The Best MacBook to Buy in 2026: A Comparison

MacBooks are easy to recommend because they have fast performance and good build quality. They also have a polished operating system. This makes them a good choice for many users. They are also quiet and have good battery life.

All MacBook models got a price increase this summer, but they are still good value. We tested them for performance, battery life, and build quality. Here are our recommendations for different types of users.

These are the best tech products, including laptops and other devices, that we recommend.

The 15-inch M5 MacBook Air is the best MacBook for most people. It is a good ultraportable with premium features and enough power for everyday use. It is also future-proofed.

The 13-inch M5 MacBook Air is another option, which is cheaper and more portable. It is a good choice for college students.

The MacBook Neo is a good choice for budget shoppers and casual users. It is not as fast as the MacBook Air, but it is well-made and a good performer for its price.

The 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro is the best choice for users who need more power and features. It has better thermal management, more ports, and a smoother display. However, it is more expensive.

Topics: Apple MacBook

In August 2026, we updated this guide to reflect the new MacBook prices. We also added the 13-inch M5 MacBook Air as a new pick for college students.

In May 2026, we added the results of our battery life testing for the M5 MacBook Air. It lasted for 17 hours and 40 minutes.

Apple increased MacBook prices in June 2026 due to the global memory crunch. The MacBook Air is now $200 more expensive, while the Neo is $100 more.

The memory crunch is also causing a MacBook Air shortage. According to Bloomberg, Apple is struggling to keep the laptop in stock.

If you don't mind the shipping delay, Apple's back-to-school promotion is now live. You can get a free gift card worth up to $150 when you buy a new MacBook Air or Pro.

You can now rent a MacBook instead of buying it. The Apple Upgrade program lets you lease a new MacBook Air or Pro for up to 36 months.

Apple is working on new MacBooks, including a MacBook Pro with an OLED touchscreen. The OLED MacBook Pro could arrive as soon as this October.

Mashable has been writing about laptops for over a decade. I've been covering them since 2023 and helped develop our testing process.

We test laptops by using them as our primary computers. We also subject them to a stress test and measure their CPU performance.

We conduct a battery rundown test to gauge a laptop's stamina. We play a looped video at 50 percent brightness and 50 percent volume.

We evaluate a laptop's build quality by assessing its display, keyboard, touchpad, webcam, speakers, and ports. We also consider its aesthetic and portability.

We determine a laptop's value by comparing its performance, design, and battery life to other laptops with similar pricing and specs.

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