If you’re looking to buy a new laptop for yourself or as a very generous gift, look no further than the MacBook. From the entry-level Air all the way to the range-topping Pro, all of Apple’s notebooks today have an elegant design, exceptional craftsmanship, powerful hardware with uncompromising performance, and outstanding battery life.
Every new MacBook rocks an Apple chip developed in-house, whose all-around performance and energy efficiency are miles ahead of the components found in their PC and Chromebook rivals. The playing field began charging dramatically in Apple’s favor with the introduction of the M1 chip in 2020.
MacBooks have always been stellar products, and they keep getting better. After kicking off 2023 by refreshing the range-topping 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros with even more powerful M2 Pro and M2 Max chips, Apple finished the year by treating its top-shelf Pro notebooks to even more capable M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max silicon. The big-screen Pros were recently joined by a refreshed MacBook Air with the Apple M3 chip on board.
Of course, Apple’s portable computers pack a top-tier display, an awesome Magic Keyboard with a Touch ID fingerprint sensor, and a precise trackpad with Force Touch. Powered by macOS, every MacBook offers an intuitive and secure platform with an abundant selection of apps and many years’ worth of free updates that will bring cool new features. Every MacBook is also backed by an amazing selection of accessories.
But how do you know which MacBook is best for your needs? We spent weeks testing every member of the MacBook lineup so we can help you choose the right one for yourself or to treat someone to a gift they’ll never forget — from the budget-friendly Air to the unstoppable Pro with an M3 Max chip.
The Best MacBooks
- Best Overall: Apple MacBook Air with M3 Chip
- A Compact Powerhouse: Apple MacBook Pro with M3 chip (14-Inch)
- The Ultimate Big-Screen MacBook: Apple MacBook Pro (16-Inch)