The 4 best Apple MacBook laptop for work, general use, and students

Best MacBook overall

The latest MacBook Air gains Apple's M1 processor, bringing impressively fast performance and long battery life for under $1,000.

Pros: Fast performance, super-long battery life, much-improved camera

Cons: iPhone apps don't add much to the experience

The MacBook Air has consistently been the go-to MacBook for most people and a solid entry-level computer. But the introduction of Apple's M1 chip makes it even more powerful than its predecessor for the same price, solidifying its place as our top pick.

The M1-powered MacBook Air's battery life alone makes it a worthwhile choice. During my testing, I was able to get more than 12 hours of use out of the MacBook Air, far longer than the roughly seven hours of usage I experienced on the Intel-powered model from early 2020. 

The M1 chip's eight-core processor also brings notable performance gains, making tasks like photo editing and exporting large files a breeze. During my tests, it was faster than the previous Intel-powered MacBook Pro at just about everything. It also uses Apple's image signal processor for its webcam, meaning you can expect much clearer video quality on your next Zoom call. 

Otherwise, it comes with the same sleek wedge-shaped design that's been present on the MacBook Air line for years, as well as Apple's much-improved Magic Keyboard. In terms of storage and memory, the MacBook Air goes up to 2TB of capacity and 16GB of RAM. It comes with two USB-C ports on all configurations. 

Laptops like the MacBook Air that are powered by Apple's own chip can also run iPhone apps, since this chip is based on the same basic architecture as the one in the company's smartphones. While that's a nice perk, it's really the performance and battery life that make Apple's M1 stand out.

Best high-performance MacBook

The 16-inch MacBook Pro's powerful performance, larger screen, and high-quality speakers make it a great choice for creative professionals. 

Pros: Larger display, great keyboard, lots of configuration options, excellent speakers

Cons: Hefty upgrade prices, only four I/O ports for the size

The end of 2019 brought us the first entirely new MacBook Pro size in years: a 16-inch version that replaces the long-standing 15.4-inch model. It was also the first laptop to get Apple's superior new Magic Keyboard.

The 16-inch MacBook Pro has plenty to offer when it comes to performance and configuration options. Although it doesn't run on Apple's new M1 chip, Apple's biggest laptop does come with up to an eight-core Intel processor, up to 64GB of memory, up to 8TB of storage, and up to 11 hours of battery life.

Those are the highest configuration options for memory and storage across Apple's laptop lineup. Compared to the other laptops Apple sells, the 16-inch Pro also has the most selection when it comes to graphics, with the option to configure it with a variety of AMD Radeon Pro GPUs. 

But it's not just the broader configuration options and larger size that makes this the best choice for pros. The 16-inch MacBook Pro comes with a three-microphone array and is the only Apple laptop with a six-speaker audio system, making it a better choice for media professionals that may need high-quality audio playback. The speakers can also come in handy if you're on a lot of Zoom calls throughout the day and need a system that's a bit louder and clearer. 

All told, the 16-inch MacBook Pro's bigger size, variety of configuration options, and high quality speakers are ideal for those shopping for something that isn't quite as large and powerful as a desktop, but is closer to the desktop experience than any of Apple's other laptops.

Best middle of the road MacBook

For anyone that needs as much power as Apple is willing to cram within a 13-inch laptop, the MacBook Pro with M1 is worth a look. 

The MacBook Air is powerful enough for everyday tasks. But the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1 is better-suited for those who need more power in a laptop that's not as big as the 16-inch. It shares many similarities with the MacBook Air; they both come in nearly identical configuration options, include the same number of ports, and have very similar screens. 

But since the MacBook Pro has a fan-powered cooling system unlike the Air, it's probably better at maintaining high performance for longer periods of time. So if you frequently run heavy workloads that involve crunching a lot of data, for example, the Pro is probably a better bet. Another added benefit: it has slightly longer battery life than the M1-powered Air.

Those are the biggest differences between the M1-powered Pro and Air, but the former's processor also has an extra core in its GPU at the base level compared to the Air. Its screen is also slightly brighter, and the Pro's speakers support high dynamic range unlike the Air's.

Like the Air, the Pro has two USB-C ports, a 720 camera that uses Apple's image signal processor, Touch ID, and the Magic Keyboard.  

The 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro falls into a strange place in Apple's lineup. It doesn't have the perks that make the 16-inch Pro stand out, like a six-speaker audio system and flexible configuration options. But it also doesn't have much that distinguishes it from the Air to justify the $300 starting price difference. 

Still, that's exactly what makes it the right choice for buyers who find themselves in the middle. It's a great option for those who want a bit more than what the Air has to offer along with the benefits of Apple's M1 chip.

Best college MacBook

The best MacBook for college packs powerful performance into a compact, 13-inch laptop, but expands the connectivity options to four USB-C ports instead of two.

Pros: More storage and RAM, two extra USB-C ports for connectivity, great keyboard

Cons: Shorter battery life than M1 MacBook Pro and Air

Apple's Intel-powered versions of the 13-inch MacBook Pro fill in the gaps when it comes to storage, memory, and connectivity compared to the M1 model. 

Unlike the 13-inch MacBook Pro with M1, the Intel version offers up to 32GB of memory, up to 4TB of storage, and four USB-C ports. The M1 model, by comparison, tops out at 16GB of memory, 2TB of storage, and two USB-C ports. It's great for those who need more connectivity and storage than the M1-powered MacBook Pro allows for, but don't want a laptop that's as large and expensive as the 16-inch model. 

Those extra ports alone could make this model worth it for college students, who may need to charge their laptop, plug in their iPhone, and connect a hard drive containing large video projects for class all at the same time. Plus, the Intel-powered MacBook Pro may be a safer option if you rely on specific software for classwork since Apple's M1 architecture is still new and app makers are still updating their programs for it.

The Intel-powered 13-inch MacBook Pro comes in models that run on a Core i5 or Core i7 chip, which should be more than capable of managing hefty workloads. It has the same Retina display as Apple's M1 laptops, and also has Apple's Magic Keyboard. Like its M1-powered sibling, the Intel-based 13-inch Pro also has speakers with high dynamic range.

Although the Intel-powered 13-inch MacBook Pro offers the right balance of performance, portability, and flexible choices that make it ideal for the college experience, there are reasons students should consider Apple's M1 laptops, too. 

The M1 MacBook Air may be a better fit if you need a laptop for little more than writing papers and prioritize long battery life and portability over additional configuration options.

How to buy a MacBook

These are the top factors to consider when purchasing a new MacBook.

Performance 

To decide which MacBook is right for you, it's important to understand what you intend to use it for. If you need a powerful machine for processing images, editing video, or handling complex data, the MacBook Pro is a better choice. 

Apple's MacBook Pro models, particularly the 13-inch Intel-powered one with four ports and the 16-inch MacBook Pro, are upgradeable to 32GB of memory, while the less expensive M1 MacBook Pro, Intel-powered MacBook Pro with two ports, and M1-powered MacBook Air only come with up to 16GB of memory.

Even if you don't need that much memory, a MacBook Pro model is still the best pick if performance is your top priority. For example, although the M1 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are very similar, the MacBook Pro has a slight edge when it comes to performance since it has a fan-powered cooling system and an extra graphics core in its processor at the base level.

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Battery life

If battery life matters the most, go for the M1 MacBook Pro or MacBook Air. Apple's custom chip brings unprecedented battery life to its laptops, with the MacBook Air lasting for up to 18 hours according to Apple's estimates, and the MacBook Pro lasting for 20 hours. Apple's Intel-powered laptops, by comparison, are only estimated to get between 10-12 hours of battery life.

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Storage

Storage is also critical when it comes to picking out a new laptop. If you need the most space you can possibly get in a MacBook, you'll want to consider Apple's 16-inch MacBook Pro, which is configurable up to 8TB. The 13-inch Intel-powered MacBook Pro with four ports is a close second, since you can order it with up to 4TB of storage.

Apple's other current laptops, including the M1 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, are only configurable up to 2TB of storage.

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Size

Looking for a larger-sized laptop for getting work done? The 16-inch MacBook Pro is your best bet. It's the only Apple laptop that comes in a size bigger than 13 inches, making it the right pick if you want a laptop that's more ideal for a desktop-like setup rather than portability. 

If you want the most compact Apple laptop, check out the MacBook Air. Like most of Apple's MacBook Pro laptops, the Air has a 13-inch screen. But it's slightly lighter at 2.8 pounds, while the MacBook Pros weigh 3 pounds or more.

Our testing methodology

Each of these MacBook products has been tested according to the standards set by Insider Reviews for the Tech & Electronics section. This includes using the product as our main laptop for at least as long as it takes to write the review as well as battery life and general performance benchmarking for empirical comparison's sake. We also test any newly touted features and weigh value heavily in our judgments, which includes projected longevity and hardware quality. Finally, we use the product in real-world scenarios, such as work and entertainment, to understand the products effectiveness in those situations.

Read more: How we test products at Insider Reviews

Common MacBook FAQs

Are MacBooks really worth it?

That entirely depends on your needs and wants from a portable computer and whether you're willing to pay Apple's asking price. If you're already familiar with macOS or even Apple's mobile operating system, it makes a lot of sense to use a computer that's well connected with those interfaces. You'll get the most out of every device involved this way, even your MacBook. That level of synchronization is worth it to me as well as numerous others.

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How long do Macbooks last?

In my personal experience, I've had MacBook laptops last for upwards of five years before needing a replacement. This is also in line with the amount of time Apple tends to support its previously-released products with software and security updates: generally about five years. That's a pretty long time considering that most financing plans would see the MacBook paid off about halfway through the lifespan of the laptop, and the optional Apple Care service can provide additional potential longevity to the machine through more frequent maintenance attention.

When will Apple release new MacBooks?

Apple announced its newest MacBook Pro models on October 18, 2021. The 14- and 16-inch laptops have been redesigned and the first Apple computers to use multi-core (up to 10) M1 Pro and M1 Max processors, which were developed in-house by Apple; these high-end models are also the last Apple laptops to transition from Intel processors, and Apple claims they are the fastest laptops in their class.

In addition, these new MacBook Pro laptops have a larger, more vibrant display, an improved camera with 1080p resolution, a six-speaker sound system with spatial audio, an HDMI port, and three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) ports. We also see the return of an SD card slot and the popular MagSafe charger (the laptops can also charge via Thunderbolt 4, but MagSafe allows for faster charging). Read more about these new high-end MacBook Pro models.

As mentioned, we have yet to test these machines but plan to do so soon for full review and consideration for this guide.

MacBook Air: The MacBook Air was not part of Apple's October 18 announcements, but it's next in line for an upgrade, according to Bloomberg. This new model will reportedly come with a refreshed design and a new M-series processor that's meant to be a direct successor to the current M1 with more graphics cores but the same number of computing cores.  

MacBook Pro (13-inch): Apple may release a new version of the entry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro that would run on the same processor as the new MacBook Air, Bloomberg says (the current 13-inch M1 MacBook Pro was unveiled in November 2020). The report did not mention when this new MacBook Pro would launch. It's also unclear where this new 13-inch MacBook Pro would fit in Apple's lineup since it sounds like there won't be much that distinguishes it from the next MacBook Air. If the new 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros are any indication, we could see the 13-inch taking on a similar redesign and features like the SD card, additional Thunderbolt ports, and MagSafe charger.

Should I buy a MacBook Air or iPad Pro?

If you're looking to get real work done, the MacBook Air is still the best choice for most people, especially students. The iPad Pro comes with a lot of extra functionality, but the MacBook Air still excels at all of the elements that are most important in a work machine. It offers software that's much better-suited for productivity than iPadOS, a typing experience that's superior to keyboard cases, and longer battery life. 

The iPad Pro is Apple's most powerful tablet yet, but it will always be a tablet first and foremost. It has powerful cameras that the MacBook Air lacks, a sharp edge-to-edge screen, and Face ID.

However, the iPad's software isn't as ideal for multitasking and will likely come with a steep learning curve for those who are accustomed to working on a laptop. You also have to spend a lot to turn the iPad Pro into a laptop replacement. The base MacBook Air starts at $999, while the 12.9-inch  iPad Pro  starts at $1,099 without a keyboard case.

Check out our full comparison for more details about how the iPad Pro compares to the MacBook Air.

The best deals on Macbooks from this guide

Apple sets the bar high for modern, reliable computers, albeit with a hefty price tag. But, good news — Apple products go on sale regularly. Every year, we see all-time lows for our picks during Black Friday and Cyber Monday; last year, for instance, the 16-inch Macbook Pro was discounted by $150 for these events.

From MacBook Airs to Pros, you can find nearly everything from Amazon at a discount if you know where to look. However, the best discount we found at the time of writing is $70 off the MacBook Air. Stay tuned for more deals as Apple's new models are released.

Read more about how the Insider Reviews team evaluates deals and why you should trust us.

Check out our guide to the best USB-C hubs you'll need for your Mac

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