For the specific HP OmniBook 5 Flip tested head-to-head by Tom’s Guide, the MacBook Neo is the stronger all-around pick in that review. It was lighter, measured brighter, and lasted longer in the reviewer’s Wi-Fi browsing test. The Flip’s advantages were its convertible touchscreen design and a wider selection of built-in ports. But HP has also announced a different, new 14-inch OmniBook 5: the Flip’s test results do not apply to that model, and the available sources do not establish a head-to-head winner between it and the Neo.
First, identify which OmniBook 5 you mean
“OmniBook 5” is not enough to identify the laptop in this comparison. Tom’s Guide tested an HP OmniBook 5 Flip, a Best Buy-exclusive convertible with an Intel Core 7 150U, 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Separately, HP announced a new, non-Flip 14-inch OmniBook 5 on October 1, 2026. They are different products, so figures measured on the Flip should not be treated as results for the new 14-inch model.
The practical verdict is therefore conditional: if you are considering the tested Flip, the Neo came out ahead in Tom’s Guide’s overall comparison; if you mean HP’s newly announced 14-inch model, compare the exact configurations and prices, but treat a direct performance verdict as unestablished.
Price and configurations: check the exact listing
Price evidence for these laptops is time- and configuration-sensitive. Tom’s Guide bought its tested Flip for $599, but its page later listed $778; those are historical figures, not a current quote. The Neo was described in that comparison as an 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD model at $599, with a 512GB configuration and Touch ID available at a higher price in the page’s context. A separate 2026 Tom’s Guide budget guide gives a $699 standard-price context and mentions $599 for education or an earlier price. The sources do not resolve that difference, so check the current U.S. listing and configuration before buying.
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Tom’s Hardware reported a U.S. starting price of $699.99 for HP’s new 14-inch OmniBook 5, but that is a reported launch price, not a guarantee of the live price or of what every configuration costs. Its report listed Intel Core 5 320 or Core 7 350 options; soldered 8GB, 12GB, or 16GB memory; and 256GB, 512GB, or 1TB storage. The report said the 12GB memory and 1TB storage options were planned for November 2026. Verify what is actually available where you are shopping.
For a fair comparison, match the memory and storage you need, then compare the final price for those configurations in your region. Don’t compare a base Neo price with a higher-capacity HP listing—or an old sale price with a current one.
Rank #2
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Screen and portability: the tested Flip and new 14-inch model are different comparisons
In Tom’s Guide’s measurements of its specific units, the Neo’s screen reached 452 nits in SDR and 480 nits in HDR, while the tested Flip measured 266 nits in SDR. The Neo also covered 110.9% of sRGB and 78.6% of DCI-P3, versus 65% and 46.1%, respectively, for the Flip. These are the publication’s results for those test units, not guarantees for every configuration.
The tested Neo weighed 2.7 pounds and the Flip 3.58 pounds, according to Tom’s Guide. That makes the Neo the lighter choice in that pairing. HP’s new 14-inch OmniBook 5 is a separate case: HP says it weighs 1.16 kg, while Tom’s Hardware reported 2.56 pounds. Confirm the weight for the exact model and regional specification you are considering.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFor the newly announced OmniBook 5, Tom’s Hardware reported 1920×1200 OLED options rated at 300 nits at launch, with a 2560×1600, 620-nit OLED touchscreen option planned for March 2027. Those dates and configurations were reported plans; check the live listing. HP’s announcement also describes OLED display options, but neither source supplies a direct independent comparison of this model’s screen with the Neo.
Battery claims are not an apples-to-apples comparison
In Tom’s Guide’s continuous Wi-Fi web-browsing test, with screen brightness set to 150 nits, its Neo test unit lasted 13 hours 28 minutes and its OmniBook 5 Flip lasted 9 hours 57 minutes. Those are results for the specific tested devices and method; real-world endurance varies with workload and settings.
Rank #4
HP claims up to 42 hours of local video playback for the new 14-inch OmniBook 5 under HP’s stated video-playback conditions. That is a manufacturer claim using a different method, not a result from the Wi-Fi browsing test and not evidence that the new HP lasts longer than the Neo in comparable use.
Ports, form factor, and operating system
The tested Flip had two USB-A ports, two USB-C ports, HDMI, and a headphone jack. The Neo in Tom’s Guide’s comparison had two USB-C ports and a headphone jack. If you need a convertible touchscreen or frequently connect USB-A peripherals or HDMI displays directly, those specific Flip features may matter more than the Neo’s advantages in the review.
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HP’s announcement identifies two full-function USB-C ports on the new 14-inch OmniBook 5. It does not establish that the new model has the Flip’s USB-A ports or HDMI connector, so check the port list for the exact SKU rather than assuming the family name guarantees the same connections.
The Neo runs macOS; the HP OmniBook models discussed here run Windows. Choose based on the applications, accessories, and workflow you need to support. Tom’s Guide characterized both its tested Flip and Neo as suitable for light or average work such as browsing, word processing, and video streaming, and reported similar responsiveness with around ten Chrome tabs open in its use. That observation is not a guarantee for heavier workloads or for the new 14-inch HP, which had not been independently tested in the sources available.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Which one should you buy?
Choose the MacBook Neo if…
- You want macOS or prefer the Neo’s smaller, lighter design.
- You are comparing it with the OmniBook 5 Flip and value the stronger screen and longer battery life measured in Tom’s Guide’s tests.
- You can work with its more limited built-in port selection or already have a way to connect the peripherals you need.
Choose the OmniBook 5 Flip if…
- You specifically want a convertible touchscreen laptop.
- You value its built-in USB-A and HDMI connections and the other ports found on the tested Flip.
- You prefer Windows and have confirmed that the exact Flip configuration and current price suit your needs.
Consider the new 14-inch OmniBook 5 if…
- You want a Windows laptop with a 14-inch OLED option and the planned configurations fit your requirements.
- You have checked the current processor, memory, storage, display, ports, weight, and price for the exact configuration on sale.
- You are comfortable deciding without a direct independent comparison against the Neo: the available test results for the Flip do not establish how this new model performs against it.
HP’s announcement describes its new OmniBook 5 as a consumer Windows laptop and lists a 180-degree hinge, two full-function USB-C ports, a 65W USB Mini GaN charger, an FHD IR camera with Windows Hello, dual microphones, and four finishes. These are HP’s product descriptions; confirm included accessories and specifications on the regional listing before purchase.
Quick Recap
Sources
- Tom’s Guide: “I just tested the $599 MacBook Neo vs. a $799 Windows laptop — and Apple still blows it away” (April 16, 2026)
- Tom’s Hardware: “HP boards the MacBook Neo competitor train — OmniBook 5 comes in four colors with Wildcat Lake and starts at $699.99” (October 1, 2026)
- HP Inc.: “HP Brings Premium PC Experiences to More Consumers” (October 1, 2026)
- Tom’s Guide: “The best budget laptops in 2026: Top value picks, fully tested”
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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