Buying a Laptop in 2026? Here's Where to Start
A new laptop is one of the biggest tech purchases most people make — and with the market more crowded than ever, picking the right one takes more than a quick Google search. Reviewers at The Verge have put dozens of machines through their paces, and their latest roundup cuts through the noise with picks for nearly every type of user.
The MacBook Air M5 Is Still the Easy Answer for Most
If you're not sure what you need, the Apple MacBook Air 15 (2026, M5) earns a 9/10 from The Verge and remains the go-to recommendation for the majority of buyers. The latest model adds a bit more speed over the M4 generation, bumps up baseline storage and doubles its speed, and keeps the excellent battery life and speakers that made earlier models so popular.
The main catch? The starting price has crept up $100 compared to the M4 Air — though you do get more storage for that money. It's also worth noting that Apple's new MacBook Neo now exists and costs less than half the price, which could be a compelling alternative for budget-conscious shoppers who don't need the full Air experience.
Windows Users Have Real Options Too
The MacBook Air might dominate the headlines, but Windows machines have narrowed the gap considerably. The Microsoft Surface Laptop with a Snapdragon X Elite chip stands out for users locked into the Windows ecosystem — it offers strong performance and impressive battery efficiency thanks to its ARM-based architecture, mirroring some of what made Apple Silicon so compelling on the Mac side.
For heavier workloads — video editing, large dataset crunching, or serious photo work — The Verge points to the 16-inch MacBook Pro as the powerhouse pick. It's more expensive and heavier than the Air, but delivers sustained performance that entry-level laptops simply can't match.
Gaming, Chromebooks, and the Weird Stuff
The roundup also covers more niche needs. Gamers who want portability alongside high frame rates will find dedicated gaming laptop picks that balance GPU power with (relative) portability. On the budget end, a couple of Chromebook recommendations serve users who live primarily in a browser or need a lightweight, low-maintenance machine.
For the adventurous, there's even a laptop with two screens in the mix — a form factor that's slowly maturing as manufacturers figure out practical use cases beyond the gimmick stage. And for those who prioritize longevity and self-repair, The Verge highlights options built with repairability in mind — an increasingly important consideration as right-to-repair awareness grows.
How to Choose
The core advice from The Verge's roundup holds up regardless of budget:
- Most people → MacBook Air M5 (or wait for a MacBook Neo deal)
- Windows loyalists → Microsoft Surface Laptop (Snapdragon X Elite)
- Power users → 16-inch MacBook Pro
- Gamers → Dedicated gaming laptop with a GPU that matches your game library
- Budget buyers → Chromebook or MacBook Neo
- Repairability-first → Framework or similar right-to-repair focused machines
The best laptop is ultimately the one that fits your workflow, your operating system preference, and — let's be honest — your budget. But if you want a single starting point in 2026, the MacBook Air M5 remains about as close to a sure thing as you'll find.
Source: The Verge — Best laptops 2026
