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?

MacBook Neo vs. MacBook Air M5. vs. MacBook Pro M5: Which one is best for you?

https://www.tomsguide.com/computing/macbooks/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…

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