Decided you want a MacBook but can't decide between a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro? Here's what the Laptop Mag experts recommend.
Apple's current laptop lineup includes the 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch MacBook Airs, and two MacBook Pros: the 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch.
The MacBook Airs are powered by M2 or M3 chips, while the MacBook Pro 14 and 16 models are powered by M4, M4 Pro, or M4 Max chips. Only the MacBook Pro models offer the more powerful "Pro" or "Max" chips. The MacBook Pro 14 blurs the lines with a standard M4 chip. There's no bad product in Apple's current lineup, so whether you choose a MacBook Air or a MacBook Pro, it's up to you.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 and 16-inch MacBook Pro M4 Pro are the latest additions to Apple's lineup, and both are great options for productivity users. The 13-inch MacBook Air M3, on the other hand, is still the recommended choice for most people. Its affordable price, slim yet durable design, excellent performance, and long battery life make it a great buy.
Here are the top 5 MacBooks to buy in early 2025:
1. Macbook Air M3 - The Best MacBook
Price from: 978.61 US Dollars
The MacBook Air M3 is the MacBook that most people should buy right now. The M3 chip delivers solid performance for most users. Combined with over 15 hours of battery life and a super bright Retina display, this is a pretty attractive and affordable option for many iFans.
2. MacBook Air M2 - The Best Budget MacBook
Price from: 853.30 US Dollars
In 2025, if you're looking for an affordable MacBook, the MacBook Air M2 will be a pretty reasonable choice. It has Apple's modern design, 14-hour battery life, solid performance, a comfortable keyboard, and the popular MagSafe charging.
3. MacBook Air 15-inch - The Best Affordable Large-Screen MacBook
Price from: 1,174.41 US Dollars
The MacBook Air 15 fills a gap in Apple's laptop lineup with a large screen at a price that's not too "expensive". Although it only integrates the M3 chip line with a larger screen, this is still a perfect laptop for many people.
4. MacBook Pro 14 (M4) - The best MacBook for mobile performance
Price from: $1,816.63
Whether you're editing photos or videos, composing music, or working on a large spreadsheet, the MacBook Pro 14 is the right choice. The power and durability of the M4 chip line has taken a huge step forward this year.
5. MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro) - The best MacBook for ultimate performance
Price from: $1,949.78
The MacBook Pro 16 with the M4 Pro chip can handle any task. Not only does it have a larger screen, high performance, and longer battery life, the MacBook Pro 16 can satisfy even the most demanding users. However, the price of the machine is quite high.