MacBook Neo reviews: what tech creators say about Apple’s new budget laptop

Tech creators began publishing their reviews of Apple’s new budget MacBook Neo on March 10, following the laptop’s official announcement on March 4.

Durov’s Code has gathered key opinions from tech reviewers and journalists about the new device.

Marques Brownlee (MKBHD)

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Marques Brownlee described the laptop as a modern successor to Apple’s old 12-inch MacBook, but with significantly more capable hardware. He praised Apple for maintaining strong build quality and premium materials even in its most affordable segment. At the same time, he noted that the display feels fairly average due to the thick bezels and the 60 Hz refresh rate. He also criticized the absence of Touch ID on the base model, which feels outdated for a device released in 2026.

iJustine

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In her review, iJustine focused on the laptop’s design and defended the 8 GB RAM configuration against critics. She demonstrated that the device can handle demanding workflows, including multilayer ProRes editing while running heavy tasks in Canva and Photoshop at the same time. She also liked the new bright color options and the fact that the keyboard now matches the tone of the aluminum body. Among the downsides, she highlighted the lack of Thunderbolt storage support, the absence of MagSafe charging, and the presence of only one fast USB-C 3 port, while the second port is limited to USB-C 2 speeds.

Matt Talks Tech

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British tech creator Matt Talks Tech believes the MacBook Neo is the best choice for around 85% of people who simply need a reliable computer for everyday tasks such as studying, documents, and web browsing. He praised the premium aluminum design, which helps the device stand out among plastic competitors in the same price range. At the same time, he criticized the lack of keyboard backlighting and pointed out the slow USB-C 2 port, recommending that buyers consider paying an extra $100 for the version with Touch ID and larger storage.

Tyler Stalman

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Tyler Stalman focused on testing the laptop’s professional capabilities and was surprised that Apple’s most affordable Mac can smoothly handle 4K and even 6K projects in Final Cut Pro. He also argued that the MacBook Neo can be a better value than buying a base iPad with a keyboard, since it offers a full desktop operating system. However, he mentioned that the mechanical click of the trackpad takes some time to get used to after haptic trackpads, and he noted limitations when connecting external displays, particularly with resolution scaling.

Nikias Molina

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Nikias Molina unboxed all available color options and praised the minimalist design and the subtle laser-etched logo on the lid, which feels integrated into the material. He also performed a stress test by opening 49 standard macOS applications simultaneously and found that the A18 Pro chip handled the workload without noticeable slowdowns. However, he criticized the absence of Touch ID in the base configuration and the lack of keyboard backlighting, which makes the laptop harder to use in dark environments.

Dave2D

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Dave2D highlighted the impressive build quality for a budget device, noting the well-balanced hinge that allows the lid to be opened with one hand. He also said that the mechanical trackpad is one of the best of its kind, although it still feels less precise than modern haptic solutions during fast clicks. His main criticisms were directed at the display, which is limited to a 60 Hz refresh rate and lacks P3 color support, as well as the speakers, which offer less bass depth than those found in the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.

Karl Conrad

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Karl Conrad described the effective price of $499 with the student discount as extremely competitive and believes the laptop could become very popular among students. He appreciated the updated design with rounded edges, although he pointed out that the chassis is not a single unibody piece and features a visible seam on the back panel, which makes it feel slightly less solid. His main complaints were the lack of keyboard backlighting and the fact that the base 256 GB version does not include Touch ID.