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Verdict: The 2026 Dell XPS 13 is the stronger $699 choice if you prioritize a lighter chassis, a larger high-refresh touch display, a backlit keyboard, more memory capacity, faster wireless, flexible USB-C connectivity, and longer battery life in independent testing. The $699 MacBook Neo is the better fit if you want macOS, Apple-device integration, a headphone jack, and higher CPU and graphics benchmark results.
Both start at $699 in the United States, with eligible student pricing from $599. The hardware differences are substantial enough that your operating-system preference and workload should decide the purchase, not the price alone.
At a glance: Dell XPS 13 versus MacBook Neo
| Category | Dell XPS 13 (2026) | MacBook Neo | Practical result |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. starting price | $699; eligible student price from $599 | $699; eligible student price from $599 | Same entry price when the student offer applies |
| Weight | 2.2 lb | 2.7 lb | XPS is 0.5 lb lighter |
| Thickness | About 0.50 in | About 0.50 in | Similar thickness |
| Display | 13.4 in, 2560×1600, touch, 30–120Hz variable refresh, 500 nits, 100% DCI-P3 | 13.0 in, 2408×1506, non-touch, 60Hz, 500 nits, sRGB | XPS offers more workspace, touch input, smoother motion and wider gamut |
| Memory and storage | 8GB, 16GB or up to 32GB RAM depending on processor; up to 1TB storage | Fixed 8GB unified memory; cited test configuration had 256GB storage | XPS has substantially more headroom, but upgrades cost more |
| Ports and wireless | Two USB-C ports, charging on either side, multi-display support, Wi-Fi 7; USB 3.2 Gen 2 up to 10Gbps and 4K display output | Two ports on one side, one USB 2; one external display; 3.5mm headphone jack | XPS is more flexible for docks and displays; Neo is easier for wired headphones |
| Battery claim | Up to 17 hours of streaming | Up to 16 hours of video streaming | Manufacturer claims are measured differently |
| Tom’s Guide Wi-Fi browsing test | 14 hours 26 minutes at 150 nits | 13 hours 26 minutes at 150 nits | XPS lasted one hour longer in that matched test |
| Operating system | Windows 11 | macOS | Software compatibility and ecosystem may outweigh hardware differences |
Price and configuration value
Dell lists both machines at a $699 U.S. starting price, and eligible students can see pricing from $599. That makes configuration value more important than the headline number. The XPS 13’s base memory is 8GB, but Dell offers 16GB and up to 32GB options depending on the processor family, plus storage configurations reaching 1TB. The higher-memory versions are not included in the starting price, so check the selected configuration before comparing totals.
The Neo is fixed at 8GB unified memory in the cited Dell comparison and Apple configuration. Its test system used 256GB of storage. Fixed memory simplifies the buying decision but leaves less room for heavier multitasking over the laptop’s useful life. If you routinely keep many browser tabs, large spreadsheets, virtual machines or creative applications open, the XPS’s 16GB or 32GB tier is the more durable choice.
#1 Best Overall
- Read Before You Buy — No Video Output: These adapters support charging and USB 2.0 data transfer, but cannot transmit video signals. Except for standard USB webcams (which use USB data only), they are not compatible with HDMI/DisplayPort cables, video-capable USB-C hubs, or docking stations with video output.
- Convert USB-A Ports to USB-C: Designed to connect USB-C earphones, cables, flash drives, card readers, and other USB-C accessories to standard USB-A ports. Plug-and-play with no drivers or software required.
- Aluminum Alloy Housing: Built with a sturdy aluminum alloy shell that aids in heat dissipation and protects against daily wear and scratches. Designed to maintain a stable and secure connection.
- Compact & Travel-Friendly: The ultra-compact design allows the adapter to stay plugged into your device without blocking adjacent ports or adding bulk, reducing wear and tear on your original USB ports.
- 12-Month Warranty: Backed by a 12-month manufacturer warranty for peace of mind. Designed to meet strict quality control standards for reliable everyday performance.
The XPS 13 is easier to carry
Dell rates the XPS 13 at 2.2 pounds, compared with 2.7 pounds for the Neo. Both are listed at approximately 0.50 inches thick, so the difference comes mainly from weight and the XPS’s smaller overall footprint. A half-pound is noticeable in a commuter bag or when carrying the computer between meetings, although your real load also includes the charger, cables and any hub.
The portability advantage does not require accepting a smaller screen: the XPS actually fits a 13.4-inch panel where the Neo has a 13.0-inch panel. Travelers who value minimum carry weight and maximum usable workspace get both benefits from the Dell design.
Display: the XPS offers more flexibility
The XPS display runs at 2560×1600, reaches 500 nits, covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and supports touch input. Its refresh rate varies from 30Hz to 120Hz, allowing smoother scrolling and animation while reducing refresh when the content is static.
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The Neo uses a 2408×1506, 500-nit, non-touch panel with a fixed 60Hz refresh rate and sRGB color coverage. It remains sharp enough for normal productivity, and some users deliberately prefer a conventional non-touch screen. However, the XPS specification is better suited to touch gestures, fast scrolling and photo or video work that benefits from a wider gamut. Neither screen’s 500-nit rating alone guarantees identical outdoor visibility; viewing angle, reflections and software brightness control still matter.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 USB-C Hub: Experience comprehensive connectivity featuring a Power Delivery input, two USB-A 2.0 ports, a USB-A 3.0 port, and an HDMI port. (Note: The USB-C power delivery input port is only for connecting an external wall charger to power your laptop and cannot power peripheral devices.)
- 90W Pass-Through Charging: Achieve optimal charging with 90W pass-through power to your laptop, supported by a total input of 100W, with the hub reserving 10W for operational efficiency. (Note: Wall charger not included.)
- Quick Data Transfers: Accelerate your productivity with rapid data transfers using a high-speed 5Gbps USB 3.0 port and two 480Mbps USB 2.0 ports.
- 4K HDMI Display: Enhance your visual experience with a hub capable of delivering 4K resolution at 30Hz in both mirror and extend modes. Please note that this hub is compatible with MacBook (macOS 12 and newer), Windows 10 and 11, ChromeOS, and laptops equipped with DP Alt Mode and Power Delivery. Note: This device is not compatible with Linux.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (5-in-1, 4K HDMI), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
Keyboard and sign-in are more practical on the XPS
Dell includes a backlit chiclet keyboard and Windows Hello support as standard features. Backlighting is useful on airplanes, in dark rooms and during evening work, while Windows Hello can authenticate you without typing a password.
Dell’s comparison lists the Neo keyboard as non-backlit, and WIRED reports that the base Neo lacks Touch ID. If you frequently work in low light or want biometric sign-in, the XPS has the clearer out-of-box advantage. Users who prefer the Neo’s macOS keyboard behavior may still value familiarity over illumination.
Ports, displays and wireless connectivity
The XPS has two USB-C ports, both capable of charging, with one on each side. Dell lists multi-display support and Wi-Fi 7. WIRED identifies both ports as USB 3.2 Gen 2, with transfer speeds up to 10Gbps and 4K display output. Having charging available on either side is convenient when a desk, seat or wall socket limits cable routing.
The Neo also has two ports, but they are located on one side; one is USB 2, and the computer supports one external display. Its 3.5mm headphone jack is a genuine convenience for wired headsets, studio headphones or older speakers. The XPS omits that jack, so those users need USB-C audio or an adapter.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
For a permanent monitor-and-peripherals setup, plan on a USB-C dock with the XPS. The dock can consolidate displays, storage, networking and input devices while leaving the laptop’s two ports available for charging and temporary accessories. The Neo’s single-display limit should be checked against your monitor arrangement before purchase.
Battery life: one hour ahead in a matched test
Dell advertises up to 17 hours of streaming for the XPS 13. The Neo is advertised for up to 16 hours of video streaming. Those claims come from different manufacturer methods, so they should not be treated as a laboratory comparison.
Tom’s Guide tested both laptops with Wi-Fi browsing at 150 nits. The XPS ran for 14 hours 26 minutes, while the Neo lasted 13 hours 26 minutes. That one-hour lead is the more useful apples-to-apples result for web work, but actual runtime will vary with brightness, browser tabs, video calls, background processes, wireless conditions and battery health.
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Performance: the Neo leads CPU and graphics benchmarks
The XPS is not a universal performance winner. In Tom’s Guide’s Geekbench 6 results, it scored 2,684 single-core and 7,952 multi-core, while the Neo delivered better overall CPU performance in the same review. The Neo also led in 3DMark Wildlife Extreme: 3,661 points and 21 frames per second versus 2,455 points and 14 frames per second for the XPS.
Rank #4
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- Next-Level 10Gbps & 3A Charging: No more slow 480Mbps, this usb to usb c adapter has a transfer speed of up to 10Gbps, allowing you to do more transferring in less time. This usb adapter fits both USB A and USB C charger, supporting up to 3A fast charging
- Upgraded Exquisite Craftsmanship: With an aluminum alloy housing and metal connector, the usbc to usb adapter is extremely durable and sturdy. Rigorously tested to withstand more than 10,000 times of plugging and unplugging, ensuring long-lasting performance
- Broad Compatible: The usb c to usb adapter widely supports all USB C/ USB A devices like laptops, tablets, cellphones, car chargers, and phone chargers. Such as compatible with MacBook Pro/Air 2023/2022, Thunderbolt 4/3 Devices,Apple MagSafe Watch 9/8/7/SE/Ultra, iPad Pro 2022/2021, Samsung Galaxy S23/S20/S10, and iPhone 17/16/15 Pro. Plug and play
- Please Note: To reach 10Gbps speed, keep the cable under 3.3 ft. For USB A Male to USB C adapters, try flipping the USB C connector. USB C Male to USB A adapters support bidirectional 10Gbps transfer within 3.3 ft
Neither machine is a serious 1080p gaming system in the tested configuration. Borderlands 3 averaged 8.7 frames per second on the XPS and 9.6 fps on the Neo, making the game effectively unplayable on both. Integrated graphics are suitable for everyday productivity and lighter creative workloads, not demanding modern games at high settings.
The XPS did win Tom’s Guide’s Blackmagic SSD test. That result points to faster storage behavior in that benchmark, but storage speed alone does not override the Neo’s CPU and graphics advantage for compute-heavy or GPU-bound work. Choose the Neo for workloads that scale with processor or graphics throughput; choose the XPS when application flexibility, memory capacity and storage responsiveness matter more.
Webcam and audio trade-offs
Tom’s Guide describes the XPS’s 1080p webcam as merely so-so, with a blurry, washed-out image. WIRED found the Neo’s image processing a little better. If you spend much of the day in video meetings, lighting and an external webcam may have more impact than the resolution label, but the Neo starts with the better camera presentation in these reports.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsThe Neo’s built-in headphone jack is another advantage for calls and private listening. XPS owners using wired headphones should budget for a USB-C headset or adapter, particularly because the two USB-C ports may already be occupied by charging and display accessories.
Best Value
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Windows 11 or macOS should be a deliberate choice
The XPS ships with Windows 11; the Neo runs macOS. Windows offers broad compatibility with business software, PC games, peripherals and enterprise tools, while macOS may be preferable if you already use Apple devices and rely on features such as coordinated messaging, file handoff and familiar account integration. The manufacturer comparison does not establish a universal software winner.
Before buying, list the applications and services you cannot replace. Check whether your employer requires Windows-only security or management tools, whether a school course depends on a specific platform, and whether your phone and tablet ecosystem makes one operating system materially easier to live with. These decisions can outweigh a benchmark gap or a lighter chassis.
Which laptop fits your priorities?
Choose the Dell XPS 13 when you need
- The lightest carry weight and a slightly smaller chassis.
- A larger touch display with 120Hz capability and full DCI-P3 coverage.
- A backlit keyboard and standard Windows Hello sign-in.
- Up to 32GB of memory for heavy multitasking.
- Wi-Fi 7, charging from either side and flexible USB-C display support.
- The longer result in Tom’s Guide’s controlled Wi-Fi browsing test.
Choose the MacBook Neo when you need
- macOS and tight integration with existing Apple devices.
- Higher CPU and graphics benchmark performance.
- A built-in 3.5mm headphone jack.
- A slightly better-processed webcam image in WIRED’s assessment.
- A non-touch, 60Hz display and a fixed 8GB configuration that matches your workload.
Bottom line
The Dell XPS 13 surpasses the MacBook Neo in portability, display capability, keyboard usability, upgrade headroom, wireless generation, USB-C flexibility and battery endurance in the cited independent test. The MacBook Neo counters with stronger CPU and graphics benchmark results, macOS integration, a headphone jack and somewhat better webcam processing. At the same $699 starting price, the XPS is the more versatile Windows laptop; the Neo is the more compelling choice for buyers already invested in macOS and Apple’s ecosystem or those whose applications benefit from its processor and graphics performance.
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