Best MacBooks (2025): Which Apple Laptop Should You Buy?

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Best MacBook Overall

Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, 2025)

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For a Bigger Screen

Apple MacBook Air (15-inch, 2025)

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Upgrade Pick

Apple MacBook Pro (14 Inch, 2024)

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For Ultimate Power

Apple MacBook Pro (16 Inch, 2024)

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In 2020, Apple’s MacBooks entered a new era. The company announced it was moving away from the Intel chips it had been using since 2006; in their place, it rolled out the first Macs with the Apple-designed M1 silicon. Cut to 2025, and Apple’s MacBooks have been upgraded to the M4 chips and are easily the best laptops you can buy, whether that’s the MacBook Air or the MacBook Pro.

Like Apple’s iPhones, the chips run on the Arm architecture and afford the company greater control over its hardware and software. These processors make Apple laptops more powerful and power-efficient, meaning greatly improved performance and battery life. Years after Apple paved the way, we’re now seeing more Windows Arm laptops with many of the same benefits, too. You get other perks, like the ability to run mobile apps originally made for iOS. Despite all these advances, choosing the best MacBook is still a task. Here’s what you should spend your hard-earned money on.

Updated June 2025: We’ve added info about macOS Tahoe and rumors about M5 MacBooks.

The MacBook Most People Should Buy

Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

Apple

MacBook Air (13-inch, 2025)

If you’re shopping for a MacBook, you should probably just buy the Air. Even if you are coming from a much older MacBook Pro or think you might need that extra performance, you’ll want to make sure you need the M4 Pro or M4 Max, the Mini-LED screen, or extra ports. Because, on the whole, the MacBook Air is thinner, lighter, and cheaper.

As for the latest M4 model, the 2025 MacBook Air (9/10, WIRED Recommends) is a fairly incremental upgrade from the MacBook Air with M2 and M3. It has the same boxy chassis introduced in 2022 and a 13.6-inch LCD screen (with a 60-Hz refresh rate and a max brightness of 500 nits). There’s also a notch that cuts into the display for the webcam, but Apple upgraded the sensor to 12 megapixels, which delivers crisper and clearer resolution during video calls. There’s a new Sky Blue color, in addition to Starlight, Midnight, and Silver. It’s my favorite one in the lineup, though not as opaque as I’d have liked (it sometimes looks silver, depending on how the light hits it).

The port selection is the same. There are two USB 4/Thunderbolt ports, a 3.5-mm headphone jack, and a MagSafe port for charging. But that’s where the M4 MacBook Air’s biggest upgrade comes into play: This MacBook Air supports two external displays, a welcome change since the M1 and M2 chipsets natively support only one monitor. You no longer have to keep the MacBook Air closed when connected to spare screens either—with the M3, one of the external displays will go dark when you open the lid. That means you technically have up to three displays at your disposal.

As for battery life, Apple claims the same 15 hours of wireless web browsing as on its predecessor. I hit 13 hours before having to connect the MacBook Air to a charger. With the M3-powered model, I often hit 30 percent after eight hours, so there’s an improvement. You’ll easily squeeze a full workday out of it, with some juice left over.

Powering the MacBook Air is the M4 chip (the same one included in the 24-inch iMac (2024), 14-inch MacBook Pro (2024), and the Mac Mini (2024). Each configuration comes with a 10-core CPU, with the choice between an 8-core or 10-core GPU. I tested the model with a 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU, and 16 GB of unified memory. Performance was smooth throughout my work days when I had about 30 to 35 tabs open in Google Chrome (across three to four windows), along with Slack, Spotify, Telegram, and Messages running in the background simultaneously.

There was a day when I felt the MacBook Air was overheating (I wasn’t pushing it beyond the tasks above), and I had to force-quit Chrome. I haven’t experienced this issue since, but I suggest upgrading to 24 or 32 GB of unified memory if you plan on pushing it beyond basic tasks. In October 2024, Apple began equipping the base MacBook Air with 16 GB of unified memory and brought the price down to $999, so upgrading the configuration is now slightly more affordable.

The M4-powered MacBook Air is great for anyone who needs a reliable laptop for everyday tasks and wants to be in Apple’s ecosystem. If your workload is graphics-intensive, I suggest snagging one of the 14- or 16-inch MacBook Pro models below.

The Best MacBook With a Bigger Screen

Photograph: Luke Larsen

Apple

MacBook Air (15-inch, 2025)

The 15-inch MacBook Air (9/10, WIRED Recommends) size is a relatively recent addition to the Mac lineup. You finally don’t need to splurge on a 14- or 16-inch MacBook Pro just to get a big screen. It has all the same features as its smaller 13-inch sibling (see above) and remains incredibly thin and lightweight at 3.3 pounds, around a half-pound heavier than the 13-inch MacBook Air and slightly lighter than the 14-inch MacBook Pro. It supports Wi-Fi 6E connectivity for download speeds that are twice as fast as its predecessor, but you’ll need a Wi-Fi 6E router to take advantage.

Each configuration comes with a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU, a slight boost in graphics over the base 13-inch MacBook Air. As with the smaller model, the base model now starts at 16 GB of RAM with the option to increase up to 32 GB. WIRED reviewer Luke Larsen says the raw performance bump over the M3-powered version showed a 22 percent faster GPU. When it comes to both processing power and graphics performance, you should feel a difference if you’re coming from an M1 or M2 MacBook Air.

Battery life is also great, although it’s the same as last year’s model. Apple claims the 13-inch and 15-inch have up to 15 hours of wireless web browsing and 18 hours of video streaming. In his tests, Larsen hit over 20 hours in local video playback, but the battery can drain a lot faster depending on the task (like installing a large game on Steam). Either way, he got through a full workday without having to reach for the charger.

If you find standard 13-inch laptop screens too small, the 15-inch MacBook Air is a natural upgrade. Using features like side-by-side split screen mode is easier, and folks with less-than-perfect vision will have extra space to display larger text for an even more comfortable viewing experience. It also delivers far better sound—the six-speaker system is a huge upgrade over the quad-speaker setup on the smaller MacBook Air. It makes for a proper music-listening or movie-watching device.

The Upgrade Pick

Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

Apple

MacBook Pro (14 Inch, 2024)

The 14-inch MacBook Pro is the most customizable option in the lineup. You can max it out on performance and get the most powerful version with the M4 Max, go for the mid-level M4 Pro, or stick with the entry-level M4 processor and still reap the benefits of the Pro’s features. That includes a much nicer Mini LED screen with a 120-Hz refresh rate, which means the display has better contrast and deeper blacks, and it operates fluidly.

You also get more ports—the MacBook Pro sports three USB-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 (one extra port more than the M3 version), along with an HDMI, an SD card slot, a high-impedance headphone jack, and a MagSafe charging port. (If you upgrade to the M4 Pro or M4 Max, those USB-C ports support the faster Thunderbolt 5 standard.) It also supports three external displays.

I tested the base model 14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 with 1 TB of storage. Having already experienced the same chip on the Mac Mini, I wasn’t surprised that it handled basic tasks with ease. Whether I was writing stories, taking video calls, sending emails, or running apps like Slack, Telegram, and Messages, performance was smooth. But I didn’t notice a major difference coming from the M3-powered MacBook Air. It can handle photo editing and some video editing, but if that’s the bulk of your work, I suggest upgrading to the M4 Pro. (Note: The base M4 Pro MacBook Pro is the same price as the M4 version with 1 TB of storage, which isn’t good value. Go for the M4 Pro version if you’re spending that much. You can always add external storage later.)

One of the best additions to the new MacBook Pro is the nano-texture glass upgrade. It’s an extra $150, but I highly recommend it. While it’s still a fingerprint magnet, it does an exceptional job of reducing glare, handy if you frequently work near a window or outside. Regardless of which configuration you choose, the fact that this 14-inch laptop is every bit as powerful as the much larger, 16-inch model is kind of incredible.

The updated M5 model is rumored to launch later this year, and it likely won’t be the massive overhaul that the 2026 M6 model will be. So, for now, it’s safe to buy the M4 MacBook Pro without risking too much buyer’s regret.

A Creative Workhorse

Photograph: Christopher Null

Apple

MacBook Pro (16 Inch, 2024)

As mentioned above, the 16-inch MacBook Pro has the same performance threshold as the smaller model. The only difference performance-wise is that it doesn’t come with an option for the base M4 chip. But once you get into the M4 Pro or M4 Max territory, the 16-inch MacBook Pro has a lot of the same updates in this generation, including its (now brighter) Mini-LED screen, port upgrades, and $150 upgrade option for the nano-texture glass. As tested, the 16-inch MacBook Pro (7/10, WIRED Review) remains the very best laptop designed with creative pros in mind.

So, what’s the reason for getting the 16-inch MacBook Pro? Well, it’s the size itself. The much larger screen gives you tons of screen real estate, which is especially important for those who run complex applications like Adobe Premiere Pro. While the extra size and heft of the 16-inch MacBook Pro is nothing to write off at 4.7 pounds, creative professionals who work primarily at home anyway will appreciate the extra screen space with full view of their multiple windows and Menu Bar options.

But should you buy the latest M4 Pro or M4 Max configurations or stick with something older? WIRED contributor Christopher Null tested the 16-inch model with the M4 Pro. He says it’s three to seven percent faster on CPU-centered tasks than the M3 Max. Meanwhile, GPU-centric tasks were 5 to 24 percent slower. Apple’s benchmarks show a 28 percent improvement versus the M3 Pro. However, it did lose about an hour of battery life—the M4 Pro squeezed out 18 hours and 26 minutes on a YouTube loop playback test, compared to the 19 hours and 21 minutes with the M3 Max.

What all of this means is that if you can find the M3 Max MacBook Pro on sale right now, it’s a much better value than jumping for the new M4 Pro or M4 Max, except for those who need every ounce of power they can get. That said, if you spring for the latest, it will more or less be able to handle anything and everything you throw at it.

The Best Budget MacBook

Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

Apple

MacBook Air (13 Inch, 2024)

When Apple launched the M4 MacBook Air in 2024, it stopped selling both the M3 and M2 MacBook Air models. You can still find the M3 model at some discounted prices online, though, especially on Amazon, and it’s a good choice if you’re after a modern MacBook Air but want to save a couple of hundred bucks.

The chassis of the M3 MacBook Air is identical to the M4 model, so outside of the slightly different color options, you’d likely not know the difference. There is an increase in performance moving from the M3 to the M4 model. In our testing, both CPU and GPU performance on the M4 is faster, though it likely won’t represent a noticeable change for the vast majority of MacBook Air users.

The bigger difference is in how many external displays the M3 MacBook Air can support. While the M4 model can power up to two 4K external displays, the M3 MacBook Air can only do that if the lid of the laptop is shut. But if that isn’t a hang-up for you, you’ll likely be very happy with the cash you save going for an older model, especially if you opt for a refurbished or renewed version.

The Cheapest MacBook

Photograph: Apple 

Apple

MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

The MacBook Air (9/10, WIRED Recommends) from 2020 with the original M1 chip is still a pretty powerful laptop at its now lower price. My unit is still going strong despite daily, rigorous use. It’s not the snazziest Apple laptop, but it lasts more than a full workday, with the battery hitting 22 percent after I ran it almost nonstop from 9 am to 7 pm using Safari and work apps like Slack. (I had to plug in the old Intel model by 4 pm.)

Unlike older MacBooks you might still find available with Intel chips, this one can instantly wake up from sleep whenever you tap the keyboard or trackpad or lift the screen, just like when you tap your iPhone or iPad to wake it up. There’s no fan here, so it remains whisper-quiet even under the heaviest loads. There is a thermal heat spreader to dissipate heat, and it never gets too warm.

You can only buy the base model with 8 GB of unified memory and 256 GB of storage, which should be sufficient for general-purpose tasks. Just keep in mind that while this M1 chip supports Apple Intelligence, it may struggle with some tasks due to the limited memory. Also, if you push it with too many browser tabs and apps running simultaneously, you may run into some slowdowns. Other downsides? The 720p webcam isn’t great, and the M1 only supports one external monitor.

If you can save up an additional $150, the MacBook Pro M2 above will serve you better for longer, but if you want to spend as little as possible on a new MacBook, I don’t recommend going older than this model.

Other MacBooks to Consider

Apple releases new MacBooks at a quick pace, so you might feel inclined to buy the latest and greatest. These slightly older models are still good options, as long as you find them on sale for the right price. Apple no longer sells them directly, but we recommend checking third-party retailers (like Amazon, Best Buy, or B&H). Just cross-check the price with the latest models and make sure you’re spending less.

Photograph: Brenda Stolyar

• MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch, Late 2023): The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends) are powered by the M3 series chips. You can configure the 14-inch MacBook Pro with all three, while the 16-inch version can be paired with M3 Pro and M3 Max. The M3 is ideal if you want a few of the “Pro” features but don’t want to spend nearly $2,000 to get them, while the M3 Pro or M3 Max are great for tasks like editing 4K videos, rendering 3D models in CAD, and producing music.
• MacBook Air (15-inch, 2023): The 15-inch MacBook Air with M2 (8/10, WIRED Recommends) packs all the same features as the 13-inch version, plus a larger screen. The M2 also offers great performance and good battery life (we squeezed about 10 hours out of it). The only problem is that it is sometimes only sold for marginally less than the M3 model, and sometimes only comes with 8GB of RAM. Keep that in mind as you consider pricing.
• MacBook Pro (14-inch and 16-inch, Early 2023): If you don’t want to spend a ton of money on the latest 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro (9/10, WIRED Recommends), the M2 Pro and M2 Max (which launched early in 2023) are more than capable for handling intensive, graphically demanding production work. In our testing, both the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 Pro and the 16-inch MacBook Pro with the M2 Max delivered smooth performance and playback after being put through stress tests (like editing 4K and RED Raw footage, as well as adding 3D effects). I recommend only snagging this one for around $1,500 or less.
• MacBook Pro (14-Inch and 16-Inch, 2021): These MacBooks (8/10, WIRED Recommends), powered by the M1 Pro and M1 Max, were the start of a new era for Apple’s high-end machines. The company introduced a redesigned chassis with more ports, a 120-Hz refresh rate, and a MagSafe port. Even though these launched in late 2021, you don’t have to steer clear of them—both processors are still plenty powerful. In our testing, we found the M1 Max felt one-to-one with the $6,000+ older Mac Pro. It didn’t struggle at all while editing heavy-duty footage. However, it’s growing increasingly tough to find in stock at third-party retailers. If you do manage to locate one, I advise purchasing it only if it’s on sale for around $1,100 or less.

Great MacBook Accessories

Photograph: Baggu

There are a lot of MacBook accessories out there to enhance your experience, including cases and chargers for on-the-go and peripherals to use at your desk. Below, we’ve highlighted some of our top recommendations, but you can find more in our Best MacBook Accessories guide.

Incase Hardshell Case Dots (16-inch MacBook Pro) for $40: This is currently our favorite case for the MacBook. It has precise cutouts for all the ports, rubberized feet that keep it from sliding, and ventilation to help prevent the MacBook from overheating.

Baggu Puffy Laptop Sleeve for $32: This puffy laptop sleeve is adorable and protective. The velcro enclosure is also strong enough that you don’t have to worry about your laptop accidentally sliding out.

Photograph: Branch

Branch Adjustable Laptop Stand for $65: This is our top pick in our Best Laptop Stands guide. It’s sturdy enough that it won’t bounce or shift while using it, lifts your screen to 7 inches high, and adjusts to any viewing angle. It also has a nice, clean look to it.

Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk for $180: This is a great solution if you constantly work on the go but prefer using an external keyboard and mouse with your laptop. The Casa Pop-Up Desk comes with a keyboard and trackpad that fit into a compact case that doubles as a laptop stand.

Apple Magic Keyboard with Touch ID (USB-C) for $149: Crafting a workstation around your MacBook? A stand-alone keyboard is a nice upgrade. It comes equipped with a Touch ID button, so you can use it to log in, download apps, and pay for purchases. It also has the same function row keys as M-series MacBooks, including a dedicated Do Not Disturb button, playback buttons, and a Mission Control key.

Photograph: Logitech

Logitech Lift for Mac for $80: This ergonomic mouse is an excellent choice if you spend a lot of time at your desk and deal with wrist pain. It has great battery life too—I’ve gone over a year without needing new batteries. You can program the buttons with Mac-specific features. Read our Best Ergonomic Mice guide for more.

Satechi USB-C Multiport 8K for $100: This hub is our top pick in our Best USB Hubs guide. It packs several USB-C ports, all of which are nicely labeled by their maximum speed. It can also handle intensive tasks in minutes, such as transferring hundreds of GBs of 6K footage. It’s worth noting, however, that it doesn’t have any USB-A ports.

BenQ 27-Inch IPS Monitor (GW2786TC) for $250: There are cheaper 1080p monitors out there, but none that accessorize MacBooks in such a classy way with its simple white design. You can connect up your MacBook while charging it at the same time, and it even comes with a 100-Hz refresh rate.

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