The best business Mac in 2024: the top laptops, desktops, and more from Apple

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VERDICT
REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
VERDICT
REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID

In today's market, finding the best business Mac can be somewhat challenging, as Apple blurs the lines between professional and consumer needs. Their machines boast the power necessary for business use while featuring a design appealing to regular consumers. Fortunately, Apple's commitment to quality and performance makes their products highly suitable for business environments.

Known for their innovative design, ease of use, creativity, and reliability, Apple continues to update its Mac and MacBook lineups. This means there are several choices for the best business Mac, each offering upgraded internals and improved features – often at the same price points as last year's models.

In our search for the best business laptop and the best business PC, we've rigorously compared various business Macs. Our evaluation criteria include GPU and CPU performance, RAM, storage capacity, and connectivity options. We've also considered the specific needs of different business users, taking into account dimensions, battery life, and pricing.

Our guide covers the best business Macs available in the market, ranging from the best MacBook and Mac models that are tailored to meet the diverse requirements of business users, whether you're looking for the best MacBook Pro or an all-encompassing business solution like a new iMac.

Additionally, we've included information on the latest Apple promo codes, which could offer significant savings on your purchase. With this comprehensive guide, you'll be well-equipped to choose the best business Mac that aligns with your professional needs in 2024.

The best business Mac in 2024

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MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) in use in a studio

(Image credit: Future)

The best business MacBook

The most powerful and productive MacBook Pro

Specifications

System-on-a-chip: M2 Pro / M2 Max
GPU / CPU: up to 12-core / up to 38-core
RAM: Up to 96 GB unified memory
Storage: Up to 8 TB SSD
Dimensions (W x D x H): 14.01 x 9.77 x .66 in / 35.57 x 24.81 x 1.68 cm

Reasons to buy

+
Long lasting battery
+
Best available laptop screen
+
Incredible performance
+
Thoughtful port selection

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Large

The new MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023) was a surprising, though somewhat expected, release earlier this year. Apple has upgraded its previous model to the new M2 Pro and M2 Max chipsets that they claim provides 30% faster GPU performance over the M1 predecessor. Additionally, Apple has continued to refine the efficiency of the chip resulting in an incredibly long-lasting battery for all-day performance.

With an incredible range of upgrade options, users can spec out a wickedly fast machine that can handle all kinds of graphics- and processor-intensive tasks. Pair a beautiful screen, a long-lasting battery, and new M2 chipsets together, and you’ve got a machine with the performance we used to dream about.

Read the full review: 16-in MacBook Pro (M2, 2023)

MacBook Pro 13-inch (M1, 2020)

(Image credit: Apple)

The best ultraportable business MacBook

Great business Mac with Touch Bar

Specifications

System-on-a-chip: Apple M1 chip
CPU / GPU : 8-core / 8-core
RAM: 8GB or 16GB unified memory
Storage: 256GB - 2TB SSD
Dimensions (W x D x H) : 11.97 x 8.36 x .61 in / 30.41 x 21.24 x 1.56 cm

Reasons to buy

+
One of the first Apple M1 products
+
Typically on sale

Reasons to avoid

-
Could be replaced in '22
-
Limited RAM and storage

This model is the one to get when you're looking for a MacBook Pro and are on a budget. One of the first Apple silicon computers released, the 13-inch MacBook Pro (M1, 2020), has a lot going for it, starting with its Apple M1 system on a chip. 

For a seamless video editing experience, upgrade the storage and RAM to the highest possible levels for the best results. In addition, this laptop is now the last current MacBook Pro to feature a Touch Bar, if that makes a difference. Be wary of its limited ports, however. You'll only get 2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

Although it has the same design as the non-M1 2020 Pro model that it replaced, it offers considerably better performance (2.8 times faster). Not to mention, the new Magic Keyboard presents a precise and comfortable typing experience. 

Read the full review: 13-inch MacBook Pro (M1, 2020).

Apple MacBook Air (M2, 2022) on a white desk in a studio

(Image credit: Future)

The best affordable business MacBook

Latest slim and sleek Apple offering

Specifications

System-on-a-chip: Apple M2 chip
CPU / GPU : 8-core / Up to 10-core
RAM: Up to 24GB unified memory
Storage: 256GB - 2TB SSD
Dimensions (W x D x H) : 11.97 x 8.46 x .44 in / 30.41 x 21.5 x 1.13 cm

Reasons to buy

+
Upgraded Apple M2 chip
+
New Design
+
Exceptional battery life
+
Lightweight and easy to carry

Reasons to avoid

-
Limited ports
-
New 1080p webcam
-
More expensive than predecessor

Released in 2022, the MacBook Air M2 is Apple’s latest offering of its featherweight business laptop for those who want a lightweight and powerful machine. With an upgraded M2 chip, larger screen, and new 1080p webcam, the 2022 Macbook Air takes portability to the next level.

Unfortunately, these new upgrades come at a cost, and you’ll be spending more than its predecessor. For some though, the upgrades will be worth it.

Read the full review: MacBook Air (M2, 2022).

iMac (M1 24-inch, 2021)

(Image credit: Apple)

The best business Mac desktop

Apple’s best all-in-one business Mac

Specifications

System-on-a-chip: Apple M1
CPU / GPU: 8-core / up to 8-core
RAM: Up to 16GB unified memory
Screen: 24-inch 4.5K Retina display, 4480-by-2520 resolution with P3 color accuracy, 500 nits brightness, True Tone technology
Storage: Up to 2TB SSD
Dimensions (H x W x D): 21.5 x 5.8 x 18.1 in / 54.7 x 14.7 x 46.1 cm

Reasons to buy

+
M1
+
Larger, stunning display
+
Fantastic 1080p webcam
+
New colorful design

Reasons to avoid

-
Only up to 4 ports
-
Mac Mini may provide better value

The iMac has long been one of the cheaper ways to get into the macOS ecosystem, and we’re glad that hasn’t changed. The 2021 model received a beautiful refresh, while still maintaining the iMac’s iconic all-in-one design. Apple managed to increase the size of the display while retaining the same physical dimensions of the previous model. Under the hood you’ll find the upgraded M1 processor that is fast and snappy. 

Depending on your requirements, you might find the maximum 16 GB RAM and limited ports underwhelming for some business purposes. However, for the price, the 24-inch M1 iMac has a lot to offer businesses looking for an all-in-one product from Apple.

Read the full review: Apple iMac (M1 24-inch, 2021).

Apple Mac Mini on wood desk

(Image credit: Future / Philip Berne)

Best Mac workstation for business

Best mini PC on the market

Specifications

System-on-a-chip: M2 / M2 Pro
CPU / GPU: up to 12-core / up to 19-core
RAM: Up to 32 GB unified memory
Storage: Up to 8 TB SSD
Dimensions (W x D x H): 7.75 x 7.75 x 1.41 in / 19.70 x 19.70 x 3.58 cm

Reasons to buy

+
M2
+
Lower base price
+
Affordable upgrade to M2 Pro
+
Same form factor

Reasons to avoid

-
Not upgradeable after purchase

Hands down, Apple is blowing away the competition with their latest Mac Mini (M2, 2023) model. With a new, lower price point for its base model and an upgraded and more powerful M2 Pro chip option, the Mac mini fits as easily on your desk as it does in your budget.

You’ll also find plenty of ports (even more are available on the M2 Pro model) for connecting all of your desktop peripherals. Put together, we can’t find a better mini PC option on the market right now.

Read the full review: Mac mini (M2, 2023)

Apple iPad Pro 12.9-inch

(Image credit: Apple)

Best Mac laptop replacement for business

Apple’s laptop ‘replacement’ is a versatile business tool

Specifications

Display: 12.9-inch mini-LED display
Camera: 10/12MP rear cameras, 12MP front camera
RAM: 8GB - 16GB
Processor: M2 chip
Storage: Up to 2TB

Reasons to buy

+
Massive and beautiful mini-LED display
+
M2 chip
+
App Store

Reasons to avoid

-
Small 128GB base storage
-
Limited battery life
-
No headphone port or connector

Apple’s largest iPad is the closest yet to replicating the feeling of a laptop in a tablet, especially when paired with a full-sized keyboard dock. 

Featuring a gorgeous design, a laptop-worthy M2 chip, an unparalleled mini-LED touchscreen display with 120 Hz refresh rate, and support for the Apple Pencil, this iPad is as enticing as it is powerful. iPad OS offers a unique middle ground between tablet and laptop workflows and access to the vast library on the App Store. 

If you’re in the market for a laptop but need the functionality and portability of a tablet, look no further than the most capable tablet on the market.

Read the full review: iPad Pro 12.9 (2022).

The best business Mac: How to choose

When choosing the best business Mac for yourself, start with assessing the nature of your business, the kind of work you'll primarily do on the Mac, and whether you'll be on the road a lot. 

If you're in graphic design, video editing, architecture, or any other field that demands resource-intensive apps, then it's best to select a powerful Mac with an impressive processor and graphic capabilities. But if your work mainly involves using an internet browser or data entry, an entry-level MacBook should work perfectly well. 

You'll want to select the RAM based on how much multitasking you do and how resource-heavy your apps are. Look out for the connectivity ports on the device, especially if you plan to hook your laptop up to an external display. 

For those who're on the road frequently, the laptop's size and weight are essential considerations. Lastly, check how much storage the laptop offers and whether your budget can accommodate all the features and upgrades you need.

The best business Mac: How we test

To test the best business Macs, we started by considering their specifications, like the GPU, CPU, RAM, storage, and dimensions. We evaluated the types of businesses they'd be suitable for and how well they ran resource-heavy apps and multitasked. 

We assessed the dimensions and weight of the products to see how much space they take up and whether they were light enough for easy carrying during travels. 

We also checked their connectivity ports, wireless connectivity features, battery life, and pricing, among other things. 

Collin Probst

Former TechRadar Pro B2B Hardware Editor, Collin has been in journalism for years, with experience in small and large markets, including Gearadical, DailyBeast, FutureNet, and more.

With contributions from