MacBooks continue to be among the most popular laptops for professionals, students, and everyday users alike. Known for their sleek, premium design, Apple‘s laptops also deliver excellent performance thanks to advanced silicone chips developed in-house.
In 2023, Apple offers only two MacBook model lines: the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro. However, within each line there are various configuration options in terms of size, memory, processors, and other technical specs. This allows buyers to customize the right laptop for their specific needs and budget.
Below we reveal and compare our picks for the 5 best MacBooks available now based on factors like power, portability, features, and value for money.
Overview: Latest MacBook Generations
Before diving into the top 5 recommendations, let‘s briefly recap the newest generations of MacBook Airs and Pros hitting the market.
In 2022 and early 2023, Apple unveiled its next-generation M2 silicon chips which succeed the previous M1 chips launched in 2020. The M2 chips deliver faster performance thanks to additional cores and improved efficiency.
For the MacBook Air, Apple now offers either the M1 chip (2020 model but still available new) or the upgraded M2 chip (2022 model). You can configure both generations with up to 16GB of memory and up to 2TB of storage.
Meanwhile for the MacBook Pro, Apple sells the 14-inch and 16-inch models equipped with the high-performance M2 Pro chip or elite M2 Max chip (2023 models). The M2 Pro and M2 Max chips pack far more muscle and are aimed at professional users needing serious computing power for video editing, 3D animation, engineering software, etc.
Now let‘s reveal the top 5 specific MacBook models that deliver the best blend of performance, design, and value…
#1 Best Overall: MacBook Air M2 15"
Best for power users wanting excellent performance in an ultraportable package.
Key Specs:
- 15.5-inch Liquid Retina display
- Apple M2 chip (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU)
- Up to 24GB unified memory
- Up to 2TB SSD storage
- Starts at $1,299
Standout Benefits:
✅ Noticeably larger 15-inch screen in thin & light design
✅ Faster M2 chip handles demanding workflows like video editing
✅ Fanless enclosure for silent operation
For a premium ultraportable that doesn‘t compromise on performance or screen size, the new MacBook Air M2 hits a sweet spot.
Apple‘s redesigned the Air with slimmer bezels surrounding the 15.5-inch Liquid Retina display. The larger and brighter screen gives you more room for multitasking but keeps nearly the same 3.3 pound chassis as the smaller 13-inch model.
Inside, the speedy 8-core M2 chip zips through photo/video editing, programming, gaming, and other intensive applications. Up to 24GB of unified memory also gives the Air far more headroom for streaming 4K video editing and other memory-hungry tasks.
Since the M2 Air lacks a fan, it runs silently for distraction-free work or entertainment. Battery life is equally impressive — up to 18 hours on a single charge. That‘s plenty of juice for all-day productivity away from an outlet.
For shoppers wanting a highly portable daily driver MacBook that doesn‘t skimp on performance or screen real estate, the new 15-inch MacBook Air M2 is a top choice.
#2 Best for Professionals: MacBook Pro 16” M2 Max
Ideal for creative pros and power users needing the ultimate performance.
Key Specs:
- 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
- M2 Max chip (12-core CPU, 30-core GPU)
- 32GB unified memory
- 1TB SSD storage
- Starts at $3,499
Standout Benefits:
✅ Blazing fast M2 Max chip handles the most demanding creative workflows
✅ Gorgeous 16-inch mini-LED screen with extreme dynamic range
✅ Up to 22 hours battery life
For professionals and power users running intensive applications, the 16-inch MacBook Pro M2 Max represents Apple‘s most capable mobile workstation.
The M2 Max chip inside is a beast — delivering a 12-core CPU and massive 30-core GPU which tear through 8K video editing, 3D rendering, visual effects, and complex software compiles.
You also get Apple‘s stunning 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display leveraging mini-LED backlighting for extreme dynamic range and contrast. It‘s perfect for graphic design, photography, and video editing workflows.
Even with all this performance, the new MacBook Pro 16 still provides excellent battery life — up to 22 hours on a single charge. So you can work or create on-the-go without worrying about plugging in.
If you demand desktop-class power in a versatile pro notebook, nothing matches the capabilities of the M2 Max-equipped MacBook Pro. It lets creative professionals and hardcore users run the most demanding applications faster than ever while working from home, office, or out in the field.
#3 Best for Students: MacBook Pro 13” M2
Great combination of power, portability, and value for school work.
Key Specs:
- 13.3-inch Retina display
- M2 chip (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU)
- 8GB unified memory
- 256GB SSD storage
- Starts at $1,299
Standout Benefits:
✅ Light and thin making it easy to transport between classes
✅ Capable M2 chip handles coursework like programming, video editing, design tools
✅ Long 20-hour battery life
For students needing a reliable MacBook to carry to classes everyday, the 13-inch MacBook Pro M2 hits a sweet spot.
Weighing just 3 pounds, it‘s light enough to throw in any backpack or messenger bag without much heft. The durable aluminum chassis can also better withstand scrapes or drops compared to cheaper plastic rivals.
Performance-wise, the M2 chip inside breezes through typical student workflows like researching on the web, writing papers, analyzing data, programming course assignments, or editing video projects.
The Pro also delivers excellent battery endurance — up to 20 hours video playback or internet use per charge. That means you likely just need to juice it up every couple of days rather than worrying about a charger for between classes.
While more affordable than its big brother 16-inch Pro, the 13-inch MacBook Pro M2 still carries high-end appeal and power for students without breaking the bank. It‘s a smart investment that will capably last 3-4 years of rigorous undergraduate or graduate course loads.
#4 Best Budget-Friendly: MacBook Air M1 13"
Proven ultraportable model with the M1 chip still delivers excellent value.
Key Specs:
- 13.3-inch Retina display
- Apple M1 chip
- 8GB unified memory
- 256GB SSD storage
- Starts at $999
Standout Benefits:
✅ Proven M1 chip still beats most Windows laptops
✅ Super lightweight at 2.8 pounds
✅ Up to 18 hours battery life
While Apple‘s latest 2023 laptops boast upgraded M2 silicon, shoppers focused purely on value should still consider the previous generation MacBook Air M1.
Thanks to Apple‘s custom chips, even 2020‘s M1 model outpaces most new Windows counterparts — especially when factoring price and efficiency. The Air M1 still zips through web browsing, office apps, video streaming, and basic photo/video editing without issue.
For students and general home users not needing cutting edge performance, the M1-powered Air brings tremendous speed in a super portable 2.8 pound chassis. Plus battery life reaches an incredible 18 hours for all-day use between plug-ins.
If your budget can‘t stretch for a brand new M2 machine, the 2020 Air M1 remains a smart buy — delivering 90% of the experience for generally 20% less cost. It‘s still likely to satisfy for 3-4 years before feeling slow.
#5 Most Portable: MacBook Air M2 13"
Ultimate thin-and-light MacBook for frequent travelers.
Key Specs:
- 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display
- M2 chip (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU)
- 8GB unified memory
- 256GB SSD storage
- Starts at $1,199
Standout Benefits:
✅ Incredibly thin & lightweight at just 2.7 pounds
✅ Faster overall than M1 model with improved M2 chip
✅ Up to 18 hours battery life
If your top priority is stuffing a capable MacBook into the smallest possible package, the latest 13-inch MacBook Air M2 is made for you.
Weighing a scant 2.7 pounds and measuring just over half an inch thick, it‘s easy to throw into any bag or even large purse when dashing around town or traveling. The durable aluminum exterior also holds up well to scratches during all that mobility.
Despite the petite size, the M2-equipped Air still runs circles around most ultraportable Windows laptops thanks to Apple‘s home-grown chip. It breezes through documents, web browsing, streaming media, presentations, light gaming, and managing photos/videos.
For those who highly value extreme portability without sacrificing speed or battery life, the 13-inch MacBook Air M2 lets you leave the bulk behind. It epitomizes having your cake and eating it too!
How to Decide the Best MacBook for You
All the latest MacBooks deliver excellent speed and user experiences thanks to Apple‘s custom silicone. However, choosing the right model involves weighing several factors:
Performance Needs – Casual users are well-served by M1/M2 Air. Pro users should get M2 Pro/Max chips.
Screen Size – 13-inches works well for mobility while 15-16 inches is better for visual workflows.
Budget – Entry M2 Airs start under $1,200. But M2 Pro MacBook Pros run over $2,000.
Use Case – Prioritize battery for school/travel. Optimize power for engineering, video production, etc.
Analyze how you plan to use your MacBook daily. This makes it easier to narrow down the right balance of portability, screen size, horsepower, and price point.
Both the Air and Pro models deliver great experiences but cater to different needs. Make an informed decision based on your individual workflow and budget.
Experience the latest MacBooks for Yourself
Thanks to custom Apple silicone, the newest MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros offer the perfect blend of style, performance, and mobility. Both casual users and creative professionals can stay productive on these capable laptops anywhere they go.
We hope our breakdown of the 5 best MacBook models you can buy today helps you land on the perfect one to match your usage needs and budget!
