ZDNET Names $1,268 MacBook Air M5 Best 15-Inch Laptop for 2026

3 articles · Updated · ZDNet · Jul 9

ZDNET’s July 2026 refresh put Apple’s 15-inch MacBook Air M5 at the top of its best-laptops list, replacing older picks and removing outdated models.
The outlet said the M5 won on broader appeal—16GB base memory, faster storage, up to 15 hours of battery life and a 3.3-pound design—while noting M2-to-M4 owners may not need to upgrade.
Lenovo’s $950 Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition remained the recommended display-focused alternative, while the Lenovo LOQ 15AHP10 led for gaming and Asus’ roughly $999 Vivobook S 15 for creators.
Microsoft’s Surface Laptop 5G stayed the work pick with cellular connectivity and up to 20 hours of battery life, and Samsung’s $750 Galaxy Chromebook Plus remained the ChromeOS option.
The update reflects ZDNET’s view that 15-inch laptops are becoming a portability-performance middle ground between smaller 13- to 14-inch systems and bulkier 16-inch machines.