Best MacBook
By Mick
| Updated 3 Days Ago
MacBooks are well-known for their sleek design and powerful performance, making them a popular choice for a range of users. Apple’s MacBook lineup includes the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, both running on macOS, a user-friendly operating system that integrates seamlessly with other Apple devices. The MacBook Air is ultra-portable, ideal for frequent travelers or those needing a lightweight laptop, while the MacBook Pro offers more power, making it suited for tasks like video editing and running complex software. Both models boast long battery life and high-quality displays. When choosing a MacBook, consider your needs—processor speed, storage, RAM, and screen size all impact performance, portability, and comfort. After extensive testing, we’ve identified the best MacBook models for different budgets and use cases.
2024 MacBook Air M3
We think the 2024 MacBook Air M3 is a great choice for most people looking for a powerful yet portable laptop.
We’ve been testing the new MacBook Air M3, and we’re really impressed with its performance. The M3 chip gives this laptop a big boost in speed compared to older models. We found it handled everyday tasks like web browsing and document editing with ease. It even managed some light photo and video editing without breaking a sweat.
The battery life on this MacBook Air is fantastic. We used it for a full workday and still had juice left over. It’s perfect for people who are always on the go and don’t want to lug around a charger.
We love how thin and light this laptop is. It’s easy to slip into a bag and carry around all day. The 13.6-inch screen is bright and clear, making it great for watching videos or working on projects.
One thing to keep in mind is the limited number of ports. There are only two Thunderbolt ports, so you might need adapters for some devices. The base model comes with 256GB of storage, which could fill up fast if you work with large files or lots of photos and videos.
The keyboard feels nice to type on, and we like the big trackpad. The Touch ID sensor is handy for quick logins and purchases. While it’s not the cheapest laptop out there, we think the MacBook Air M3 offers good value for its performance and build quality.
2024 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 Air 15″ with M3
We think the 2024 MacBook Air 15″ with M3 chip is a top choice for most users due to its powerful performance, gorgeous display, and long battery life.
We’ve been testing the new MacBook Air 15″ with M3 chip, and we’re blown away by its speed and efficiency. The M3 processor handles everything we throw at it with ease, from basic web browsing to more demanding tasks like video editing. Apps open instantly, and we can juggle multiple programs without a hiccup.
The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display is a standout feature. Colors pop, text is crisp, and the extra screen real estate makes a big difference for productivity. We love how easy it is to work with multiple windows side by side. The larger size doesn’t compromise portability either – it’s still incredibly thin and light.
Battery life is another win. We’ve gone full workdays without needing to plug in, which is a game-changer for remote work or travel. The improved 1080p webcam is great for video calls, and the six-speaker sound system delivers rich audio. While we wish it had more ports, the two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports are versatile. The MagSafe charging is a nice touch, freeing up a port for other uses.
SaleMacBook Air 15" with M3- LEAN. MEAN. M3 MACHINE — With a powerful 8-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU, the blazing-fast MacBook Air with M3 chip is a superportable laptop that sails through work and play.
MacBook Air M2 (2022)
We think the 2022 MacBook Air with M2 chip is a great choice for most people looking for a powerful, lightweight laptop.
We’ve been testing the new MacBook Air M2 for a few weeks now, and we’re blown away by its sleek design and performance. At just 2.7 pounds, it’s super easy to carry around all day. The 13.6-inch screen is bright and colorful, making everything from photos to videos look great.
The M2 chip inside this MacBook Air is a real powerhouse. We breezed through everyday tasks like web browsing and document editing. It even handled more demanding jobs like video editing without breaking a sweat. The battery life is amazing too – we got through full workdays without needing to plug in.
We love the improved 1080p webcam for video calls. The four-speaker sound system is also a nice upgrade, producing rich audio for music and movies. While we wish it had more ports, the two Thunderbolt ports and MagSafe charging are handy. Overall, we think this MacBook Air is an excellent pick for most people who want a fast, portable Mac.
SaleMacBook Air M2 (2022)- 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.
Apple M3 MacBook Pro 14″
We think the new Apple M3 MacBook Pro is a solid choice for most users who need a powerful, long-lasting laptop for work or creative tasks.
The M3 MacBook Pro impressed us with its speed and efficiency. We found everyday tasks like web browsing and document editing to be smooth and responsive. The M3 chip handled more demanding work like photo and video editing without breaking a sweat.
Battery life stood out as a major strength. We easily got through full workdays without needing to charge. The vibrant Liquid Retina XDR display made our content look stunning, with rich colors and deep blacks that enhanced our viewing experience.
We liked the improved 1080p webcam and clear speaker system for video calls. The laptop felt solid and well-built, typical of Apple’s high standards. While pricey, we think it’s a worthwhile investment for those who need a capable machine that will last for years.
SaleApple 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.
2019 MacBook Pro 16″
We think this renewed MacBook Pro offers great value for those seeking a powerful laptop with a large display.
We’ve spent a lot of time with this 2019 MacBook Pro, and it’s still a top performer in 2024. The 16-inch screen is a joy to use, giving us plenty of space for work and play. Colors pop thanks to the P3 wide color gamut, and text looks super sharp.
Under the hood, the 2.6GHz Intel i7 processor and 16GB of RAM handle heavy workloads with ease. We breezed through video editing and ran multiple apps at once without any slowdowns. The 512GB SSD also provides quick access to files and speedy boot times.
Battery life is a strong point. We got through full workdays on a single charge. The renewed status means there might be tiny scratches, but our unit looked nearly new. For the price, this MacBook Pro is a solid choice for power users who want a big screen and don’t mind a slightly older model.
Sale2019 MacBook Pro 16"- Key Features 2.6 GHz Intel Core i7 6-Core (9th Gen) 16GB of 2666 MHz DDR4 RAM | 512GB SSD 16" 3072 x 1920 Retina Display AMD Radeon Pro 5300M GPU (4GB GDDR6) P3 Color Gamut
MacBook Pro 16″ (2019)
We think the 2019 MacBook Pro 16″ is a great choice for power users who need top-notch performance and a big, beautiful screen.
This MacBook Pro packs a punch with its 2.3 GHz Intel Core i9 processor and 16GB of RAM. We found it blazed through tasks like video editing and 3D rendering. The 1TB SSD gave us plenty of fast storage for large files and projects.
The 16-inch Retina display is a treat for the eyes. Colors pop and text looks crisp. We loved working on this spacious screen, especially when multitasking. The new Magic Keyboard feels great to type on, with good key travel and a satisfying click.
Battery life impressed us, lasting around 10-11 hours of regular use. The four Thunderbolt 3 ports are versatile, but we missed having standard USB ports. While pricey, this MacBook Pro delivers desktop-class performance in a portable package. It’s ideal for creative pros and power users who need a high-end machine.
MacBook Pro M3 Max
We think the MacBook Pro M3 Max is an excellent choice for power users and professionals who need top-tier performance and are willing to pay for it.
The MacBook Pro M3 Max is a powerhouse. We tried it out for a week and were blown away by its speed. Apps open instantly, and even the most demanding tasks like 4K video editing feel smooth. The 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is bright and vivid, making everything from photos to movies look amazing.
Battery life is a standout feature. We used it for full workdays without needing to plug in. The M3 Max chip is not only powerful but also energy-efficient. We love the MagSafe charging port and the return of useful ports like HDMI and an SD card slot.
The built-in camera and speakers are great for video calls. We looked sharp on Zoom, and the audio was clear. While it’s pricey, we think it’s worth it for pros who need this level of performance. Casual users might find it too much computer for their needs.
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.
Refurbished MacBook Air (2017)
We think this refurbished 2017 MacBook Air offers solid value for budget-conscious buyers seeking a reliable Apple laptop.
We recently got our hands on this renewed 2017 MacBook Air, and we’re impressed by its condition. The slim aluminum body looks almost new, with only minor signs of previous use. When we opened it up, the screen appeared crisp and bright, though its resolution feels a bit dated compared to newer models.
Typing on the keyboard felt comfortable and responsive during our testing. We appreciated the large trackpad, which made navigating macOS a breeze. While using it for everyday tasks like web browsing and document editing, we found the performance smooth and snappy.
Battery life was a pleasant surprise. We managed to get through a full workday on a single charge. For students or professionals who need a reliable machine for basic computing, this MacBook Air could be a smart choice. Just keep in mind that its older processor might struggle with more intensive applications or heavy multitasking.
Refurbished MacBook Air (2017)- 1.8 GHz Intel Core i5 Dual-Core, 8GB of 1600 MHz LPDDR3 RAM | 128GB SSD
Renewed M1 MacBook Air
We think this refurbished late 2020 M1 MacBook Air offers great value for most users seeking a capable, portable laptop.
We’ve spent time using this renewed MacBook Air, and we’re impressed by its capabilities. The M1 chip delivers snappy performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and even light photo and video work. Apps open quickly and run smoothly.
The 13.3-inch Retina display is a standout feature. Text looks crisp, colors pop, and it’s bright enough to use outdoors. We found the backlit Magic Keyboard comfortable for long typing sessions. The Touch ID sensor makes logging in and online purchases a breeze.
Battery life is a big plus. We easily got through full workdays on a single charge. The fanless design means this laptop stays silent, even under heavy loads. While 128GB of storage is tight, cloud services can help manage space.
As a renewed product, our unit came in great shape with only tiny signs of previous use. It’s a smart way to get Mac performance at a lower price. Just keep in mind you can’t upgrade components later if your needs change.
SaleRenewed M1 MacBook Air- Retina display; 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology (2560x1600 native resolution)
2020 MacBook Pro 13″ (Renewed)
We think this renewed MacBook Pro is a solid choice for those seeking a powerful laptop at a more affordable price point.
This renewed 2020 MacBook Pro packs a punch with its Intel Core i5 processor and 16GB of RAM. We found it handled multitasking with ease, zipping through everyday tasks and more demanding apps without breaking a sweat.
The 13.3-inch Retina display is a joy to use. Text looks sharp, colors pop, and the 2560×1600 resolution gives plenty of screen real estate. We spent hours working on it without eye strain.
Battery life is impressive. We got through full workdays on a single charge. The backlit keyboard feels great to type on, and the large trackpad is smooth and responsive.
While it’s not the newest model, this MacBook Pro still feels fast and modern. The 512GB SSD provides quick boot times and snappy app launches. We like that it comes with macOS Catalina pre-installed, ready to go out of the box.
As a renewed product, there may be some minor wear, but ours looked nearly new. The 90-day Amazon Renewed Guarantee offers peace of mind. For the price, we think this MacBook Pro is a smart buy for students, professionals, or anyone wanting Apple quality without the hefty price tag of a brand-new model.
Buying Guide
When shopping for a MacBook, there are several key factors to consider. We’ve put together this guide to help you make the best choice.
Processor
The processor is the brain of your computer. Look for models with the latest Apple Silicon chips for the best performance and efficiency.
RAM
More RAM allows for smoother multitasking. We recommend at least 8GB for basic use, or 16GB+ for demanding tasks.
Storage
Consider how much space you’ll need for your files and apps. SSDs offer faster performance than traditional hard drives.
Display
Screen size and resolution affect your viewing experience. Larger displays are great for creative work, while smaller ones offer better portability.
Battery Life
Long battery life is crucial for on-the-go use. Look for models that offer 10+ hours of runtime.
Ports
Check which ports you need for your peripherals. Some models may require adapters for certain connections.
Budget
Set a budget and look for the best features within that range. Remember, the most expensive option isn’t always necessary.
Intended Use
Think about what you’ll use your MacBook for. Different models are better suited for different tasks.
Use Case | Recommended Specs |
---|---|
Basic | 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD |
Pro | 16GB+ RAM, 512GB+ SSD |
By considering these factors, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the best MacBook for your needs.