Any time you shop for a new laptop, a lot of people are going to tell you the same thing: Just get a MacBook.
And you know what? We don't blame them. MacBooks are fantastic laptops, and while they don't afford you the freedom of customization that other brands do, that's not something everyone will care about. At the end of the day, many of us just want a high-quality laptop that'll get us through work, school, and play with minimal fuss.
Although MacBooks can get a bit pricey — with some reaching into truly frightening territory — we're assuming that if you're here, you already have the budget for at least one of the current MacBook models (even if it's the cheapest one).
After testing out Apple's lineup of laptops, we're here to help you narrow down the choices and take home the Apple machine of your dreams. So, let's start shopping.
Your first big decision: Air or Pro?
When it comes to today's current lineup of MacBooks, you really only have two options: The MacBook Pro or the MacBook Air. So, which is right for you?
If you're a creative who is regularly pushing their laptops to the limit with demanding applications for video and photo editing, you'll want to aim for the Pro. The name of the game with the Pro line is processing power, and the latest iteration is the speediest and most performance-driven yet.
Now, if convenience and portability are your top priorities, then the Air is going to be most suited to you. It's thin and light, and it even comes in a 13-inch option if you're going to be lugging it around with you wherever you go. Plus, ever since the debut of Apple's M Series chips, the MacBook Air has become a pint-sized powerhouse. The most current model utilizes the M2 chip, so you won't be sacrificing all that much in terms of power.
Next up: Which generation?
This is going to come down to what you're willing to give up in performance, and in some cases, quality. But, whatever you do deem worthy of sacrificing, you'll be paid back in savings. For example, you can get a 2020 MacBook Air, which will bring you back to the M1 chip era, but you'll still be scoring an impressive laptop that frequently goes on sale for just $749.99. That's compared to the $1,099 price tag of the most recent Air, and the $1,599 asking price of the latest Pro.
So, if you've got a lighter budget, don't fret — you can still get a MacBook at an affordable price. Yes, you'll have to get an older model, but staying current is overrated. Older MacBooks are still very much worthy of your consideration, and they won't cost you nearly as much.
So, what are the best MacBooks?
After testing out the latest Apple laptops, we think there are four MacBooks worth buying in 2024. Check out our top picks below, their pros and cons, as well as who we think would like each model best.
Apple MacBook Pro (M3)
Best MacBook
- Battery Life: About 17 hours
- CPU: Apple M3
- GPU: Apple M3 10-core
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 1TB SSD
Read Mashable's full review of the 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M3).
Why we picked this:
Apple's M3-chip-equipped MacBook Pro is a powerhouse of a laptop that can handle all of your college-centric needs, from basic note-taking to demanding Adobe Suite projects. The new 14-inch screen feels just right compared to the usual 13-and-16-inch models and boasts a Liquid Retina XDR display that looks absolutely stunning. Mashable Tech Editor, Kimberly Gedeon, also praised the device's audio output, saying that the MacBook Pro "arguably has the best set of speakers on the laptop market." So, if you like to listen to music while you study, you're in for a treat.
On top of the Pro's sheer speed and power, it also has an incredibly long battery life, clocking in at around 17 hours on a single charge. Unfortunately, it's not your cheapest option — the model our reviewer tested starts at $1,999. On top of expensive tuition payments, that might not be feasible for a lot of students (don't worry, we have a more affordable MacBook coming up).
Who it's for:
The MacBook Pro (M3) is a great choice for students who need a laptop that can handle processor-heavy projects like video and photo editing. Its long battery life and crystal-clear speakers also make it a solid pick for anyone who likes to hunker down for extended study sessions. Finally, you may want this device simply because you're already ingrained in the Apple ecosystem, and that's okay, too.
Apple MacBook Air (M2)
Best for taking on the go
- Battery Life: About 18 hours
- CPU: Apple M2
- GPU: Apple M2 8-core
- RAM: 16GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
Read Mashable's full review of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M2).
Why we picked this:
Apple's latest iteration of the MacBook Air is the best version to date, and it's not close. Featuring the still-impressive M2 chip — Apple has since introduced the more powerful M3 chip for the MacBook Pro — the thin and lightweight laptop is still an absolute workhorse, so don't be fooled by its size. Coming in both a 13-inch and 15-inch option, the Air scores high marks in the portability department, making it a great on-the-go machine. Tech Reporter Alex Perry went hands-on with the laptop, and gave it a high score not just for its performance, but also for its stellar battery life and a keyboard that's "to die for."
The 1080p FaceTime camera works surprisingly well in low light, and the four-speaker audio system is ready to go for surround sound and Dolby Atmos. The port options and refresh rate are two things we didn't love about the 2023 Air, but it doesn't bring down the overall value of this fantastic laptop all that much.
Who it's for:
Those who want processing power that's comparable to the MacBook Pro but value having a lighter and more portable device will find the M2 MacBook Air to be a match made in heaven. It's more affordable, too. While we've linked to the 15-inch model in this roundup (which is still cheaper than the cheapest MacBook Pro M3), the 13-inch model starts at $1,099. Although it's not the "best" MacBook in terms of specs, the complete value of M2 Air leads us to believe that it's the best MacBook for most people.
Apple MacBook Air (M1)
Best budget MacBook
- Battery Life: About 8 hours
- CPU: Apple M1
- GPU: Apple M1 7-core
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
Read Mashable's full review of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M1).
Why we picked this:
We told you we'd be back with a more budget-friendly MacBook option.
Even though the Apple M1 MacBook Air came out way back in 2020, it's still an excellent laptop to this day. The pint-sized overachiever is a no-brainer pick for college students who still want a MacBook but don't want to shell out $2,000 for the M3 MacBook Pro.
One of the Air's biggest draws is that it's lightweight and portable, which fits in nicely with the fast-paced lifestyle of college students. Don't think its small frame makes it a dud when it comes to power, though. On the contrary — the M1 MacBook Air has enough processing power for all of your basic school needs, including more demanding tasks like photo and video editing. We also love the quiet, fanless design, all-day battery life, and impressive build quality, something Apple users have gotten used to over the many MacBook generations.
The included ports are lacking in terms of variety (as is the case with a lot of MacBooks), and the quality of the webcam leaves a lot to be desired, but those two points become easier to look past if you're dead-set on getting a MacBook under $1,000. Even better, this model is almost always on sale for around $749.99, making an already-great deal that much sweeter.
Who it's for:
Students who want to remain in the Apple ecosystem but don't want to drop over $2,000 on a current-generation MacBook can still get an amazing college laptop in the M1 MacBook Air. It'll perform all of your daily student-centric tasks and then some with flying colors, and it will hold up for years to come thanks to its future-friendly design.
Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch)
Best for those who can't let go of the 13-inch model
- Battery Life: About 10 hours
- CPU: Intel Core i5
- GPU: ?Intel Iris Plus
- RAM: 8GB
- Storage: 256GB SSD
Read Mashable's full review of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Pro.
Why we picked this:
It was a sad day when Apple killed the 13-inch MacBook Pro, but luckily, you can still get one as long as you're fine with buying a refurbished model. "Refurbished" or "renewed" may be dirty words to some, but if you're not that concerned with always having the latest and greatest (and most expensive), it's definitely an option that's worth exploring. Case in point: You can snag a refurbished 13-inch MacBook Pro for under $600 at Amazon.
If you're nostalgic for this now discontinued (but beloved) MacBook Pro model, you'll be happy to know that it's still a halfway decent computer. Now, you'll be going back to a time before the M1 chip existed, so be prepared to give up quite a bit of processing power — although, we're willing to bet that isn't your biggest worry if you're shopping for refurbished MacBook Pros. You'll also take a big hit in battery life and webcam quality. But while MacBooks have since evolved, you'll still get satisfactory performance and a generous amount of storage for regular use. And Butterfly Keyboard haters can rejoice, because this model includes the fan-favorite Magic Keyboard.
Who it's for:
The 2020 13-inch MacBook Pro isn't for everyone — even though at one point in time, it was among the elite. For some, it'll just be too much of a sacrifice to go back so far in the MacBook timeline, but for those who loved the 13-inch Pro and never want to give it up, being able to score a refurb for around $550 is as good a deal as they come.
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