The best MacBooks of 2024, tried and tested by an expert – which should you buy?
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Apple’s MacBook range is extensive, which is somewhat of a double-edged sword. It means there is a MacBook out there for everyone, but it can also be difficult to determine which is the best MacBook for you. Two core ranges, five display sizes, multiple chip variants, and that’s before we come to the configurable storage and memory options; it’s a MacBook minefield.
But, they are popular for a reason, as Amber Pine, managing director of Sky Connectivity – the only mobile provider to offer MacBooks on monthly contracts – explains: “MacBooks are powerful, versatile laptops with a beautifully sleek design. They have long battery lives and work well with other Apple products such as iPhones and iPads – giving users a seamless and integrated experience.”
I’ve been testing technology and Apple’s devices for over a decade, with MacBooks among the products I have used and reviewed extensively during that time. I have also owned a MacBook since 2006, upgraded through the various generations in the last two decades and continuously switched between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro in the last few years, giving me plenty of experience with all the different MacBook models to help determine which is the best MacBook to meet your requirements.
You can read my full reviews of the best MacBooks below, followed by answers to frequently asked questions – but if you’re in a hurry, here’s a quick look at my top five, in which M1, M2 and M3 refer to the processor chips, M3 being the newest:
Which are the best MacBooks in 2024? At a glance
Best MacBook overall - MacBook Air 15-inch (M3)
Best value MacBook - MacBook Air 13-inch (M2)
Best budget MacBook - MacBook Air 13-inch (M1)
Best MacBook for students - MacBook Air 13-inch (M3)
Best MacBook for an upgrade - MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3)
MacBook Pro vs MacBook Air – which is better?
Whether the MacBook Pro or MacBook Air is better very much depends on the type of user you are and what you plan to use your MacBook for. As Amber Pine says: “MacBooks are now more powerful than ever, so no matter what model you choose, you don’t need to worry about performance. With Apple’s own M series chips now on all MacBooks, buyers can take advantage of the extra performance power and battery life – whether investing in a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro.”
“If you’re looking for a laptop that can help with your everyday tasks, studies or work, the MacBook Air is a great option,” Pine explains, whilst “the MacBook Pro is great for users with more demanding workflows that require more sustained performance, even longer battery life, or those who need more ports.”
To help you determine which is the best MacBook for you, I have reviewed all of Apple’s current MacBook line up, as well as the older MacBook Air (M1), to highlight which MacBook models are best for what, and who.
How I tested the best MacBooks
I’ve used all of the MacBook models below for at least two weeks in order to determine which is the best MacBook overall, as well as the best MacBook for certain disciplines.
I compared their RAM (the short term memory, an indicator of speed), their CPUs (central processing units, in this case either Apple’s M1, M2 or M3 chips), their GPUs (graphics processing units), their storage in gigabytes, their screen resolutions and their screen display technologies, which affect colour, contrast and brightness.
I ran the same tasks on each MacBook model, ranging from picture and video editing to streaming content, browsing the web and everyday office work (MacBooks aren’t often used as gaming laptops so I didn’t use games as a test). To complete my testing, I took each MacBook on public transport to test the battery life and see how their dimensions and weight affected their suitability when commuting, travelling or when being used in more restrictive spaces.
If you’re going to be using your MacBook on the move too, check out our guide to the best antivirus software to keep your data safe.
Best MacBooks
1. Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M3)
Best MacBook overall, 10 out of 10
We like: exceptional battery life and large screen in a slim design
We don’t like: it has limited ports compared to MacBook Pro
ƒDisplay type: 15.3in Liquid Retina (IPS LCD), 2880 x 1864 resolution, 224 ppi
CPU: Apple M3 processor, 8-core
GPU: 10-core
RAM: 8GB, 16GB or 24GB
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB
Dimensions: 340.4 x 237.6 x 11.5mm
Weight: 1.51kg
Battery life: Up to 15 hours web browsing
The MacBook Air has long been heralded as Apple’s thinnest and lightest laptop, ever since Steve Jobs pulled the first iteration out of a manilla 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 famous wedge shape.
With that, there’s very little to complain about when it comes to Apple’s latest MacBook Air 15-inch running the company’s M3 processor. As an everyday laptop, this one is exceptional, delivering great performance not only for standard tasks and day-to-day business running, but more intensive tasks too, taking basic image editing on software like Photoshop in its stride.
The slim, lightweight and portable format is something of a marvel, barely noticeable when lugging around London in a backpack or bag, while the large and vibrant screen makes for an excellent viewing experience, whether that’s a spreadsheet or film. The display isn’t as bright as the MacBook Pro models, even if that’s only really noticeable when using outside, the notch at the top of the display could be reduced and a few more ports like HDMI would be welcomed, but they are minor grievances in what is otherwise a fantastic everyday laptop.
For all its successes – all of which contribute to this being my best MacBook overall choice – it’s the battery life where this model is worth its weight in gold. The MacBook Air 15-inch (M3) far exceeds the promised 15 hours when using it for day-to-day tasks. I boarded a 12 hour flight with this model, wrote for the entire duration (over 10,000 words in total) and got off the plane with 61 per cent remaining. Meanwhile, a day in London connecting and disconnecting to various networks barely shaved off 20 per cent.
For the average user after a laptop that can effortlessly perform a variety of tasks and look great while doing them, the MacBook Air 15-inch (M3) is in a league of its own.
From£1299
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John Lewis
2. MacBook Air 13-inch (M2)
Best value MacBook, 9/10
We like: great design with plenty of power for a decent price
We don’t like: the speaker system isn’t as powerful as other MacBooks
Display type: 13.6in Liquid Retina (IPS LCD), 2560 x 1664 resolution, 224 ppi
CPU: Apple M2 processor, 8-core
GPU: 8-core or 10-core
RAM: 8GB, 16GB or 24GB
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB
Dimensions: 304.1 x 215 x 113mm
Weight: 1.24kg
Battery life: Up 15 hours web browsing
It isn’t always necessary to buy the latest technology to get a good experience. When it comes to the MacBook Air, the everyday user completing every day tasks – emails, web browsing, even basic photo editing – will struggle to distinguish between the performance of Apple’s M3 and M2 chips, with both being very efficient.
The 2022 MacBook Air model is available at a lower price than the most recent MacBook Air models, while still delivering a great everyday laptop, making it excellent value. Its design is virtually identical to the newest model, save for the lack of a fingerprint-resistant process meaning you’ll need to wipe the aluminium lid of this model more frequently than you would the latest model.
You’ll find the same colour options (Midnight or Starlight are the most striking), the same bright and vibrant display and the same easy to use software – macOS – delivering a range of features from easy multi-tasking with Stage Manager to Profiles separating work and personal web browsing on Apple’s native browser, Safari.
The speaker system isn’t as powerful as you’ll find in the MacBook Pro models and there aren’t as many ports available, but the MacBook Air 13-inch (M2) is more than adequate for streaming a film, while dongles are available to counteract the lack of ports should you really require HDMI or an SD card reader.
Overall, the MacBook Air (M2) is slim, light (especially in this 13-inch model) and the battery life remains supreme, easily delivering a day of use without breaking a sweat.
From£903
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3. MacBook Air 13-inch (M1)
Best budget MacBook, 7/10
We like: wedge design and good performance despite being several years old
We don’t like: thick bezels surrounding the display make it look dated
Display type: 13.3in Retina (IPS LCD), 2560 x 1600 resolution, 227ppi
CPU: Apple M1 processor,
GPU: 7-core or 8-core
RAM: 8GB or 16GB
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB
Dimensions: 304 x 212 x 41-161mm
Weight: 1.29kg
Battery life: Up to 15 hours web browsing
Retaining the famous wedge design the MacBook Air became synonymous with, this model is the last model in the MacBook portfolio before the design change in 2022 and the first model to switch from Intel to Apple’s M-silicon chips. When the MacBook Air (M1) first launched in 2020, there were a number of applications that weren’t optimised for Apple Silicon so while this laptop had all the capabilities, it needed some of the key software to catch up.
It’s a very different story four years on, with most apps now optimised and native to Apple Silicon, meaning the M1 chip in this MacBook Air is now better equipped to deliver on its promises. There is solid and speedy performance from this laptop – even now – and at a significantly lower cost than some of the newer MacBook models, making it a great option if your budget won’t stretch to the MacBook Air (M2).
The larger bezels surrounding the detailed and vibrant display look a little dated in 2024 meaning the screen doesn’t make the best use of the space available, but those bezels also mean there is no notch at the top of the display. Elsewhere, the built-in camera isn’t as good as the newer models, nor is the speaker system and you’ll find a noticeably speedier and slicker performance from the MacBook Air with M2.
But the MacBook Air (M1) is still a good laptop more than up to handling everyday tasks.
From£799
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John Lewis
4. MacBook Air 13-inch (M3)
Best MacBook for students, 10/10
We like: great performance and battery life in slim and light build
We don’t like: not a huge upgrade from the MacBook Air (M2) model
Display type: 13.6in Liquid Retina (IPS LCD), 2560 x 1664 resolution, 224 ppi
CPU: Apple M3 processor, 8-core
GPU: 8-core or 10-core
RAM: 8GB, 16GB or 24GB
Storage: 256GB, 512GB, 1TB or 2TB
Dimensions: 304.1 x 215 x 113mm
Weight: 1.24kg
Battery life: Up to 15 hours web browsing
If power and portability are at the top of your list, there are few laptops that can compete with the MacBook Air 13-inch (M3). Add battery life to that list and there are arguably none, whether you’re looking in the Apple camp or at Windows laptops. The MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) offers all the same attributes as the 15-inch Air (M3) model, but in a slightly smaller and lighter format, making it perfect 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 slim and compact build make it a great option for smaller bags too.
There’s plenty of vibrancy and brightness from the display, the notch at the top is a feature you get used to within minutes – even if it is more obvious on the smaller model – and the typing experience from the keyboard is excellent. You’ll find the same keyboard on all MacBook models in this list and all have a Touch ID fingerprint sensor in the corner of the full-height function keys too, which is handy for unlocking your Mac, as well as authenticating passwords and using Apple Pay.
Where this model shines is battery life, because it is here that it is superb and exceeds all other MacBook models, even the larger Air model by a fraction. It is more than capable of lasting the day, and then some, ensuring no battery anxiety, whether travelling, commuting or enduring a day full of lectures.
From£1099
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5. MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3)
Best MacBook for an upgrade, 8/10
We like: the stunning display, smooth performance and extra ports
We don’t like: battery life not as good as the MacBook Air
Display type: 14.2in Liquid Retina XDR (Mini-LED), 3024 x 1964 resolution, 254 ppi, 120Hz
CPU: Apple M3 processor, 8-core
GPU: 10-core
RAM: 8GB, 16GB or 24GB
Storage: 512GB, 1TB or 2TB
Dimensions: 312.6 x 221.2 x 155mm
Weight: 1.55kg
Battery life: Up to 12 hours web browsing
It might sit at the bottom of the MacBook Pro line-up, but if you’re looking for the MacBook that can give you a little bit extra compared to the MacBook Air – and without having to remortgage – the MacBook Pro (M3) is the model that will do it.
The same M3 chip as the latest MacBook Air runs the show, but the MacBook Pro benefits from a better sound system thanks to the up-firing speakers placed either side of the keyboard, allowing for a richer and wider soundstage when watching movies or playing audio.
It also has a more solid base, a fan incorporated into the design to allow for sustained performance when it comes to more complex tasks, such as video editing or gaming, and there are some extra ports compared to the Air too, including HDMI and SD card reader.
It’s in the display where the biggest reason to upgrade can be found however. The Mini-LED screen is glorious, delivering rich and vibrant colours, with a higher brightness than the MacBook Air models, minimising reflection when using it near a window or outside, while the 120Hz refresh rate makes for a very smooth scrolling experience.
The battery life doesn’t match that of the MacBook Air, but the MacBook Pro (M3) is a great laptop for those looking for a machine that can handle every day tasks, as well as a little extra.
From£1540
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6. MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3 Pro)
Best MacBook Pro, 9/10
We like: superb performance with plenty of upgradable memory and storage options
We don’t like: heavier than MacBook Air and battery life not as good
Display type: 14.2in Liquid Retina XDR (Mini-LED), 3024 x 1964 resolution, 254 ppi, 120Hz
CPU: Apple M3 Pro processor, 11-core or 12-core
GPU: 14-core or 18-core
RAM: 18GB, 36GB
Storage: 512GB, 1TB, 2Tb or 4TB
Dimensions: 312.6 x 221.2 x 155mm
Weight: 1.61kg
Battery life: Up to 15 hours web browsing
The darling of the MacBook Pro models, the MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3 Pro) is a performance powerhouse, offering an incredibly sleek and smooth experience from the M3 Pro chip, whether you’re editing multiple RAW image files at once, or exporting 8K video. There’s the option to upgrade the memory hugely, while storage options are also far beyond what the average user might need and upgrading either drives the price up significantly so make sure it’s something you actually need.
Alongside its excellent performance is a stunning Mini-LED display that makes everything look sublime, from the latest Attenborough documentary to the crisp and detailed app icons that sit along the dock in macOS. Apple’s ProMotion technology adapts the screen’s refresh rate to whatever you are doing, resulting in a consistently smooth experience, while the 1600 nits peak brightness presents gorgeous HDR content. There’s support for up to two external displays, making it a great option for photographers working on multiple images simultaneously.
As with the MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3), this MacBook Pro model delivers a great sound experience with a six-speaker system and support for Spatial Audio, making it feel like the sound is all around you, and there are a good selection of ports too. Its battery capacity does not match that of the MacBook Air, despite the same 15 hour claim, and it’s heavier too, but you will still get around a day of use from this machine before you need to plug it in, depending on what you are doing.
It’s over-specced for the average user, but for creatives and photographers, the MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3 Pro) is superb.
From£1949
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John Lewis
7. MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max)
Best MacBook Pro for Video Editors / Games Developers, 9/10
We like: lovely big display and super slick performance
We don’t like: large, heavy compared to other MacBooks, and very expensive
Display type: 16.2in Liquid Retina XDR (Mini-LED), 3456 x 2234 resolution, 254 ppi, 120Hz
CPU: Apple M3 Max processor, 14-core or 16-core
GPU: 30-core or 40-core
RAM: 36GB, 48GB, 64GB, 96GB or 128GB
Storage: 1TB, 2TB, 4TB or 8TB
Dimensions: 355.7 x 248.1 x 168mm
Weight: 2.14kg
Battery life: Up to 15 hours web browsing
If you’re after the latest, greatest and largest MacBook Apple has to offer, the MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max) is it. This laptop takes no prisoners, delivering what can only be described as a desktop computer in a somewhat portable format. I say somewhat because this is a large laptop, and it’s very heavy too, so if you’re planning on leaving your home with it daily, make sure you get yourself a decent backpack.
Despite its size, it is very powerful, with a buttery smooth and consistent performance no matter what you do, whether gaming or editing 3D models. There’s no taking away from the rich and wonderfully large and vibrant display, which presents exceptional detail and colour, while the speaker performance offers an expansive soundstage.
The storage and memory options on this model are substantial, as is the price, marking this MacBook out as one 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, even you might struggle to push this MacBook to the limit.
From£3599
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MacBook FAQs
Is a MacBook Air a touchscreen?
“The MacBook Air doesn’t have a touchscreen,” Amber Pine, managing director of Sky Communications answers. And in fact, none of the MacBook models are touch enabled. You could consider opting for an Apple iPad Pro or iPad Air and investing in a Magic Keyboard if you want a touchscreen device with a keyboard.
The current Apple iPad Pro models run on the M2 processor from 2022, which is the same chip as in our Best Value MacBook above. The current iPad Air runs the older M1 processor – the one used in the MacBook Air from 2020, recommended above as our Best Budget MacBook. It is important to note that iPads run iPadOS software rather than macOS however, so while they offer some similar features, they are more restrictive for some tasks.
Is MacBook Pro or Air better for students?
“We know students love the 13-inch MacBook Air,” says Amber Pine, adding that the “MacBook Pro is great for users with more demanding workflows that require more sustained performance”.
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 models might be better suited is if the student is doing a creative subject, such as graphic design or computer science, where more power has to be sustained for longer periods of time, requiring the fan for cooling.
Should I get M1 or M2?
As Apple has now released the M3 processor, generally it would be recommended to buy a MacBook with the M2 processor, or the M3 processor rather than the M1. If your budget is limited, the Apple Silicon M1 still offers great performance, but you will be future-proofing your purchase by opting for the M2 or M3 models, ensuring you get access to the latest features for longer.
How long does a MacBook last?
“All MacBooks are built to last. Made with aluminium enclosures and strong silicon, with the right care a MacBook can run smoothly year after year,” says Amber Pine.
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 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, model dependant, after which you won’t get access to the latest features released 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 build of that software is called macOS Sonoma. It introduced features like widgets on desktop, Profiles on Safari for splitting your work and personal search history and tabs, and Web Apps, where you can use any website like an app. Older MacBooks are compatible with the software so they will also have access to these features, though some features are restricted to the newer processors as they require more power to run effectively.
What are the system requirements for macOS Sonoma?
MacOS Sonoma was released in October 2023 and it is compatible with the iMac Pro from 2017, the iMac from 2019 and later, the Mac Pro from 2019 and later, Mac Studio from 2022 and later, Mac mini from 2018 and later, MacBook Air from 2018 and later and the MacBook Pro from 2018 and later.
