MacBook Neo review

MacBook Neo is Apple's answer to the budget laptop, and at $599 ($499 for education) it is the cheapest machine on this list. Apple's launch release describes a 13-inch Liquid Retina display at 2408 by 1506 with 500 nits and support for 1 billion colors, an A18 Pro chip in a fanless body, and up to 16 hours of battery life. It weighs 2.7 pounds and comes in blush, indigo, silver and citrus. Connectivity is basic: two USB-C ports, both of which can charge, a headphone jack, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6. The camera is a 1080p FaceTime HD unit with dual mics. The cuts compared with MacBook Air are clear on paper. There is no MagSafe and no Thunderbolt, and Apple says only the MacBook Neo model with Touch ID offers fingerprint login and Apple Pay authorization. For browsing, schoolwork, streaming and light photo editing it covers the basics, and buyers who expect to keep a laptop for many years should weigh the extra storage and ports of the Air.

Who it is for

students and first-time Mac buyers on a budget

Price

From $599 ($499 for education).

MacBook Neo starts at $599 (U.S.) and $499 (U.S.) for education.
Quoted from the vendor pricing page on November 13, 2026.

Key features

• A18 Pro chip in a fanless design
• 13-inch Liquid Retina display, 2408 by 1506, 500 nits
• Up to 16 hours of battery life
• Two USB-C ports that both charge, plus a headphone jack
• 1080p FaceTime HD camera, Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6

Strengths and weaknesses

• Strength: $599 starting price, $499 for education, is the lowest on this list
• Strength: Weighs 2.7 pounds
• Strength: Comes in four colors: blush, indigo, silver and citrus
• Weakness: Apple sells a separate MacBook Neo model with Touch ID, so check the configuration
• Weakness: Two USB-C ports and no MagSafe or Thunderbolt
• Weakness: Wi-Fi 6E rather than the Wi-Fi 7 in MacBook Air with M5

Key facts

• Starting price: $599, $499 for education
• Chip: A18 Pro
• Battery: Up to 16 hours
• Weight: 2.7 pounds
• Ports: 2x USB-C, headphone jack

Where it ranks

MacBook Neo is No. 2 in our Best Laptops verdict.