Get the App
Better experience on mobile
Explore top-rated laptops that offer better value, performance, and features than the Surface Laptop 5.
People often seek alternatives to the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 for various reasons, including price, specific feature requirements, and preferences for different operating systems. When choosing an alternative, consider factors such as processing power, battery life, display quality, and whether the device integrates well with your existing tech ecosystem. Our top recommendations include options that excel in different areas, from budget-friendly choices to premium laptops with cutting-edge technology.
This guide will help you navigate the crowded laptop market and find the perfect device tailored to your needs, whether you're looking for something more affordable, more powerful, or better suited to your specific use case. We've used the latest expert reviews and real-world performance data to bring you the best alternatives available in 2025.
The Dell XPS 13 Plus stands out with its sleek design and powerful performance. It features a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, up to 32GB of RAM, and a stunning 3.5K OLED display. The XPS 13 Plus offers a better keyboard and touchpad experience than the Surface Laptop 5, along with longer battery life. It's an excellent choice for professionals who need a reliable and high-performing laptop for work and entertainment. Priced between $1,200 and $1,800, it offers a compelling value proposition.
Key Difference: The Dell XPS 13 Plus has a superior OLED display and longer battery life.
Price: Comparable to the higher-end models of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5.
The Apple MacBook Air M2 is a top choice for those who prefer macOS and Apple's ecosystem. It features the powerful M2 chip, up to 24GB of unified memory, and a vibrant Liquid Retina display. The MacBook Air offers exceptional performance and battery life, making it ideal for creative professionals and students. Its slim profile and lightweight design are perfect for those on the go. The price ranges from $1,199 to $1,899, making it a premium yet competitive option.
Key Difference: The MacBook Air M2 offers better performance and integration with Apple's ecosystem.
Price: Slightly more expensive than the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5, but justified by superior performance.
The Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 is renowned for its durability and business-friendly features. It comes with up to an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor, up to 32GB of RAM, and a 14-inch display with options for 4K resolution. The laptop offers robust security features like a fingerprint reader and IR camera for Windows Hello, making it ideal for professionals who prioritize security. Its price ranges from $1,300 to $2,000, offering a solid investment for business users.
Key Difference: The ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 10 excels in security and durability for business use.
Price: Similar to the higher-end models of the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5.
The ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED is perfect for those who need a lightweight and portable laptop. It features an AMD Ryzen 7 processor, up to 16GB of RAM, and a stunning 2.8K OLED display. The laptop is incredibly thin and light, weighing just 2.5 pounds, and offers up to 14 hours of battery life. It's an excellent choice for travelers and students. The price ranges from $800 to $1,200, making it an affordable yet high-quality option.
Key Difference: The ASUS ZenBook 13 OLED is exceptionally portable with a long battery life.
Price: Cheaper than the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5, offering great value for its features.
The Acer Swift 3 is a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on performance. It features an AMD Ryzen 5 processor, up to 16GB of RAM, and a 14-inch Full HD display. The laptop offers good battery life and a comfortable keyboard, making it suitable for everyday tasks and light productivity. It's an ideal choice for students and casual users. Priced between $600 and $800, it provides excellent value for money.
Key Difference: The Acer Swift 3 offers solid performance at a significantly lower price point.
Price: Much cheaper than the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5, making it an attractive budget option.
Compare key specs and features of all our recommendations side-by-side
| Product | Recommendation | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Dell 14 Plus Laptop DB14250-14-inch 16:10 2.5K (2560x1600) Display, Intel Core Ultra 9-288V, 32GB LPDDR5X RAM, 1TB SSD, Intel Arc Graphics, Backlit Copilot Key Keyboard - Previously Inspiron Ultra Core 9 32 GB 1 TB Intel Arc Graphics 14.0 2.5K Rank #1 | 4.1 4.1 | ||
 Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M4 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage, 12MP Center Stage Camera, Touch ID; Midnight 16GB Unified Memory, 256GB SSD Storage Midnight Without AppleCare+ Rank #2 | 4.8 4.8 | Check price | |
Lenovo Gen 12 ThinkPad X1 Carbon Laptop with Intel Ultra 7 165U vPro Processor, 14" WUXGA 100% sRGB Touchscreen, 32GB 6400MHz RAM, 1TB Gen4 Performance SSD, FHD+ IR+ RGB Camera, and Windows 11 Pro Rank #3 | 4.4 4.4 | ||
ASUS ZenBook 13 Ultra-Slim Laptop, 13.3” OLED FHD NanoEdge Bezel Display, Intel Core i7-1165G7, 8GB LPDDR4X RAM, 512GB SSD, NumberPad, Thunderbolt 4, Wi-Fi 6, Windows 10 Home, Pine Grey, UX325EA-ES71 Rank #4 | 3.9 3.9 | ||
Acer Swift 3 Thin & Light Laptop, 14" Full HD IPS, AMD Ryzen 7 4700U Octa-Core with Radeon Graphics, 8GB LPDDR4, 512GB NVMe SSD, Wi-Fi 6, Backlit KB, Fingerprint Reader, Alexa Built-in Ryzen 7 4700u Laptop only 8GB/512GB Rank #5 | 4.3 4.3 |
