Side-by-side comparison based on expert reviews and community consensus.
Apple MacBook Neo (formerly MacBook)
Best Budget PickLenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 (14-inch Intel)
Best Windows LaptopPrice
$599
$900-$1,100
Summary
At $599, PCMag calls it the best budget laptop for most buyers — delivering Apple's build quality and display in the most affordable Mac ever made. A rare case where the cheapest option is also the smartest.
Wirecutter's top Windows pick and a Reddit favorite for value. Combines a gorgeous OLED touchscreen, 16-hour battery life, and 2-in-1 flexibility at a price that undercuts most competitors.
Pros
- Superb build quality at $599 — cheapest Mac ever made
- Stellar screen quality for the price point
- Apple's full support ecosystem and software longevity
- Lightweight and portable for everyday carry
- 16-hour battery life in real-world web browsing tests
- Spacious OLED touchscreen with 2-in-1 flexibility
- Fast Intel performance with comfortable keyboard and reliable trackpad
- Competitive pricing around $1,000 for the feature set
Cons
- Limited to basic compute needs — not for power users or gaming
- Smaller display may not suit users wanting 15+ inches
- macOS ecosystem lock-in
- Intel platform trails Apple silicon in raw efficiency
- 2-in-1 hinge adds slight weight vs. standard clamshells
- OLED can show burn-in risk with static content over time
Our take
The MacBook Neo at $599 is a genuine steal if you're in the Apple ecosystem. PCMag's endorsement here is strong, and for basic computing needs it's hard to justify spending more.
This is the Windows laptop to beat right now. The OLED display and 16-hour battery at this price point is genuinely hard to argue with — Wirecutter called it the best combination of everything that makes a laptop great.
Buy
