Best MacBook for 2026: Air vs Pro vs Neo compared

Macworld · November 2, 2026

Macworld Apple sells several MacBook models across different sizes, prices, and performance levels, so choosing the right one depends on your budget, the type of work you do, and how much power you actually need. In this in-depth guide, we explain which MacBook is best for different users, compare the latest MacBook Air , MacBook Neo and the MacBook Pro models (with and without touchscreen), and help you decide how much RAM and how much storage you really need. Choosing a MacBook Pro now involves two decisions: how much processing power you need, and which display you want. The entry-level 14-inch model uses the M6 chip, while more demanding users can choose M5 Pro or M5 Max configurations with either a non-touch Liquid Retina XDR display or a PROLED XDR OLED touchscreen. For most people, the MacBook Air remains our recommended starting point. If you need a Pro, choose the chip, memory and storage around your workload, then consider whether the touchscreen model’s OLED display and lighter design justify the extra cost. In this article, we’ll help you decide whether a MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, or MacBook Neo is the best fit for your needs. Which MacBook is right for you? In 2026, Apple’s laptop lineup spans five main choices: the budget-friendly MacBook Neo, the mainstream MacBook Air, the M6 MacBook Pro, the high-performance M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro and the touchscreen versions of those MacBook Pro models. Best for basic use and tight budgets : MacBook Neo is ideal for students, casual browsing, streaming, and light productivity at the lowest entry price. Best for most people : MacBook Air (M5)
 offers the best mix of portability, battery life, silent operation, and everyday performance. Best for those who want a superior display and extra ports : The MacBook Pro (M6) offers professional-grade features without the extreme power of the M5 Pro or M5 Max chips. Best for professionals and power users : MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/Max) is best for demanding workflows such as 4K video editing, 3D work, heavy multitasking, and software development. Best for high-end creative professionals : Suited to those who work extensively on their laptop’s built-in display and need direct touch interaction. Use the table below to quickly find the MacBook that best suit your needs, or read on for more detailed guide to help you choose the best MacBook for your specific needs. Model Best For Screen sizes Starting Price Buy MacBook Neo Students, casual users, and first-time buyers. 13-inch $699 Amazon / Apple MacBook Air (M5) Most people: everyday performance and portability. 13.6-inch or 15.3-inch $1,299 / $1,499 Amazon / Apple MacBook Pro (M6) A better display, more ports, and sustained performance. 14.2-inch $1,999 Amazon / Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/Max) Demanding creative work, development, and heavier workloads. 14.2-inch or 16.2-inch $2,499 / $4,099 Amazon / Apple Touchscreen MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/Max) High-end creative professionals who need OLED and touch interaction. 14.2-inch or 16.3-inch $2,899 / $4,499 Amazon / Apple The best Mac for various use cases. If you’re also wondering whether it’s the right time to buy, read our guide: Should you buy the MacBook Air now or wait? Which MacBook is best in 2026 Below we recommend the best MacBooks for various users, from students and every day users, to professionals, creatives and content creators. We also compare MacBook Air or MacBook Pro for those wondering which model to buy. Below this section you can find general advice about choosing the best specs, including screen size , when purchasing a new Mac. Apple 13-inch/15-inch MacBook Air (M5, 2026) – Best MacBook for most people Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The MacBook Air (M5) is the best MacBook for most buyers because it offers the strongest balance of price, portability, battery life, and performance. The 13-inch MacBook Air is light, quiet, fast enough for everyday work, and easier to recommend than any other Mac laptop. The latest version, updated in March 2026, keeps the same winning formula while improving storage and connectivity. There is also a 15-inch version for anyone who wants a larger screen. What’s new The latest MacBook Air features the M5 chip, base storage is 512GB, and it supports newer wireless standards including Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Why we recommend the MacBook Air Excellent balance of performance and portability Silent fanless design Long battery life Strong everyday performance for work, school, and travel Now ships with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage as standard Sizes The MacBook Air comes in two sizes: 13-inch MacBook Air , 13.6-inch screen: Best for portability 15-inch MacBook Air , 15.3-inch screen: Better for multitasking and split-screen work Display As you can see from the above measurements, the display, when measured diagonally is a little larger than the standard naming would suggest. As a result the 13-inch MacBook Air display is actually larger than that on the 13-inch MacBook Neo, discussed below. The MacBook Air uses a bright Liquid Retina display, but it still lacks the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate and HDR capabilities found on MacBook Pro models. Performance The M5 chip in the MacBook Air is fast enough for office work, school tasks, web apps, multitasking, and light creative work. Because the Air has no fan, though, performance can dip during long video exports or other sustained heavy workloads so that the temperature remains optimal. Battery life Battery life is excellent, making the Air a great choice for anyone who works away from a desk. It offers more battery life than the budget-friendly MacBook Neo, but falls short of the 14-inch MacBook Pro. Other specs You get MagSafe 3 for charging and two Thunderbolt 4 ports. The MacBook Air also supports up to two external displays. (Older M1 and M2 models were limited to one external monitor). 16GB RAM to 32GB RAM From 512GB to 4TB SSD Price Apple put MacBook Air prices up by $200 in June 2026. 13-inch MacBook Air : Now starts at $1,299/£1,299 15-inch MacBook Air : Now starts at $1,499/£1,499 What to know before buying The Air’s biggest limitation is sustained performance. It is quick for most tasks, but it is not the right machine for users who regularly push their system for long periods. The MacBook Air is likely to soon adopt the M6 chip as used in the entry-level MacBook Pro, Mac mini and iMac. Read our full Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M5, 2026) review Apple MacBook Neo – Best budget MacBook Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The MacBook Neo is the cheapest way to buy a Mac laptop in 2026. Now starting at $699 (which is unfortunately $100 more than it was when Apple launched it in March), it is aimed at students, first-time Mac buyers, and casual users who mainly browse the web, stream video, join video calls, and work in basic apps. Despite its lower price, it still looks and feels like a MacBook, with an all-aluminum design and a lightweight chassis. Who is MacBook Neo for? The MacBook Neo is best for people whose computing needs are simple: web browsing, email, documents, streaming, and schoolwork. Why we recommend MacBook Neo Lowest price in the lineup Light and portable Quiet fanless design Good battery life Fast enough for basic everyday use Sizes The MacBook Neo comes in just one size: 13-inch MacBook Neo , 13-inch screen Display Like the MacBook Air the MacBook Neo offers a Liquid Retina display with max 500 nits brightness, but that’s where the similarities end. The display is slightly smaller than the display on the 13-inch MacBook Air, offering 2,408 by 1,506 pixels compared to 2,560 by 1,664 pixels. It also lacks the wide color P3 and True Tone technology of the other MacBooks, offering only sRGB color. Performance The MacBook Neo is powered by the A18 Pro chip – the same processor first introduced with the iPhone 16 Pro. While it is a mobile-class chip, its performance is optimized for a laptop environment, offering a highly responsive experience for everyday productivity. In our tests it proved faster than the M3 in single-core, while equal to the M1 when it came to multi-core performance and graphics. Battery life The MacBook Neo should comfortably last a working day of general productivity. In our video-loop battery test, with screen brightness set to 150 nits, it lasted 13 hours and 15 minutes. Apple advertises up to 16 hours of video streaming or 11 hours of wireless web browsing. More demanding tasks will drain the battery faster. Other specs You get two USB-C ports, but these are not identical in capability, one being USB 3 and the other USB 2. See MacBook Neo ports explained . The MacBook Neo only supports one external display with a resolution of up to 4K at 60Hz. 8GB RAM 256GB or 512GB SSD Price Starts at $699/£699 Education pricing is now $649/£649 What to know before buying The Neo makes several trade-offs to achieve its low price, including the absence of a backlit keyboard, a limited selection of ports, and no Touch ID on the base model. It also features a lower-quality display compared to the Air and Pro, offers less memory with a maximum of 8GB RAM, and delivers lower sustained performance than M-series MacBooks. For many buyers, the 512GB, $799 model represents better value, as it includes Touch ID and additional storage. Alternatives The MacBook Neo is the best budget MacBook, but it is best suited to light workloads. If you can spend more, the MacBook Air remains the better long-term buy for most people. Another option, if a low price is your top priority, is a refurbished MacBook . Look out for clearance deals on older Apple silicon MacBooks, but avoid the older Intel-based models. See: MacBook Pro deals and MacBook Air deals . Read our full Apple MacBook Neo review Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M6, 2026) – Best step up from the MacBook Air Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The 14-inch M6 MacBook Pro is worth considering if you want more features than the MacBook Air offers without paying for an M5 Pro or M5 Max. Its active cooling suits longer workloads, while its HDR display and additional ports are useful for creative work. Why we recommend the M6 MacBook Pro Active cooling for sustained workloads ProMotion and HDR display HDMI and an SDXC card slot Lower starting price than the Pro and Max models Sizes The M6 model comes in one size: a 14.2-inch screen. Display The non-touch Liquid Retina XDR display uses mini-LED technology, with up to 1,600 nits peak HDR brightness and adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. Performance The M6 has a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU. Choose it for everyday work and creative projects; consider M5 Pro or M5 Max configurations when you need greater graphics or memory capacity. Battery life Apple rates it for up to 24 hours of video streaming or 16 hours of wireless web browsing. Actual endurance depends on your workload. Other specs 16GB, 24GB or 32GB unified memory 1TB, 2TB or 4TB SSD Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe and headphone jack Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 Price Starts at $1,999/£1,999. What to know before buying Compare an Air with matching memory and storage before buying. Choose the Pro if its display, connections and cooling justify the premium. For OLED and touch, you’ll need a PROLED XDR model. Apple 14-inch/16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/M5 Max, non-touchscreen, 2026) – Best for professional performance Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide If you regularly edit high-resolution video, compile large code projects or run demanding professional software, the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro or M5 Max offers more performance and memory capacity than the MacBook Air. These non-touchscreen models are particularly worth considering if processing power matters more than OLED or touchscreen input. They offer the same chip options as the PROLED XDR versions at a lower starting price. Why we recommend the non-touchscreen MacBook Pro Active cooling for demanding sustained workloads Powerful CPU and GPU configurations Bright mini-LED display with ProMotion and HDR Thunderbolt 5, HDMI and an SDXC card slot Lower price than equivalent touchscreen models Sizes There are two sizes to choose from: 14-inch MacBook Pro , 14.2-inch screen: Easier to carry between locations. 16-inch MacBook Pro , 16.2-inch screen: More room for timelines, tool palettes and side-by-side apps. Display Both sizes feature a non-touch Liquid Retina XDR display. The mini-LED panel offers up to 1,000 nits sustained full-screen XDR brightness, 1,600 nits peak HDR brightness, P3 wide color and ProMotion adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. Performance There are two chip families to choose from: M5 Pro: The sensible starting point for demanding photo editing, software development, video editing and heavier multitasking. M5 Max: Worth considering for complex 3D work, high-end video production and workloads requiring more GPU power or memory. M5 Pro configurations offer up to an 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU. M5 Max has an 18-core CPU and a choice of 32-core or 40-core GPU. Battery life Apple’s video-streaming ratings vary by size and chip: 14-inch M5 Pro: Up to 22 hours. 14-inch M5 Max: Up to 20 hours. 16-inch M5 Pro: Up to 24 hours. 16-inch M5 Max: Up to 22 hours. These are Apple’s ratings; demanding professional workloads will reduce battery life. Other specs M5 Pro: From 24GB to 64GB unified memory, depending on configuration; 1TB to 4TB SSD. M5 Max: From 36GB to 128GB unified memory, depending on configuration; 2TB to 8TB SSD. Three Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe and a headphone jack. Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Price Starting prices are: 14-inch M5 Pro: $2,499/£2,499. 16-inch M5 Pro: $2,999/£2,999. 14-inch M5 Max: $4,099/£4,099. 16-inch M5 Max: $4,399/£4,399. What to know before buying These models are a strong choice if you want Pro or Max performance while keeping costs down, especially if you mainly use an external monitor. Compare retailer discounts with the touchscreen versions: the difference may exceed their $400/£400 starting-price premium. Choose memory carefully because it cannot be upgraded later. The maximum memory capacity also depends on the chip configuration. Apple 14-inch/16-inch MacBook Pro PROLED XDR (M5 Pro/M5 Max, touchscreen 2026) – Best for OLED and touch Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide The MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display combines M5 Pro or M5 Max performance with an OLED touchscreen and a thinner, lighter design. It is worth considering if you spend much of your working day using your laptop’s built-in screen. The premium buys display and design improvements rather than a newer processor generation. Equivalent non-touchscreen models retain the same M5 Pro and M5 Max chip options. Why we recommend considering the touchscreen MacBook Pro Tandem OLED display with P3 and Adobe RGB color support Direct touchscreen input alongside the keyboard and trackpad Lighter design than equivalent non-touchscreen models ProMotion adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz Up to 16TB of storage with M5 Max Sizes There are two sizes to choose from: 14-inch MacBook Pro , 14.2-inch screen: The more portable option, starting at 1.38kg. 16-inch MacBook Pro , 16.3-inch screen: More workspace for creative apps, starting at 1.82kg. Display Both sizes feature a tandem OLED PROLED XDR touchscreen. Apple specifies up to 1,000 nits sustained full-screen brightness and 2,000 nits peak brightness for HDR content and outdoor SDR use. The display supports P3 and Adobe RGB color, True Tone and ProMotion adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. Dynamic Island replaces the notch. Touch adds another way to scroll, zoom and interact with content while retaining the built-in keyboard and Force Touch trackpad. Performance Choose between the same chip families offered in the non-touchscreen professional models: M5 Pro: Suitable for demanding photo editing, software development, video editing and heavier multitasking. M5 Max: For more intensive graphics, high-end video production, 3D work and workloads requiring larger memory configurations. Choose the chip around your workload, then decide whether the display and lighter design justify the extra cost. Battery life Apple advertises the same video-streaming endurance as equivalent non-touchscreen models: 14-inch M5 Pro: Up to 22 hours. 14-inch M5 Max: Up to 20 hours. 16-inch M5 Pro: Up to 24 hours. 16-inch M5 Max: Up to 22 hours. These figures are Apple’s ratings, rather than our independent test results. Other specs M5 Pro: From 24GB to 64GB unified memory, depending on configuration; 1TB to 4TB SSD. M5 Max: From 36GB to 128GB unified memory, depending on configuration; 2TB to 16TB SSD. Three Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe and a headphone jack. Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Price Starting prices are: 14-inch M5 Pro: $2,899/£2,899. 16-inch M5 Pro: $3,399/£3,399. 14-inch M5 Max: $4,499/£4,499. 16-inch M5 Max: $4,799/£4,799. Each starts at $400/£400 more than its equivalent non-touchscreen model. What to know before buying The combination of OLED, touch and reduced weight may justify the premium if you regularly work on the built-in screen. If you mainly use an external monitor, a non-touchscreen model could offer better value. Our recommendation remains provisional pending independent testing of display quality, touch controls, app support and everyday usability. MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: Which should you buy? The M5 MacBook Air and M6 MacBook Pro are different in some significant ways. Foundry The MacBook Air is our recommendation for most people, offering enough performance for everyday work and light creative projects in a thin, light, silent design. Choose the MacBook Pro if you regularly run demanding workloads or will benefit from its better display and additional ports. The closest comparison is between the M5 MacBook Air and 14-inch M6 MacBook Pro. For more demanding professional work, the MacBook Pro also offers M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with a choice of non-touchscreen or PROLED XDR touchscreen displays. Performance: Do you need a MacBook Pro? The M5 MacBook Air is well suited to web browsing, office apps, studying, photo editing, and occasional video projects. Using creative software doesn’t automatically mean you need a Pro: the size of your projects and how frequently you run demanding tasks matter more. The M6 MacBook Pro combines a newer chip generation with active cooling. Its fans help it sustain performance during lengthy video exports, code compilation, and other intensive tasks. The Air’s fanless design keeps it completely silent, but performance can fall during prolonged heavy workloads. If these demanding tasks make up much of your working day, consider an M5 Pro or M5 Max MacBook Pro. These offer greater processing, graphics, and memory capacity than the standard M6 model. A newer chip generation doesn’t automatically make the M6 the more powerful choice. Display and ports: What does the Pro add? The MacBook Air’s Liquid Retina display is suitable for everyday work, with 500 nits brightness and a 60Hz refresh rate. You can choose a 13-inch model for portability or a 15-inch model for more workspace. The M6 MacBook Pro’s 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display adds mini-LED technology, deeper contrast, brighter HDR highlights, and ProMotion adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. These features are particularly useful for viewing and editing HDR content, although you don’t need to be a creative professional to appreciate the screen. The M6 Pro also provides three Thunderbolt 4 ports, HDMI, and an SDXC card slot. The Air has two Thunderbolt 4 ports, so connecting memory cards, HDMI displays, or several accessories may require adapters or a dock. For an OLED touchscreen, choose a PROLED XDR MacBook Pro with an M5 Pro or M5 Max chip. Touchscreen availability is a separate consideration from how much processing power you need. Portability, battery life, and price The Air is thinner and lighter, making it the stronger choice if you carry your laptop regularly. The 15-inch Air is also worth considering if you want a larger screen without the weight and expense of a 16-inch Pro. The M6 MacBook Pro has a higher advertised battery-life rating, although actual endurance depends on your workload. Both models are suitable for working away from a power socket. The Air costs less, but compare configurations with matching memory and storage before deciding. The M6 Pro starts with more storage, which narrows the price difference if you would otherwise upgrade the Air. Our buying advice: Air or Pro? Buy the MacBook Air for everyday work, studying, travel, and light creative projects. It offers the best balance of performance, portability, and price for most buyers. Buy the M6 MacBook Pro if you want its HDR display, additional ports, longer advertised battery life, or better sustained performance. Choose an M5 Pro or M5 Max MacBook Pro for demanding professional workloads that justify more processing power, graphics performance, or memory. Consider the PROLED XDR version if you also want OLED and touch. The table below compares the M5 MacBook Air with the entry-level M6 MacBook Pro: Feature MacBook Air, M5 MacBook Pro, M6 Starting Price $1,299 $1,999 Display 13.6″ or 15.3″ Liquid Retina (500 nits) 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR; 1,600 nits peak HDR, ProMotion up to 120Hz Processor M5 M6 Battery Life Up to 18 hours Up to 24 hours Ports 2x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe 3× Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe Cooling Fanless Active cooling SSD 512GB–4TB 1TB–4TB RAM 16GB–32GB 16GB–32GB Comparing the MacBook Air and entry-level MacBook Pro. Best MacBook for specialist cases Not everyone will fit into one of the categories we have addressed above. If you work in the creative industries, development, machine learning, or software engineering, or other high performance use, we’ll address the best MacBook for you next. Best MacBook for video editing: 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro (non-touchscreen, M5 Pro/Max) We recommend: Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 2026) The MacBook Pro is the best MacBook for video editing and creative work, especially if you regularly work with large files, high-resolution footage, or GPU-heavy apps. These models are built for demanding workflows and offer the sustained performance, display quality, memory headroom, and connectivity that creative professionals need. The following are reasons why creatives choose the MacBook Pro: Active cooling for long renders Stronger GPU performance Higher RAM ceiling Better display for color-critical work Better external monitor support Runs: Final Cut Pro, Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve and more Best MacBook for creative professionals: 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro (touchscreen, M5 Pro/Max) We recommend: Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro PROLED XDR (M5 Pro, 2026) Photographers, video editors, and designers who rely on color accuracy and contrast will see the most benefit from the PROLED XDR display. Best MacBook for developers: 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/Max) We recommend: Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 2026) For professional developers, the MacBook Pro remains the strongest option. It is better suited to large codebases, longer compile times, virtualization, multiple displays, and heavier sustained workloads. It offers a good balance of price and performance for most engineers. The following are reasons why developers choose the MacBook Pro: Better thermal management for long build sessions More RAM options Better support for external displays More overhead for containers, emulators, and heavier dev tools Best MacBook for heavy workloads: 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max) The M5 Max chip is best for AI development, complex simulations, or users who need the highest memory ceiling. We recommend: Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro PROLED XDR (M5 Max, 2026) Best MacBook for gamers: 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/Max) We recommend: Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 2026) While Windows PCs still hold a performance lead in raw frames per second, Apple Silicon has made high-end gaming a viable reality on macOS, particularly with the latest Pro and Max models. The M5 Pro MacBook Pro, updated in March 2026, strikes a balance for those who need “oomph” for gaming without the extreme price tag of the M5 Max version of the MacBook Pro. It includes Thunderbolt 5 ports for high-speed data transfer and supports more unified memory than the base M5. It is specifically recommended for “serious gaming” and moderate media production. The M5 Pro model lacks the massive GPU core count of the Max chip, meaning it may struggle with the highest settings on the most demanding AAA titles like Cyberpunk 2077. In our real-world gaming benchmarks, it provides “good results” for Mac users, even if it still faces a gap compared to dedicated PC gaming rigs. See our round up of the Best Games for Mac to see which A-list games are available to play. Is MacBook Air good enough? Eugen Wegmann The MacBook Air may suffice in some cases: Creatives : The Air works well for light creative work, especially photo editing, design, and shorter video projects. It is not as strong in sustained workloads, but it is much easier to carry and costs less. Development : The MacBook Air is still a good choice for lighter software development, especially for web development, scripting, and general programming. It is best for developers who prioritize portability over maximum sustained speed. Gaming : The M5 MacBook Air features a third-generation ray-tracing engine and enhanced shader cores, which Apple says improves 3D rendering and gaming tasks. However, in our tests the lack of active cooling caused performance to dip after playing for 10 minutes or so. You can play casual games just fine, but for a variety of reasons, if you’re into AAA gaming, the Air isn’t the best choice. What about MacBook Neo? If your budget is much tighter and your needs are basic, the MacBook Neo is the entry point. It gives you macOS at a much lower price, but with more compromises than the Air. If you choose the Neo we recommend the 512GB version. We recommend: Apple MacBook Neo (512GB) Other MacBook buying decisions to consider When buying a MacBook, it’s important to consider how you will use it, as this will determine the right balance of performance, portability, and price. Key factors to consider include which chip you require, how much RAM you will need for multitasking, and the size of the SSD required for storage, all of which cannot be upgraded later. Screen size affects portability and productivity, screen quality is key for creative work, while battery life matters if you work on the go. You should also think about weight, port selection, and long-term value to ensure the device meets your needs both now and in the future. In the next section we’ll examine these elements of the buying decision. Best MacBook display and screen size Foundry The best MacBook screen size depends on how much portability, screen space, and display quality you need. Best MacBook screen sizes Best size for most people: 13-inch MacBook Air or 14-inch MacBook Pro Best size for portability: 13-inch MacBook Air or MacBook Neo Best all-around Pro size: 14-inch MacBook Pro Best large-screen option without Pro pricing: 15-inch MacBook Air Best for maximum workspace: 16-inch MacBook Pro How many screens are supported The 13-inch and 14-inch MacBooks offer the best balance of portability and usability. The larger 15-inch and 16-inch options are ideal if you want more room for spreadsheets, side-by-side apps, or general multitasking. These displays can run alongside the built-in screen. The M5 Pro and M5 Max limits apply to both touchscreen and non-touchscreen models. MacBook Neo : Supports only one external display up to 4K at 60Hz. MacBook Air (M5): Supports up to two external displays at 6K/60Hz. MacBook Pro (M6): Supports up to two external displays at 6K/60Hz. MacBook Pro (M5 Pro): Supports up to three external displays, each at 6K/60Hz. MacBook Pro (M5 Max): Supports up to four external displays, each at 6K/60Hz. For more advice read: How to use two or more monitors to a Mac . MacBook displays: Liquid Retina, Liquid Retina XDR and PROLED XDR Apple’s MacBooks offer three main display types. The most useful differences are brightness, contrast, refresh rate and touchscreen support. Liquid Retina: MacBook Neo and MacBook Air These displays suit everyday work, web browsing and watching videos. They have a fixed 60Hz refresh rate and don’t support touch. The Air’s display also supports the wider P3 color gamut, making it a better choice than the Neo for color-sensitive work. Liquid Retina XDR: Non-touchscreen MacBook Pro The M6 MacBook Pro and non-touchscreen M5 Pro and M5 Max models use mini-LED displays. These offer higher contrast and brighter HDR highlights than the Air, plus ProMotion adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz for smoother scrolling and motion. PROLED XDR: Touchscreen MacBook Pro The touchscreen M5 Pro and M5 Max models use OLED displays. OLED controls light at the individual pixel level, producing deep blacks without the backlight blooming that can occur with mini-LED. These models also support direct touchscreen input. You can compare the screen options in the table below: Model Screen Size Display Name Max Brightness Color Gamut Refresh Rate Display Technology Touchscreen True Tone MacBook Neo 13-inch Liquid Retina 500 nits sRGB 60Hz LCD No No MacBook Air 13.6-inch Liquid Retina 500 nits P3 Wide Color 60Hz LCD No Yes MacBook Air 15.3-inch Liquid Retina 500 nits P3 Wide Color 60Hz LCD No Yes MacBook Pro 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR 1,600 nits (Peak HDR) P3 Wide Color ProMotion, up to 120Hz Mini-LED LCD No Yes MacBook Pro 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR 1,600 nits (Peak HDR) P3 Wide Color ProMotion, up to 120Hz Mini-LED LCD No Yes MacBook Pro 14.2-inch PROLED XDR 2,000 nits (Peak HDR) P3 + Adobe RGB ProMotion, up to 120Hz Tandem OLED Yes Yes MacBook Pro 16.3-inch PROLED XDR 2,000 nits (Peak HDR) P3 + Adobe RGB ProMotion, up to 120Hz Tandem OLED Yes Yes How the screens compare across Apple’s range of MacBooks. For most people, the Air’s display is sufficient. Choose a Liquid Retina XDR model if HDR brightness and ProMotion matter to your work. Consider PROLED XDR if you particularly value OLED’s contrast or want touchscreen input. Is the touchscreen MacBook Pro worth paying extra for? The touchscreen MacBook Pro starts at $400/£400 more than an equivalent non-touch M5 Pro or M5 Max model. That premium buys display and design improvements, with the same processor options. What the premium gets you A tandem OLED display: The PROLED XDR screen offers higher contrast and adds Adobe RGB alongside P3 color support. This may be particularly valuable for photographers, video editors and designers who regularly use the built-in display. Touchscreen input: Scroll, pinch to zoom and interact directly with content onscreen, alongside the keyboard and trackpad. Its usefulness will depend on your apps and how you prefer to work. A thinner, lighter design: The 14-inch model weighs approximately half a pound less than its non-touch equivalent. Both sizes also replace the notch with Dynamic Island. When it’s worth the extra money The premium is easiest to justify if you spend much of your working day using the laptop’s own screen. The combination of OLED, wider color support and touch could make it a more useful workspace, while the reduced weight benefits anyone who frequently carries their MacBook. You don’t have to want touch to appreciate the other improvements. As Macworld’s Roman Loyola argues, the display may be the more compelling upgrade . When to choose a non-touch model If you mainly work with an external monitor, the upgraded built-in display offers less benefit. A non-touch M5 Pro or M5 Max can provide the processing power and memory you need at a lower price. Touch also won’t suit every workflow. Reaching across the keyboard may be less comfortable than using the trackpad for extended periods, so consider how often you would actually use it. Compare matching chip, memory and storage configurations before deciding: retailer discounts could make the price difference larger than $400/£400. Which is the best MacBook for battery life? The 14-inch M6 MacBook Pro and 16-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro share Apple’s highest advertised video-streaming rating, at up to 24 hours. For wireless web browsing, the 16-inch M5 Pro leads at up to 17 hours. The MacBook Air offers a lighter, less expensive option, with both sizes rated for up to 18 hours of video streaming or 15 hours of web browsing. The budget-friendly MacBook Neo has lower advertised endurance, at 16 hours and 11 hours, respectively. See: MacBook Air, Pro and Neo batteries compared. You can compare Apple’s advertised battery-life ratings in the table below: Model/chip Apple video streaming (up to) Apple wireless web browsing (up to) 13-inch MacBook Neo, A18 Pro 16 hours 11 hours 13-inch MacBook Air, M5 18 hours 15 hours 15-inch MacBook Air, M5 18 hours 15 hours 14-inch MacBook Pro, M6 24 hours 16 hours 14-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Pro 22 hours 14 hours 14-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Max 20 hours 13 hours 16-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Pro 24 hours 17 hours 16-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Max 22 hours 16 hours M5 Pro and M5 Max ratings apply to both touchscreen and non-touchscreen models of the corresponding size. How much RAM do you need? For most buyers in 2026, 16GB of RAM should be the minimum. That is the sweet spot for a MacBook you plan to keep for several years. However, the MacBook Neo ships with only 8GB RAM, and there are no options to upgrade this capacity at the time of purchase or later. Whether this is enough RAM depends entirely on your specific use case, as the device is positioned as a budget-friendly entry point into the Mac ecosystem. For the target audience – students, teachers, and casual users – 8GB of RAM should be sufficient for general productivity. A significant concern regarding the 8GB capacity is its long-term viability. MacBook memory is not upgradeable after purchase. If you expect to keep your laptop for a long time, it is worth buying more RAM upfront if your budget allows. RAM recommendations by user type Casual users and students : 16GB recommended. 8GB is workable for very light use, but not ideal for longevity. Creative work and gaming : 24GB to 32GB is the safer target. Professionals and AI-heavy workflows : 48GB to 128GB, depending on workload. You can compare RAM options in the table below: MacBook Model Base RAM Maximum RAM MacBook Neo 8GB 8GB 13-inch & 15-inch MacBook Air (M5) 16GB 32GB 14-inch MacBook Pro (M6) 16GB 32GB 14-inch & 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) 24GB 64GB 14-inch & 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max) 36GB 128GB Compare RAM allocation across Apple’s range of MacBooks. How much storage do you need for a MacBook? 256GB : Fine for cloud-first users with light local storage needs, but it can fill up quickly. 512GB : The better starting point for most people. It gives you more breathing room for apps, files, photos, and offline media. 1TB or more : Best for media professionals, developers with larger local workloads, or anyone who works with large files regularly. Determining the best storage capacity for a MacBook depends heavily on your specific workflow, as internal storage cannot be upgraded after purchase. While Apple previously offered 256GB as a baseline, most current models now start at 512GB or 1TB to accommodate the increasing space requirements of modern operating systems and applications. For most buyers, 512GB is the practical minimum if the budget allows. Experts now generally advise against 256GB drives for primary machines. Furthermore, SSDs can slow down significantly as they fill up. A common rule of thumb is to buy at least twice the capacity of what you need to store to maintain performance. Storage (SSD) recommendations by user type Casual users and students : 512GB recommended. Sufficient for documents, web browsing, and light media use. General Productivity : 512GB to 1TB recommended. For users with moderate photo libraries and some video projects. Creative Professionals : 1TB to 2TB+ recommended. Necessary for 4K video editing, large high-resolution photo libraries, and professional audio suites. High-End Workflows : 4TB to 8TB recommended. For 3D animation, AI development, and massive video production projects. Is there a difference between SSDs in Apple’s MacBooks There are significant differences in SSD performance, capacity, and technology across the current MacBook lineup. In March 2026, Apple introduced faster storage technologies for the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models. The most notable differences lie in the read/write speeds, which vary based on the model’s processor and the physical capacity of the drive: MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/Max) : The M5 Pro and Max models, released in March 2026, feature the fastest internal storage in the lineup. Apple claims these SSDs are up to twice as fast as the previous generation. MacBook Pro (M6) : Apple describes the SSD in the M6 model as “Superfast”. With the arrival of the M5 in 2025 Apple claimed it delivered up to 2x faster read/write performance than its predecessors. MacBook Air (M5) : The M5 MacBook Air also received a similar storage speed boost with the March 2026 update. MacBook Neo: The MacBook Neo uses a slower SSD to maintain its lower price point. Compare storage options in the table below: MacBook Model Base Storage Maximum Storage MacBook Neo 256GB 512GB MacBook Air (M5) 512GB 4TB MacBook Pro (M6) 1TB 4TB MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) 1TB 4TB MacBook Pro (M5 Max) 2TB 8TB non-touch / 16TB touchscreen Compare SSD options for MacBooks. Which MacBook chip should you choose? Choosing the right MacBook chip in 2026 depends on your specific workflow, ranging from basic productivity to high-end professional creative work. Apple’s current lineup features the M5 family (M5, M5 Pro, and M5 Max) and the budget-friendly A18 Pro. Apple’s MacBook chips currently fall into four clear tiers. A18 Pro : Best for basic users who want the cheapest MacBook possible. M5 : Best for general users, students, and office work. M5 Pro : Best for photographers, editors, programmers, and users with heavier workloads. M5 Max : Best for high-end creative work, large AI models, 3D production, and anyone who needs the most performance possible in a MacBook. See our Mac processor comparison to find out how different generations of Mac chips compared. Compare processor and GPU options in the table below: Feature A18 Pro M5 M6 M5 Pro M5 Max MacBook models MacBook Neo MacBook Air MacBook Pro MacBook Pro (touch and non-touch) MacBook Pro (touch and non-touch) CPU Cores 6-core 10-core 12-core Up to 18-core 18-core GPU Cores 5-core Up to 10-core 12-core Up to 20-core Up to 40-core Max Memory 8GB 32GB 32GB 48GB 128GB Ports Support USB-C: one USB 3 port, one USB 2 port Thunderbolt 4 Thunderbolt 4 Thunderbolt 5 Thunderbolt 5 Best For Budget choice for students & basic tasks Mainstream choice for general consumers Creative work, better display and more ports Software development, 4K video editing, photo editing Extreme processing power, massive memory capacity Compare chip options for MacBook Air, Neo and Pro. FAQ 1. Which MacBook lasts the longest? For battery life, the MacBook Pro models lead the lineup, with 24 hours of playback. 2. Should I buy a refurbished MacBook? A refurbished MacBook can be a good value, especially if you buy Apple silicon rather than Intel. Just make sure the price gap is meaningful and the machine still has enough life left to justify the purchase. Since Apple put up prices across the range buying in the Refurbished Store is even more attractive. The MacBook Air, MacBook Neo and MacBook Pro were all available at the original price shortly after Apple raised prices. For example, the MacBook Neo is $599 , you can get a 13-inch, M5 MacBook Air for $1,099 and a 14-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Pro for $2,119 . 3. Is a MacBook Air powerful enough? Yes. For most people, the MacBook Air is more than powerful enough for everyday work, school, multitasking, web use, and light creative tasks. 4. Is a MacBook worth it compared to a Windows laptop? That depends on your priorities, but MacBooks are often worth the extra cost if you value exceptional battery life, premium build quality, class-leading trackpads, and seamless integration with the Apple ecosystem. Apple’s recent price increases have made Macs more expensive, but the company isn’t alone in raising prices. Lenovo also announced price rises in June 2026, while other PC manufacturers have warned that soaring memory and storage costs are putting pressure on margins, making higher prices increasingly likely across the industry. As a result, the price gap between Macs and comparable Windows laptops may not be as large as it first appears. 5. How long will a MacBook last? The typical lifespan of a MacBook is generally between five and eight years, though this depends heavily on a combination of hardware durability and ongoing software support . While the physical components are built to last, Apple eventually classifies older models as “vintage” or “obsolete,” which limits your ability to get official repairs and parts. Find out more here: How long do MacBooks last: Lifespan, support and when to upgrade . Why you can trust Macworld Macworld has been covering everything Apple related since our first issue which arrived alongside the original Mac in 1984. Nobody knows Apple better, except probably Apple, but the difference is that we are completely impartial. We are made up of a team of experts with decades of experiences with Macs and other Apple products, and between us we have reviewed every Apple product meaning we are uniquely positioned to provide buying advice. At a glance: MacBook Specs Model Screen Chip Ports Battery life Starting price MacBook Neo 13-inch A18 Pro 2× USB-C (one USB 3, one USB 2) 16 hours $699 MacBook Air 13-inch 13.6-inch, Liquid Retina display M5 2x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe 18 hours $1,299 MacBook Air 15-inch 15.3-inch, Liquid Retina display M5 2x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe 18 hours $1,499 MacBook Pro 14-inch 14.2-inch, Liquid Retina XDR display M6 3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 24 hours $1,999 MacBook Pro 14-inch 14.2-inch, Liquid Retina XDR display M5 Pro/M5 Max 3x Thunderbolt 5, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 24 hours (Pro), 22 hours (Max) $2,499 MacBook Pro 16-inch 16.2-inch, Liquid Retina XDR display M5 Pro/M5 Max 3x Thunderbolt 5, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 22 hours (Pro), 20 hours (Max) $2,999 Touchscreen MacBook Pro 14-inch 14.2-inch, PROLED XDR touchscreen M5 Pro/M5 Max 3x Thunderbolt 5, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 24 hours (Pro), 22 hours (Max) $2,899 Touchscreen MacBook Pro 16-inch 16.3-inch, PROLED XDR touchscreen M5 Pro/M5 Max 3x Thunderbolt 5, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 22 hours (Pro), 20 hours (Max) $3,399 November 2026 MacBook lineup. Headphone jacks omitted from port listings.

Источник: Macworld