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The best MacBooks, tried and tested by an expert – which should you buy?
From the MacBook Air to the MacBook Pro, we’ve tested every model. These are the best MacBooks, categorised by the type of user you are
Apple’s MacBook range is extensive, which is somewhat of a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it means there’s a MacBook out there for everyone but on the other, it can also be difficult to determine which is the best MacBook for you. Two core ranges, five display sizes, multiple chip variants and that’s before we come to the configurable storage and memory options. It’s a MacBook minefield.
They are popular for a reason, as Amber Pine, managing director of Sky Connectivity – the only mobile provider to offer MacBooks on monthly contracts – explains: “MacBooks are powerful, versatile laptops with a beautifully sleek design. They have long battery lives and work well with other Apple products such as iPhones, iPads and AirPods – giving users a seamless and integrated experience.”
I’ve been testing technology and Apple devices for over a decade, with MacBooks among the products I have used and reviewed extensively during that time. I have also owned a MacBook since 2006, upgraded through the various generations in the last two decades and continuously switched between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro in the last few years. This gives me plenty of experience with all the different MacBook models to help determine which is the best MacBook to meet your requirements.
You can read my full reviews of the best MacBooks below, followed by answers to frequently asked questions. However, if you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at my top five. Note: M2, M3 and M4 refer to the processor chips, with M4 being the newest.
Which are the best MacBooks? At a glance
- Best MacBook overall - MacBook Air 15-inch (M4)
- Best value MacBook - MacBook Air 13-inch (M3)
- Best budget MacBook - MacBook Air 13-inch (M2)
- Best MacBook for students - MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)
- Best MacBook for an upgrade - MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4)
MacBook Pro vs MacBook Air – which is better?
Whether the MacBook Pro or MacBook Air is better very much depends on the type of user you are and what you plan to throw at it. As Amber Pine says: “MacBooks are now more powerful than ever, so no matter what model you choose, you don’t need to worry about performance. With Apple’s own M series chips now on all MacBooks, buyers can take advantage of the extra performance power and battery life – whether investing in a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro.”
“If you’re looking for a laptop that can help with your everyday tasks, studies or work, the MacBook Air is a great option,” Pine explains, while “the MacBook Pro is great for users with more demanding workflows that require more sustained performance, even longer battery life, or those who need more ports.”
To help you determine which is the best MacBook for you, I have reviewed all of Apple’s current lineup, as well as the older MacBook Air (M2), to highlight which MacBook models are best for what and who.
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How I tested the best MacBooks
I’ve used all of the MacBook models below for at least two weeks to determine which is the best MacBook overall, as well as the best MacBook for certain disciplines.
I compared their RAM (the short-term memory, an indicator of speed), their CPUs (central processing units, in this case, either Apple’s M2, M3 or M4 chips), their GPUs (graphics processing units), their storage in gigabytes, screen resolutions and their screen display technologies, which affect colour, contrast and brightness.
I ran the same tasks on each MacBook model, ranging from picture and video editing to streaming content, browsing the web and everyday office work. To complete my testing, I took each MacBook on public transport to get an indication of battery life and see how their dimensions and weight affected their suitability when commuting, travelling or when being used in more restrictive spaces.
Best MacBooks
1. Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4)
Best MacBook overall, 9/10
We like: exceptional battery life and a large screen in a slim design
We don’t like: limited ports compared to MacBook Pro
- Display: 15.3in Liquid Retina (IPS), 2,880 x 1,864 resolution, 224 ppi
- CPU: Apple M4 processor, 10-core
- GPU: 10-core
- RAM: 16GB, 24GB or 32GB
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB
- Dimensions: 340 x 238 x 11.5mm
- Weight: 1.51kg
- Battery life: Up to 15 hours web browsing
The MacBook Air has long been heralded as Apple’s thinnest and lightest laptop, ever since Steve Jobs pulled the first iteration out of a manilla envelope in 2008. Plenty has changed since that first model, including the design which is now more in line with the MacBook Pro, offering a flat, uniform aluminium build in place of the Air’s pre-existing famous wedge shape.
With that, there’s little to complain about when it comes to Apple’s 15-inch MacBook Air running the company’s latest M4 processor. As an everyday laptop, this one is exceptional, delivering great performance not only for standard tasks but more intensive operations as well, taking basic image editing on software like Photoshop in its stride.
The slim, lightweight and portable format is something of a marvel and is barely noticeable when lugging around London in a backpack or bag. The large 15.3-inch screen is beautifully vibrant, making for an excellent viewing experience, whether scrolling through spreadsheets or watching films. The display doesn’t reach the same level of brightness as the MacBook Pro, there’s no Nano-texture glass option, the notch at the top of the display could be reduced and I would have liked to have seen the addition of an HDMI port but these are all minor grievances in what is otherwise a fantastic everyday laptop.
For all its successes, the MacBook Air’s battery life is where this model is worth its weight in gold. I found that the MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) exceeded the promised 15 hours when using it for day-to-day tasks. I boarded a 12-hour flight with this model, wrote for almost the entire duration (over 10,000 words in total) and got off the plane with 61 per cent remaining. Meanwhile, a day in London connecting and disconnecting to various networks barely shaved off 20 per cent.
To learn more, read our full MacBook Air (M4) review.
2. MacBook Air 13-inch (M3)
Best value MacBook, 10/10
We like: slim design with great performance
We don’t like: speakers not as good as MacBook Pro and notch could be smaller
- Display: 13.6in Liquid Retina (IPS), 2,560 x 1,664 resolution, 224 ppi
- CPU: Apple M3 processor, 8-core
- GPU: 8-core
- RAM: 8GB, 16GB, or 24GB
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB
- Dimensions: 304 x 215 x 11.3mm
- Weight: 1.24kg
- Battery life: Up to 15 hours web browsing
The MacBook Air (M3) might be over a year old now but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worthy of your attention. It offers an identical design to the latest MacBook Air (M4), including being available in both 13-inch and 15-inch display sizes, with both being slim, lightweight and portable. There’s no Sky Blue colour for this model, so that’s one compromise you’ll need to make but you will likely find it cheaper than the MacBook Air with M4 chip and this laptop is still packed with plenty of power for everyday tasks.
As with the other MacBook Air models, a few additional ports would be welcome and the speaker performance is limited compared to the MacBook Pro. This laptop still delivers a superb battery life and the M3 processor, despite not being the latest, is more than up to handling most of what you care to throw at it, from image editing to web browsing.
If you’re looking for a fantastic laptop that offers both power and portability, the MacBook Air (M3) is a great option to consider, just make sure you aren’t spending over £900 for the base model as otherwise you would be better to invest the extra £100 and buy the M4 version.
3. MacBook Air 13-inch (M2)
Best budget MacBook, 9/10
We like: great design with plenty of power for a decent price
We don’t like: speaker system isn’t as powerful as other MacBooks
- Display: 13.6in Liquid Retina (IPS), 2,560 x 1,664 resolution, 224 ppi
- CPU: Apple M2 processor, 8-core
- GPU: 8-core
- RAM: 8GB, 16GB or 24GB
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB
- Dimensions: 304 x 215 x 11.3mm
- Weight: 1.24kg
- Battery life: Up to 15 hours web browsing
Despite what Apple might say, it isn’t always necessary to buy the latest technology to get a good experience. When it comes to the MacBook Air, the everyday user completing everyday tasks such as emails, web browsing and even basic photo editing, will struggle to distinguish between the performance of Apple’s M4, M3 and M2 chips, with all being efficient.
The 2022 MacBook Air model is available at a lower price than the most recent MacBook Air models, while still delivering a great everyday laptop, making it excellent value. Its design is virtually identical to the newest model, save for the lack of a fingerprint-resistant lid, meaning you’ll need to wipe the aluminium of this model more frequently.
You’ll find a number of the same colour options (though no Sky Blue), the same bright and vibrant display and the same easy-to-use MacOS software, delivering a range of features from easy multi-tasking with Stage Manager to Profiles separating work and personal web browsing on Apple’s native browser, Safari.
The speaker system isn’t as powerful as you’ll find in the MacBook Pro models and there aren’t as many ports available but the MacBook Air 13-inch (M2) is more than adequate for streaming a film. Dongles are also available to counteract the lack of ports, should you require an HDMI connection or an SD card reader.
Overall, the MacBook Air (M2) is slim and light, especially in this 13-inch model and the battery life remains supreme, delivering a day of use without so much as a scratch.
4. MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)
Best MacBook for students, 10/10
We like: great performance and battery life in a slim and light build
We don’t like: not a huge upgrade from the MacBook Air (M3) model
- Display: 13.6in Liquid Retina (IPS), 2,560 x 1,664 resolution, 224 ppi
- CPU: Apple M4 processor, 10-core
- GPU: 8-core or 10-core
- RAM: 16GB,24GB or 32GB
- Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB
- Dimensions: 304 x 215 x 11.3mm
- Weight: 1.24kg
- Battery life: Up to 15 hours web browsing
If power and portability are at the top of your list, few laptops can compete with the MacBook Air 13-inch (M4). Add battery life to that list and there are arguably none, whether you’re looking in the Apple camp or at Windows. The MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) offers all the same attributes as the 15-inch variant but in a slightly smaller and lighter format, making it perfect for commuting or using on your lap knee-to-knee with peers in a packed lecture theatre. You’ll barely notice it in your bag and its compact build makes it a great option for smaller bags.
There’s plenty of vibrancy and brightness from the display, the notch at the top is a feature you get used to within minutes – even if it is more obvious on the smaller model – and the typing experience with the keyboard is excellent. You’ll find the same keyboard on all MacBook models in this list, with all including a Touch ID fingerprint sensor in the corner of the full-height function keys. This is handy for unlocking your Mac, as well as authenticating passwords and using Apple Pay.
Where this model shines is battery life, because it’s in this area that it exceeds all other MacBook models, even the larger Air by a fraction. It’s more than capable of lasting a full day and then some, eliminating any potential battery anxiety, whether travelling, commuting or enduring a full day of lectures.
5. MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4)
Best MacBook for an upgrade, 9/10
We like: stunning display, smooth performance and extra ports
We don’t like: battery life isn’t as good as the MacBook Air
- Display: 120Hz, 14.2in Liquid Retina XDR (Mini-LED), 3,024 x 1,964 resolution, 254 ppi
- CPU: Apple M4 processor, 10-core
- GPU: 10-core
- RAM: 16GB, 24GB or 32GB
- Storage: 512GB, 1TB or 2TB
- Dimensions: 313 x 221 x 15.5mm
- Weight: 1.55kg
- Battery life: Up to 16 hours web browsing
It might sit at the bottom of the MacBook Pro lineup but if you’re looking for the MacBook that can give you a little bit extra compared to the MacBook Air – and without having to remortgage – the MacBook Pro (M4) is the model that will do it.
The same M4 chip as the latest MacBook Air runs the show but the MacBook Pro benefits from a better sound system thanks to the up-firing speakers placed on either side of the keyboard, allowing for a richer and wider soundstage when watching movies or playing audio.
It also has a more solid base, a fan incorporated into the design to allow for sustained performance when it comes to more complex tasks and there are some extra ports compared to the Air, including HDMI and an SD card reader.
It’s in the display where the biggest reason to upgrade can be found, however. The Mini-LED screen is glorious, delivering deep, punchy colours, with a higher brightness than the MacBook Air and a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling. There’s also the option of the Nano-texture glass for an additional fee, which helps further in minimising screen reflections with a matte-like finish.
The battery life doesn’t quite match the MacBook Air, though it’s much better than the previous M3 model. Overall, the MacBook Pro (M4) is a great choice for anyone looking for a machine with just a little more oomph.
6. MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Best MacBook Pro, 9/10
We like: superb performance with plenty of upgradable memory and storage options
We don’t like: heavier than the MacBook Air and the battery life isn’t as good
- Display type: 120Hz, 14.2in Liquid Retina XDR (Mini-LED), 3,024 x 1,964 resolution, 254 ppi
- CPU: Apple M4 Pro processor, 12-core or 14-core
- GPU: 16-core or 20-core
- RAM: 24GB, 48GB
- Storage: 512GB, 1TB, 2TB or 4TB
- Dimensions: 313 x 221 x 15.5mm
- Weight: 1.6kg
- Battery life: Up to 16 hours web browsing
The darling of the MacBook Pro models, the MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) is a performance powerhouse, offering an incredibly rapid experience from the M4 Pro chip, whether you’re editing multiple RAW image files at once or exporting 8K video. There’s the option to upgrade the memory considerably, while storage options are also far beyond what the average user might need. Upgrading can drive the price up significantly, so make sure it’s something you need before dropping one in your basket.
Alongside its excellent performance is a stunning Mini-LED display that makes any content look as good as can be, from the latest Attenborough documentary to the crisp and detailed app icons that sit along the bottom dock in macOS. Apple’s ProMotion technology adapts the screen’s refresh rate to whatever you’re doing up to 120Hz, resulting in a consistently smooth experience, while the 1,600 nits peak brightness is well-suited for HDR content. There’s support for up to two external displays, making it a great option for photographers working on multiple images simultaneously.
As with the M4 version, the M4 Pro MacBook Pro delivers great sound with a six-speaker system and support for Spatial Audio, making it feel like the sound envelops you and there are plenty of ports too. I found that the battery life doesn’t quite match the MacBook Air, despite the same 16-hour claim and it is heavier but you will still get around a day of use from this machine before you need to plug it in, depending on what you are doing.
It’s certainly over-specced for the average user but for intensive creatives and photographers, the MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) is superb.
7. MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Max)
Best MacBook Pro for video editors and games developers, 9/10
We like: gigantic display and slick performance
We don’t like: large and heavy compared to other MacBooks and very expensive
- Display type: 120Hz, 16.2in Liquid Retina XDR (Mini-LED), 3,456 x 2,234 resolution, 254 ppi
- CPU: Apple M4 Max processor, 14-core or 16-core
- GPU: 32-core or 40-core
- RAM: 36GB, 48GB, 64GB, or 128GB
- Storage: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB or 8TB
- Dimensions: 356 x 248 x 16.8mm
- Weight: 2.15kg
- Battery life: Up to 14 hours web browsing
If you’re after the latest, greatest and largest MacBook that Apple has to offer, the MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Max) is exactly that. This laptop takes no prisoners, delivering what can only be described as a desktop computer in a more portable format. I say “more” because this is an incredibly large laptop and it’s heavy, so if you’re planning on leaving your home with it daily, make sure you get yourself a decent backpack.
The 16-inch MacBook Pro is powerful, with a speedy and consistent performance no matter what you throw at it, whether gaming or editing 3D models. There’s no taking away from the beautiful, large display, which presents exceptional detail and colour. The speakers also deliver an expansive soundstage unlike any other.
The storage and memory options on this model are substantial, as is the price of course, marking this MacBook out as one that’s reserved for professionals. For the average person, this MacBook model will be unnecessary but if you’re in the business of game development, 3D modelling or substantial video editing, I wager you might struggle to push this MacBook to the limit.
MacBook FAQs
Is a MacBook Air a touchscreen?
“The MacBook Air doesn’t have a touchscreen,” Amber Pine, managing director of Sky Communications answers. In fact, none of the MacBook models are touch-enabled. You could consider opting for an iPad Pro or iPad Air and investing in a Magic Keyboard if you want a touchscreen Apple device with a keyboard.
The current 2024 iPad Pro models run on the M4 processor, which is the same chip as found inside our Best Buy MacBook recommendation above. The iPad Air uses the slightly older M3 processor. This is the same chipset used in the MacBook Air from 2023, which is recommended above as our Best Value MacBook. It’s important to note that iPads run iPadOS rather than macOS, however, so while they offer some similar features, they can be more restrictive.
Is the MacBook Pro or Air better for students?
“We know students love the 13-inch MacBook Air,” says Amber Pine, adding that the “MacBook Pro is great for users with more demanding workflows that require more sustained performance”.
Whether the MacBook Pro or MacBook Air is the best laptop for a student depends partly on what course the student is taking. Generally, the MacBook Air will be more than sufficient, offering ample power, good portability and great battery life. Where the MacBook Pro might be better suited is if the student is doing a creative subject, such as graphic design or computer science. It’s here where more power has to be sustained for longer periods of time, requiring the dedicated fan for cooling.
Should I get an M2 or M3 MacBook?
As Apple has now released the M4 processor, generally it would be recommended to buy a MacBook with the M3 or M4 chip rather than the ageing M2. If your budget is limited, the Apple Silicon M2 does still offer great performance, but you will be future-proofing your purchase by opting for the M3 or M4 models, ensuring you get access to the latest features for longer.
How long does a MacBook last?
“All MacBooks are built to last. Made with aluminium enclosures and strong silicon, with the right care a MacBook can run smoothly year after year,” says Amber Pine.
I got my first MacBook in 2006 and that model – which had a plastic shell – will still turn on and work to some degree, so MacBooks don’t necessarily have an expiry date in terms of build quality. They will last for as long as you look after them and while they will pick up scratches and dents as the years go on, this won’t stop them from working.
What will determine when you will need to replace a MacBook is software compatibility. Apple typically offers around seven years of software support for its MacBooks and Macs, though this is model-dependent. After which, you won’t get access to the latest features and that’s when it is time to consider trading in.
What software do MacBooks run and which is the latest build?
Apple MacBooks run macOS and the current software build is called macOS Sequoia. It introduced features such as iPhone Mirroring, which allows you to control your iPhone using your Mac’s keyboard and touchpad and you can also now receive iOS notifications on Mac. many older MacBooks are still compatible with the software, so they will also have access to these features, though some will be restricted to the newer processors as they require more power to run effectively.
What are the system requirements for macOS Sequoia?
MacOS Sequoia was released in September 2024 and is compatible with the iMac Pro from 2017, the iMac from 2019 and later, the Mac Pro from 2019 and later, Mac Studio from 2022 and later, Mac mini from 2018 and later, MacBook Air from 2020 and later and the MacBook Pro from 2018 and later.