The Apple MacBook Air M2 continues to hold the top spot on our list of the best laptops 2024. It’s a solid choice for most people, with a great combination of everything we look for when we’re testing: reliable everyday performance, long battery life and a design that works for a broad range of users. And it’s now available in a larger, 15-inch size with the same great performance and features. The latest MacBook Air starts at $1,199, though, which is why we still recommend the MacBook Air M1 as a lower-cost alternative to the newest Air model, as it’s still an all-around excellent laptop. For those looking for a cheaper option, HP’s Pavilion Aero 13 is an excellent 13-inch, 2.2-pound laptop starting at $880 but frequently available for less than $600 and, in our tests, punches above that price in performance.
