Best MacBooks of 2025: Which MacBook should you buy?

Read our full review of the 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M4).

The new M4 MacBook Pro is for the people who want all the top-of-the-line specs with zero compromises. While Qualcomm Snapdragon processors have been catching up (and sometimes beating) Apple's M3 chips recently, the M4 once again puts Apple back on top. With Apple's speediest and most powerful processor to date, the new Pro is game to tackle any task — just be ready to drop $1,599 at the very least. We can't say it's the best value when it comes to MacBooks (that goes to our top pick, the M3 Air), but if you're a professional user who needs the absolute best, then the M4 Pro is certainly the MacBook that can do the most.

The M4 version of the MacBook Pro is by far the fastest and most powerful laptop that Apple has released to date, so of course it's on our list. Turns out, it's yet another stunner of a computer, receiving high marks from Gedeon. She wrote that the M4 Pro is "everything we hoped for and more," highlighting the machine's performance, battery life, and audio as some of the best improvements.

"The M4 chip is a monster that must be haunting Windows PCs' dreams," Gedeon said of the new processor. During her testing period, the MacBook Pro blew the Qualcomm Snapdragon X Elite chip out of the water when it came to performance benchmarks, and that's really saying something, because those newer Qualcomm processors are some of the best out there. "The 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro continues to have angelic audio that sounds like it's been tuned by a choir of heavenly beings," Gedeon also wrote, maintaining the high bar that MacBook speakers have set in the past.

The M4 MacBook Pro also received high marks for its battery life, which lasts around 17 hours (the best we've ever seen in a MacBook), and the webcam, which got a nice bump in quality from 1080p to 12 MP. As for negatives, there aren't many. We think the lack of Face ID is a glaring oversight — let's put that notch to use, please — and that the price tag is a little bit high. Still, if you're keen on splurging, we say, "Go for it." If you want something that's a touch more affordable, try the M3 MacBook Pro, which is bound to go on deep sale now that the next iteration is available to the public.

Read our full review of the 13-inch Apple MacBook Air (M2).

Those who want processing power that's comparable to the M3 MacBook Pro and Air (but want to save some extra cash) will find the M2 MacBook Air to be a match made in heaven. The 13-inch model now starts at $999 — less when it's on sale — and although it's not the "best" MacBook in terms of specs, the complete value of the M2 Air leads us to believe that it's the best MacBook for most people.

Apple's 2022 iteration of the MacBook Air is no longer the best version of the laptop that you can get, but it's still a great option if you're looking to save a few hundred dollars. Featuring the still-impressive M2 chip — Apple has since introduced the more powerful M3 chip for both the MacBook Pro and Air — the thin and lightweight laptop is still an absolute workhorse, so don't be fooled by its size. Coming in a 13-inch option, the Air scores high marks in the portability department, making it a great on-the-go machine. Tech Reporter Alex Perry went hands-on with the laptop and gave it a high score not just for its performance but also for its stellar battery life and a keyboard that's "to die for."

The 1080p FaceTime camera works surprisingly well in low light, and the four-speaker audio system is ready to go for surround sound and Dolby Atmos. The port options and refresh rate are two things we didn't love about the 2023 Air, but it doesn't bring down the overall value of this fantastic laptop all that much.

Read our full review of the 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M3).

Like the recently-released M4 MacBook Pro, the 2023 version of the Pro is best suited for creatives who regularly run processor-intensive apps like photo and video editing software — and who want to save $150. Its long battery life and high-quality speakers also make it a solid pick for anyone who likes to listen to music during marathon work sessions. If you're not using power-hungry apps every day, we think your money may be better spent on a MacBook Air. Now that the M4 version of the MacBook Pro is out, you may be able to get a better deal on the M3, so keep an eye out.

Released in 2023, this MacBook Pro is equipped with the M3 chip, and it's one of the most powerful MacBook models on the market. Gedeon praised the laptop for its performance and battery life, as it was able to handle heavy usage for around 17 hours. She also noted the display as a highlight, not only for the beauty of the Liquid Retina XDR screen, but also for its size. The 14-inch model is, in our opinion, the perfect median between the MacBook's usual 13-inch and 16-inch options. Gedeon also enjoyed the device's audio system, saying that this MacBook Pro in particular "arguably has the best set of speakers on the laptop market."

Unfortunately, the M3 MacBook Pro is still one of the most expensive MacBooks, so make sure you're ready for the investment before you lock in your choice. But with the release of the M4 MacBook Pro, it'll probably be easier to get the M3 at a discount, which is in important note to keep in mind. The selection of ports is also pretty underwhelming on this model — you'll have to be willing to switch over to a mostly-USB-C setup.