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Acer Swift Air 14 vs. MacBook Neo: I compared both budget laptops - this model wins

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Kyle Kucharski/ZDNET

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Of all the laptops that were announced at Computex 2026, Acer's Swift Air 14 brought some much-needed color and affordability to a barrage of very powerful (and very expensive) high-end PCs. Starting at $699, the Swift Air 14 is a competitively priced laptop with competitive specs that doesn't feel cheap.

Also: Dell XPS 13 (2026) vs. MacBook Neo: I compared both budget laptops, here's which one I'd buy

Set to be released later this summer, the Swift Air 14 is just one of a few Windows PCs that are direct responses to Apple's MacBook Neo -- its $599 laptop that disrupted the budget laptop market so thoroughly that PC brands were forced to respond within a matter of months.

The Swift Air 14 comes in unique colors, features upgradeable storage (up to 1TB), and has a large, fast-charging battery. How does it compare to the Neo? Here's the breakdown based on specs, keeping in mind I've only gone hands-on with the Swift Air 14 and haven't tested it over an extended period of time.

Specifications

Apple MacBook Neo Acer Swift Air 14 Display 13-inch non-touch, 60Hz refresh, 2408 x 1506 resolution, 500 nits 14-inch non-touch, 120Hz refresh, 1920 x 1200 resolution, 350 nits Weight 2.7 pounds 3.0 pounds Processor Apple A18 Pro Up to Intel Core 7 processor 350 RAM/Storage 8GB / 256GB-512GB Up to 16GB / Up to 512GB (upgradeable to 1TB) Battery 36.5 Whr (up to 16 hours) 70 Whr (up to 19 hours) Camera 1080p FaceTime HD camera

FHD IR camera

Connectivity Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 6 Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 Price Starting at $499 $599 Starting at $699

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