Apple MacBook Neo
Exact average 84.5 · 7 printed, 17 estimated · printed scores only: 82
Image: Apple24 professional reviewers tested the Apple MacBook Neo, and 21 recommend it. Most praised: picture quality and build quality. Most common complaint: size and weight.
Reviewed by PCMag Middle East, Engadget, KitGuru and 21 more
The catch: It has only 8GB of RAM and no keyboard backlight.
17 of these 24 outlets print no score. We estimated theirs from the review text, then adjusted the estimates against the ratings outlets actually print (ours ran slightly low). An estimate is never higher than 92.
We earn a commission if you buy through these links. It never changes a score.
What 24 critics said
Highest score first · all converted to 0–100- 90PCMag Middle East
A tested review that calls the Neo a budget-laptop game changer and gives it an Editors' Choice award.
Read PCMag Middle East review - 90Engadget
After about a week of use the reviewer finds the Neo the best laptop at this price, beating Windows rivals on screen, trackpad and overall feel.
Read Engadget review - 85KitGuru
A budget laptop that surprised a PC-minded reviewer, with a nice build, bright screen and solid battery for everyday use.
Read KitGuru review - 80AppleInsider
A strongly praised budget MacBook that the reviewer says most Mac buyers should get, with capable A18 Pro performance and solid build.
Read AppleInsider review - 80XDA Developers
A well-built, attractive budget Mac that handles basic work and even some Adobe apps.
Read XDA Developers review - 80ZDNET
A very good entry-level laptop with a nice screen, camera, trackpad and battery life, though the reviewer used it only about four days.
Read ZDNET review - 70WIRED
A genuinely cheap, well-built Mac with a bright sharp screen that the reviewer ranks among the best budget laptops despite clear compromises.
Read WIRED review - 92est.Expert Reviews
The reviewer calls the Neo a best-buy, near-perfect budget laptop and a no-brainer for students despite a few flaws.
Read Expert Reviews review - 92est.Tom's Hardware
An Editor's Choice review calling the Neo a spectacular budget laptop that never feels like a lesser machine.
Read Tom's Hardware review - 89est.The Strategist
The reviewer names the Neo the best laptop at around $600 that feels like a real Mac.
Read The Strategist review - 89est.The Independent
The reviewer finds the Neo sensational, with premium build and strong everyday performance that beats rivals at its price.
Read The Independent review - 89est.Popular Mechanics
After a week as a sole computer, the reviewer calls the Neo the best in its price range by a wide margin.
Read Popular Mechanics review - 89est.Trusted Reviews
The reviewer calls it the best budget laptop available, with great value, battery life and build despite clear cuts.
Read Trusted Reviews review - 89est.SlashGear
After three weeks as a daily work laptop, the reviewer finds the Neo far more capable than expected and arguably the best budget laptop.
Read SlashGear review - 89est.The Guardian
Praises the Neo as a stunning sub-600 pound laptop that does not feel cheap, with a best-in-class keyboard and trackpad.
Read The Guardian review - 89est.Macworld
A follow-up stress test where the reviewer pushed the 8GB Neo with 4K editing and dozens of browser tabs and saw no noticeable slowdowns.
Read Macworld review - 89est.Computerworld
After a weekend of use, the reviewer calls the Neo probably the best affordable laptop and a genuine Mac for students and families.
Read Computerworld review - 89est.CNN Underscored
Very enthusiastic tested review praising the build, keyboard, trackpad, battery life, screen and speakers for the price.
Read CNN Underscored review - 85est.Business Insider
The reviewer calls the Neo a great laptop and the first to consider in the $500 to $800 range, with strong build, battery and keyboard.
Read Business Insider review - 83est.Good Housekeeping
After a month replacing her work laptop, the reviewer finds the Neo a dependable, affordable entry to the Mac world for everyday tasks.
Read Good Housekeeping review - 83est.CNET
After a month as her main machine, the reviewer still considers the Neo a fantastic starter or travel MacBook.
Read CNET review - 83est.Creative Bloq
A bargain Mac that handles everyday and light creative work better than expected, but struggles with video and 3D.
Read Creative Bloq review - 74est.Dave2D
The MacBook Neo is a well-built, capable budget laptop that offers impressive performance for its price point, though it is held back by limited RAM and a mediocre display.
Read Dave2D review - 61est.Just Josh
The MacBook Neo is a decent, disruptive entry-level laptop for basic tasks, but its limited memory and storage make it hard to recommend for more demanding users.
Read Just Josh review
"Est." means the outlet printed no score, so we estimated one from its verdict and checked our estimates against ratings outlets print. How we check estimates
Watch a video review
- Dave2D on YouTube ↗Counted in the score: 74
- Just Josh on YouTube ↗Counted in the score: 61
From YouTube channels we vetted by hand. Videos paid for by the brand are never listed.
How it compares
Direct comparisons by professional outlets, exact models only, in our words. Shown as evidence; they never change the critic score.
vs Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)87
- The Verge (2026) picks the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4). Still choose this one if: you are a first-time Mac buyer on a tight budget who is fine with 8GB of RAM.
What critics praise most
What critics dislike most
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Common questions
Is the Apple MacBook Neo worth it?
Most critics think so: 21 of 24 recommend it. It has only 8GB of RAM and no keyboard backlight.
Do critics agree about the Apple MacBook Neo?
Critics split: scores range from 61 (Just Josh) to 92 (Expert Reviews), a spread of 31 points across 24 reviews. Reviewers disagree, so read the individual reviews before buying.
What do critics dislike about the Apple MacBook Neo?
Size and weight (3 of 24 reviews), Battery life (2 of 24 reviews).
What is the best alternative to the Apple MacBook Neo?
The Apple MacBook Air (M4) (critic score 91), best overall.