Best MacBook 2023: How to find the right Apple laptop for you

Here's a list of the Best MacBooks on the market right now.

Best MacBook 2023: How to find the right Apple laptop for you
Best MacBook 2022

If you're looking for the finest MacBook, we'd like to congratulate you on your decision: these Apple laptops are wonderful devices for many types of computer jobs, combining top-tier power with an attractive appearance, sophisticated software, and impressive dependability.

However, because there are so many models to choose from, we've conducted extensive research and testing to compile our own list of the finest MacBooks now available. Whatever your requirements, you should be able to find something appropriate here.

All of these MacBooks can be customized and adjusted to better suit your budget and the level of power you require - keep in mind that the specification you see mentioned does not have to be the final specification you order.

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If you're a student, our best MacBook for students guide might be useful; we also have carefully selected guides to the best laptop overall and the best 15-inch laptop that you should check out while you're searching online bargains.

THE BEST MACBOOKS YOU CAN BUY TODAY IN 2023

1. 14-INCH MACBOOK PRO (2023)

The best MacBook for most people

SPECIFICATIONS
Screen: 14.2 inches (3024 x 1964 pixels)
Processor: M1 Pro or M1 Max
RAM: Up to 64GB
Internal storage: Up to 8TB
Colours: Space Grey, Silver
REASONS TO BUY
+
Packed with performance
+
Reasonably compact and light
REASONS TO AVOID
-
It's going to cost you

The M1 Pro and M1 Max chipsets found in the current 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros are tremendously amazing in terms of both performance and battery life, as you'll know from reviews like ours. With its switch to its own silicon, Apple has hit the ground running, and the 14-inch MacBook Pro may well be the greatest MacBook for most people.

There have been visual modifications in addition to the under-the-hood improvements: the Touch Bar has been removed, the display has been given a new notch, and the current MacBook Pro resembles the classic MacBook Pros of the past little more than its immediate predecessors. It's difficult not to fall in love with this well-sculpted, classic design.

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In terms of the mix between power and portability, the 14-inch model may just edge out the 16-inch model — it's a little lighter and smaller if you need something to tote around. The smaller device's beginning price is also substantially lower, which could be another reason to choose the 14-inch model.

There are a few flaws with this laptop, ranging from the quality of the software to the fit and finish of the hardware, with the exception of the price, which will set you back a significant sum of money, especially if you choose the higher specifications. If you browse around, you can get other computers for a lot less, but those laptops aren't the MacBook Pro.

2. 16-INCH MACBOOK PRO (2023)

The best premium MacBook

SPECIFICATIONS
Screen: 16.2 inches (3456 x 2234 pixels)
Processor: M1 Pro or M1 Max
RAM: Up to 64GB
Internal storage: Up to 8TB
Colours: Space Grey, Silver
REASONS TO BUY
+
The highest levels of power
+
Looks and feels superb
REASONS TO AVOID
-
Not the most compact option
If you truly want to go all out on a MacBook Pro, the 16-inch, top-spec model is the way to go: as you can see from our review, it's a stunner in terms of both looks and performance, though keep in mind that it's not as portable as the 14-inch variant. Out of the two models, this is also the more expensive alternative.
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As you configure the 16-inch MacBook Pro, the price skyrockets, reaching 64GB of RAM and a massive 8TB of internal storage. Even when faced with more demanding tasks, the laptop remains amazingly quiet and cool, and Apple claims that you may get up to 21 hours of battery life (compared with 17 hours for the 14-inch model).

We're not sold on the display notch just yet, but the 16.2-inch screen with a resolution of 3456 x 2234 pixels is stunning from every angle. One of the three Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C) connections can be used to connect external monitors and other peripherals. There's also an HDMI port and an SDXC card slot, just like the 14-inch model.

The 1080p webcam on these 14-inch and 16-inch models is another noticeable addition, ensuring a clear picture on your next video conference, and the six-speaker audio system sounds great as well. Overall, if you don't mind the extra size or cost, this is the best Apple MacBook notebook you can get your hands on right now.

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3. 13-INCH MACBOOK AIR (2023)

The best budget MacBook

SPECIFICATIONS
Screen: 13.3 inches (2560 x 1600 pixels)
Processor: M1
RAM: Up to 16GB
Internal storage: Up to 2TB
Colours: Space Grey, Silver, Gold
REASONS TO BUY
+
Compact and light
+
The most affordable MacBook
REASONS TO AVOID
-
Uses the older M1 chip

There isn't really a budget MacBook, but unless you're willing to go with a used or refurbished model, this is the lowest one you can acquire right now. Don't mistake the reduced price for a lack of features or performance: the MacBook Air, which was released in 2020, is still a very enticing product.

With its M1 chip, the MacBook Air comes dangerously close to the Pro models in terms of performance. If you can afford it, you can also equip it with a lot of RAM and internal storage. When it comes to moving the laptop around and working from wherever the smaller 13.3-inch screen comes in handy.

You might be wondering what the difference is between this and the 13-inch MacBook Pro below based on the stats. Because the MacBook Air lacks a fan, the Pro model has greater cooling — in other words, the M1 CPU can run faster for longer during more demanding tasks.

The MacBook Air, on the other hand, is no slouch and can easily handle the majority of day-to-day computer chores. According to Apple, the laptop's battery life may last up to 18 hours, and there are two USB-C ports on the laptop that support Thunderbolt 4 and USB 4. It's a truly remarkable piece of Apple hardware.

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4. 13-INCH MACBOOK PRO (2020)

The most compact Pro MacBook

SPECIFICATIONS
Screen: 13.3 inches (2560 x 1600 pixels)
Processor: M1
RAM: Up to 16GB
Internal storage: Up to 2TB
Colours: Space Grey, Silver
REASONS TO BUY
+
Easy to carry around
+
Impressive speeds
REASONS TO AVOID
-
Starting to show its age
On paper, the 13-inch MacBook Pro looks similar to the 13-inch MacBook Air, but it can drive its M1 chip harder for longer thanks to the cooling fan built within. It's also a little heavier, and pricier, and has marginally greater battery life than the MacBook Air (up to 20 hours). It also retains the Touch Bar, which has been removed from the other MacBooks.
Taking all of this into account, this may be the MacBook to choose from if you're looking for the finest performance in the smallest feasible package. While it's a touch out of date now, at least in Apple terms, it can still compete with the best laptops in the world when it comes to demanding jobs like video editing - for more information, see our review.
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Although the screen is smaller than the other Pro versions, it is still a beautiful display, and the lower size makes it easier to transport. You only get two Thunderbolt 4 / USB 4 ports on the side, similar to the MacBook Air, with the now-ubiquitous USB-C design, so you'll need to buy a dock or hub to connect a lot of devices.
While this laptop is towards the bottom of our list, it is still a fantastic MacBook that you should consider the next time you need to update. This could be the next MacBook to be upgraded – and the Touch Bar will almost certainly be removed – so keep an eye on the rumour mill for updates on a successor before investing in this model.

ARE NEW MACBOOKS ON THE WAY?

Rumours about new MacBooks in the coming might be on your mind when you're looking for a new laptop - you usually don't have to wait long for such conjecture when it comes to models in the pipeline.

In terms of how it affects your ultimate purchase choice, we'd say that keeping up with new MacBook rumours is a good idea - and T3 has you covered – but you should also keep in mind that these whispers are always churning, no matter what time of year it is.

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To put it another way, if rumours about a future MacBook are enough to deter you from purchasing a brand-new Apple laptop, you may never buy one. You'll have to take the plunge and choose something you enjoy sooner or later.

Don't get too worked up about what's coming, unless the MacBook you want is said to be getting replaced in the near future. Instead, focus on what's already out. Plus, MacBooks have a solid track record of holding their value over time.