The best MacBook for most people continues to be the easiest call to make in this buying guide. Apple's 2025 MacBook Air is budget-friendlier than before, returning to a three-digit starting price.

Touch screens are also rare in the most affordable laptops. (See our picks for the best touch-screen laptops.) That said, by definition, any 2-in-1 convertible or detachable laptop will have a touch ...