- Processor
- Apple M5
- Memory
- 16 GB
- Storage
- 512 GB
- Screen
- 13.6"
Compare Apple Laptops
Apple's laptops are MacBooks, and every current one runs on Apple's own chips rather than Intel's, a switch Apple began in 2020. That switch is why MacBooks are known for long battery life and for staying cool and quiet.
We earn a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases made through our links, at no extra cost to you. This never affects our specs. How we make money.
11 laptops
- Processor
- Apple M5
- Memory
- 16 GB
- Storage
- 512 GB
- Screen
- 15.3"
- Processor
- Apple M5 Pro
- Memory
- 24 GB
- Storage
- 1 TB
- Screen
- 14.2"
- Processor
- Apple M4
- Memory
- 16 GB
- Storage
- 256 GB
- Screen
- 13.6"
- Processor
- Apple A18 Pro
- Memory
- 8 GB
- Storage
- 512 GB
- Screen
- 13"
- Processor
- Apple M5 Pro
- Memory
- 24 GB
- Storage
- 1 TB
- Screen
- 16.2"
- Processor
- Apple M4 Pro
- Memory
- 24 GB
- Storage
- 512 GB
- Screen
- 14.2"
- Processor
- Intel Core i5-1038NG7
- Memory
- 16 GB
- Storage
- 512 GB
- Screen
- 13.3"
- Processor
- Intel Core i7-9750H
- Memory
- 16 GB
- Storage
- 512 GB
- Screen
- 16"
- Processor
- Apple M5
- Memory
- 32 GB
- Storage
- 1 TB
- Screen
- 14.2"
- Processor
- Apple M1
- Memory
- 8 GB
- Storage
- 256 GB
- Screen
- 13.3"
Choosing a MacBook
Most people are choosing between three ranges. The MacBook Air is the everyday MacBook, thin and light, with no fan, so it makes no noise at all, in 13 and 15-inch sizes. The MacBook Pro adds fans, more ports and a brighter Mini-LED screen that’s much better for HDR video, in 14 and 16-inch sizes. The newer MacBook Neo sits below the Air: it’s built around the A18 Pro chip from the iPhone and has 8 GB of memory, so it suits browsing, schoolwork and streaming more than heavy work.
The chip name tells you the generation, and a higher number is newer, so the M5 is newer than the M4. A plain M chip handles everyday work and light creative jobs comfortably. The Pro and Max chips add more processor and graphics cores, which pays off in jobs that keep the laptop busy for minutes at a time, like rendering 3D scenes or building large apps.
Memory and storage can’t be upgraded after you buy, so choose the size you’ll need for the laptop’s whole life. The current MacBook Airs we list come with 16 GB, which is plenty for most people, while the Pros go to 24 GB and beyond for heavier work.
A few MacBooks here are older models sold renewed, including the M1 MacBook Air and Intel MacBook Pros from 2019 and 2020. The M1 Air is still a capable laptop for everyday use. The Intel models are a harder sell, as they run hotter, drain their batteries faster and won’t get macOS updates beyond Tahoe. Our renewed laptops page has the full list.
Frequently asked questions
MacBook Air or MacBook Pro?
The Air suits most people: it's light, silent and has plenty of speed for study, office work and light creative jobs. Choose a MacBook Pro if you export video, produce music or compile code for long stretches, because its fans let the chip keep its speed up.
Can a MacBook run Windows programs?
Not directly. Most popular apps have Mac versions, and some Windows programs run through virtualisation software such as Parallels, but many PC games don't run at all.
Can you upgrade a MacBook's memory or storage?
No. Both are built into the chip or board, so choose the size you'll need for the life of the laptop.
Is a renewed MacBook worth it?
The M1 MacBook Air is a sensible buy for browsing, study and office work. Be more careful with older Intel MacBooks: they run hotter, and Apple has said macOS Tahoe is the last version for Intel Macs.
Is a MacBook good for students?
Yes, especially if you already have an iPhone. Check that your course software runs on macOS first, as some engineering and Windows-only programs don't.