MacBook Neo vs. MacBook Air M5. vs. MacBook Pro M5: Which one is best for you?
MacBook Neo vs. MacBook Air M5. vs. MacBook Pro M5: Which one is best for you?
Publish Date: 2026-03-26 03:30:00
Source Domain: www.tomsguide.com
For a long time, the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro were the two main Apple laptops to choose from. Thanks to the MacBook Neo, there’s now a third and more affordable option. Choosing one of the best MacBooks isn’t as straightforward as it used to be, but that’s why I’m here to serve as your guide.
There are several factors to consider when choosing a MacBook. While some may be drawn to the Neo for its low price, it’s not the best choice if you need a laptop for heavy workflows or better connectivity options. A MacBook’s size and weight are other factors, especially if you mostly plan to use it on the go.
Should you choose the humble MacBook Neo, the upgraded MacBook Air M5, or the powerful MacBook Pro M5? Below, I’ll detail all of their main features to help you decide.
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MacBook Neo vs. MacBook Air M5 vs. MacBook Pro M5: Specs
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| Row 0 – Cell 0 |
MacBook Neo |
MacBook Air M5 |
MacBook Pro M5 |
MacBook Pro M5 Pro |
MacBook Pro M5 Max |
|
Price |
$599 |
$1,099 starting |
$1,699 |
$2,699 |
$3,599 |
|
Display |
13-inch Liquid Retina (2408 x 1506) |
13.6 inches Liquid Retina (2560 x 1664) |
14.2 inches Liquid Retina XDR (3024 x 1964 pixels), 120Hz |
Liquid Retina XDR (3024-by-1964) | 120Hz |
Liquid Retina XDR (3,456 x 2,234) | 120Hz |
|
Chipset |
A18 Pro (6-core CPU, 5-core GPU) |
Apple M5 (10-core CPU, 8-core GPU) |
Apple M5 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) |
Apple M5 Pro (15-core CPU, 16-core GPU) |
Apple M5 Max (18-core CPU, 32-core GPU) |
|
RAM |
8GB |
16GB |
16GB |
24GB |
36GB |
|
Storage |
256GB |
512GB |
512GB |
1TB |
2TB |
|
Ports |
2x USB-C, 1x headphone |
2x Thunderbolt / USB-4, 1x MagSafe, 1x headphone jack |
3x Thunderbolt 5, 1x HDMI, 1x SD card slot, 1x headphone jack, 1x MagSafe charging port |
3x Thunderbolt 5, 1x HDMI, 1x SD card slot, 1x headphone jack, 1x MagSafe charging port |
3x Thunderbolt 5, 1x HDMI, 1x SD card slot, 1x headphone jack, 1x MagSafe charging port |
|
Connectivity |
Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6 |
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 |
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 |
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 |
Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth… |