We've crowned our Laptop of the Year, and there really was only one choice: the Apple MacBook Neo

After reviewing the MacBook Neo back in March, I knew without a doubt that it would be the clear choice for TechRadar's Laptop of the Year 2026 awards. The MacBook Neo isn't necessarily the best option for everyone, as there are more powerful laptops on the market, and if you're interested in playing PC games on your laptop, you shouldn't consider the Neo.

However, Apple's innovative design with the MacBook Neo has set a high standard for other laptops released this year. Apple is known for offering premium devices with superior build quality and long lifespans, but the MacBook Neo is a relatively affordable laptop that still retains many of the features we love about Apple's more expensive MacBooks.

At a time when costs of living are increasing and the RAM crisis is driving up prices of other tech, Apple's decision to release a relatively inexpensive new device was well-timed and welcomed. The MacBook Neo's introduction has had a significant impact on the laptop market, causing competitors like Dell and Acer to release similar-priced laptops, explicitly positioned as competitors to the MacBook Neo.

While the Neo's success has inspired its competitors, a few months after its launch, Apple increased its price by $100, making it less groundbreaking in terms of value and an instant recommendation when suggesting laptops to customers. Despite this price increase, the MacBook Neo remains an excellent choice for those seeking a dependable, well-built laptop for everyday tasks without breaking the bank.

It is still one of the best laptops available and offers the most affordable way to enter the Mac ecosystem. The MacBook Neo's success demonstrates that it's still possible to create an impressive, affordable device without compromising on quality, which is crucial in 2026 as hardware prices continue to rise.