Are Apple’s MacBooks still the best laptops you can buy?
Apple’s MacBook range is extensive, and while this means there’s a laptop out there for everyone, it can be difficult to determine which model is best for you.
There are two main types of MacBook, with four display sizes, multiple processors and loads of storage and memory options to choose from. Prices start at £999 for the latest models, but it’s easy to spend thousands of pounds if you’re not careful. It’s a MacBook minefield out there.
To help narrow down your options, I’ve tested all the latest models, and you can read my full reviews below. Note: M3, M4 and M5 refer to the processor chips, with M5 being the latest.
The best MacBooks: At a glance
- Best Buy MacBook: Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4)
- Best Value MacBook: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3)
- Best MacBook for students: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)
- Best MacBook for connectivity: Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)
- Best MacBook Pro: Apple MacBook Pro (M4 Pro)
MacBook Pro vs MacBook Air: Which is better?
Whether you need a MacBook Pro or MacBook Air largely depends on what you plan to use your laptop for.
All of Apple’s current MacBooks, including older models released within the last five years, run on Apple’s M series of chips. These are more powerful and have better battery life than previous models powered by Intel processors. No matter how much you choose to spend, you will get broadly the same experience.
For everyday computing tasks, such as browsing the web, writing an essay, researching for work or studying, the MacBook Air is my top pick, with plenty of power and an all-day battery life squeezed inside a slim and lightweight package.
If you have a more demanding workflow, involving tasks such as image and video editing, or you would prefer extra USB ports and connections, the MacBook Pro is the better option. Just be prepared to pay more.
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How we test MacBooks
I’ve been using Apple MacBooks, as well as other Apple gadgets, since 2006. During this time, I’ve upgraded through the various generations (often on a yearly basis), testing them and switching between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro in the last few years.
Apple MacBooks tested
All of the MacBook models featured in this guide have been used for at least two weeks to determine which is the Best Buy overall, as well as the Best Value and the best MacBooks for specific disciplines.
I compared each MacBook’s RAM (the short-term memory, an indicator of speed), their CPUs (central processing units, in this case, either Apple’s M3, M4 or M5 chips), their GPUs (graphics processing units), their storage in gigabytes, screen resolutions and their screen display technologies, which affect colour, contrast and brightness.
I ran the same tasks on each MacBook, ranging from picture and video editing to streaming content, browsing the web and everyday office work. To complete my testing, I took each MacBook on public transport to get an indication of battery life and see how its dimensions and weight affected its suitability when commuting, travelling or when being used in more restrictive spaces.
The best MacBooks of 2026
Best Buy MacBook
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M4)
Score: 5/5
Pros- Exceptional battery life
- A large screen in a slim design
- Lightweight and portable
- Limited ports compared to MacBook Pro
- Notch at the top of the display
Where to buy
Amazon £1099.00 Buy nowThe MacBook Air has long been heralded as Apple’s thinnest and lightest laptop, ever since Steve Jobs pulled the first iteration out of a manila envelope in 2008. Plenty has changed since that first model, including the design, which is now more in line with the MacBook Pro, offering a flat, uniform aluminium build in place of the Air’s pre-existing wedge shape.
The slim and lightweight format is something of a marvel and barely noticeable when lugging around. The large 15.3-inch screen is vibrant, making for an excellent viewing experience, whether scrolling through spreadsheets or watching films.
As an everyday laptop, the Air is exceptional, delivering great performance from Apple’s M4 processor, not only for standard tasks but also for more intensive operations, such as basic image editing on software like Photoshop in its stride.
Yet it’s the battery life where this model is worth its weight in gold. I found that the MacBook Air 15-inch (M4) exceeded the promised 15 hours when using it for day-to-day tasks. I boarded a 12-hour flight with this laptop, wrote for the entire duration (over 10,000 words) and got off the plane with 61 per cent remaining.
The display isn’t as bright as the MacBook Pro’s, there’s no Nano-texture glass layer to reduce screen glare, the notch at the top of the display could be reduced, and I would have liked the addition of an HDMI port. However, these are all minor grievances in what is otherwise a fantastic everyday laptop at a decent price.
Key specifications
| Display | 15.3in Liquid Retina (IPS), 2,880 x 1,864 resolution, 224 ppi |
| CPU | Apple M4 processor, 10-core |
| GPU | 10-core |
| RAM | 16GB, 24GB or 32GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB |
| Dimensions | W 340mm, D 238mm, H 11.5mm |
| Weight | 1.51kg |
| Battery life | Up to 15 hours web browsing |
Best Value MacBook
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3)
Score: 4.5/5
Pros- Slim design
- Great performance
- Lightweight and portable
- Speakers not as good as MacBook Pro
- Notch could be smaller
Where to buy
AO £799.00 Buy nowThe MacBook Air (M3) might be nearly two years old now, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worthy of your attention. It offers an identical design to the latest MacBook Air (M4), including being available in both 13-inch and 15-inch display sizes, with both being slim, lightweight and portable.
There’s no Sky Blue colour for this model, so that’s one compromise you’ll need to make, but it’s much cheaper than the M4 MacBook Air and still packed with plenty of power for everyday tasks.
As with the other MacBook Airs, a few additional ports would be appreciated and the speaker quality is limited compared to the MacBook Pro. This laptop still delivers a superb battery life and the M3 processor, despite not being the latest, is more than up to handling most of what you care to throw at it, from image editing to web browsing.
If you’re looking for a laptop that offers both power and portability, the MacBook Air (M3) is a great option to consider. Just make sure you aren’t spending over £900 for the base model, as otherwise you would be better to invest the extra £100 and buy the M4 version.
Key specifications
| Display | 13.6in Liquid Retina (IPS), 2,560 x 1,664 resolution, 224 ppi |
| CPU | Apple M3 processor, 8-core |
| GPU | 8-core |
| RAM | 8GB, 16GB, or 24GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB |
| Dimensions | W 304mm, D 215mm, H 11.3mm |
| Weight | 1.24kg |
| Battery life | Up to 15 hours web browsing |
Best MacBook for Students
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)
Score: 5/5
Pros- Great performance
- Excellent battery life
- Slim and lightweight build
- Not a huge upgrade from the MacBook Air (M3) model
- Speakers not as good as MacBook Pro
Where to buy
Amazon £889.00 Buy nowIf power and portability are at the top of your list, few laptops can compete with the 13-inch MacBook Air (M4). Add battery life to that list, and there are arguably none, whether you’re looking in the Apple camp or Windows.
The MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) offers all the same attributes as the 15-inch version but in a slightly smaller and lighter format, making it great for commuting or using on your lap knee-to-knee with peers in a packed lecture theatre. You’ll barely notice it in your bag, and its compact build makes it a solid option for smaller backpacks.
There’s plenty of vibrancy and brightness from the display and the typing experience with the keyboard is excellent. You’ll find the same keyboard on all MacBook models in this list, with all of them including a Touch ID fingerprint sensor in the corner of the full-height function keys. This is handy for unlocking your Mac, as well as authenticating passwords and using Apple Pay.
Where this model shines is battery life, because it’s here where it exceeds all other MacBook models, even the larger Air by a fraction. It’s more than capable of lasting a full day and then some, eliminating any potential battery anxiety, whether travelling, commuting or enduring a full day of lectures.
Key specifications
| Display | 13.6in Liquid Retina (IPS), 2,560 x 1,664 resolution, 224 ppi |
| CPU | Apple M4 processor, 10-core |
| GPU | 8-core or 10-core |
| RAM | 16GB,24GB or 32GB |
| Storage | 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB |
| Dimensions | W 304mm, D 215mm, H 11.3mm |
| Weight | 1.24kg |
| Battery life | Up to 15 hours web browsing |
Best MacBook Pro
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Score: 4.5/5
Pros- Superb performance
- Plenty of upgrades available
- Excellent display
- Heavier than the MacBook Air
- Battery life isn’t as good as Air
- Upgrades get expensive
Where to buy
AO £1799.00 Buy nowThe darling of the MacBook Pro models, the MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) is a performance powerhouse, offering a rapid user experience from the M4 Pro chip, whether you’re editing multiple image files at once or exporting 8K resolution video.
There’s the option to upgrade the memory considerably, while storage options are also far beyond what the average user might need. Upgrading will drive the price up significantly, so make sure it’s something you need before dropping one in your basket.
Alongside its excellent performance is a stunning Mini-LED display that makes any content look as good as can be, from the latest David Attenborough documentary to the crisp and detailed app icons that sit along the bottom dock in the macOS interface.
Apple’s ProMotion technology adapts the screen’s refresh rate to whatever you’re doing up to 120Hz, resulting in consistently smooth on-screen navigation, while the 1,600 nits peak brightness is well-suited if you’re sat next to a bright window. There’s support for up to two external displays, making it a great option for photographers working on multiple images simultaneously.
I found that the battery life doesn’t quite match the MacBook Air, despite a similar 14-15 hour claim, and it is heavier. However, you will still get around a day of use before you need to plug in, depending on what you are doing.
It’s certainly over-specced for the average user, but for creatives and photographers, the MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) is superb.
Note: It’s thought Apple will announce the MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) and MacBook Pro (M5 Max) soon, so you may want to wait if you’re considering this model or the MacBook Pro (M4 Max).
Key specifications
| Display type | 120Hz, 14.2in Liquid Retina XDR (Mini-LED), 3,024 x 1,964 resolution, 254 ppi |
| CPU | Apple M4 Pro processor, 12-core or 14-core |
| GPU | 16-core or 20-core |
| RAM | 24GB, 48GB |
| Storage | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB or 4TB |
| Dimensions | W 313mm, D 221mm, H 15.5mm |
| Weight | 1.6kg |
| Battery life | Up to 14 hours web browsing |
Best MacBook for Professionals
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Max)
Score: 4.5/5
Pros- Gigantic display
- Slick performance
- Great sound quality
- Large and heavy compared to other MacBooks
- Eye-wateringly expensive
Where to buy
Currys £3299.00 Buy nowIf you’re after the largest and most powerful MacBook that Apple has to offer, the MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Max) is exactly that. This laptop takes no prisoners, delivering what can only be described as a desktop computer in a more portable format. I say “more” because this is an incredibly large laptop and it’s heavy, so if you’re planning on leaving your home with it daily, make sure you get yourself a decent backpack.
The 16-inch MacBook Pro is powerful, with speedy and consistent performance no matter what you throw at it, whether you’re playing games or editing 3D models. There’s no taking away from the beautiful, large display, which produces exceptional detail and colours. The speakers also deliver an expansive soundstage unlike any other.
The storage and memory options on this model are substantial, as is the price, of course, marking this MacBook out as one that’s reserved for professionals. For the average person, this MacBook model will be unnecessary, but if you’re in the business of game development, 3D modelling or substantial video editing, I wager you might struggle to push this MacBook to the limit.
Note: It’s thought Apple will announce the MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) and MacBook Pro (M5 Max) soon, so you may want to wait if you’re considering this model or the MacBook Pro (M4 Pro).
Key specifications
| Display type | 120Hz, 16.2in Liquid Retina XDR (Mini-LED), 3,456 x 2,234 resolution, 254 ppi |
| CPU | Apple M4 Max processor, 14-core or 16-core |
| GPU | 32-core or 40-core |
| RAM | 36GB, 48GB, 64GB, or 128GB |
| Storage | 1TB, 2TB, 4TB or 8TB |
| Dimensions | W 356mm, D 248mm, H 16.8mm |
| Weight | 2.15kg |
| Battery life | Up to 14 hours web browsing |
Best MacBook for Connectivity
Apple MacBook Pro (M5)
Score: 4/5
Pros- Great design and build quality
- Superb performance
- Decent battery life
- There’s no power adapter in the box
- It doesn’t support the latest Wi-Fi
Where to buy
Apple £1599.00 Buy nowThe MacBook Pro (M5) sits at the bottom of the current MacBook Pro lineup. It’s confusing, as despite running on the latest processor, this model isn’t as powerful as the MacBook Pro with M4 Pro chip or MacBook Pro with M4 Max chips, both reviewed above. However, if you’re looking for the MacBook that can give you a little extra compared to the MacBook Air, without having to remortgage, the MacBook Pro (M5) is the model that will do it.
The M5 chip delivers excellent performance, whether for image editing or running multiple programs simultaneously. The 14-inch Mini-LED screen is glorious, delivering deep, punchy colours, with a higher brightness than the MacBook Air and a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother scrolling. There’s also the option of the Nano-texture glass for an additional fee, which helps minimise screen reflections with its matte finish.
This MacBook only comes in one size, there isn’t a power adapter included, and it doesn’t support the latest Wi-Fi protocols, but it has a solid base, a built-in fan for sustained performance and extra ports compared to the MacBook Air, including HDMI and an SD card reader. Battery life isn’t as impressive as the MacBook Air, but it still puts in an excellent showing.
Key specifications
| Display | 120Hz, 14.2in Liquid Retina XDR (Mini-LED), 3,024 x 1,964 resolution, 254 ppi |
| CPU | Apple M5 processor, 10-core |
| GPU | 10-core |
| RAM | 16GB, 24GB or 32GB |
| Storage | 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB |
| Dimensions | W 313mm, D 221mm, H 15.5mm |
| Weight | 1.55kg |
| Battery life | Up to 24 hours web browsing |
MacBook FAQs
Is a MacBook Air a touchscreen?
None of the MacBook models are touch-enabled. You could consider opting for an iPad Pro or iPad Air and investing in a Magic Keyboard if you want a touchscreen Apple device with a keyboard.
Is the MacBook Pro or Air better for students?
Whether the MacBook Pro or MacBook Air is the best laptop for a student depends partly on what course the student is taking. Generally, the MacBook Air will be more than sufficient, offering ample power, good portability and great battery life.
Where the MacBook Pro might be better suited is if the student is doing a creative subject, such as graphic design or computer science. It’s here where more power has to be sustained for longer periods of time, requiring a dedicated fan for cooling.
Should I get an M3 or M4 MacBook?
The M5 processor is the latest offered by Apple, offering some speed improvements over the M4 and M3. Generally, it would be recommended to buy a MacBook with the M4 or M5 chip, rather than the ageing M3. If your budget is limited, the Apple Silicon M3 does still offer great performance. However, you will be future-proofing your purchase by opting for the M4 or M5 models, ensuring you get access to the latest features for longer.
How long does a MacBook last?
I got my first MacBook in 2006, and that model (which had a plastic shell) will still turn on and work to some degree, so MacBooks don’t necessarily have an expiry date in terms of build quality. They will last for as long as you look after them and while they will pick up scratches and dents as the years go on, this won’t stop them from working.
What will determine when you will need to replace a MacBook is software compatibility. Apple typically offers around seven years of software support for its MacBooks and Macs, though this is model-dependent. After which, you won’t get access to the latest features, and that’s when it is time to consider trading in.
What software do MacBooks run and which is the latest build?
Apple MacBooks run macOS, and the current software build is called macOS 26 Tahoe. It introduced a new look to match what you will find on iPhone and iPad, as well as coloured folders and a Phone app, among other features. Many older MacBooks are still compatible with the software, so they will also have access to these features, though some will be restricted to the newer processors as they require more power to run effectively.
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