The MacBook Air remains the gold standard for students, writers, and remote workers who prioritize a quiet, lightweight machine.
: The 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch Liquid Retina displays are bright (500 nits) but lack the deep blacks and 120Hz smoothness of the Pro models.
: The fanless design is completely silent. While the M5 chip is powerful enough for 4K video editing, it may throttle performance during long renders to manage heat.
: At 2.7 lbs (13-inch) or 3.3 lbs (15-inch), these are significantly easier to carry than Pro models. Best MacBooks We've Tested (April 2026) - CNET
The best Apple laptop for most people in early 2026 is the . It offers the ideal balance of portability, speed, and battery life for everyday tasks. For professional users, the 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) is the top choice due to its superior display, cooling for sustained performance, and expanded port selection. Comparison Table: At a Glance (2026 Models) MacBook Neo 13-inch MacBook Air (M5) 15-inch MacBook Air (M5) 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5) 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) Best For Students & Budget Most Users Large Screen Value Mobile Power Users Ultimate Workstation Starting Price Processor A18 Pro (iPhone chip) Starting RAM Storage Refresh Rate 120Hz ProMotion 120Hz ProMotion Top Recommendations by User Type 1. The Everyman’s Choice: MacBook Air (M5)