Now that Apple has started outfitting its laptops with the M3 generation of chips, it’s time to take another look at which is the best MacBook to buy in 2024. Choosing the right MacBook can be tricky due to Apple’s multiple performance tiers and various sizes.
Apple offers both M1 and M2 MacBooks, with the M3 series also soon to come. While the MacBook Pro uses the M3 series, the MacBook Air is yet to make the transition. If you can wait for the M3 MacBook Air, expected in early 2024, it’s worth considering the wait.
If you’re unsure which MacBook to buy, read our guide to narrow down your choices and make an informed purchase decision.
MacBook Air 13-inch (M2)
The MacBook for everyone
Pros
- Uses the latest Apple M2 chip
- Superthin and lightweight
- Second-lowest price for a MacBook
- Totally silent fanless design
- Larger 13.6-inch display and 500-nit brightness
Cons
- Eight-core GPU, with extra cost for 10-core
- Only passive cooling
- The screen has a notch
The MacBook Air M2 boasts a complete redesign, similar to the MacBook Pro, featuring uniform thickness and a fanless design. It’s exceptionally light, making it highly portable, and features a bright 500-nit Liquid Retina display for an enhanced visual experience. The M2 processor also offers improved CPU and GPU performance, making it an excellent budget option for general computing needs and on-the-go usage.
Apple also introduces new color choices and a larger screen size, as well as increased memory configuration and enhanced performance, making the new MacBook Air M2 a significant upgrade over its predecessor.
Feel free to check out a detailed review and product offer of the MacBook Air 13-inch (M2) here.
MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3 Max)
The MacBook Pro 14-inch gets supercharged by M3
Pros
- Space Black is the new king
- GPU performance gets big upgrade
- XDR display is even brighter
- Speakers are fantastic
- Decent webcam
Cons
- Storage and RAM is soldered on
- M3 model only supports one external display
The M3 series of chips has breathed new life into the MacBook Pro, providing significant boosts in performance, especially concerning graphic capabilities. The improved CPU and GPU performance, particularly for graphics-intensive tasks and gaming, make the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max chip a top choice for users seeking enhanced productivity and an exceptional multimedia experience.
For a more detailed review of the MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3 Max), click here.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which MacBook should you buy?
Right now, we recommend you buy the 14-inch MacBook Pro if you need to do any heavy-duty work, plan on playing a lot of games, or simply want a device that offers more power than the standard MacBook Air. Yes, it’s more expensive, but its stunning mini-LED display, beefy M3-series chips and incredible build quality make it worth the outlay.
The M2 MacBook Air is a close second. It’s far more affordable than the M3 Max MacBook Pro, yet still offers powerful performance that will be more than enough for most people. We’d like to see it with an M3 chip, but we know that’s coming later this year. When it arrives, it might even take the top spot in our list.
The 15-inch MacBook Air and the 16-inch MacBook Pro are also worth considering, especially if you are looking for a more expansive display. In this regard, the 16-inch MacBook Pro’s mini-LED screen comes out on top, but both devices are great options. There’s also the M1 MacBook Air to consider. While these days we recommend the M2 MacBook Air instead, it’s worth a look if you can get it for $700 or under.
Should you buy a refurbished MacBook?
There are plenty of fantastic MacBooks out there for you to choose from. But there’s no doubt that while Apple’s laptops offer excellent performance and features, they don’t come cheap. But don’t let that put you off getting one — there’s another way to buy a MacBook without breaking the bank.
That’s to go for a refurbished model. Doing so can save you a huge amount of money without landing you with a dud of a computer. If you get a refurbished MacBook from a reputable outlet, you can get all that Apple goodness, like strong performance, quiet operation, and premium build quality, without any of the sticker shock.
If you decide to get a refurbished MacBook, make sure you get it from a well-regarded source that has a proven track record of happy customers. Apple has its own network of “authorized resellers” that often offer revamped laptops. Having this authorized reseller status means the company has access to genuine Apple parts, ensuring high-quality repairs and refurbishments. Apple itself often sells refurbished MacBooks with genuine parts and accessories, providing products with reduced price tags. Additionally, you can look on secondhand marketplaces like eBay or Back Market, but be sure to check the seller’s history and reviews before making a purchase.
Will Apple make another MacBook with an Intel chip?
Simply put, no. Apple has gained great benefits from its chips, including superior power and efficiency, by going the in-house route, an approach it values for its own control over its products. Thus, Apple switch to its own chips is non-reversible. The company’s next move will be to place the M3 series chips in its entire MacBook lineup, expected to occur in early 2024.
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