ or 4K UHD+ Touch
- Weight: 2.64 lbs (1.2 kg)
- The “Air” Killer Feature: The virtually borderless display creates an immersive experience the MacBook Air’s chunky bezels can’t match.
Pro Tip: Opt for the FHD+ screen model if battery life is your priority; the 4K version drains power significantly faster.
2. HP Spectre x360 14: The Versatile Powerhouse
Best for creatives who need flexibility.
The MacBook Air is a clamshell it opens and closes. The HP Spectre x360 14 does gymnastics. Released in early 2021, this laptop features a 3:2 aspect ratio screen that offers more vertical space for reading and coding, mimicking the productivity-focused shape of an iPad.
Why it’s a top alternative:
It comes with a rechargeable tilt pen included in the box (saving you the cost of an Apple Pencil). The “gem-cut” design is distinct and flashy, contrasting the minimalist Apple aesthetic. It also includes ports the Air lacks, including a USB-A port that opens via a clever drop-jaw hinge.
Key Specs:
- CPU: 11th Gen Intel Core i7
- Screen: 13.5-inch 3K2K OLED
- Battery: Up to 10 hours (Real world)
- The “Air” Killer Feature: The OLED display. The blacks are true black, and the colors pop in a way the 2021 MacBook Air’s LCD screen simply cannot achieve.
3. Microsoft Surface Laptop 4: The Minimalist Choice
The purest Windows experience.
If you love the look of the MacBook Air but need Windows, the Surface Laptop 4 is your match. Microsoft built this device with the same philosophy as Apple: premium materials, a fantastic keyboard, and a focus on thinness.
Why it ranks high:
In 2021, Microsoft offered this with AMD Ryzen 4000 series chips (Surface Edition), which provided incredible multi-core performance and battery life that actually rivaled the M1. The typing experience is widely considered the best in the industry, with deep travel that feels softer and more tactile than the MacBook’s Magic Keyboard.
Key Specs:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5 / 7 or Intel Core i5 / i7
- Screen: 13.5-inch PixelSense Touchscreen
- Finish: Alcantara fabric or Cool Metal
- The “Air” Killer Feature: The 3:2 aspect ratio touchscreen is perfect for productivity, and the Alcantara keyboard deck offers a warmth that cold aluminum MacBooks lack.
4. ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED: The Value King
OLED visuals for hundreds less.
You don’t need to spend $1,000 to get a laptop that beats the MacBook Air in visual fidelity. The ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED was the 2021 sleeper hit. It packed a stunning 1080p OLED panel into a chassis that weighs just 2.5 lbs.
Why it’s a smart buy:
For a price often hovering around $800 in 2021, you got deep blacks, vibrant colors, and excellent port selection (including full HDMI). It’s perfect for students who want a great media consumption device but need to run Windows-specific software for school.
Key Specs:
- CPU: AMD Ryzen 5000 Series or Intel 11th Gen
- Screen: 13.3-inch OLED
- Weight: 2.45 lbs (lighter than the Air)
- The “Air” Killer Feature: You get HDMI, USB-A, and Thunderbolt 4 ports without needing a single dongle.
5. Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9: The Business Standard
For those who work hard.
While the MacBook Air is a consumer favorite, the ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 9 is the corporate champion. Updated in 2021, this ultrabook is impossibly light (2.5 lbs) yet durable enough to survive a drop that would dent a MacBook.
It features a 16:10 display, dual Thunderbolt 4 ports, and the legendary ThinkPad keyboard. If your search for [Link: branded anchor] leads you to business reliability, this is the end of the road.
Comparison: MacBook Air M1 vs. 2021 Windows Alternatives
| Feature | MacBook Air (M1) | Dell XPS 13 (9310) | HP Spectre x360 14 | Surface Laptop 4 |
| Processor | Apple M1 | Intel Core i7 (11th Gen) | Intel Core i7 (11th Gen) | AMD Ryzen 7 / Intel i7 |
| RAM | 8GB / 16GB Unified | Up to 32GB | Up to 16GB | Up to 32GB |
| Screen | 13.3″ Retina | 13.4″ FHD+ or 4K | 13.5″ 3K2K OLED | 13.5″ PixelSense |
| Touchscreen | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Ports | 2x USB-C (TB3) | 2x TB4, MicroSD | 2x TB4, USB-A, MicroSD | USB-C, USB-A, Surface Connect |
Buying Guide: What Matters Most?
When choosing the best MacBook Air alternatives for 2021, focus on three criteria:
1. The “Intel Evo” Badge
In 2021, Intel launched the Evo platform. If you see this sticker on a laptop, it guarantees fast wake times (under 1 second), 9+ hours of real-world battery life, and Thunderbolt 4 connectivity. This was Intel’s direct answer to the M1’s efficiency.
2. Screen Aspect Ratio
The MacBook Air uses a 16:10 ratio (taller than standard widescreen). The best 2021 alternatives, like the Surface Laptop 4 and HP Spectre, moved to 3:2. This boxier shape is superior for web browsing and document editing, allowing you to see more text without scrolling.
3. Port Selection
One of the biggest complaints about the MacBook Air is the lack of ports. If you rely on legacy accessories (older USB drives, HDMI projectors), prioritize the ASUS ZenBook 13 or HP Spectre, which include these ports natively.
Conclusion:
While the M1 MacBook Air was a watershed moment in computing history, it wasn’t the only star of 2021. The year saw Windows laptops narrow the gap significantly, offering features Apple simply ignores.
If you want the best display, the OLED HP Spectre x360 is unmatched. For the best typing experience and battery balance, the Surface Laptop 4 is a joy to use. And for the pure, premium ultrabook experience that rivals Apple’s build quality, the Dell XPS 13 remains the gold standard.
Ready to find your perfect machine? Check out our detailed breakdown of to make your final decision.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is there a Windows laptop that is as fast as the MacBook Air M1?
In 2021, the Dell XPS 13 and Surface Laptop 4 (Ryzen) were competitive in everyday tasks. While the M1 chip often won in raw video rendering benchmarks, high-end Intel i7 and AMD Ryzen 7 chips provided comparable speed for office work, browsing, and multitasking.
Which laptop has a better screen than the MacBook Air?
Both the Dell XPS 13 (4K model) and the HP Spectre x360 14 (OLED model) have screens that are technically superior to the MacBook Air’s Retina display, offering higher resolution, better contrast ratios, and touch capabilities.
Can I game on these MacBook Air alternatives?
Yes, generally better than on a Mac. The Intel Iris Xe graphics (found in the Dell and HP models) and AMD Radeon graphics (in the Surface) can handle light gaming (like Fortnite, Overwatch, or League of Legends) much better than the MacBook Air due to broader game compatibility on Windows.
Are these 2021 laptops still good to buy today?
Absolutely. High-end 2021 ultrabooks are excellent value on the refurbished market. They offer modern features like Thunderbolt 4, high-res screens, and fast SSDs at a fraction of their original launch price.
