Apple MacBook Air M3 15 vs Acer Chromebook Plus 515 CBE595-2

The MacBook Air M3 15 is the better laptop for most people who want a polished, quiet, long-lasting machine with a sharp 15.3-inch screen and strong Apple silicon performance. The Acer Chromebook Plus 515 is a sensible pick only if you live in a browser and want a bigger, matte Full HD screen with a backlit keyboard and fingerprint login. Owners praise the Air's build, silence and battery; the Acer is a solid budget Chromebook but its Chrome OS limits desktop software and its 3.8 lb weight and 16:9 panel feel less premium.

• Choose the MacBook Air M3 15 if you want macOS, a fanless design, all-day battery and a high-resolution 15-inch display for creative or office work.
• Choose the Acer Chromebook Plus 515 if your work happens in a browser and you want a matte Full HD screen, backlit keyboard and fingerprint login on Chrome OS.