Looking Beyond the Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13.5"? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look

How each alternative compares

Apple MacBook Air 13.3-Inch M1 Chip

The Apple MacBook Air 13.3-inch uses an M1 chip instead of an Intel Core i7. It weighs 3.75 pounds, making it slightly heavier than the 3.4-pound Surface Laptop 5. You get 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. The 13.3-inch screen is smaller than the Surface’s 13.5-inch PixelSense display. This model suits students who prioritize battery efficiency and portability over raw processing power. It lacks the higher resolution of the Surface. If you do not need extensive RAM or large storage, this is a solid everyday choice. It trades the Windows ecosystem for macOS.

Apple MacBook Pro 16-Inch Core i7

The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch Core i7 features a much larger 16-inch Retina display compared to the 13.5-inch Surface screen. It weighs 4 pounds, which is heavier than the Surface’s 3.4 pounds. This model includes 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. It offers dedicated AMD graphics, which the Surface’s integrated Intel UHD Graphics cannot match. This laptop fits creative professionals who need high performance for video editing or design work. You gain screen real estate and graphical power. You sacrifice the compact, portable form factor of the Surface Laptop 5. It is a desktop replacement rather than a travel companion.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5" i7

The Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5-inch is nearly identical to the Surface Laptop 5 in size and screen resolution. It also weighs 1.7 pounds, which is significantly lighter than the Surface Laptop 5’s 3.4 pounds. Both models use an Intel Core i7 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage. The Laptop 4 offers a compact, premium build with strong security features. It is ideal for users who value portability and screen clarity over the latest processor generation. You get similar performance in a lighter chassis. If you prioritize weight reduction and do not need the specific i7-1265U chip, this is a practical alternative.

Dell Latitude 15.6" Core i7 Laptop

The Dell Latitude 15.6-inch Core i7 offers a significantly larger screen than the 13.5-inch Surface display. It weighs 5 pounds, making it much heavier and less portable than the 3.4-pound Surface Laptop 5. This business laptop provides 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, doubling the storage capacity of the Surface. It is designed for users who need screen real estate and robust processing power for daily tasks. You gain a larger workspace and more storage. You lose the lightweight, premium design of the Surface. This model suits professionals who prioritize functionality and screen size over ultra-portability.

NIMO 15.6-Inch Ryzen 5 6600H Laptop

The NIMO 15.6-inch Ryzen 5 6600H Laptop features a larger 15.6-inch screen compared to the 13.5-inch Surface display. It weighs 3.75 pounds, which is slightly heavier than the Surface’s 3.4 pounds. This model includes 16GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. The Ryzen 5 processor offers strong CPU performance and upgradeability. It suits students and remote workers who value screen real estate and multitasking speed. You gain a larger display and potentially better multi-core performance. You give up the sharp PixelSense resolution and the premium build quality of the Surface. It is a capable workhorse for those who do not need ultra-portability.

Dell Latitude Rugged 14" Touchscreen Laptop

The Dell Latitude Rugged 14-inch Touchscreen Laptop features a 14-inch display, which is larger than the 13.5-inch Surface screen. It weighs 3.88 pounds, making it heavier than the 3.4-pound Surface Laptop 5. This rugged device includes an Intel Core i5 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of SSD storage. It is built for durability and connectivity in industrial environments. You gain a rugged chassis and a larger screen. You sacrifice the premium aesthetic and lighter weight of the Surface. This model suits professionals who need durability for field service work. It is not designed for casual users who prioritize style and portability.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13.5" Touchscreen

Best for: Business users needing portable performance

Graphics Card

Intel UHD Graphics

Processor

Intel Core i7-1265U

Memory

16GB

Storage Capacity

256GB SSD

Screen Size

13.5"

Display Resolution

2256 x 1504

View on Amazon: Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13.5" Touchscreen

This 13.5-inch laptop pairs a 12th Gen Intel Core i7 processor with 16GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. The 2256 x 1504 PixelSense touchscreen offers sharp visuals for everyday tasks. It includes Windows Hello security and Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. This model suits users who need a portable, business-ready device for standard computing needs.

Pros

• 12th Gen Intel Core i7-1265U processor
• 16GB RAM for smooth multitasking
• 2256 x 1504 PixelSense touchscreen display
• Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity
• Windows Hello fingerprint security

Cons

• 256GB SSD storage is limited for large files
• Integrated Intel UHD Graphics lacks gaming power
• Certified Refurbished condition may show wear

Good fit if

• You need a lightweight laptop for office work
• You prefer a high-resolution touchscreen
• You want Windows Hello security features

Skip if

• You require dedicated graphics for gaming
• You need more than 256GB of storage
• You prefer a brand-new device

Verdict: Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 13.5" i7 fits professionals needing a sharp, portable screen and reliable performance for daily tasks. It is not suitable for gamers or users requiring extensive local storage.

2 Best premium

Apple MacBook Air 13.3-Inch M1 Chip

Best for: portable everyday computing

Processor

Apple M1

Memory

8GB RAM

Storage Capacity

256GB SSD

Screen Size

13.3 inch

Dimensions

12 × 10 × 10 inches

Weight

3.75 pounds

View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Air 13.3-Inch M1 Chip

The Apple MacBook Air Late 2020 features the Apple M1 chip, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. It includes a 13.3-inch display and weighs 3.75 pounds. This laptop offers up to 18 hours of battery life and up to eight GPU cores. It suits users who need efficient performance for everyday tasks and light creative work without heavy weight.

Pros

• Apple M1 chip provides strong CPU and GPU performance
• Up to 18 hours of battery life
• Lightweight design at 3.75 pounds
• 8GB RAM supports smooth multitasking

Cons

• 8GB RAM is lower than the 16GB found in many competitors
• 256GB SSD storage is limited for large file libraries
• 13.3-inch screen is smaller than 15.6-inch alternatives

Good fit if

• You prioritize long battery life for mobile use
• You need a lightweight laptop for travel
• You run macOS-exclusive software

Skip if

• You require 16GB of RAM for heavy professional workloads
• You need a large 15.6-inch or 16-inch display
• You prefer Windows operating system compatibility

Verdict: Apple MacBook Air M1 13.3-inch is a solid choice for students and casual users who value portability and efficiency. It fits those who do not need extensive RAM or large storage capacity.

3 Best 16"

Apple MacBook Pro 16-Inch Core i7

Best for: Creative work requiring large screen and dedicated GPU

Graphics Card

AMD Radeon Pro 5300M

Processor

2.6GHz Intel Core i7

Memory

16GB DDR4

Storage Capacity

512GB SSD

Screen Size

16"

Display Resolution

3072 x 1920

View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Pro 16-Inch Core i7

This 16-inch laptop features a 2.6 GHz Intel Core i7 processor and 16GB of DDR4 RAM. It includes a 3072 x 1920 Retina display and an AMD Radeon Pro 5300M GPU with 4GB of GDDR6 memory. The 512GB SSD provides storage. It suits users needing a large screen and dedicated graphics for creative work or gaming.

Pros

• 16-inch 3072 x 1920 Retina display
• AMD Radeon Pro 5300M GPU with 4GB GDDR6
• 16GB of 2666 MHz DDR4 RAM
• 2.6 GHz Intel Core i7 6-Core processor

Cons

• 4-pound weight makes it less portable
• 2019 model year may lack latest features
• Renewed condition varies by seller

Good fit if

• You need a large 16-inch screen for detailed work
• You require dedicated AMD graphics for rendering or gaming
• You want high-resolution display for creative tasks

Skip if

• You prioritize portability and light weight
• You need the latest processor generation
• You prefer a new, unused device

Verdict: Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch i7 offers a powerful combination of a large Retina display and dedicated AMD graphics. It fits users who need high performance for creative tasks and do not mind the heavier build.

4 Best budget

Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5" i7

Best for: portable productivity and touch screen use

Graphics Card

Integrated Intel UHD Graphics

Processor

Intel Core i7-1185G7

Memory

16GB

Storage Capacity

256GB SSD

Screen Size

13.5"

Display Resolution

2256 x 1504

View on Amazon: Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5" i7

This refurbished Surface Laptop 4 offers a 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen with a 2256 x 1504 resolution. It uses an Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor and 16GB of RAM for smooth multitasking. The 256GB SSD provides standard storage. You get Windows 11 Pro and a fingerprint power button. It is a compact option for users who want a premium build in a smaller 13.5-inch form factor.

Pros

• 13.5-inch PixelSense touchscreen with 2256 x 1504 resolution
• Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor with 16GB RAM
• Windows Hello fingerprint power button for secure login
• Lightweight design at 1.7 pounds

Cons

• Only 256GB of SSD storage
• Integrated Intel UHD Graphics limit gaming performance
• Certified Refurbished condition with a 90-day warranty

Good fit if

• You need a lightweight laptop under 2 pounds
• You prefer a high-resolution touchscreen display
• You want Windows 11 Pro with fingerprint security

Skip if

• You require dedicated graphics for gaming
• You need more than 256GB of storage
• You insist on a new device with a full manufacturer warranty

Verdict: Microsoft Surface Laptop 4 13.5" i7 suits professionals who prioritize portability and screen clarity over raw graphical power. It is ideal for users who value a compact, premium build with strong security features.

5 Best 512gb ssd

Dell Latitude 15.6" Core i7 Laptop

Best for: Users needing a large screen and business performance

Graphics Card

Intel Iris Xe Graphics

Processor

Intel Core i7-1185G7

Memory

16GB DDR4

Storage Capacity

512GB SSD

Screen Size

15.6-Inch

Display Resolution

1920 x 1080 FHD

View on Amazon: Dell Latitude 15.6" Core i7 Laptop

The Dell Latitude 5520 offers a 15.6-inch Full HD display for clear visuals. It uses an 11th Gen Intel Core i7 processor with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. This setup handles multitasking and business workloads efficiently. The 15.6-inch screen size provides more workspace than the 13.5-inch Surface Laptop 5. It is a solid choice if you need a larger display and strong performance in a business-oriented design.

Pros

• 15.6-inch Full HD anti-glare display
• 11th Gen Intel Core i7-1185G7 processor
• 16GB DDR4 RAM for smooth multitasking
• 512GB NVMe SSD for fast storage

Cons

• Heavier at 5 pounds compared to 13-inch ultrabooks
• Larger 15.6-inch chassis reduces portability
• Uses Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics

Good fit if

• You want a larger 15.6-inch screen for productivity
• You need strong business performance with vPro support
• You prefer a traditional laptop form factor over a tablet

Skip if

• You prioritize lightweight portability for travel
• You need dedicated graphics for heavy gaming
• You want a 13.5-inch compact design

Verdict: Dell Latitude 5520 15.6" Business Laptop is a capable workhorse for users who need a larger screen and robust processing power. It fits those who value screen real estate and business features over ultra-portability.

6 Best ryzen 5

NIMO 15.6-Inch Ryzen 5 6600H Laptop

Best for: students and remote workers needing larger screens

Processor

AMD Ryzen 5 3501U

Memory

16GB DDR4

Storage Capacity

256GB PCIe SSD

Screen Size

15.6"

Display Resolution

1920x1080

Use

Business

View on Amazon: NIMO 15.6-Inch Ryzen 5 6600H Laptop

This NIMO laptop pairs an AMD Ryzen 5 6600H processor with 16GB of DDR5 RAM and a 15.6-inch FHD display. The 6-core CPU handles multitasking and light gaming via integrated Radeon 660M graphics. You get a backlit keyboard and upgradeable storage. It suits students and remote workers who need a larger screen and solid daily performance without the bulk of a dedicated GPU.

Pros

• AMD Ryzen 5 6600H processor with 6 cores
• 16GB DDR5 RAM for smooth multitasking
• 15.6-inch 1920 x 1080 FHD display
• Backlit US keyboard for low-light typing
• Upgradeable to 64GB RAM and 4TB SSD

Cons

• 256GB SSD storage is limited for large files
• 53.58Wh battery capacity is modest for all-day use
• 3.75 pounds weight is heavier than 13-inch ultrabooks

Good fit if

• You need a larger 15.6-inch screen for productivity
• You want upgradeable RAM and storage options
• You require a backlit keyboard for dim environments

Skip if

• You prioritize maximum portability and thin designs
• You need high-end dedicated graphics for heavy gaming
• You require extensive storage without upgrades

Verdict: NIMO 15.6" Ryzen 5 Gaming Laptop offers strong CPU performance and upgradeability for users who value screen real estate and multitasking speed over ultra-portability.

7 Best intel core i5

Dell Latitude Rugged 14" Touchscreen Laptop

Best for: rugged field work and industrial use

Processor

Intel Core i5-8350U

Memory

16GB DDR4 RAM

Storage Capacity

256GB SSD

Screen Size

14"

Display Resolution

1920x1080

Dimensions

9.63 × 13.7 × 1.3 inches

View on Amazon: Dell Latitude Rugged 14" Touchscreen Laptop

This is a 14-inch business laptop built for tough environments. It uses an Intel Core i5-8350U processor and 16GB of RAM. The 1920x1080 touchscreen stays visible in bright light. You get 256GB of SSD storage. It includes ports for Ethernet and HDMI. It runs Windows 11 Pro for work tasks.

Pros

• Intel Core i5-8350U processor for reliable multitasking
• 14-inch 1920x1080 touchscreen with outdoor visibility
• 16GB DDR4 RAM for smooth workflow performance
• Reinforced chassis designed for rugged field use
• Includes RJ-45 Ethernet and HDMI ports

Cons

• Older 8th Gen Intel processor may lack peak speed
• 256GB SSD storage is limited for large files
• Heavier build at 3.88 pounds reduces portability

Good fit if

• You need a durable laptop for field work
• You require Ethernet connectivity for stable internet
• You want a touchscreen for easy navigation

Skip if

• You prioritize the latest processor performance
• You need large storage for media libraries
• You want a lightweight device for travel

Verdict: Dell Latitude Rugged 5420 14" i5 suits professionals who need durability and connectivity. It is ideal for field service and industrial environments where standard laptops fail.

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