And Neo makes three. Apple’s new budget laptop gives MacBook buyers a third option alongside the established MacBook Air and Pro lines. THE MacBook Neo is a near-perfect starter Mac, and I’m willing to live without most of its features due to its low price. It costs $500 less than the cheapest MacBook Air.
The 15-inch MacBook Air is proof that you don’t need a Pro to get a bigger screen. It provides a larger screen that was once only found on the more expensive Pro models. If you’re considering the 14-inch or 16-inch Pro models primarily for the extra screen size, the MacBook Air 15 is the more affordable option you should choose.
Benefits
- Optimal balance between screen size and system weight
- Improved app, graphics, and AI performance with M5 chip
Disadvantages
- Costs hundreds more than the MacBook Neo
- Smooth ProMotion display still exclusive to MacBook Pro
The MacBook Neo is by far the best laptop for school use, especially if you (or the student you’re buying for) already own an iPhone. The two devices work perfectly together. At $599, the Neo is almost half the price of the cheapest MacBook Air, and students and teachers can get it for just $499. However, given the convenience and security offered by Touch ID, I would consider Apple’s $100 educational discount as a way to get the additional Touch ID (with more storage) for free, rather than lowering the price of the base model.
Benefits
- Premium look and feel of the MacBook at a much lower cost
- 13-inch screen not much smaller than the Macbook Air
- The A18 Pro chip is powerful enough to deliver a rewarding MacOS experience
- Surprisingly impressive sound from the stereo speakers
Disadvantages
- Touch ID costs $100 more
- The base 256GB SSD will fill up quickly
- No MagSafe or fast charging
- Smaller battery and shorter battery life than MacBook Air
The 14-inch MacBook Pro was the first to benefit from Apple’s latest M5 processor. CNET Editor-in-Chief Lori Grunin tested the new MacBook Pro M5 and found that the chip’s improved GPU architecture offers big performance improvements over the M4 in areas such as AI image generation and ray-traced graphics.
Benefits
- Excellent screen, especially with the nano-texture
- Excellent performance
- Good size and reasonable weight for daily use
- Same premium design as previous models
Disadvantages
- Screen notch remains irritating
- Sharp drop in performance in low power mode
- Only two external displays supported in the M5 model
- Prone to fingerprint smudges
- The supplied 70 watt adapter does not support fast charging
Apple’s latest update for its 16-inch MacBook Pro includes the M5 Pro and M5 Max processors as well as Apple’s N1 wireless chip for Wi-Fi 7 networking. Prices have climbed with this year’s Pro 16-inch updates — overall memory storage doesn’t help keep laptop prices stable — but Apple has doubled the minimum storage with this year’s Pro 16-inches. The M5 Pro model starts at 1TB and the M5 Max configuration starts at 2TB.
Benefits
- Fast
- Excellent screen
- Same solid design as the previous model
Disadvantages
- Can get loud and hot
- Heavy
- Sharp drop in performance in low power mode
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The Neo wasn’t the only laptop released by Apple last month. The MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lines have been refreshed with Apple’s latest M5 processors and increased minimum storage. We have reviews of the new Neo and MacBook Air M5 as well as the great 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. We have a favorite MacBook for every budget.
What is the best MacBook overall?
The new MacBook Neo is the ideal low-cost laptop for school and casual home use, and the MacBook Pro is ideal for those who need next-level processing and graphics performance for content creation, graphic design, advanced STEM work, and gaming. Between the two, the MacBook Air is more of an everyday laptop that prioritizes portability over performance, although it has a battery reserve and long battery life, according to our tests. That’s why the MacBook Air remains CNET’s pick for the best MacBook for most people.
The 15-inch MacBook Air acts as a bridge between the 13-inch MacBook Air and MacBook Pro lines, offering a larger screen without the premium MacBook Pro. Starting at $1,299 at Apple (and currently $50 off at Amazonthe new 15-inch MacBook Air M5 hits the sweet spot when it comes to productivity, portability, performance, and price, making it the best MacBook for most people. And you want to spend even less, Last year’s 15-inch M4 Air is just $999 at Amazon.
We’ve been reviewing MacBooks for two decades now – since the very first polycarbonate MacBook appeared in 2006 – and we’ve covered Apple’s PowerBooks and iBooks before that. Apple’s current laptop lineup is split between the MacBook Neo, Air, and Pro lines, and the differences between the three are significant. For more, check out my MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro comparison, plus the new look and features in the latest version of Apple’s Mac operating system, MacOS Tahoe.
Learn more: Best VPN for Mac
Best MacBooks of 2026
Benefits
- Optimal balance between screen size and system weight
- Improved app, graphics, and AI performance with M5 chip
Disadvantages
- Costs hundreds more than the MacBook Neo
- Smooth ProMotion display still exclusive to MacBook Pro
The 15-inch MacBook Air is proof that you don’t need a Pro to get a bigger screen. It provides a larger screen that was once only found on the more expensive Pro models. If you’re considering the 14-inch or 16-inch Pro models primarily for the extra screen size, the MacBook Air 15 is the more affordable option you should choose.
Why we love it
Apple has just updated the MacBook Air with its M5 processor, catching up with the MacBook Pro which received an M5 refresh late last year. I tested the smaller 13-inch MacBook Air M5 and found that the new silicon adds incremental improvements, especially in the areas of graphics performance and AI. Apple also increased the Air’s minimum storage to 512GB, making it a better deal than last year’s model despite the higher starting price. You can read my review of last year’s M4 15-inch MacBook Air – much of it still applies as the design remains unchanged on what I think is the laptop that sits in the Goldilocks zone of Apple’s MacBook range.
Who is it best for?
People looking for a large-screen MacBook who don’t need the power of a MacBook Pro. With its spacious screen, sleek design, and sufficient performance for most users, the 15-inch MacBook Air should be considered the default Air, with its cheaper and smaller 13-inch sibling a good alternative for students and others with tighter budgets and busy, on-the-go lifestyles who might need more power than the MacBook Neo.
Who shouldn’t have it
The majority of students who need a more affordable and portable laptop would be better off spending a lot less on the new MacBook Neo. Creative types who need more graphics punch will have to spend more for the extra power of a MacBook Pro.
Benefits
- Premium look and feel of the MacBook at a much lower cost
- 13-inch screen not much smaller than the Macbook Air
- The A18 Pro chip is powerful enough to deliver a rewarding MacOS experience
- Surprisingly impressive sound from the stereo speakers
Disadvantages
- Touch ID costs $100 more
- The base 256GB SSD will fill up quickly
- No MagSafe or fast charging
- Smaller battery and shorter battery life than MacBook Air
The MacBook Neo is by far the best laptop for school use, especially if you (or the student you’re buying for) already own an iPhone. The two devices work perfectly together. At $599, the Neo is almost half the price of the cheapest MacBook Air, and students and teachers can get it for just $499. However, given the convenience and security offered by Touch ID, I would consider Apple’s $100 educational discount as a way to get the additional Touch ID (with more storage) for free, rather than lowering the price of the base model.
Why we love it
It features the same luxurious all-aluminum design as Apple’s other MacBooks, and its 13-inch screen is almost as large as the Air’s 13.6-inch screen. The Neo’s iPhone chip can’t match the performance of an M-series processor, but it’s still powerful enough to provide a smooth MacOS experience for most people.
Who is it best for?
Anyone on a student budget who can’t spend $1,000 or more on a laptop, especially if you already own an iPhone because iOS and MacOS work so well together.
Who shouldn’t buy it
Students in STEM or design programs will likely need more power than Neo offers and will need to spend more on a MacBook Air or even a MacBook Pro.
Benefits
- Excellent screen, especially with the nano-texture
- Excellent performance
- Good size and reasonable weight for daily use
- Same premium design as previous models
Disadvantages
- Screen notch remains irritating
- Sharp drop in performance in low power mode
- Only two external displays supported in the M5 model
- Prone to fingerprint smudges
- The supplied 70 watt adapter does not support rapid charging of
The 14-inch MacBook Pro was the first to benefit from Apple’s latest M5 processor. CNET Editor-in-Chief Lori Grunin tested the new MacBook Pro M5 and found that the chip’s improved GPU architecture offers big performance improvements over the M4 in areas such as AI image generation and ray-traced graphics.
Why we love it
It offers a great mix of power and portability, and the mini-LED display is stunning, especially with the optional nano-textured layer. And it’s a ProMotion display, which means it has a smooth 120Hz refresh rate, something you don’t get with a MacBook Air.
Who is it best for?
Anyone wants or needs more power than a MacBook Air but doesn’t want to lug around (or pay even more for) the massive 16-inch Pro model.
Who shouldn’t have it
Budget shoppers can save hundreds by opting for a MacBook Air, either the even more portable 13-inch Air or the even roomier 15-inch Air. And power users who need a larger screen and the extra power of the higher core. M5 Pro or M5 Max chip quantities are better with the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Benefits
- Fast
- Excellent screen
- Same solid design as the previous model
Disadvantages
- Can get loud and hot
- Heavy
- Sharp drop in performance in low power mode
Apple’s latest update for its 16-inch MacBook Pro includes the M5 Pro and M5 Max processors as well as Apple’s N1 wireless chip for Wi-Fi 7 networking. Prices have climbed with this year’s Pro 16-inch updates — overall memory storage doesn’t help keep laptop prices stable — but Apple has doubled the minimum storage with this year’s Pro 16-inches. The M5 Pro model starts at 1TB and the M5 Max configuration starts at 2TB.
Why we love it
The design remains unchanged from the previous version, but under the hood, the new M5 Pro chip offers better overall performance. Although the design hasn’t been updated, it’s still sturdy and offers reasonable weight considering the spacious screen.
Who is it best for?
Graphics professionals and creators who need the power and large screen of the 16-inch MacBook Pro will be better served by this laptop. The 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro processor starts at $2,699 and the M5 Max model starts at $3,899. If you need speed, it’s worth it.
Comparison of Apple MacBooks
Find out how the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models compare.
| MacBook Neo | 13-inch MacBook Air (M5) | MacBook Air 15-inch (M5) | 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5) | 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial price | $599 | $1,099 | $1,299 | $1,699 | $2,699 |
| Processor | A18 Pro | M5 | M5 | M5 | M5 Pro |
| Number of CPU cores | 6 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 18 |
| Number of GPU cores | 5 | 8 | 10 | 10 | 20 |
| Booting RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 16 GB | 24 GB |
| Starting storage | 256 GB | 512 GB | 512 GB | 1 TB | 1 TB |
| Screen size | 13 in | 13.6 inches | 15.3 inches | 14.2 inches | 16.2 inches |
| Screen resolution | 2408 x 1506 pixels | 2560 x 1664 pixels | 2880 x 1864 pixels | 3024 x 1964 pixels | 3456 x 2234 pixels |
| Weight | 2.7 pounds | 2.7 pounds | 3.3 pounds | 3.4 pounds | 4.7 pounds |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 0.5×11.71×8.12 inches | 0.44 x 11.97 x 8.46 inches | 0.45 x 13.4 x 9.35 inches | 0.61 x 12.31 x 8.71 inches | 0.66 x 14.01 x 9.77 inches |
| Relationships | USB-C x2, headset | Thunderbolt 4 x2, headset, MagSafe 3 | Thunderbolt 4 x2, headset, MagSafe 3 | Thunderbolt 4 x3, HDMI, SDXC card, headset, MagSafe 3 | Thunderbolt 5 x3, HDMI, SDXC card, headset, MagSafe 3 |
| Battery | 36.5 watt hours | 52.6 watt hours | 66.5 watt hours | 72.4 watt hours | 100 watt-hour |
The new MacBook Neo and 16-inch MacBook Pro based on the new Apple M5 Pro and M5 Max processors are the latest additions to the list.
The first fork in the road you’ll come to when shopping for a MacBook is whether you should go the Air route, take the Pro route, or take the Neo shortcut. For people looking for an everyday laptop or work laptop to run basic office applications, a MacBook Neo will suffice. For creative types who need the extra processing and graphics power of Apple’s new M5 Pro and Max chips, a MacBook Pro is worth the extra cost. And between the two, the MacBook Air remains a great mainstream laptop and the cheapest way to get a big screen powered by an Apple M-series processor. To help you find the right MacBook for your needs and budget, here are the key considerations to keep in mind.
Price
The entry price for a MacBook is $599. This gives you the new MacBook Neo. Pricing starts at $1,099 for the 13-inch MacBook Air and $1,299 for the 15-inch MacBook Air. Upgrading to a MacBook Pro model starts at $1,699. Here are the starting prices for Apple’s current MacBook lineup:
- MacBook Neo: $599
- MacBook Air M5 13-inch: $1,099
- 15-inch MacBook Air M5: $1,299
- MacBook Pro M5 14-inch: $1,699
- MacBook Pro M5 Pro 16-inch: $2,699
Size and display
If you take your MacBook with you to class, work, or even your local coffee shop most of the time, an Air is the better choice. The 13-inch MacBook Air models weigh less than 3 pounds, and the more spacious 15-inch Air weighs just 3.3 pounds, which is still lighter than the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
The other side of the portability coin is screen size. The 16-inch MacBook Pro gives you plenty of room to work and multitask, while the 14-inch MacBook Pro tries to strike the balance between a spacious screen and ease of movement. Unless you need Pro-level performance, we think the 15-inch Air does a better job of achieving that goal.
- 13-inch MacBook Neo: 13-inch screen (2408 x 1506 pixels), 2.7 pounds
- MacBook Air M5 13.6-inch: 13.6-inch screen (2560 x 1664 pixels), 2.7 pounds
- MacBook Air M5 15.3-inch: 15.3-inch screen (2880 x 1864 pixels), 3.3 pounds
- 14.2-inch MacBook Pro M5: 14.2-inch screen (3024 x 1964 pixels), 3.4 pounds
- MacBook Pro M5 Pro 16.2-inch: 16.2-inch screen (3456 x 2234 pixels), 4.7 pounds
Processor
The processor, or CPU, is the brain of a laptop. MacBooks have used Apple’s own processors since the introduction of the M1 processor in 2020. M1-based MacBooks were marked improvements over Apple’s previous Intel machines in overall performance, efficiency, and battery life. The M1 MacBooks were more powerful, offered longer battery life, and ran cooler and quieter.
The latest MacBook Air range is equipped with Apple’s M5 chip, except for the new MacBook Neo based on the A18 Pro chip borrowed from the iPhone 16 Pro. With the MacBook Pro line, more powerful configurations are available with the Apple M5 Pro and M5 Max processors.
Chart
The GPU handles all the work of driving the screen and generating what is displayed, as well as accelerating many graphics-related (and increasingly, AI-related) operations. Apple M series processors integrate the GPU. The more processing cores the GPU has, the better the graphics performance. Here is the breakdown:
- A18 Pro: 5-core GPU
- M5: 10-core GPU
- M5 Pro: 16 or 20 core GPU
- M5 Max: 32 or 40 core GPU
Memory
Memory (or RAM) is where the operating system stores all data from running applications, and it can fill up quickly. After that, it starts switching between RAM and SSD, which is slower. The MacBook Neo has 8GB of RAM and MacBook Air models start at 16GB of RAM, as does the 14-inch MacBook Pro M5. The minimum on MacBook Pro M5 Pro models is 24 GB, and MacBook Pro M5 Max models serve up to 36 GB or more.
You can’t upgrade memory on newer MacBooks after purchase, so you’ll need to get all the RAM you need up front. MacBooks are capable of running macOS and preinstalled apps smoothly with the minimum RAM offered, but doubling the RAM will make your MacBook faster and likely result in a longer lifespan of the laptop.
Storage
MacBooks are equipped with solid state drives or solid state drives. The MacBook Neo starts with a 256GB SSD, but MacBook Air models offer a minimum of 512GB. MacBook Pros now start with a 1TB SSD. If you use cloud storage for your files, music collection, and photo library, you may be able to get away with a 256GB SSD without filling it up before too long.
The laptop review process includes two parts: performance testing under controlled conditions in CNET labs and in-depth hands-on use by our reviewers. This includes evaluating a device’s aesthetics, ergonomics, and functionality relative to its price. A final verdict in review is a combination of objective and subjective judgments.
Our benchmark tests consist of a base set that we run on all compatible systems, including several that we can run on MacOS and Windows PCs. There is also an expanded set of tests for specific use cases, such as gaming or content creation, where systems may have more powerful GPUs or higher resolution displays that need to be evaluated.
The new M1 Air next to the Intel Core i5 Air 2020.
Dan Ackerman/CNETFor the practical portion of the exam, the examiner uses the laptop for work during the exam period, evaluating how well the design, features such as the screen, camera and speakers, and software provided by the manufacturer work as a cohesive whole. We also value how well everything works, considering the cost, and areas where the manufacturer has potentially made improvements or compromises on price.
The list of benchmarking software and comparison criteria we use changes over time as the devices we test evolve. You can find a more detailed description of our testing methodology on our How We Test Computers page.
Dell XPS 14: It’s great to see Dell bring back the XPS and do it with such style.
GeekBook X14 Pro: Geekom’s first laptop is incredibly thin and light, but battery life is disappointing. And I hate the touchpad.
Lenovo IdeaPad 5i 16 2-in-1 Gen 10: Lenovo’s low-cost 16-inch two-in-one is a versatile machine, but it forces you to live with more than a few design compromises.
Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16 Aura Edition: Centered around a stunning 16-inch OLED display, this stunning Yoga laptop delivers the performance and build that graphics professionals demand.
Microsoft Surface Pro (12-inch): The 12-inch version of Microsoft’s detachable two-in-one will be enough for most users, but getting tarnished by optional accessories that seem entirely necessary is annoying.
Dell 14 Premium: Dell’s designer laptop is rock solid.
HP OmniBook 5 14: Record-breaking battery life is only part of its charm. It also features a nice design, an OLED display, and ample RAM and storage, all at an affordable price.
Dell 16 Premium: This is a good choice for creators, provided you aren’t put off by its peculiar design, heavy weight, and high price.
Acer Aspire 16 AI: Weighing less than 3.5 pounds and boasting incredible battery life, this is the rare 16-inch laptop that’s easy to take with you.
Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Aura Edition: This premium two-in-one is a near-perfect package with a fantastic OLED display and record-breaking battery life.
Lenovo LOQ 15: This budget gaming laptop has an outdated design but offers modern components and good 3D performance for the price.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 2-in-1: This business convertible offers excellent build quality and battery life, but the screen disappoints.
HP Omen 16: This Nvidia GeForce RTX 5060 rig delivers good looks and competitive 1080p performance, along with surprisingly long battery life and a nice touch to the four-zone RGB keyboard backlight.
Alienware Aurora 16: I tested two Alienware Aurora gaming laptops, and this isn’t the one for you.
Alienware Aurora 16X: This is the Aurora to get.
Which is better: MacOS or Windows?
For many people, choosing between a MacOS laptop and a Windows machine will come down to personal preference and budget. The new MacBook Neo starts at just $599, but you can find budget Windows laptops for even less.
For the money, you get great hardware from top to bottom, inside and out, but you’re limited to only Apple laptops. With Windows and Chromebooks, you get an incredible variety of devices at a wide variety of prices.
The software between the two is plentiful, so unless you need to run something that’s only available on one platform, you should be able to choose one or the other. Gaming performance is definitely a plus for Windows laptops, though.
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What is the difference between MacBook Air and MacBook Pro?
Overall, MacBook Pro models are more powerful and more expensive, while being slightly thicker and heavier than their Air counterparts.
The MacBook Air is available with a 13.6-inch or 15.3-inch screen. The 13-inch Air starts at $1,099 and the 15-inch Air starts at $1,299. The MacBook Pro is available with a 14.2-inch or 16.2-inch screen. The 14-inch Pro starts at $1,699 and the 16-inch Pro starts at $2,699.
The 16-inch model has a higher starting price because it has a more powerful M5 Pro chip, while the base 14-inch Pro model has the M5 chip, which is newer but offers fewer CPU and GPU cores. The M5 Pro chip in the 16-inch MacBook Pro is truly a pro-level processor, with 18 CPU cores and 20 GPU cores, while the M5 chip in the base 14-inch model has 10 CPU cores and 10 GPU cores.
If you don’t need the power of a MacBook Pro, you can save weight with an Air. The 13-inch MacBook Air weighs 2.7 pounds and the 15-inch Air weighs 3.3 pounds. The 14-inch MacBook Pro weighs 3.4 pounds and the 16-inch Pro weighs 4.7 pounds.
To learn more, check out my MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro article
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Which Macs support Apple Intelligence?
The current generation of M5 MacBook Air and Pro models as well as the MacBook Neo allow you to use Apple Intelligence features. Previous generation MacBooks also offer support. The M3, M4 and M5 chips feature a 16-core neural engine with support for Apple Intelligence.
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What are the best alternatives to MacBooks?
The two Windows laptops I’ve tested that come closest to a MacBook Air in terms of solid build quality, sleek design, high performance, and long battery life are the Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 and the HP OmniBook Ultra Flip 14. Based on a Qualcomm Snapdragon It was the first Windows laptop I tested with longer battery life than the MacBook Air. The OmniBook Ultra Flip 14 doesn’t offer as long battery life but provides a high-resolution OLED display which hurts battery life but is beautiful to look at.
Meanwhile, the new Dell XPS 14 makes a reasonable facsimile of a MacBook Pro.
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