Best MacBook Pro

Mick

By Mick

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • MacBook Pro laptops are built for professionals and creatives, offering powerful performance, sleek design, and seamless integration with Apple’s ecosystem. Known for their exceptional build quality, long battery life, and stunning displays, they are a go-to choice for users who need reliable, high-performance machines. Since their debut in 2006, MacBook Pros have continually evolved, with the latest models featuring Apple’s M-series chips that deliver impressive speed and energy efficiency. Available in various screen sizes and configurations, there’s a model to suit different needs and budgets. When choosing a MacBook Pro, consider key factors like processor speed, memory, storage capacity, and screen size to ensure the best performance for your needs. We tested multiple MacBook Pro models to find the top options for different users.

  • Apple M3 MacBook Pro 14″

    10

    We think the new Apple M3 MacBook Pro is a solid choice for most users seeking a powerful and efficient laptop.

    Pros

    • Impressive performance with M3 chip
    • Excellent battery life
    • Vibrant Liquid Retina XDR display

    Cons

    • Only 8GB RAM in base model
    • Limited external display support
    • Pricey compared to some alternatives

    We’ve been using the latest 14-inch MacBook Pro, and it’s clear Apple has made some big improvements. The M3 chip gives this laptop a serious boost in speed. We noticed how quickly it handles tasks like photo editing and video processing.

    The battery life really stands out. We used it for a full workday without needing to plug in. It’s great for people who are always on the go. The screen is another highlight. Colors pop, and the brightness is perfect for both indoor and outdoor use.

    We like the variety of ports on this MacBook. It’s nice to have HDMI and an SD card slot back. The keyboard feels great to type on, and the large trackpad is responsive. While 8GB of RAM might not be enough for heavy multitaskers, it works well for everyday use. If you need a reliable, fast laptop that lasts all day, this MacBook Pro is worth considering.

    Sale
    Apple M3 MacBook Pro 14"
    • SUPERCHARGED BY M3 — With an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, the Apple M3 chip can help you blaze through everyday multitasking and take on pro projects like editing thousands of photos or 4K video.
  • MacBook Air M3

    9.7

    We think the MacBook Air M3 is a top pick for most people due to its powerful performance and sleek design.

    Pros

    • Fast M3 chip
    • Long battery life
    • Slim and portable

    Cons

    • Limited ports
    • Pricey upgrades
    • No Face ID

    We’ve been testing the new MacBook Air M3, and it’s clear Apple has another winner. The M3 chip gives this laptop a big boost in speed. We noticed apps open faster and run smoother than on older models.

    The battery life amazed us. We used it all day without needing to plug in. It’s perfect for working on the go. The screen looks great too. Colors pop and text is crisp.

    We love how light and thin this MacBook is. It fits easily in our bags. The keyboard feels nice to type on. But we wish it had more ports. You might need adapters for some devices. While pricey, we think it’s worth it for most people who want a fast, portable Mac.

    Sale
    MacBook Air M3
    • LEAN. MEAN. M3 MACHINE — With a powerful 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, the blazing-fast MacBook Air with M3 chip is a superportable laptop that sails through work and play.
  • MacBook Pro 16″ (2019)

    9.5

    We think this MacBook Pro is a solid choice for power users who need a big screen and top-notch performance.

    Pros

    • Stunning 16-inch Retina display
    • Powerful Intel Core i9 processor
    • Improved keyboard design

    Cons

    • Pricey compared to other laptops
    • Limited port selection
    • Can run hot under heavy loads

    We’ve been using this MacBook Pro for a while now, and it’s clear that Apple has made some big improvements. The 16-inch screen is a treat for our eyes. Colors pop and text looks crisp, making it great for both work and play.

    The keyboard is much better than older models. Typing feels good and we don’t worry about keys getting stuck anymore. The big trackpad is smooth and responds well to our touches.

    Performance is top-notch. We can run lots of apps at once without slowing down. Video editing and 3D work is fast too. But all this power means the laptop can get warm sometimes, especially when we’re doing heavy tasks.

    We like the speakers a lot. They sound rich and full, better than most laptops we’ve tried. Battery life is good too – we can work for hours without needing to plug in.

    The price is high, but we think it’s worth it for people who need a powerful machine. Just keep in mind that you’ll need dongles for older USB devices. All in all, this MacBook Pro is a great tool for creative pros and power users.

    Sale
    MacBook Pro 16" (2019)
    • 16" 3072 x 1920 Retina Display 2.3 GHz Intel Core i9 8-Core (9th Gen)
  • Apple MacBook Pro M3 Pro (2023)

    9.4

    We think the new MacBook Pro M3 Pro is a top choice for power users and creative professionals seeking a high-performance laptop with exceptional battery life.

    Pros

    • Blazing fast M3 Pro chip
    • Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display
    • Incredible battery life

    Cons

    • Pricey compared to non-Pro models
    • Limited ports for some users
    • Notch may bother some people

    The latest MacBook Pro with M3 Pro chip left us impressed. Its performance is outstanding, handling demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering with ease. We found ourselves breezing through complex workflows that would slow down lesser machines.

    The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is a joy to use. Colors pop and the brightness is excellent, making it great for both creative work and entertainment. We watched some HDR content and were blown away by the image quality.

    Battery life is where this MacBook Pro really shines. We used it for a full workday and still had plenty of juice left. It’s nice not having to worry about carrying a charger everywhere. The laptop stayed cool and quiet even under heavy loads.

    While pricey, we think the MacBook Pro M3 Pro is worth it for those who need its power. The build quality is top-notch, and it should last for years. If you’re a pro user or creative professional, this machine is hard to beat.

    Sale
    Apple MacBook Pro M3 Pro (2023)
    • SUPERCHARGED BY M3 — With an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, the Apple M3 chip can help you blaze through everyday multitasking and take on pro projects like editing thousands of photos or 4K video.
  • MacBook Pro 13″ (2020 Renewed)

    9.3

    We think this refurbished 2020 MacBook Pro is a great value for those seeking Apple quality at a lower price point.

    Pros

    • Powerful performance for everyday tasks
    • Crisp Retina display
    • Long battery life

    Cons

    • Older Intel processor
    • Limited port selection
    • Not the latest model

    We’ve spent a lot of time with this renewed 2020 MacBook Pro, and it’s clear why it remains popular. The 13-inch Retina display is gorgeous, making everything from photos to text look super sharp. We found the keyboard comfortable for long typing sessions, and the large trackpad is responsive and accurate.

    In our tests, the quad-core Intel i5 processor handled multitasking with ease. We could jump between dozens of browser tabs, edit photos, and stream video without any slowdowns. The 16GB of RAM helps keep things snappy, even with demanding apps open.

    Battery life impressed us, easily lasting through a full workday. The four Thunderbolt 3 ports are versatile, though we did miss having a regular USB-A port at times. While not the latest model, this MacBook Pro still feels modern and capable for most users’ needs. It’s a solid choice for anyone wanting Apple quality without the premium price of a brand-new machine.

  • MacBook Pro M3 Max

    9.1

    We think the MacBook Pro M3 Max is an excellent choice for power users and professionals who need top-notch performance and battery life.

    Pros

    • Blazing fast M3 Max chip
    • Stunning Liquid Retina XDR display
    • Impressive 22-hour battery life

    Cons

    • High price tag
    • Limited upgradability
    • Only supports one external display

    The new MacBook Pro with M3 Max is a powerhouse. We tested it for several days and were blown away by its speed. The 14-core CPU and 30-core GPU handled complex tasks with ease. We edited 4K videos and worked with large photo libraries without a hint of slowdown.

    The 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is a joy to use. Colors pop and blacks are deep. It’s great for creative work or watching movies. The 1080p webcam produces crisp video calls, and the six-speaker system sounds amazing.

    Battery life is a standout feature. We used the MacBook Pro for full workdays without needing to plug in. It’s perfect for on-the-go professionals. The laptop stays cool and quiet even under heavy loads. While pricey, we think it’s worth it for those who need top performance in a portable package.

    Sale
    MacBook Pro M3 Max
    • SUPERCHARGED BY M3 — With an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, the Apple M3 chip can help you blaze through everyday multitasking and take on pro projects like editing thousands of photos or 4K video.
  • Apple M1 MacBook Pro 13″ (2020 Refurbished)

    9

    We think this refurbished MacBook Pro offers great value for those seeking Apple’s powerful M1 chip at a lower price point.

    Pros

    • Impressive performance from M1 chip
    • Excellent battery life
    • Like-new condition

    Cons

    • Limited ports
    • Non-upgradable RAM
    • Older design

    The 2020 MacBook Pro with M1 chip amazed us with its speed. Apps opened instantly, and even demanding tasks like video editing felt smooth. We found ourselves working longer without plugging in, easily getting through a full day on a single charge.

    This refurbished model looked and felt brand new. The Space Gray aluminum body had no scratches, and the Retina display was crisp and bright. We appreciated the familiar Magic Keyboard, which is much more comfortable than older butterfly keyboards.

    While powerful, this MacBook Pro has some limits. It only has two Thunderbolt ports, which can be annoying if you use lots of accessories. The 8GB of RAM isn’t upgradable, so power users might want more. And the design is a bit dated compared to newer models. Still, for most people, this refurbished MacBook Pro hits a sweet spot of performance and value.

    Apple M1 MacBook Pro 13" (2020 Refurbished)
    • Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance - Get up to 20 hours of battery life
  • Apple MacBook Pro M1 (Late 2021)

    8.7

    We think this refurbished MacBook Pro is an excellent choice for power users seeking top-notch performance at a more budget-friendly price point.

    Pros

    • Blazing fast M1 Pro chip
    • Stunning 16-inch Retina display
    • Long battery life

    Cons

    • Pricey even when refurbished
    • Limited port selection
    • Potential cosmetic imperfections

    We’ve been testing this refurbished late 2021 MacBook Pro, and we’re impressed by its capabilities. The M1 Pro chip delivers incredible speed for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering. Apps open instantly, and we can smoothly run multiple resource-intensive programs at once.

    The 16-inch Retina display is a joy to use. Colors pop, text looks crisp, and the extra screen real estate boosts our productivity. We appreciate the anti-glare coating, which reduces eye strain during long work sessions.

    Battery life is a standout feature. We’ve gotten through full workdays without needing to plug in. The improved 1080p webcam is great for video calls, producing clearer images than previous MacBook models.

    While pricey, this refurbished model offers significant savings over a new unit. It’s covered by Amazon’s Renewed Guarantee, giving us peace of mind. Just keep in mind that as a refurbished product, there might be minor cosmetic imperfections.

    Sale
    Apple MacBook Pro M1 (Late 2021)
    • Apple M1 Pro or M1 Max chip for a massive leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
  • Apple MacBook Air M3 (2024)

    8.7

    We think the 2024 MacBook Air with M3 chip is an excellent choice for most people seeking a powerful yet portable laptop.

    Pros

    • Impressive performance with M3 chip
    • Long battery life
    • Thin and lightweight design

    Cons

    • Limited port selection
    • Base model storage may be tight
    • Premium price tag

    The new MacBook Air M3 packs a serious punch in a slim package. We were amazed by how quickly it handled everyday tasks and even some more demanding work. Apps opened instantly, and we breezed through photo editing without a hitch.

    Battery life is a standout feature. We used it all day for work and still had juice left for streaming shows in the evening. The 13.6-inch screen is bright and colorful, making both productivity and entertainment a joy.

    We love how portable this laptop is. It’s so thin and light that we barely noticed it in our bag. The keyboard feels great to type on, and the large trackpad is smooth and responsive. While we wish it had more ports, the two Thunderbolt ports are versatile. The M3 chip runs cool, so the Air stays quiet even under load.

    Sale
    Apple MacBook Air M3 (2024)
    • LEAN. MEAN. M3 MACHINE — With a powerful 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, the blazing-fast MacBook Air with M3 chip is a superportable laptop that sails through work and play.
  • 2022 MacBook Air M2

    8.6

    We think the 2022 MacBook Air M2 is a top choice for most people looking for a powerful, portable laptop.

    Pros

    • Amazing battery life
    • Sleek, lightweight design
    • Powerful M2 chip performance

    Cons

    • Higher price than previous model
    • Limited port selection
    • Base model has less storage

    We’ve been testing the new MacBook Air M2 for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed. The thin and light design makes it super easy to carry around. We barely notice it in our bags.

    The M2 chip is a big step up. Apps open quickly, and we can run multiple programs without any slowdown. Video editing and photo work is smooth, even with large files.

    Battery life is a standout feature. We often go days without needing to charge. It’s great for long work sessions or trips. The screen is bright and colorful, making everything look crisp and clear.

    We do wish it had more ports. Having only two Thunderbolt ports can be limiting. We often need to use adapters. The base model’s 256GB storage might not be enough for some users.

    The 1080p webcam is a nice upgrade. Video calls look much better than on older MacBooks. The keyboard feels good to type on, and the large trackpad is responsive.

    While it’s pricier than the previous Air, we think the improvements are worth it for most people. It’s a great all-around laptop that should last for years.

    Sale
    2022 MacBook Air M2
    • STRIKINGLY THIN DESIGN — The redesigned MacBook Air is more portable than ever and weighs just 2.7 pounds. It’s the incredibly capable laptop that lets you work, play or create just about anything — anywhere.

Buying Guide

When shopping for a MacBook Pro, there are a few key factors to consider:

Performance

We recommend looking at the processor, RAM, and storage options. More powerful specs will handle demanding tasks better but cost more.

Display

Screen size and resolution are important. Larger displays are great for creative work, while higher resolutions offer sharper images.

Battery Life

Long battery life is crucial for portability. Check the estimated hours per charge.

Ports

Consider what peripherals you’ll need to connect. More ports mean greater flexibility.

Weight

If you plan to carry your laptop often, a lighter model may be preferable.

Budget

Set a budget and look for the best specs within that range. Refurbished models can offer good value.

Here’s a quick comparison of key features to consider:

FeatureWhy It Matters
ProcessorDetermines overall speed
RAMAffects multitasking ability
StorageImpacts file storage capacity
DisplayInfluences visual experience
BatteryAffects portability

We suggest prioritizing your needs and choosing accordingly. For example, if you work with large files, focus on storage and RAM. For frequent travelers, battery life and weight might be top concerns.

Remember to read reviews and compare models before making a decision. This helps ensure you get the best MacBook Pro for your specific needs and budget.