- Table of Contents
- Intro
- Review Updates
- Best Laptop
- Best Mid-Range
- Best Budget
- Comparison
- Lineup
- Page Updates
- Conclusion
- Comments
Founded in 1976, Apple is one of the world's largest consumer electronics manufacturers, with instantly recognizable products like the iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch, and MacBook. Apple has a small laptop lineup compared to other brands like Dell, HP, Lenovo, and ASUS, as it only makes high-end, productivity-focused laptops. MacBooks are consistently among the best when it comes to build quality and the overall user experience. Since Apple started making laptops with its in-house M-series SoCs, MacBooks are also among the best for performance and battery life.
Updates
- 04/04/2025 Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4, 2025) reviewed
- 04/02/2025 Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4, 2025) reviewed
- 12/06/2024 Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2024) reviewed
- 12/03/2024 Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2024) reviewed
- 05/14/2024 Apple MacBook Air 15 (2024) reviewed
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Best Apple Laptop
School8.8Gaming7.6Multimedia8.5Workstation9.1Business8.5The best MacBook we've tested is the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2024). This is the laptop to get if you want the best performance to tackle intensive workloads or the best user experience. It's identical to its M3 predecessor on the outside, so you're still getting an exceptionally sturdy, premium-feeling laptop with a compact and stylish design. It has the same tactile keyboard as previous MacBooks, as well as the same haptic touchpad and full-sounding speakers. You can configure it with an M4, M4, Pro, or M4 Max SoCs; these chips can handle general productivity tasks and even the most demanding workloads imaginable, including 3D graphics, video editing, and AI development. The base RAM configuration has increased on all models, with the base M4 now starting at 16GB, effectively ending the era of 8GB RAM of a supposedly 'Pro' machine.
There are a couple of noteworthy upgrades on this 2024 model. First, its gorgeous 120Hz Mini LED display can now get up to 1000 cd/m² of brightness in SDR (when outdoors or in very well-lit settings), and there's also a new nano-texture display that can further cut glare. Next, there's a new 12 MP camera with Center Stage support, a feature that keeps you centered in the camera frame when you move around. Finally, the USB-C ports on the Pro and Max models now support Thunderbolt 5, allowing for up to 120Gbps data transfer speeds, and the base M4 model gains an additional USB-C port with the same external display support as the Pro models. If you need more screen space and don't mind a larger, more costly device, the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2024) is also an outstanding laptop. It's identical to its 14-inch sibling but with better-sounding speakers.
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Best Mid-Range Apple Laptop
School8.6Gaming6.1Multimedia8.0Workstation8.2Business8.1If you only need a thin and light laptop for everyday, general productivity tasks, get the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4, 2025) instead. It looks a lot like our top pick design-wise, but there are a couple of notable differences. For example, it's thinner and lighter, making it even easier to carry. The build quality is just as good, though, so you're still getting a premium, sturdy device with a full-aluminum chassis. You also get the same tactile keyboard, haptic touchpad, and 1080p webcam with Center Stage support. Performance is where it differs since you can only get the MacBook Air with a base M4 SoC, so don't expect to do anything as intensive as you would on its Pro big brother. The upside is that this is a fanless device, so you'll never have to deal with fan noise.
There are a few downgrades from the MacBook Pro in terms of features, like its display and more limited port selection. In the former's case, the MacBook Air's Retina screen is still very pretty, but it doesn't get anywhere as bright as the MacBook Pro's Mini LED, especially in HDR. Additionally, its lower contrast makes blacks appear more gray, and its 60Hz refresh rate makes the desktop experience feel less smooth and responsive. Speaking of the display, if you want more screen real estate to work more comfortably, the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M4, 2025) is the obvious choice. It has better-sounding speakers but costs a bit more.
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Best Budget Apple Laptop
School8.6Gaming5.7Multimedia8.0Workstation7.8Business8.0For those looking to save some money, check out the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2024). This M3 model isn't exactly a budget device, but with the release of the M4 model, Apple has discontinued it, which means you can likely find one at a much lower price. You'll have to get it through a reseller, though, as Apple no longer offers it on its website. The M3 model is identical to the M4 in design, except for a new Sky Blue color, which replaces the retired Space Gray.
So, what do you lose by going with the older M3 model? Not much. You get slightly less performance, but for most people with a light workload, the M3 SoC is still more than adequate. The camera is just as good, but there's no Center Stage support, meaning it can't track you when you move around. Finally, the external display support is a bit more limited, as you can only output to two external displays with the lid closed.
Compared To Other Brands
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Exceptional build quality.
Apple laptops, even the entry-level devices like the MacBook Air, usually feel exceptionally well-built. -
High-quality speakers.
Apple MacBooks typically have excellent speakers, among the best on the market. They usually sound clear, well-balanced, and full. -
Large haptic touchpad.
Apple MacBooks have arguably the best touchpads on the market. They're usually large and smooth and use haptic feedback to simulate clicks, allowing you to click anywhere on the touchpad. -
Distinct lineup.
Apple usually has a small but distinct lineup, making it less confusing for consumers. -
Bright, colorful, and well-calibrated displays.
Apple MacBooks usually have a high-quality display with full DCI P3 coverage and outstanding factory calibration. -
Apple ecosystem.
MacBooks have deep integration with other Apple products, like the iPhone and iPad, adding various features like Continuity Camera, AirDrop, and Sidecar. -
Excellent customer support.
Apple's customer service is among the best in the world. It usually has a physical store in most large cities, making it easy to bring a device in for repair or replacement.
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MacBooks are usually expensive.
MacBooks tend to be expensive because Apple only makes premium products. Their high price tags are also partly due to Apple's incredible after-purchase customer support. -
Not ideal for gaming.
Apple MacBooks aren't ideal for gaming as there aren't many games optimized for macOS running on Apple silicon. Also, while MacBook displays are typically among the best in color reproduction, their response times tend to be on the slow side, resulting in visible ghosting.
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No 2-in-1 or touchscreen option.
Apple doesn't make any 2-in-1 convertibles or laptops with a touchscreen. -
Poor serviceability.
Apple laptops usually have soldered memory and storage, making it impossible to upgrade later on.
Apple vs Dell
Dell and Apple are very different in their approach to laptops. Dell makes a significantly larger number of models for various uses and price segments. In contrast, Apple only makes premium productivity laptops. Dell's high-end productivity laptops are often compared to Apple laptops in build quality and user experience. However, unlike Apple, which uses its in-house SoC, Dell uses chips from other companies in its laptops, like Intel, AMD, and Qualcomm. See our recommendations for the best Dell laptops.
Apple vs Microsoft
Microsoft and Apple are very similar in some ways but also very different. Both companies only make productivity laptops, and they have tighter control over the integration between hardware and software than other OEMs, as both companies also created the operating systems. However, Microsoft tends to have more budget models and experiments with other form factors like 2-in-1 tablets, while Apple only makes clamshell laptops with no touch input. Both companies are among the best when it comes to build quality.
Apple vs Lenovo
Apple and Lenovo are very different. Like many other laptop manufacturers, Lenovo produces many laptops, including mobile workstations, ultraportable, gaming laptops, 2-in-1s, and Chromebooks. In contrast, Apple only makes a few models a year and focuses exclusively on productivity laptops. Lenovo also makes a lot of budget models, whereas Apple only makes premium models. Lenovo tends to experiment more with newer form factors and features, like a secondary e-ink display, ultrawide laptops, and dual-screen laptops. See our recommendations for the best Lenovo laptops.
Apple vs ASUS
ASUS and Apple are quite different. ASUS makes a wide range of Windows and Chrome OS devices at various price points, while Apple only makes premium productivity laptops. Apple laptops usually feel more premium and sturdier build-wise, and they typically provide a better user experience overall, especially in regards to the quality of the touchpad, speakers, and webcam. Like Lenovo, ASUS tends to experiment with new form factors and features, like dual-screen laptops, tablet gaming PCs, touchpads with an integrated numpad function, and more. ASUS laptops are generally more serviceable, allowing users to upgrade the memory and/or storage, though they're less stable on the software side. See our recommendations for the best ASUS laptops.
Apple vs HP
Like the other laptop manufacturers mentioned above, HP produces a significantly wider range of laptops at various price points, including Windows productivity models, gaming models, and Chromebooks. While some of HP's high-end models can compete with Apple in terms of build quality, the majority of its lineup tends to feel cheaper and less sturdy. Also, unlike MacBooks, HP laptops often come with a lot of resource-intensive bloatware that can noticeably affect the performance. HP laptops typically have more configuration options, which can be a good or bad thing, as it lets you configure the laptop to better suit your needs and budget but makes the buying decision more complicated. See our recommendations for the best HP laptops.
Apple vs Acer
Acer and Apple are worlds apart. Like many other manufacturers mentioned here, Acer makes a wide range of laptops for productivity, gaming, and content creation. While Apple is known for primarily making premium models, Acer sits at the other end of the spectrum, occupying a large portion of the budget laptop market. Acer produces a considerable number of Chromebooks compared to other manufacturers, including popular models like the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 714 (2024). See our recommendations for the best Acer laptops.
Apple is one of the best laptop makers in the world. MacBooks usually feel premium and exceptionally well-built, and they have among the best performance and battery life. As Apple also makes the operating system, MacBooks also have a level of integration with other Apple products that's hard to find on devices from other manufacturers. However, MacBooks are generally expensive and aren't as ideal for gaming.
Recent Updates
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Replaced the M3 Apple MacBook Air 13 (2024) with the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4, 2025) since the M3 model was discontinued. Replaced the M2 Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022) with the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2024) as the budget pick.
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Added comparison with Acer. No change in recommendations.
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Replaced the Apple MacBook Pro 13 (M3, 2023) with the Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2024) since the M3 model is discontinued.
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Aug 08, 2024 : We've reviewed the article for clarity and accuracy and to ensure our picks represent the best choices.
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Jun 18, 2024 : Verified that all picks are valid and available. No change in recommendations.
Conclusion
If you're looking for a productivity laptop, Apple MacBooks are among the best available options, whether you're already in the Apple ecosystem or not. They feel incredibly well-built, have long battery life, and provide a premium user experience. However, if you want more versatility, like a 2-in-1 convertible or a laptop with wider game compatibility, you're better off with a Chromebook or a Windows device.
If you're interested in shopping for Apple-compatible peripherals, check out our recommendations for the best printers for Mac.
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Best Apple Laptops: Main Discussion
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Update: Replaced the M3 Apple MacBook Air 13 (2024) with the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4, 2025) since the M3 model was discontinued. Replaced the M2 Apple MacBook Air 13 (2022) with the Apple MacBook Air 13 (2024) as the budget pick.
What do you think of these changes? Let us know