The best MacBook and Macs 2024: top Apple desktops and laptops

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REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
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REASONS TO BUY
REASONS TO AVOID
best MacBook and Macs
(Image credit: Future)

The best MacBooks - and their desktop Mac counterparts - remain some of the top laptops and PCs money can buy. Since Apple dumped Intel in 2020 to make its own M-series chips to power its computers, there has been a renaissance for MacBooks and Macs.

Over the course of the M1, M2 and M3 generations, it feels like Apple has fallen back in love with Macs and MacBooks - and consumers seem to have as well. These past four years have brought us not just the best MacBooks and Macs that Apple has ever made - but they are also some of the best laptops and best PCs as well. 

The best MacBooks are so good, that they've even won over hardcore Windows fans thanks to their sleek and modern designs, excellent performance and the kind of battery lives that most Windows 11 laptops can only dream of.

At TechRadar, we've tested and reviewed every single Mac and MacBook from Apple, and many of them have been tested by myself. I've personally used M1, M2 and M3 Macs and MacBooks, and I've also reviewed the new M4-powered iPad Pro, and I'll be using my extensive experience to help advise you on the best Macs for your needs, no matter what your budget is. Speaking of budgets, make sure you check out our collection of the best MacBook deals, which can help save you some serious cash.

Written by
Matt Hanson
Written by
Matt Hanson

Matt has been reviewing Macs and MacBooks for the best part of 15 years, and personally uses a 13-inch MacBook Pro with M2 chip and 16-inch MacBook Pro with M2 Pro on a daily basis. Since joining TechRadar in 2014, he's reviewed over 250 laptops and computing accessories, many of which are Macs and MacBooks, as well as competitor devices from the likes of Microsoft, HP and Lenovo.

The best MacBook and Macs 2024

best MacBook and Macs Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M3 being used in a cafe

(Image credit: Future)
The best MacBook overall

Specifications

CPU: Apple M3 chip with 8-core CPU
Graphics: Integrated 8-core – 10-core GPU
RAM: 8GB – 24GB unified memory
Screen: 13.6-inch (diagonal) 2560 x 1664 Liquid Retina display
Storage: up to 2TB

Reasons to buy

+
Superb performance levels
+
Great battery life
+
More affordable than predecessor

Reasons to avoid

-
Entry-level spec feels underpowered

Apple’s latest MacBook Air for 2024 has been upgraded with the addition of the M3 chip, bringing this nicely portable 13-inch laptop even closer to the level of performance you might expect from the MacBook Pro range. While the latter remains the choice for power users and content creators, the MacBook Air (M3, 2024) closes the gap more than ever.

Okay, so this laptop didn’t do much in terms of design, essentially being much the same as its predecessor, the MacBook Air (M2, 2022). But that was already a great notebook, and there was no real need to change the formula in this respect – what Apple did instead was give us better performance, at a better price.

The MacBook Air (M3, 2024) is a top-notch performer for everyday computing, and impressive for more demanding tasks like content creation – or even dabbling in playing some games. It provides a great multi-tasking experience, running multiple apps comfortably, and outperforms the already strong MacBook Air M2 as noted, and still benefits from that fan-less design (so it’s practically silent).

Boasting plenty of battery life – 14 hours on a single charge in our tests – and a new lower price point, the M3-toting version of the MacBook Air pushes this device to fresh heights, and is an excellent buy overall. There’s just one sticking point here, namely that Apple’s baseline spec feels weak by contemporary laptop standards, sticking with the same 8GB of RAM and 256GB storage the M2 version had – which now looks rather shaky at this price point.

Read our in-depth MacBook Air (M3, 2024) review

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

(Image credit: Future)
The best budget MacBook

Specifications

CPU: Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU
Graphics: Integrated 9-core – 10-core GPU
RAM: 8GB – 24GB unified memory
Screen: 13.6-inch (diagonal) 2560-by-1664 LED-backlit display with IPS technology
Storage: up to 2TB

Reasons to buy

+
Same smart design as M3 model
+
Very good performance
+
Price dropped to more affordable level

Reasons to avoid

-
Fingerprint marking woes with 'midnight' color

For those seeking a powerful performer in a highly portable form-factor, but not wanting to fork out for the new M3 version of the MacBook Air, its predecessor with the M2 chip remains an excellent laptop – and considerably more keenly priced since the M3 version hit the shelves.

If you recall, when the MacBook Air M2 first emerged in 2022, Apple bumped up its entry-level price to $1,199 / £1,249 / AU$1,899, a good deal more than the M1-toting Air which was released at $999 / £999 / AU$1,599. Well, the good news on the pricing front is that the MacBook Air M2 now costs exactly the same as the M1 at launch, so you can pick it up for $999 / £999 / AU$1,599 – with sales events making that recommended price even more attractive at times.

You’re still getting sterling performance levels from the M2 – and the power to take on, say, 4K video editing, and other relatively intense workloads – a ton of battery life (16 hours on a charge), and the same top-notch design and chassis as seen with the newer MacBook Air M3. If you want the best value proposition in the MacBook world, well, this is it.

Read our in-depth MacBook Air (M2, 2022) review

best MacBook and Macs Mac mini (2023) in a studio

(Image credit: Future)
The best Mac you can buy - seriously

Specifications

CPU: Apple M2 (8-core) -Apple M2 Pro (10-core)
Graphics: Integrated 10-core GPU - 16-core GPU
RAM: 8GB – 64GB unified memory
Storage: 256GB – 2TB SSD
Dimensions (W x D x H): 1.41 x 7.75 x 7.75-inches (3.58 x 19.70 x 19.70 cm)

Reasons to buy

+
Same lovely design
+
More powerful than ever
+
New lower price

Reasons to avoid

-
Not upgradable

The Mac mini got a surprise upgrade in 2023, and the compact PC now comes with a choice of the powerful M2 chip - or the even more powerful M2 Pro. We reviewed the M2 Pro model and were really impressed with its performance, just as we were with its sleek and compact design. 

Despite its small size, this is an extremely capable Mac that can run macOS Sonoma and any app or game with ease. It also performed brilliantly when we ran similar tests as we did with the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023), including editing 8K movie files, making projects in Ableton Live 11 using a MIDI keyboard, and synthetic benchmarks such as Cinebench.

The M2 model is also worth considering. It comes with the same M2 chip that the 2022 models of the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 13-inch feature, and offers a similar level of performance but without the high price tag. Speaking of which, the Mac mini (2023) launched at a new, lower, asking price, making it even better value for money.

Read the in-depth Mac mini (M2, 2023) review

MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max (2023)

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
The best MacBook Pro for most content creators

Specifications

CPU: Apple M3 (8-core) - Apple M3 Max (14-core)
Graphics: Integrated 10-core GPU - 30‑core GPU
RAM: 16GB – 128GB unified memory
Storage: 512GB – 8TB SSD
Dimensions (W x D x H): 0.61 x 12.31 x 8.71 inches (1.55 x 31.26 x 22.12 cm)

Reasons to buy

+
Familiar but still excellent design
+
Long battery life
+
Excellent performance

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive
-
Fans can get loud

After releasing the M2 Pro and M2 Max-powered MacBook Pro 14-inch early in 2023, Apple replaced it with a brand-new model later in the year, coming with a choice of M3, M3 Pro and M3 Max chips. Those new Apple CPUs offered further performance gains over the M2 series, meaning the M3-toting 14-inch MacBook Pro stole the title of the best MacBook for creatives.

The MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3/M3 Pro/M3 Max) handled everything we threw at it during testing, whether we were editing videos in 8K, recording numerous instruments at the same time, or editing multi-track audio projects in Ableton Live 11. Of course, it fared well tackling a range of use cases for day-to-day workloads as well. And, its Liquid Retina XDR and mini-LED technology display with ProMotion adaptive refresh rates of up to 120Hz delivered vibrant colors and rich, deep contrast, making our creative experience incredibly immersive.

The laptop keeps the same design as the 2021 and early 2023 models, but that's no bad thing given the brilliant screen and solid build quality. It is, as with many creative mobile workstations, eye-wateringly expensive, however. There is some good news, however, as Apple introduced a more affordable base model of the MacBook Pro 14-inch with the standard M3 chip. While it lacks the sheer performance of the M3 Pro and M3 Max versions, this is a great way for more people to enjoy an absolutely fantastic laptop.

Read our in-depth Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3 Max) review

Imac hero

(Image credit: Future)
The best all-in-one Mac for most users

Specifications

CPU: Apple M3 chip with 8‑core CPU
Graphics: Integrated 8-core – 10-core GPU
RAM: 8GB – 24GB unified memory
Screen: 24-inch 4.5K Retina display
Storage: up to 2TB

Reasons to buy

+
M3 chip offers excellent performance
+
Still thin and light
+
Remains the best all-in-one computer

Reasons to avoid

-
Design remains the same – including peripherals
-
256GB SSD in base model is too small

If you think the iMac that Apple released at the close of 2023 couldn’t possibly be as good as it looks, you’d be wrong. Featuring the same bold design introduced in 2021 with the M1 version, the latest iMac remains a stunning bit of kit.

It rocks Apple’s M3 chip which makes it much more powerful than the previous Intel iMacs, and the two-year-old M1 model. Loading up Final Cut Pro to do some editing on an 8K video, it performed very well during testing, smoothly scrubbing through 8K content. If you're a pro, you may be best served by a more powerful Mac or MacBook Pro, but this one should more than suffice for hobbyists and streamers looking to edit their videos.

You’ll also be happy to know that you’re getting great value here, as the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse are included – in matching colors, we might add - though we wish Apple would give the Magic Mouse a redesign and get rid of the Lightning charging port at the bottom, which makes the mouse impossible to use when plugged in.

And, while the port selection could be better, the upgraded 1080p FaceTime camera delivers better low-light performance and amazing image quality. The iMac 24-inch (M3) is the best all-in-one PC we’ve ever tested, and has certainly earned its place in our best Macs list.

Read our in-depth iMac 24-inch (M3) review

Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M3

(Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
The best 15-inch MacBook hands-down

Specifications

CPU: Apple M3 chip with 8-core CPU
Graphics: Integrated 10-core GPU
RAM: From 8GB unified memory
Screen: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone
Storage: From 256GB SSD

Reasons to buy

+
Big screen
+
Great performance levels
+
Surprisingly good price

Reasons to avoid

-
Same internal specs as 13-inch model
-
Less portable than 13-inch model

Apple’s MacBook Air 15-inch which was refreshed with the M3 chip in 2024 remains much the same story as its predecessor, in the respect that it’s basically a bigger version of the MacBook Air 13-inch M3 that gives you two extra inches of display real-estate.

There are other nuances, mind, such as better speakers in the larger MacBook Air, and also that the 15-inch model boasts larger palm rests (all the better to type with). But mostly, you’re getting the same MacBook with a larger screen, and of course a heftier price tag.

The MacBook Air 15-inch M3 is an excellent performer, and benefits from all the strengths of its top-quality 13-inch sibling, including matching the latter’s excellent battery life (though we feel it should do slightly better than the smaller Air, really, considering the roomier chassis). If you want a great MacBook that’s still plenty portable and relatively light, but offers more screen space and a couple of other boons due to the larger form-factor, look no further than this MacBook Air 15-inch.

Read our full Apple MacBook Air 15-inch (M3) review

MacBook Pro 16-inch with screen open in an office

(Image credit: Future)
The best MacBook for those who want a lot of power

Specifications

CPU: Apple M3 Pro (12-core) - Apple M3 Max (16-core)
Graphics: Integrated 18-core – 48-core GPU
RAM: Up to 128GB
Screen: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
Storage: Up to 8TB

Reasons to buy

+
Powered up by M3 Pro and M3 Max chips
+
Over 24 hours of battery life

Reasons to avoid

-
Expensive

The latest MacBook Pro 16-inch is hands-down the best laptop for creative professionals we’ve ever tested, being powered by a choice of the M3 Pro and M3 Max chips, Apple’s latest and most powerful laptop hardware.

There wasn’t a task the 16-inch MacBook Pro couldn’t handle during our review, even when editing footage with multiple 4K and 8K video files, and it also did an impressive job of running the latest games. That’s right: with the 16-inch MacBook Pro (and the MacBook Pro 14-inch model), Apple has arguably given us the first gaming MacBook.

In our own independent benchmark tests, we saw a good leap in performance with the M3 Max compared to the M1 Max MacBook Pro 16-inch model, with a 35% increase in Geekbench 6 single-core CPU performance, and a huge 69% increase in multi-core performance.

Read our in-depth MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Pro/M3 Max) review

best MacBook and Macs MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023) in a studio with screen showing website

(Image credit: Future)
Older but still great for professionals, especially if you find a good deal

Specifications

CPU: Apple M2 Pro (10-core) - Apple M2 Max (12-core)
Graphics: Integrated 16-core GPU - 38‑core GPU
RAM: 16GB – 96GB unified memory
Storage: 512GB – 8TB SSD
Dimensions (W x D x H): 0.61 x 12.31 x 8.71 inches (1.55 x 31.26 x 22.12 cm)

Reasons to buy

+
M2 Pro and M2 Max chips
+
Almost 20-hour battery life
+
Top-notch screen

Reasons to avoid

-
No longer the latest model
-
Not sold by Apple anymore

It seems that Apple is making a habit of ensuring new models of the MacBook Pro 14-inch are a lot more powerful than expected. Its 2021 predecessor may have been an almost perfect laptop, but this early 2023 version of the MacBook Pro 14-inch blew it out of the water in terms of power, cementing the line's status as a mobile workstation that's reserved for users who can maximize its sheer performance.

However, the MacBook Pro 14-inch (M2 Pro/M2 Max) is no longer the latest model. It launched in January 2023, only to be swiftly superseded by the MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3/M3 Pro/M3 Max) later in the year, a laptop which can be found higher up on this list.

Even so, this last-gen incarnation is still a great laptop, and with the newer M3 models having been out for a while, you may be able to find these M2 models for cheaper - though not from Apple, which has now stopped selling these (slightly) older 14-inch MacBook Pros.

Read our full in-depth Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023) review

Apple Mac Studio (M2 Ultra)

(Image credit: Future)
A compact Mac for creative professionals

Specifications

CPU: Apple 12-core M2 Max or 24-core M2 Ultra
Graphics: Integrated 30-core - 38-core (M2 Max) or 60-core - 76-core (M2 Ultra) GPU
RAM: 32GB – 192GB unified memory
Storage: 512GB – 8TB SSD
Dimensions (H x W x D): 9.5 x 19.7 x 19.7cm

Reasons to buy

+
Compact
+
Powerful

Reasons to avoid

-
Non-upgradable
-
Not cheap

The Mac Studio is like a supercharged Mac mini for creative professionals. It's an impressively compact computer that comes packing some serious power in its latest incarnation, thanks to a choice of the M2 Max or M2 Ultra chips (which have taken over from the original Mac Studio PCs with M1 silicon inside).

The Mac Studio is a formidable machine when it comes to video editing, coding and 3D modeling. The M1 version was already plenty powerful, and our testing underlined how the M2 chip has pushed things forward considerably. In our review, the Mac Studio with M2 Ultra proved to be 40% faster in synthetic benchmarks and up to 80% better in gaming performance than the M1 Ultra (admittedly with more GPU cores on offer: 76 versus 64 with the M1).

The level of performance available here will be overkill for many people, but if you're looking for a workstation PC for heavy creative workloads, such as editing 8K footage or rendering complex 3D scenes and animations, then the Mac Studio will be a great choice. It's expensive, but worth the investment.

Read our in-depth Mac Studio review

How to choose the best Mac and MacBooks for you

What to look for in the best Macs and MacBooks

Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.

Whether it’s the heavyweight 16-inch MacBook Pro or the dinky little Mac mini, it’s not hard to see why the best Macs and MacBooks are the weapons of choice of creative professionals.

These Apple machines come in different shapes, sizes and prices, so whether you want the cheapest MacBook you can find, a professional workhorse that breezes through all your demanding workloads like a pro, or an all-in-one PC that saves you space, there’s a Mac on the market for you. Often there are older models still on sale for more affordable prices, too, if your budget is a bit tighter.

How we test the best MacBooks

Testing the best MacBooks and Macs is more intensive than you might think, especially because most of these devices are meant to be used by creative professionals with more taxing workloads.

Aside from putting any given Mac’s build, display (if it has one), keyboard, trackpad, and webcam through their paces, we also perform creative benchmark tests like Handbrake, as well as run demanding workflows like editing an 8K video in Final Cut Pro and doing real-time 3D modeling and animation to see how every device fares in real-world situations. We also test battery life and take a look at heat management performance when running such intensive tasks.

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Matt Hanson
Managing Editor, Core Tech

Matt is TechRadar's Managing Editor for Core Tech, looking after computing and mobile technology. Having written for a number of publications such as PC Plus, PC Format, T3 and Linux Format, there's no aspect of technology that Matt isn't passionate about, especially computing and PC gaming. He’s personally reviewed and used most of the laptops in our best laptops guide - and since joining TechRadar in 2014, he's reviewed over 250 laptops and computing accessories personally.

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