The best MacBooks of 2025: Expert tested and reviewed

With the recent release of the M5 processor, Apple's sprawling laptop lineup continues to grow, and it's not slowing down any time soon. Luckily, we've personally tested all of Apple's MacBooks, from several generations of the light and portable MacBook Air to the powerhouse MacBook Pro lineup. 

We take into account performance, portability, value relative to features, and broke down the pros, cons, and ideal use case across Apple's laptop line. Informed by a combination of benchmarking programs, performance testing, and everyday use, we tested Apple's latest MacBooks to measure battery life, visual quality, performance, and practical use in everyday settings. 

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What's the best MacBook right now?

We called out the 15-inch MacBook Air M4 as the best all-around laptop for the majority of users. Released in the spring of 2025, the 15-inch Air is just the right size for work, easy to commute with, and the upgraded M4 Air processor is fast and battery-efficient. 

The best part? The M4 Air comes with more memory for less, 16GB on the low end and a 32GB configuration on the high end. This amount of memory was previously unavailable on a MacBook Air. Now, the laptop that set the standard for ultraportables is more powerful than ever.

Apple released the MacBook Air M4 in early 2025 as a refinement to its thin and light lineup, but the latest Air has a bit more in common with the Pro these days. With more starting RAM (16GB baseline) and support for two additional displays with the lid open, the MacBook Air M4 is pro enough for the majority of users. 

It's our pick for the best all-around MacBook for this reason. The versatility, lightweight form factor, and affordability make the MacBook Air M4 the best overall package for most users. Just the right size to be portable, but powerful enough to handle demanding workloads, creative tasks, and multitasking like a dream. 

Review: Apple MacBook Air M4 (15-inch) review

The great battery life is a plus, too. During my testing, I got over 14 hours of battery life with the device running a 4K video at half brightness, which is about where I expected it to be and about the same as last year's MacBook Air M3. That translates to a full day at the office, even with video calls. And speaking of, they look great with the crisp and clear 12MP Center Stage webcam with 1080p HD video recording. 

Basically, if you are unsure what kind of MacBook to get, this is the one we recommend. Unless you want to commit to the higher performance possible with a Pro or Pro Max processor, the MacBook Air M4 is a capable MacBook for most folks. 

MacBook Air M4 (15-inch) specs: Display size: 15.3-inch | Display type: Liquid Retina XDR | Resolution:  2880 x 1864 pixels | Unified Memory: 16GB-32GB | Storage: Up to 2TB | CPU: 10-core M4 | Battery life: Up to 18 hours 

• Light and portable
• More memory for lower starting price
• Supports two monitors with the lid open

• No nano-texture display option
• Both USB ports on the same side

Apple released the MacBook Air M4 in early 2025 as a refinement to its thin and light lineup, but the latest Air has a bit more in common with the Pro these days. With more starting RAM (16GB baseline) and support for two additional displays with the lid open, the MacBook Air M4 is pro enough for the majority of users. 

It's our pick for the best all-around MacBook for this reason. The versatility, lightweight form factor, and affordability make the MacBook Air M4 the best overall package for most users. Just the right size to be portable, but powerful enough to handle demanding workloads, creative tasks, and multitasking like a dream. 

Review: Apple MacBook Air M4 (15-inch) review

The great battery life is a plus, too. During my testing, I got over 14 hours of battery life with the device running a 4K video at half brightness, which is about where I expected it to be and about the same as last year's MacBook Air M3. That translates to a full day at the office, even with video calls. And speaking of, they look great with the crisp and clear 12MP Center Stage webcam with 1080p HD video recording. 

Basically, if you are unsure what kind of MacBook to get, this is the one we recommend. Unless you want to commit to the higher performance possible with a Pro or Pro Max processor, the MacBook Air M4 is a capable MacBook for most folks. 

MacBook Air M4 (15-inch) specs: Display size: 15.3-inch | Display type: Liquid Retina XDR | Resolution:  2880 x 1864 pixels | Unified Memory: 16GB-32GB | Storage: Up to 2TB | CPU: 10-core M4 | Battery life: Up to 18 hours 

The MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip is nothing short of a creative dream machine, designed for photo and video editing, while powering demanding workloads and multitasking with ease. From 3D rendering to animation and drafting, the M4 Pro offers industry-standard performance across a wide range of professional applications. 

It's the pro display that seals the deal, though. The 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display goes up to 1600 nits of peak brightness, with a million-to-one contrast that looks as good in video calls as it does with work or watching media. Paired with the optional (but so satisfying) nano-texture coating makes this one of the best-looking laptop displays I've used. 

Also: Should you upgrade from M1 to M4 MacBook Pro? I did, and it was totally worth it

Besides the raw power, a handful of quality-of-life features go a long way toward its practicality. The M4 MacBook Pro has three USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, a MagSafe 3 charging port, SDXC card slot, HDMI port, and headphone jack. 

Lastly, you can expect more or less the same performance on battery as when plugged in, easily lasting an entire workday on one charge, even with demanding workloads. 

MacBook Pro M4 Pro specs: Display size: 16-inch | Display type: Liquid Retina XDR with nano-texture glass | Resolution: 3456 x 2234 pixels | Unified Memory: 24GB-48GB | Storage: Up to 1TB | CPU: up to 14-core M4 | Battery life: Up to 24 hours

• Powerful enough for most users
• Versatile as ever
• Gorgeous, glare-free display

• Price quickly adds up with upgrades
• Incremental upgrade from the M3

The MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip is nothing short of a creative dream machine, designed for photo and video editing, while powering demanding workloads and multitasking with ease. From 3D rendering to animation and drafting, the M4 Pro offers industry-standard performance across a wide range of professional applications. 

It's the pro display that seals the deal, though. The 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display goes up to 1600 nits of peak brightness, with a million-to-one contrast that looks as good in video calls as it does with work or watching media. Paired with the optional (but so satisfying) nano-texture coating makes this one of the best-looking laptop displays I've used. 

Also: Should you upgrade from M1 to M4 MacBook Pro? I did, and it was totally worth it

Besides the raw power, a handful of quality-of-life features go a long way toward its practicality. The M4 MacBook Pro has three USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, a MagSafe 3 charging port, SDXC card slot, HDMI port, and headphone jack. 

Lastly, you can expect more or less the same performance on battery as when plugged in, easily lasting an entire workday on one charge, even with demanding workloads. 

MacBook Pro M4 Pro specs: Display size: 16-inch | Display type: Liquid Retina XDR with nano-texture glass | Resolution: 3456 x 2234 pixels | Unified Memory: 24GB-48GB | Storage: Up to 1TB | CPU: up to 14-core M4 | Battery life: Up to 24 hours

The recently-debuted M5 chip represents the latest in Apple Silicon, and right now only exists in the base model MacBook Pro. This laptop fulfills a niche that is often overlooked in the consumer space: more powerful than the Air, but not quite at the level of a Pro or Pro Max chip, which, let's face it, are outside the preferred price range of many. 

The MacBook Pro M5 is a fantastic laptop for the modern worker who does it all, from multitasking through productivity software to drafting and design to video editing to gaming and videoconferencing. These days, it's common for the average professional to wear many hats, and the base model MacBook Pro M5 fits that consumer well, while being future-proofed with the latest chipset. 

Also: Should you upgrade to M5 MacBook Pro from an M1? How the numbers add up

The M5 has a handful of incremental improvements for the MacBook that put it on par with the M4 Pro, while keeping pricing approachable. You've got a 10-core CPU with 512GB of local storage starting at $1,599, going up to 24GB. Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI, SDXC card slot and MagSafe 3 port bring all the functional I/O you'll need, while being twice as fast as the M1.

MacBook Pro M5 (14-inch) specs: Display size: 14-inch | Display type: Liquid Retina Display XDR | Resolution: 3024 x 1964 pixels | Unified Memory: 16-24GB | Storage: up to 1TB | CPU: 10-core M5 | Battery life: Up to 24 hours

• Pro enough for the modern worker
• More affordable than the M4 Pro and Pro Max, with similar specs

• Max 24GB memory

The recently-debuted M5 chip represents the latest in Apple Silicon, and right now only exists in the base model MacBook Pro. This laptop fulfills a niche that is often overlooked in the consumer space: more powerful than the Air, but not quite at the level of a Pro or Pro Max chip, which, let's face it, are outside the preferred price range of many. 

The MacBook Pro M5 is a fantastic laptop for the modern worker who does it all, from multitasking through productivity software to drafting and design to video editing to gaming and videoconferencing. These days, it's common for the average professional to wear many hats, and the base model MacBook Pro M5 fits that consumer well, while being future-proofed with the latest chipset. 

Also: Should you upgrade to M5 MacBook Pro from an M1? How the numbers add up

The M5 has a handful of incremental improvements for the MacBook that put it on par with the M4 Pro, while keeping pricing approachable. You've got a 10-core CPU with 512GB of local storage starting at $1,599, going up to 24GB. Three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an HDMI, SDXC card slot and MagSafe 3 port bring all the functional I/O you'll need, while being twice as fast as the M1.

MacBook Pro M5 (14-inch) specs: Display size: 14-inch | Display type: Liquid Retina Display XDR | Resolution: 3024 x 1964 pixels | Unified Memory: 16-24GB | Storage: up to 1TB | CPU: 10-core M5 | Battery life: Up to 24 hours

If you're looking for a MacBook that's ideal for school, I recommend the MacBook Air M3 for its thin and light build combined with its affordable price point. The M3 MacBook Air is absolutely still a competitive machine in 2026, running the all the latest features in MacOS Tahoe on the 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display. 

It's the form factor that really seals the deal, though. The MacBook Air set the standard for ultraportable laptops, and this laptop from 2024 is still ahead of the game at 2.7 pounds and 0.44 inches thick -- thinner than any of those textbooks you'll be carrying around. 

Also: I swapped my Windows laptop for a MacBook Air M4, and finally understand the hype

With up to 18 hours of battery life, you're set for a full day on campus with one charge, with two USB-C 4 Thunderbolt ports for external devices. 

Support for the Phone app and the 1080p FaceTime HD camera seal the deal with clean and crisp videocalls for virtual classes, meetings, and study sessions. 

MacBook Pro with M4 Pro (16-inch) specs: Display size: 13-inch | Display type: Liquid Retina display | Resolution:  2560 x 1664 pixels | Unified Memory: 16-24GB | Storage: Up to 512GB | CPU: 8-core M3 | GPU: 8-core M3 | Battery life: Up to 18 hours

• Thin and light
• Good mix of affordability and performance
• Nice battery

• Best bought on sale, since pricing can fluctuate

If you're looking for a MacBook that's ideal for school, I recommend the MacBook Air M3 for its thin and light build combined with its affordable price point. The M3 MacBook Air is absolutely still a competitive machine in 2026, running the all the latest features in MacOS Tahoe on the 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display. 

It's the form factor that really seals the deal, though. The MacBook Air set the standard for ultraportable laptops, and this laptop from 2024 is still ahead of the game at 2.7 pounds and 0.44 inches thick -- thinner than any of those textbooks you'll be carrying around. 

Also: I swapped my Windows laptop for a MacBook Air M4, and finally understand the hype

With up to 18 hours of battery life, you're set for a full day on campus with one charge, with two USB-C 4 Thunderbolt ports for external devices. 

Support for the Phone app and the 1080p FaceTime HD camera seal the deal with clean and crisp videocalls for virtual classes, meetings, and study sessions. 

MacBook Pro with M4 Pro (16-inch) specs: Display size: 13-inch | Display type: Liquid Retina display | Resolution:  2560 x 1664 pixels | Unified Memory: 16-24GB | Storage: Up to 512GB | CPU: 8-core M3 | GPU: 8-core M3 | Battery life: Up to 18 hours

Apple would lead many to believe the latest MacBook models render previous ones obsolete, but the truth is that models from two, three, or more years ago are still competitive machines in 2026. Case in point: the MacBook Air M2 from 2022 is a powerful laptop in its own right, but quite a bit more affordable now that the M4 and M5 are on shelves. 

If you're looking for a new MacBook but want to save some money, it's a solid option. The configuration with 8GB of unified memory and 512GB of storage starts at $540 at Best Buy right now, which is half the cost of a new MacBook Air M4, with access to many of the same features. 

Review: MacBook Air M2

For example, the 13-inch MacBook Air M2 is just as ultraportable and lightweight, with fantastic battery life and the latest Apple Intelligence features in MacOS Tahoe. Even though it doesn't have the Center Stage camera, the 1080p FaceTime HD camera in the M2 still looks and sounds great with a with a three-mic array for an enjoyable video calling experience. 

MacBook Air M2 (13-inch) specs: Display size: 13.6-inch | Display type: Retina Display | Resolution: 2560 x 1664 pixels | Unified Memory: 8GB | Storage: 512GB | CPU: 10-core M2 | Battery life: Up to 17 hours

• Sleek and lightweight
• Great webcam
• Long-lasting battery
• Very affordable

• Modest hardware limits demanding workflows

Apple would lead many to believe the latest MacBook models render previous ones obsolete, but the truth is that models from two, three, or more years ago are still competitive machines in 2026. Case in point: the MacBook Air M2 from 2022 is a powerful laptop in its own right, but quite a bit more affordable now that the M4 and M5 are on shelves. 

If you're looking for a new MacBook but want to save some money, it's a solid option. The configuration with 8GB of unified memory and 512GB of storage starts at $540 at Best Buy right now, which is half the cost of a new MacBook Air M4, with access to many of the same features. 

Review: MacBook Air M2

For example, the 13-inch MacBook Air M2 is just as ultraportable and lightweight, with fantastic battery life and the latest Apple Intelligence features in MacOS Tahoe. Even though it doesn't have the Center Stage camera, the 1080p FaceTime HD camera in the M2 still looks and sounds great with a with a three-mic array for an enjoyable video calling experience. 

MacBook Air M2 (13-inch) specs: Display size: 13.6-inch | Display type: Retina Display | Resolution: 2560 x 1664 pixels | Unified Memory: 8GB | Storage: 512GB | CPU: 10-core M2 | Battery life: Up to 17 hours

What is the best MacBook?

ZDNET's top pick for the best MacBook is the 15-inch Air M4, sporting the latest in Apple Silicon chip technology, a gorgeous display, great battery life, and more memory for a lower starting price. We think it's the best MacBook for most users, but there are both more powerful and more budget-friendly MacBooks out there. 

This chart breaks down how the MacBooks stack up with the top features, from price to CPU/GPU, screen size, and display resolution.

Which is the right MacBook for you?

We get it, once you start looking at all the different MacBooks side by side, it can get a little confusing. If you're looking for an all-around solid MacBook that can do a bit of everything, we think the MacBook Air M4 (15-inch) is your best bet, but there are other options that might be better for you personally. 

Here's a well-researched (and tested) list of our favorite MacBooks for the most common use cases.

How we test laptops

We test laptops with a combination of methods here at ZDNET. First, we gather data from industry-standard benchmarking software to analyze metrics under the hood, comparing them to advertised numbers. 

Then, we spend an extended amount of time with the laptop -- usually a week or two -- to form a personal opinion on its portability, form factor, and how well the battery actually holds up. For an extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive laptop testing methodology. Here are some common terms and what they refer to. 

• Benchmarking: We run a series of tests to put the computer's hardware through the wringer and see what it's capable of. Cinebench is one of the most commonly used hardware testing suites, which tests the laptop's rendering performance on its (CPU) cores. PCMark 10 is another powerful program that covers a wide variety of tasks performed in the workplace, and there are many others that we use in tandem to gather as much data as we can. Some components we run tests on include single-core and multii-core CPU performance, as well as GPU and NPU performance. 
• Processor: The "brain" of the laptop and one of the most important factors that determines performance. The four biggest manufacturers that make most of the CPUs found in laptops today are Intel, AMD, Qualcomm, and Apple -- in Apple machines only. This is tested in benchmarking software.
• The display: The size of the display -- measured diagonally from corner to corner -- is also what dictates the laptop's overall size and plays a big role in the device's cost. Brightness is measured in "nits," and color spectrums are tested in benchmarking software.
• The graphics processor (GPU): Whether it's integrated into the CPU or a dedicated graphics card, how well the machine handles graphics is a key factor when it comes to demanding tasks like video editing, rendering, and of course, gaming. We test the GPU with a combination of benchmarking software, gaming, and media playback. 
• Physical form factor: Finally, the laptop's overall appearance and physical form factor encompasses its weight, thickness, how the keyboard and trackpad feel, and whether it has a display that can be folded back to form a tablet. We carry the laptop around for at least a week and note how well it commutes.
• Battery testing: We test a unit's battery in a few ways. A handful of benchmarking programs have their own battery testing components, but we will also just let the laptop run for as long as it can under a medium load. We ensure screensavers and hibernation mode are turned off, set the display's brightness and audio at 50%, load up a livestream on YouTube in Chrome, and wait 'til the end.
• The human element:  As we mentioned earlier, metrics and system data are important, but numbers alone don't give you the full picture. This is where we weave in our personal experience with the device and tap into the practical use cases that consumers actually care about. 

Ultimately, our goal is to break down the capabilities of each and every laptop we test into digestible terms that real people find useful. There is a lot of noise and confusion when it comes to navigating the laptop and computer consumer market, so we hope to bring an intuitive element to the whole process by leveraging our team's decades of experience.

What are some factors to consider when choosing the best MacBooks?

Even though MacBooks might look pretty similar on the surface, there are some big differences between them. The best one for you depends on what you plan on using it for. Do you want something thin and light for traveling to work, or do you need substantial RAM and storage for demanding workloads? Here are some key considerations. 

• Portability: The MacBook Air lineup features the thinnest and lightest MacBooks. Obviously, the 13-inch MacBook Air is thinner and lighter than the 15-inch Air, but the small size might be too much of a trade-off. If you end up plugging the laptop into an external monitor anyway, the small-sized 13-inch laptop might make little difference. 
• Performance: Apple's Silicon processors start at the base level M2, M3, or M4, then move up to the Pro, then at the top of the performance chart are the Max chips. Each subsequent generation is slightly more powerful than the previous, but the differences between the M3 and M4, for example, are not earth-shattering. 
• Storage and RAM: The more unified memory your MacBook has, the better equipped it is at performing complex tasks. The MacBook Air M4 is now offered with 32GB of memory, an upgrade from previous versions, which capped out at 24GB. MacBook Pro devices scale to much higher memory options, but you will quickly see the price inflate. 
• Purpose: We broke down the five best MacBooks for the most common use-cases, and are confident one of them would be right for you. If you're unsure about which one applies, the 15-inch MacBook Air M4 is the best all-around MacBook that the majority of users will love. 
• Value: The best laptop can be a pricey investment, so we considered qualities that assure you'll get your money's worth. The older MacBooks, particularly M2 and earlier, are often heavily discounted, despite still being competitive machines in 2025. 

FAQs on laptops

Why should you buy a laptop, and not a desktop or a tablet?

While Apple's iMac, Mac Mini, and Mac Studio desktops have their fair share of fans, MacBooks outsell all of those devices combined thanks to the broad selection of sizes, use cases, and just how enjoyable they are to use.

With the latest M4 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, you can still connect to two external monitors with the laptop's display open, promoting a desktop-style user experience, anyway (earlier versions just require you to close the lid for two displays). 

What are the best MacBooks for gaming?

While you can run less demanding games on a MacBook Air, we recommend opting for a MacBook Pro if you're into more serious titles. The additional processing power combined with more GPU cores, support for ray tracing, and better cooling mean you're going to have a much better experience. The M4 MacBook Pro is a surprisingly good gaming laptop in 2025, even though Apple computers have notoriously been second-choice machines for gamers. 

What are the best MacBooks for students?

It really depends on the student, but there are some common factors to consider when shopping for a laptop for school. You'll want something small and lightweight for easier commutes to and from school and between classes. 

You'll also want something with at least eight hours of battery life to get through a typical school day without needing to plug in. This is excellent for younger kids who may be forgetful and leave their charging cable at home. The MacBook Air M3 is one of the best all-around laptops for school, but the 13-inch MacBook Air M2 is a smart option as well for a very approachable price. 

What are the best MacBooks for business?

Whether you're looking for a single laptop for yourself or a fleet for your business, the best MacBooks for work offer great performance, multiple connectivity options, and durable builds. 

You'll probably want a MacBook with at least 16GB of RAM, a 512GB storage drive, and a display large enough to work on without being too bulky to travel with. You'll also want a model with at least eight hours of battery life to get through a typical day of work without needing to recharge constantly.

The MacBook Pro M4 is a fantastic device for work, but if you want something light and portable, we recommend the 13-inch MacBook Air M3, which is light and easy to carry, but performs well when connected to external monitors. 

What are the best MacBooks for video editing?

We strongly recommend getting an M4 MacBook and purchasing Final Cut Pro, an editing software exclusive to the Mac ecosystem. Buying the MacBook M3 Max is another good option if you want some serious raw power. It sports an M3 Max chip and offers great performance for content creators, while seeing a bit of a reduced price since the release of the M4. The machine can also handle 4TB of footage with ease, and sports additional I/O. 

Other laptops we've tested

Apple's new M4 iMac looks as slick as ever with new colors, updated displays, and a host of helpful features. The new iMacs come with everything you need in the box: just plug in one cord and go.

The 2024 Mac Mini is small and fast, with two USB-C ports and a starting 16GB of RAM for $599. You can also pair it with any monitor, mouse, or keyboard you want.