Discouraged by the MacBook Price Hikes? Save up to 40% on Other Editor-Loved Back-to-School Laptops
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Longtime MacBook users took a big financial hit on June 25, when Apple raised prices on all three of its flagship laptop devices. The MacBook Air ($200 increase), the MacBook Pro, and its newest budget-friendly device, the MacBook Neo, increased by $200, $300, and $100, respectively. The damage is worse than it sounds, though. Last year, the MacBook Air was on sale fairly frequently in its early lifecycle; during tentpole sale events like Prime Day , it was up to 25 percent off (and under $800). We're talking about a $500 discrepancy, give or take.
With back-to-school deals in full effect, Apple is, unsurprisingly, a rare omission. And while larger macroeconomic issues have affected other top brands, the rising costs of memory chips haven't had as notable (or at least, publicized) an impact as what we're seeing with the already-pricey MacBook devices. Either way you slice it, though, you'll be spending a little more money than you would have last summer. But all is not lost.
We found a few editor-approved back-to-school deals on some of our favorite PC brands, including Lenovo, Microsoft, HP, and Dell. If you're using it strictly for school, we'd still recommend checking out the MacBook Neo , which doesn't have a ton of RAM but is a solid, no-frills option for under $700. If you're looking for something with a little more power and versatility, there are a few great alternatives currently on sale. Here's what we'd go with.
1) HP EliteBook Laptop
The EliteBook is a workhorse and a great option for most people. It's a little more expensive than the Air, but it's a little more durable, equally as lightweight, and features a wide array of security features. If you're a data analyst, coder, or someone grinding out Excel spreadsheets all day, this is a much better option than a MacBook. It features powerful Intel Core Ultra 7 performance with AI acceleration for smooth, uninterrupted performance. The device's fingerprint reader lets you log in securely and hassle-free, and BitLocker encryption prevents hackers from accessing sensitive business data. It's lightweight, portable, reliable—and now nearly 40 percent off.
2) Dell XPS 13
This is probably the most powerful laptop on this list, with desktop-level performance. Featuring on-device AI acceleration for faster performance and an industry-leading 27 hours of battery life, this behemoth is still Dell's thinnest, lightest XPS device to date. It's powered by a Snapdragon X Elite X1E-80-100 Processor with a 12 Core Dual-Core Boost up to 4GHz, and boasts an FHD RGB webcam and crystal-clear visuals. Versatile connectivity options, AI-powered Copilot, and intuitive Windows 11 OS make it an ideal option for your home office setup. It's fast, reliable, and powerful enough for students, business owners, and content creators alike.
3) Microsoft Surface Pro (2026)
Real PC heads know the Surface Pro is the best of the best. Our in-house Tech Editor, Stefan Vazharov, says it's his favorite laptop ever, and I've heard much of the same from others in the industry. While I'm a MacBook guy myself, I've been tempted to make the vaunted switch. With a hybrid touchscreen display, over 15 hours of continuous battery life, and Microsoft's built-in AI companion, the latest Surface checks all of the boxes and more. It's sleek, versatile, and best of all, 20 percent off. Think of it this way: you're getting both a tablet and a laptop for $1,300, all in. Sounds good to us.
4) Lenovo Yoga 7 2-in-1 (14″ AMD)
If you're an art major, content creator, or want something with a little more recreational chops, the Lenovo Yoga 7 is a solid alternative. At 20 percent off, you're getting the perfect mix of speed, portability, and versatility all in one. The included stylus is perfect for sketching and illustration, and the OLED touchscreen delivers a more immersive, multifaceted everyday experience. It's powered by AMD Ryzen 300 AI processors and features a near-perfect balance of CPU, NPU, iGPU, and RAM. It's easy to adjust from laptop to tablet or tent mode, and the OLED display gives it some serious gaming chops. We wouldn't recommend it for full-time gaming, but it's certainly powerful enough to do so in spurts.
5) ASUS ROG Strix G18 RTX 5060 Gaming AI Laptop
Speaking of gaming, there's been a big shift in gaming laptop s for work and school. They're particularly great for STEM learning, and the extra RAM and storage are a game-changer for AI-centered projects and initiatives. The newest ROG Strix features the latest Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX processor, offering 35 percent more power than its predecessor and making it the ideal multitasking solution. Windows 11 Pro comes preinstalled, and the device features Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 connectivity out of the gate, so you don't have to go through the trouble of getting it school- or work-ready. Now's a good time to save $400 on what is easily one of the best options for both work and play.
6) Microsoft Surface Pro (2025)
Real PC heads know the Surface Pro is the best of the best. Our in-house Tech Editor, Stefan Vazharov, says it's his favorite laptop ever, and I've heard much of the same from others in the tech space. While I'm a MacBook guy myself, I've been tempted to make the vaunted switch. With a hybrid touchscreen display, over 15 hours of continuous battery life, and Microsoft's built-in AI companion, the latest Surface checks all of the boxes and more. It's sleek, versatile, and best of all, last year's model is $400 off. Think of it this way: you're getting both a tablet and a laptop for $1,000, all in. Sounds good to us.
7) Apple 2026 MacBook Neo
We couldn't help ourselves. While the Neo isn't technically on sale, it is $10 cheaper on Amazon than at the Apple Store, and any savings are welcome at this point; it also happens to be the cheapest on this list. The budget-friendly laptop is essentially designed for students. It doesn't boast a ton of RAM, and 256 GB of storage might not be enough for some, but for everyday scenarios, it's a great budget buy. And despite the price hikes, the Neo remains one of the more affordable, high-performing school laptops on the market. It's lightweight and durable, offering up to 16 hours of battery life, which should be more than enough for a day's work.
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