Home / Comparisons / Laptops
Head-to-head · Laptops
Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) vs Dell XPS 14 (2026)
Which is better in 2026? A straight answer from our researched Top 10 Laptops ranking.
We're reader-supported. Buying through our links may earn us a small commission at no cost to you. How we rank · Disclosure
Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) wins for most people: it ranks #1 in our Top 10 Laptops (Best overall), while the Dell XPS 14 (2026) ranks #3 (Best Windows ultrabook). The Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) usually costs less. Pick the Dell XPS 14 (2026) if its strengths below match how you'll use it.
#1 · Best overall
Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026)
~$1,000–$1,100 at time of writing
See today's price on Amazon
#3 · Best Windows ultrabook
Dell XPS 14 (2026)
~$1,300–$1,700 at time of writing
See today's price on AmazonSide-by-side
| Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) | Dell XPS 14 (2026) | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rank | #1 of 10 | #3 of 10 |
| Best for | Best overall | Best Windows ultrabook |
| Brand | Apple | Dell |
| Typical price* | ~$1,000–$1,100 | ~$1,300–$1,700 |
| Top strength | Wirecutter and PCMag top Mac pick | PCMag pick: premium build and display |
| Main drawback | Fewer ports | Pricey |
*Approximate, at time of writing; check the retailer for today's price. Ratings shown only where we found a sourced rating.
Choose the Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) if…
- You want the pick we rate best overall.
- Wirecutter and PCMag top Mac pick
- 16GB RAM, 512GB base storage
- Fanless, all-day battery
Choose the Dell XPS 14 (2026) if…
- You want the pick we rate best windows ultrabook.
- PCMag pick: premium build and display
Honest pros and cons
Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026)
Pros
- Wirecutter and PCMag top Mac pick
- 16GB RAM, 512GB base storage
- Fanless, all-day battery
Cons
- Fewer ports
Dell XPS 14 (2026)
Pros
- PCMag pick: premium build and display
Cons
- Pricey
Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) vs Dell XPS 14 (2026) FAQs
Is the Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) better than the Dell XPS 14 (2026)?
For most people, yes. In our researched ranking of the 10 best laptops, the Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) is #1 (Best overall) and the Dell XPS 14 (2026) is #3 (Best Windows ultrabook). The Dell XPS 14 (2026) can still be the better buy if you value: pcmag pick: premium build and display.
Which is cheaper, the Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) or the Dell XPS 14 (2026)?
At time of writing the Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) runs ~$1,000–$1,100 and the Dell XPS 14 (2026) runs ~$1,300–$1,700. The Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) is usually cheaper.
How did you compare the Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) and Dell XPS 14 (2026)?
Both come from Rank the Rest's Top 10 Laptops ranking, built from published expert testing, sourced review data and manufacturer specs. We did not hands-on test them, and brands can't pay for placement.
Free · The Underrated List
Get the free Underrated List
12 lesser-known products owners rate highly. Enter your email and we send the list straight to your inbox, no extra steps. Free, unsubscribe anytime.