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Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) vs Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition
Which is better in 2026? A straight answer from our researched Top 10 Laptops ranking.
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Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) wins for most people: it ranks #1 in our Top 10 Laptops (Best overall), while the Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition ranks #4 (Best for Windows fans). The Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition usually costs less. Pick the Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition 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
#4 · Best for Windows fans
Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition
~$900–$1,300 at time of writing
See today's price on AmazonSide-by-side
| Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) | Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition | |
|---|---|---|
| Our rank | #1 of 10 | #4 of 10 |
| Best for | Best overall | Best for Windows fans |
| Brand | Apple | Microsoft |
| Typical price* | ~$1,000–$1,100 | ~$900–$1,300 |
| Top strength | Wirecutter and PCMag top Mac pick | Long battery, touchscreen, 3:2 display |
| Main drawback | Fewer ports | Some apps run in emulation (Arm) |
*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 Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition if…
- You want the pick we rate best for windows fans.
- Long battery, touchscreen, 3:2 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
Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition
Pros
- Long battery, touchscreen, 3:2 display
Cons
- Some apps run in emulation (Arm)
Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) vs Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition FAQs
Is the Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) better than the Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition?
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 Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition is #4 (Best for Windows fans). The Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition can still be the better buy if you value: long battery, touchscreen, 3:2 display.
Which is cheaper, the Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) or the Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition?
At time of writing the Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) runs ~$1,000–$1,100 and the Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition runs ~$900–$1,300. The Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition is usually cheaper.
How did you compare the Apple MacBook Air 13" (M5, 2026) and Microsoft Surface Laptop, 7th Edition?
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.
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