Laptop

Three good choices · checked

Before you buy. Chromebooks only run web apps, so check whether your classes or job need Windows or Mac software first.

Safe pickNot sure? Start here.

Apple

Most students and everyday users

Heads-up: Few ports; you may need adapters

MacBook Air 13" (M5)

$1,299
Visit Apple (opens in new tab)2 more options from Apple →

Or, if you need something else

ASUS

$199

Tight budgets, or serious gaming

ASUS Chromebook CX15 (2026). Heads-up: Chromebook is basic; gaming laptops are pricey and loud

Visit ASUS (opens in new tab)2 more →
Why these three

Picked from RTINGS, Tom's Guide and Notebookcheck tests, all updated this fall. The MacBook Air tops all three; Dell's XPS leads for Windows.