Apple MacBook Air (M5) vs Dell XPS 13 (2026)
Critics score the Apple MacBook Air (M5) 88 and the Dell XPS 13 (2026) 81 out of 100, from 8 and 6 professional reviews. 5 outlets reviewed both: 2 scored the Apple MacBook Air (M5) higher, 1 scored the Dell XPS 13 (2026) higher and 2 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Apple MacBook Air (M5) 6 points ahead.
Image: AppleApple MacBook Air (M5)
Praised for: performance (7 of 8), battery life (5 of 8)
Criticised for: price (4 of 8)
The catch: The starting price rose, and the design and display feel dated.
All 8 reviews of the Apple MacBook Air (M5) →
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Image: DellDell XPS 13 (2026)
Praised for: picture quality (3 of 6), battery life (3 of 6), performance (2 of 6)
Criticised for: price (2 of 6)
The catch: The 8GB base model struggles, so plan to pay extra for 16GB.
All 6 reviews of the Dell XPS 13 (2026) →
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Critics who reviewed both
The fairest comparison: the same reviewer, the same standards| Outlet | Apple MacBook Air (M5) | Dell XPS 13 (2026) | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| TechRadar | 95 | 70 | +25 |
| WIRED | 90 | 80 | +10 |
| Tom's Guide | 90 | 90 | same |
| Tom's Hardware | 90 | 90 | same |
| CNET | 80 | 83 | -3 |
Scores converted to 0–100. Difference is the Apple MacBook Air (M5) minus the Dell XPS 13 (2026). Outlined tiles are estimated from the verdict. Each score links to the review.
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Common questions
Which is better, the Apple MacBook Air (M5) or the Dell XPS 13 (2026)?
Critics rate the Apple MacBook Air (M5) higher: 88 against 81. 5 outlets reviewed both: 2 scored the Apple MacBook Air (M5) higher, 1 scored the Dell XPS 13 (2026) higher and 2 gave both the same score. On average those critics put the Apple MacBook Air (M5) 6 points ahead.
Do critics agree about the Apple MacBook Air (M5) and the Dell XPS 13 (2026)?
The Apple MacBook Air (M5): broad agreement, scores from 80 to 95. The Dell XPS 13 (2026): broad agreement, scores from 70 to 90.