Best MacBook alternatives in the UK

Windows 10 has come a long way. It’s not just the operating system that has gotten better. It’s the computers, too. While MacBooks still benefit from the Apple shine, PCs have caught up and then some. Now there is a Windows 10 laptop capable of doing just about anything.

Whether it’s schoolwork, running a business, making art, or gaming, there is a Windows 10 laptop that can handle it. It’s just a matter of finding the one that is right for you.

Why should you choose a Windows 10 laptop instead of a MacBook?

Look, MacBooks have plenty of allure, and ever since Apple introduced the M1 chip, they have become impressive machines. The thing is, you don’t have to get a Mac in order to get a fully capable laptop. If you’re already familiar with the Apple ecosystem, the appeal of a MacBook is understandable. But if you aren’t tied to an iPhone already or are starting from scratch picking your devices, there’s no reason to tie yourself to macOS.

If it has been a while since you’ve interacted with Windows, you’re in for a pleasant surprise when you get introduced to Windows 10. Microsoft has embraced a clean, intuitive user interface that won’t make you feel out of place if you’ve been a Windows loyalist for years or if you haven’t touched a PC since Windows 95.

While macOS has caught up in terms of compatibility, there are still some things that Apple’s operating system still can’t do — or at least can’t do as well as Windows. Far from the all-business appearance of old PCs, Windows 10 laptops are still better options for gamers, as more top titles are compatible with the operating system. The machines also tend to be more powerful, built with more RAM and processors that are made to handle intensive programs. Many even had dedicated graphics cards so you can enjoy incredible-looking gameplay even on the go.

There is also far more variety among Windows 10 laptops. That means more budget-friendly options, more high-end choices, and more overall flexibility to fit what you need in favour of Apple’s more one-size-fits-all approach. You’ll also find options for 2-in-1 laptops that convert to tablets and touchscreen displays, something that MacBooks can’t offer.

Can you use a Windows laptop for work or school?

Just because you see the Apple logo lit up on a classmate or colleagues computer doesn’t mean that you have to follow suit. Increasingly, Windows 10 laptops have become machines that are made to work, and not just in the boardroom.

Windows laptops can come with plenty of power for complex tasks, but they can also scale down to be perfect devices for notetaking and studying — though all that RAM will come in handy when you have lots of tabs open while you cram for an exam. The flexibility of some Windows laptops, with the ability to convert to a tablet, makes it easy to take notes and solve problems using a stylus on the touchscreen. If you feel like you retain information better when you write it down, this is an ideal solution since you can write your notes and have a digital record of them.

Of course, you almost certainly know the reputation of Windows machines being boring, made for running spreadsheets and other tasks reserved for people in cubicles. But you know what? Spreadsheets are handy, and having a computer that can handle your workload is essential. You won’t have any worries about running Excel, Word, or any of the Microsoft Office 365 programs on a Windows 10 laptop.

Are Windows laptops good for gaming and entertainment?

You better believe that Windows 10 is capable of doing much more than work. Some of these laptops are absolute workhorses, capable of running the latest games. If you care about things like frames per second, refresh rate, and latency, then there is a Windows 10 laptop out there that you can trust as you go into battle against your friends online.

More so than just gaming, Windows 10 laptops are entertainment machines. You’ll find options with incredible speakers built-in for your audio fix and 4K displays that let you watch films the way they were meant to be seen. If you’re a media junky with a major library of favourites, you’ll likely love the fact that many Windows 10 laptops have lots of storage available. That means you can download films and watch them on the go, a great option for travellers.

Will a Windows laptop fit into my budget?

Because of the incredible variety of Windows 10 laptops, you can almost certainly find one that will fit your budget. While most MacBooks are locked into steeper price points, Windows machines can scale down to a capable machine that won’t break the bank while still getting the job done or scale up to a total powerhouse that will give you more processing power than you’ll even know what to do with.

There are plenty of Windows 10 laptops that are available for under £1,000, which provide options for students or people who are operating on a tighter budget.

What is the best laptop running Windows 10?

Now that you know everything a Windows 10 laptop is capable of, you can feel comfortable picking the one that is right for you. To get you started, we’ve selected some of the best options from top brands.

We’ve lined up a selection of impressive devices from brands like Huawei, Microsoft, and Dell. There is something for everyone and every budget in this list. You just need to consider your priorities and preferences, and find the laptop that lines up.

These are the best Windows 10 laptops in 2021.