What's The Best Apple Mac Laptop To Buy

Windows laptops aren't for everyone, especially if you're locked into the iOS ecosystem. To that end, you might be eyeing up a shiny new MacBook as your next computer. There aren't too many models to pick from, but that doesn't mean it's easy to make a choice. Here's our list of the best Apple laptops available right now.

See also: Best MacBook deals

Apple keeps things simple with just two lines of laptops: the lighter MacBook Air and the heavy-duty MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro comes in 13-inch and 16-inch versions as well, and we'll touch on both configurations.

The best Apple laptops:

• You can expand the capabilities of your Mac computer when you buy Mac accessories and add-ons. The Apple mouse makes it easy to navigate with smooth scrolling, and the Magic mouse features a multitouch surface with gesture support.
• Sep 08, 2020.
• Jun 24, 2020.
• Jul 20, 2020.

Editor's note: We will update this list of the best Apple laptops regularly as new devices launch.

1. MacBook Pro (16-inch)

Sep 11, 2020.

Apple has phased out the 15-inch MacBook Pro and replaced it with the 16-inch MacBook Pro, its most powerful laptop yet. The 16-inch MacBook Pro is a beast that can handle just about anything you can throw at it — for a hefty price. Apple's most powerful laptop can be yours from $2,399 if you skip the optional improvements.

See also: Apple MacBook Pro long-term review

At the base price, you'll get a 9th-generation Intel Core i7 chip and 512GB of storage as well as the new (read old) Magic Keyboard with scissor switches. The Core i7 chip has a standard speed of 2.6GHz with turbo speeds of up to 4.5GHz for a little extra power. Apple includes 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage in the base model along with an AMD Radeon Pro 5300M graphics card.

While the base specs are nothing to scoff at, it's pretty easy — though not cheap — to kick the Apple powerhouse into overdrive. You can swap for an Intel Core i9 chip at 2.4GHz with eight cores of power. The RAM and storage can rise all the way to 64GB and 8TB respectively, which should be plenty for nearly any task. You can beef the graphics up to AMD Radeon 5500M and top the price off at $6,099.

No matter how you configure this monster, you'll get four Thunderbolt 3 ports, Bluetooth 5.0, and a powerful 720p front-facing webcam. The 16-inch MacBook Pro is available in Silver and Space Gray.

2. MacBook Pro (13-inch, 4 Thunderbolt ports)

The 13-inch MacBook Pro is probably the best Apple laptop for most people, regardless of the configuration. Apple has upgraded both models with the new Magic Keyboard. Also, the four Thunderbolt version is the best bet for processor junkies as it's loaded with the latest 10th-gen Intel hardware. There are a few more key changes that boost the starting price to $1,799.

See also: The best Apple MacBook accessories

For starters, this version of the MacBook Pro comes standard with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of storage. Both can be upgraded to 32GB and 4TB respectively, and Intel Iris Plus graphics bring your work to life. You can also choose between an Intel Core i5 and Core i7 chip, the latter of which runs at 2.3GHz. Expect to shell out nearly $3,600 if you opt for the top-of-the-line configuration.

Like the larger 16-inch model, the 13-inch MacBook Pro is available in both Silver and Space Gray. All configurations are equipped with the Touch Bar that some people love and others hate, as well as the large Force Touch trackpad.

3. MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2 Thunderbolt ports)

If you want the best budget-friendly Apple laptop with a Pro designation, the two Thunderbolt version is your best bet. It's only equipped with 8th-generation Intel processors, but it does have the upgraded Magic Keyboard as well as the Touch Bar and Force Touch trackpad. Even better, the two Thunderbolt edition of the MacBook Pro starts at just $1,299.

See also: The best laptops you can buy in 2020

As the most affordable MacBook Pro, this version ships with a base configuration including 8GB of RAM, a 256GB SSD, and the aforementioned Intel Core i5 chip. You can jump up to 16GB of RAM and 2TB of storage for an added cost and an Intel Core i7 processor will top you off at $2,599.

If you don't need the latest processing power but you want a MacBook Pro, this is the best Apple laptop for you. It's available in the same standard colors as the previous options and Intel Iris Plus 645 graphics are great for streaming and light gaming on the Retina display.

4. MacBook Air

The MacBook Pro steals much of the thunder, but the Air was actually the first 13-inch MacBook to receive the Magic Keyboard and the latest Intel processors. Unlike the MacBook Pro, all three MacBook Air setups are rocking 10th-gen chips and the Core i3 version comes in at just under $1,000.

See also: 2020 Apple MacBook Air review

The Core i3 MacBook Air relies on 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD to get the job done along with Intel Iris Plus graphics. If you're looking to splurge but you don't want to go for the Pro, an Intel Core i7, 16GB of RAM, and 2TB of storage should complete your high-end machine. The top-tier configuration will jack the price to $2,249.

There are plenty of reasons to choose a MacBook Air — the slim wedge design, leaving the temperamental Touch Bar in the dust, and even the 100% recycled aluminum body. However, the MacBook Air sacrifices a bit of cooling power in favor of the slim body.

5. Honorable Mention: MacBook (12-inch)

Unfortunately, the 12-inch MacBook has gone the way of the dodo. It was a short-lived replacement for the MacBook Air that was manufactured from 2015 to 2019. If you want the absolute smallest Apple laptop around, the MacBook is still worth a look. The Intel Core m3 edition retailed at $999 but only the Intel Core i5 version seems to be available.

If you manage to find a base configuration Apple MacBook, you can expect 256GB of storage paired with 8GB of RAM and one single, lonely USB-C port. As you might have guessed, you won't find brand-new Intel hardware either — the MacBook is rocking a 7th-gen processor. On the bright side, you can upgrade to 512GB of storage and choose from Silver, Space Gray, and Rose Gold finishes.

Apple laptops aren't cheap, so it's important that you consider your MacBook options carefully before parting with your cash.

We take a look at the key differences between the MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro ranges, so you can be confident that you're buying the right Mac for you.

See also:See all of our best laptops| Answer three questions to find the best laptop for you|Best Windows 10 laptops|Best laptops for students

Which MacBook should I buy?

Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020)

If you've got a big budget, you might have your eyes on a MacBook Pro. These are the most expensive Apple laptops around, and the latest model has a unique Touch Bar. This feature lives right above the keyboard, and it's a mini touchscreen that will display changing information, depending on what you're doing. If you're editing home videos in Final Cut, for example, the Touch Bar will turn into a mini timeline that lets you quickly navigate through your clips. If you're interested in the top-of-the-range model, see our review of the Apple MacBook Pro 2018 with Touch Bar.

What's The Best Apple Mac Laptop To Buy Tv

Apple 15-inch MacBook Pro

This Apple is at the very top of the tree in terms of power, size and price. Putting the Pro moniker to good use, this six-core laptop is designed for the most power-hungry tasks such as video editing and computer-aided design. It will surely be overkill for anybody who doesn't do those tasks on a daily basis, though. This model has now been superseded by the 16-inch model, which we have not yet tested.

Apple Macbook Air 2020

This is the latest version of Apple's popular 13-inch laptop, which starts at under £1,000 for a model with an Intel Core i3 processor. We've testded the mid-range Core i5 model. It has a high resolution screen and a very attractive design, although keep in mind that the processor is a slower form of Core i5 than the one you'll find in the MacBook Pro.

Last updated: July 2020

See our full collection of MacBook reviews to see how else these models differ.

Mac vs Windows vs Chromebooks

MacOS, Windows 10 and ChromeOS all have their own strengths and weaknesses. MacOS is buttery smooth and is the go-to operating system for many creative industries, but it also requires you to shell out a huge amount of money on a premium Apple device.

Apple Mac Laptop Best Buy

MacBooks run smoothly and can keep viruses at bay, but they aren't cheap.

Windows, meanwhile is available on a huge range of devices from ultra-budget to super-premium and, for many, is still the operating system they know best. But it's not without its downsides: Windows 10 updates are still a major sticking point for many people, and the fact that Windows 10 doesn't run particularly smoothly on very cheap laptops.

That's where ChromeOS comes in. This operating system is little more than a fancy web browser, with web apps that work best when connected to the internet. There's a range of budget devices available, and a few premium options as well. There's no faffing with huge updates and since everything is in a browser, there shouldn't be any problems with programs crashing either.

See how MacOS stacks up against its rivals in ourMac vs Windows and Chromebookadvice guide.

What do I need to know about MacOS?

MacOS (formerly known as Mac OSX) is extra useful for people who own iPads and iPhones, with a host of clever features that lets you share and work on files seamlessly on all your devices. You can also make and receive calls on your computer; no need to reach for the phone any more. There's also the Siri voice assistant that'll let you ask questions, set reminders and issue other commands with just your voice.

The latest version of MacOS is called Catalina, which launched in Autumn 2019. This update added a host of new features, including the ability to run iPad apps on your MacBook, which will be handy for when you start a task on your tablet and then move over to your laptop. It also heavily redesigned several key Mac apps including iTunes, which has been split up into three separate programs for music, films and TV, and podcasts. Reminders, Notes and Photos have been overhauled, and you can now also use your iPad as a second screen for your MacBook. And, as ever, MacOS is arguably the best operating system to choose if you already own an iPhone; things sync and work together more seamlessly than other combinations of phones and laptops.

Need more help picking thebest laptopfor you? See our full range oflaptop reviews.

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See also:See all of our best laptops| Answer three questions to find the best laptop for you|Best Windows 10 laptops|Best laptops for students

Which MacBook should I buy?

Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020)

If you've got a big budget, you might have your eyes on a MacBook Pro. These are the most expensive Apple laptops around, and the latest model has a unique Touch Bar. This feature lives right above the keyboard, and it's a mini touchscreen that will display changing information, depending on what you're doing. If you're editing home videos in Final Cut, for example, the Touch Bar will turn into a mini timeline that lets you quickly navigate through your clips. If you're interested in the top-of-the-range model, see our review of the Apple MacBook Pro 2018 with Touch Bar.

What's The Best Apple Mac Laptop To Buy Tv

Apple 15-inch MacBook Pro

This Apple is at the very top of the tree in terms of power, size and price. Putting the Pro moniker to good use, this six-core laptop is designed for the most power-hungry tasks such as video editing and computer-aided design. It will surely be overkill for anybody who doesn't do those tasks on a daily basis, though. This model has now been superseded by the 16-inch model, which we have not yet tested.

Apple Macbook Air 2020

This is the latest version of Apple's popular 13-inch laptop, which starts at under £1,000 for a model with an Intel Core i3 processor. We've testded the mid-range Core i5 model. It has a high resolution screen and a very attractive design, although keep in mind that the processor is a slower form of Core i5 than the one you'll find in the MacBook Pro.

Last updated: July 2020

See our full collection of MacBook reviews to see how else these models differ.

Mac vs Windows vs Chromebooks

MacOS, Windows 10 and ChromeOS all have their own strengths and weaknesses. MacOS is buttery smooth and is the go-to operating system for many creative industries, but it also requires you to shell out a huge amount of money on a premium Apple device.

Apple Mac Laptop Best Buy

MacBooks run smoothly and can keep viruses at bay, but they aren't cheap.

Windows, meanwhile is available on a huge range of devices from ultra-budget to super-premium and, for many, is still the operating system they know best. But it's not without its downsides: Windows 10 updates are still a major sticking point for many people, and the fact that Windows 10 doesn't run particularly smoothly on very cheap laptops.

That's where ChromeOS comes in. This operating system is little more than a fancy web browser, with web apps that work best when connected to the internet. There's a range of budget devices available, and a few premium options as well. There's no faffing with huge updates and since everything is in a browser, there shouldn't be any problems with programs crashing either.

See how MacOS stacks up against its rivals in ourMac vs Windows and Chromebookadvice guide.

What do I need to know about MacOS?

MacOS (formerly known as Mac OSX) is extra useful for people who own iPads and iPhones, with a host of clever features that lets you share and work on files seamlessly on all your devices. You can also make and receive calls on your computer; no need to reach for the phone any more. There's also the Siri voice assistant that'll let you ask questions, set reminders and issue other commands with just your voice.

The latest version of MacOS is called Catalina, which launched in Autumn 2019. This update added a host of new features, including the ability to run iPad apps on your MacBook, which will be handy for when you start a task on your tablet and then move over to your laptop. It also heavily redesigned several key Mac apps including iTunes, which has been split up into three separate programs for music, films and TV, and podcasts. Reminders, Notes and Photos have been overhauled, and you can now also use your iPad as a second screen for your MacBook. And, as ever, MacOS is arguably the best operating system to choose if you already own an iPhone; things sync and work together more seamlessly than other combinations of phones and laptops.

Need more help picking thebest laptopfor you? See our full range oflaptop reviews.

Test score%

Test score%

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Encryption: the key to your privacy

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