Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5, 2026)Best overall- Chip
- Apple M5
- Display
- 13.6-inch Liquid Retina
- Memory
- 16GB unified
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
Most recommended by reviewers
Check price at AmazonThe Best Laptops for 2026
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Choosing a laptop today means sorting through similar spec sheets and a wide range of prices. The right one has enough memory for how you work, a screen you are happy to look at all day, and a battery that lasts through the day. Here is what's available right now, with notes on where a configuration cuts corners.
Our top pick is the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with the M5 chip. It suits students, remote workers and anyone who wants one laptop that does it all. The other picks include a lower-cost Mac, a bigger screen, a pro-grade powerhouse and Windows options for value and work.
The rundown
1 Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5, 2026) | 2 Apple MacBook Neo 13-inch (A18 Pro, 2026) | 3 Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5, 2026) | 4 Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max, 2026) | 5 HP OmniBook 5 16 (Intel Core Ultra 5 322) | 6 Dell Pro 14 Plus (Ryzen 7 PRO 250) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Best overall | Best budget | Best big screen | Best for pros | Best Windows value | Best Windows for work |
| Chip | Apple M5 | Apple A18 Pro | Apple M5 | Apple M5 Max, 18-core CPU, 40-core GPU | Not listed | Not listed |
| Display | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina | 13-inch Liquid Retina | 15.3-inch Liquid Retina | 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR | 16-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS touchscreen | 14-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS, 300 nits |
| Memory | 16GB unified | 8GB unified | 16GB unified | 48GB unified | 16GB DDR5 | 16GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 256GB SSD | 512GB SSD | 2TB SSD | 512GB SSD | 512GB PCIe SSD |
| Battery | Up to 18 hours (Apple claim) | Up to 16 hours (Apple claim) | Up to 18 hours (Apple claim) | Not listed | 68 Wh | 55 Wh |
| Wireless | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed | Wi-Fi 7 | Wi-Fi 7 | Not listed | Not listed |
| Check price at Amazon | Check price at Amazon | Check price at Amazon | Check price at Amazon | Check price at Amazon | Check price at Amazon |
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5, 2026)Best overall
Apple MacBook Neo 13-inch (A18 Pro, 2026)Best budget- Chip
- Apple A18 Pro
- Display
- 13-inch Liquid Retina
- Memory
- 8GB unified
- Storage
- 256GB SSD
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5, 2026)Best big screen- Chip
- Apple M5
- Display
- 15.3-inch Liquid Retina
- Memory
- 16GB unified
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max, 2026)Best for pros- Chip
- Apple M5 Max, 18-core CPU, 40-core GPU
- Display
- 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR
- Memory
- 48GB unified
- Storage
- 2TB SSD
HP OmniBook 5 16 (Intel Core Ultra 5 322)Best Windows value- Processor
- Intel Core Ultra 5 322, 6 cores
- Display
- 16-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS touchscreen
- Memory
- 16GB DDR5
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
Dell Pro 14 Plus (Ryzen 7 PRO 250)Best Windows for work- Processor
- AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 250, 8 cores
- Display
- 14-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS, 300 nits
- Memory
- 16GB LPDDR5X
- Storage
- 512GB PCIe SSD
1Best overall
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5, 2026)
A thin, fanless Mac with 16GB of memory that suits almost everyone.
- Chip
- Apple M5
- Display
- 13.6-inch Liquid Retina
- Memory
- 16GB unified
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
- Battery
- Up to 18 hours (Apple claim)
- Camera
- 12MP Center Stage
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 7
Most recommended by reviewers
Check price at AmazonPrices and availability on Amazon change often.
Why it wins
- Reviewers' first suggestion for friends and family asking what to buy
- Graphics power matches the M3 Pro MacBook Pro
- Lasts well over a full workday and performs the same on battery
- Fanless and one of the thinnest laptops you can buy
- 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage in this configuration
One catchIts price recently went up.
Why it's our top pick
The MacBook Air 13-inch with M5 is the laptop reviewers point people to first. It pairs a fanless, very thin body with graphics power that matches the M3 Pro MacBook Pro, so it handles everything from schoolwork to gaming and video editing. The battery lasts well over a full workday, and it performs the same unplugged as plugged in.
This configuration has 16GB of memory and a 512GB SSD, a sensible starting point for most people. Pick whichever color you like, since the specs are the same. If you sit at a computer all day, reviewers say the Air is a better choice than the cheaper MacBook Neo.
2Best budget
Apple MacBook Neo 13-inch (A18 Pro, 2026)
The lowest-priced laptop on our list, with a screen that stands out at its price.
- Chip
- Apple A18 Pro
- Display
- 13-inch Liquid Retina
- Memory
- 8GB unified
- Storage
- 256GB SSD
- Battery
- Up to 16 hours (Apple claim)
- Camera
- 1080p FaceTime HD
- Colors
- Silver, Blush, Citrus, Indigo
Prices and availability on Amazon change often.
Pros
- Reviewers say it has the best screen you can find at its price
- Aluminum body with a color-matched keyboard in four colors
- Up to 16 hours of battery life, per Apple
- Cheapest laptop in this roundup
Cons
- 8GB of memory is called a major drawback
- Slower ports and SSD than the MacBook Air
- Less suited to a full day of heavy work
Read our full take
Why we like it
The MacBook Neo is the way into the Mac world for the least money. Reviewers single out its display as the best at this price, and the aluminum body comes in four colors with a matching keyboard.
The trade-offs are real. The 8GB of memory, slower ports and slower SSD make it a better fit for classes, browsing and light office work than for eight-hour days. If that describes you, step up to the MacBook Air.
3Best big screen
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M5, 2026)
The same M5 Air with a roomier 15.3-inch display and a six-speaker system.
- Chip
- Apple M5
- Display
- 15.3-inch Liquid Retina
- Memory
- 16GB unified
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
- Battery
- Up to 18 hours (Apple claim)
- Audio
- Six-speaker system, Dolby Atmos
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 7
Prices and availability on Amazon change often.
Pros
- Same M5 chip, 16GB memory and 512GB storage as the 13-inch
- More screen space for spreadsheets, editing and split windows
- Six speakers with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos support
Cons
- Costs more than the 13-inch for the extra screen
- Larger body to carry around
Read our full take
Why we like it
If the 13-inch feels cramped, the 15-inch MacBook Air gives you the same M5 chip, 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage on a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display. It suits people who work with several windows open or watch a lot of video.
You pay more and carry a bigger machine, so choose it for the screen, not for extra speed.
4Best for pros
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max, 2026)
The power pick for creatives and engineers who run heavy apps all day.
- Chip
- Apple M5 Max, 18-core CPU, 40-core GPU
- Display
- 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR
- Memory
- 48GB unified
- Storage
- 2TB SSD
- Wireless
- Wi-Fi 7
- Color
- Space Black
Prices and availability on Amazon change often.
Pros
- Reviewers call it the ultimate choice for content creators
- Immensely powerful yet surprisingly portable
- Fantastic battery life
Cons
- Built for professional workloads and overkill for most people
- The highest price of any laptop on this list
Read our full take
Why we like it
The 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Max is for people whose work leans on the laptop all day, such as video editors, designers and engineers. Reviewers praise it for combining raw power with portability and strong battery life.
Both reviews are clear that it is not for everyone. If your work is email, documents and streaming, the MacBook Air does the job for far less.
5Best Windows value
HP OmniBook 5 16 (Intel Core Ultra 5 322)
The lowest-priced Windows laptop here, with 16GB of memory and a 16-inch touchscreen.
- Processor
- Intel Core Ultra 5 322, 6 cores
- Display
- 16-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS touchscreen
- Memory
- 16GB DDR5
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
- Battery
- 68 Wh
- Weight
- 3.59 lb
- Ports
- USB-C, USB-A, HDMI 2.1
Prices and availability on Amazon change often.
Pros
- 16GB of memory and a 512GB SSD at the lowest Windows price here
- Large touchscreen with a numeric keypad and backlit keyboard
- Wi-Fi 7 and a 1080p camera with a privacy shutter
Cons
- Screen resolution is 1920 x 1200, modest for a 16-inch panel
- Reviewers flagged the touchpad on other OmniBook 5 models
- Sold by a third-party seller, and this is a different configuration from the models reviewers praised
Read our full take
Why we like it
Reviewers rate the OmniBook 5 line as an affordable Windows pick. This listing is a different configuration, so judge it on its own specs: 16GB of memory, a 512GB SSD and a 16-inch touchscreen for the lowest Windows price on this page.
Expect a roomy but not especially sharp screen, and check the touchpad feel if you can.
6Best Windows for work
Dell Pro 14 Plus (Ryzen 7 PRO 250)
A business-ready Windows laptop with Thunderbolt 4, HDMI and Ethernet built in.
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 250, 8 cores
- Display
- 14-inch WUXGA (1920 x 1200) IPS, 300 nits
- Memory
- 16GB LPDDR5X
- Storage
- 512GB PCIe SSD
- Battery
- 55 Wh
- Ports
- 2 Thunderbolt 4, HDMI 2.1, RJ-45
- OS
- Windows 11 Pro
Prices and availability on Amazon change often.
Pros
- Windows 11 Pro with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.1 and Ethernet
- Aluminum body with a backlit keyboard and IR camera
- 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage
Cons
- The sharper 2560 x 1600 screen a reviewer preferred is not part of this configuration
- Sold by a third-party seller
- Priced well above the HP for similar memory and storage
Read our full take
Why we like it
The Dell Pro 14 Plus suits offices that run on Windows. It adds Windows 11 Pro, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.1 and an Ethernet jack, which most thin laptops skip.
The screen is 1920 x 1200 at 300 nits, so it is not the higher-resolution panel a reviewer favored on another Dell 14 Plus configuration.
FAQ
Who each laptop is for?
- Most people, students and remote workers: MacBook Air 13-inch (M5).
- Tight budgets and light use: MacBook Neo, if you can live with 8GB of memory.
- Anyone who wants more screen: MacBook Air 15-inch (M5).
- Creative and engineering professionals: MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max).
- Windows on a budget: HP OmniBook 5 16.
- Windows for the office: Dell Pro 14 Plus.
Which configuration to buy?
Compare laptops by their starting configuration, since storage and memory differ between models that look alike. Memory matters most for long workdays: reviewers call the MacBook Neo's 8GB a major drawback, and advise skipping 8GB versions of other laptops in favor of 16GB. Storage is the next thing to check, since a 256GB drive fills up quickly.
Battery figures on these listings are manufacturer claims, so read them as best-case numbers. If you are on the move a lot, weight and ports matter as much as battery life.
What should you skip?
- Marketing, fake sales and knockoff brands on Amazon. Compare real specs and check who the seller is.
- Very cheap laptops. Reviewers say they usually cut corners on the screen and touchpad.
- The MacBook Pro unless your work is heavy. Reviewers say it is built for professionals, not everyone.
- The cheapest Mac if you work at a computer eight hours a day. Reviewers say the Air is the better choice.
What is the best laptop to buy in 2026?
The MacBook Air 13-inch with the M5 chip is our top pick. Both expert reviews we read start with it for most people, thanks to its performance, thin fanless body and battery that lasts well over a full workday. If you prefer Windows, the HP OmniBook 5 16 and Dell Pro 14 Plus are the options on this page.
What is the best laptop for the money right now?
The MacBook Neo is the cheapest laptop on this list, and reviewers say it has the best screen at its price. The trade-off is 8GB of memory plus slower storage and ports, so it suits lighter use. For Windows, the HP OmniBook 5 16 is the lowest-priced option here. Reviewers also warn that very cheap laptops usually compromise on the screen and touchpad.
What are the top 5 laptops?
In order on this page: the MacBook Air 13-inch (M5), MacBook Neo, MacBook Air 15-inch (M5), MacBook Pro 16-inch (M5 Max) and HP OmniBook 5 16. Together they cover everyday use, tight budgets, big screens, pro work and Windows value. The Dell Pro 14 Plus rounds out the page for business users.
What is the best laptop for work in 2026?
If you sit at a computer for eight hours a day, reviewers say the MacBook Air beats the MacBook Neo, citing its extra memory, faster storage, stronger performance and Thunderbolt ports. For Windows offices, the Dell Pro 14 Plus adds Windows 11 Pro, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI 2.1 and Ethernet. The MacBook Pro is the pick for heavy creative or engineering work.
Why trust BullseyeBuy
How we made this guide
- 2 expert reviews read
- 10 Amazon listings checked
- 7 laptops compared
The shortlist compares 10 in-stock Amazon listings covering 7 laptops, weighing chip, memory, storage, screen, battery and ports against what expert reviews say about each line. Every pick is available on Amazon right now, and the order favors the laptops that reviewers recommend most widely.
Our expert team tests products when it is needed and researches online and in interviews. Every guide is fact-checked and edited by a real person.
The BullseyeBuy editorial team · Updated Oct 17, 2026
Checking our work: 6 sources
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