The 4 best MacBooks for 2024: which one to choose?

Whenever you buy a new laptop, many people will tell you the same thing: just get a MacBook.

And you know what? We don’t blame them. MacBooks are fantastic laptops, and while they don’t give you the freedom of customization that other brands offer, it’s not something that will interest everyone. Ultimately, many of us simply want a high-quality laptop that will allow us to work, study, and play with minimal hassle.

Although MacBooks can get a little expensive – with some reaching truly scary territory – we’re guessing that if you’re here, you already have the budget for at least one of the current MacBook models (even if it’s the cheapest).

After testing Apple’s laptop lineup, we’re here to help you narrow down the choices and bring home the Apple machine of your dreams. So let’s start shopping.

Your first big decision: Air or Pro?

When it comes to the current MacBook lineup, you really only have two options: the MacBook Pro or the MacBook Air. So, what is best for you?

If you’re a creative who regularly pushes their laptops to the extreme with demanding video and photo editing applications, you’ll want to aim for the Pro. The name of the game with the Pro line is processing power, and the latest iteration is the fastest and most capable yet.

Review of the MacBook Air M1 after its release in 2020.
Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable

Review of the powerful MacBook Pro M3.
Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Now, if convenience and portability are your main priorities, then the Air will suit you best. It’s thin and light, and it even comes in a 13-inch option if you plan to lug it around with you everywhere you go. Plus, since the debut of Apple’s M-series chips, the MacBook Air has become a pint-sized powerhouse. The most current model uses the M2 chip, so you won’t sacrifice much in terms of power.

Next: which generation?

It will depend on what you are willing to give up in terms of performance and, in some cases, quality. But whatever you do TO DO that you deem worthy of making sacrifices, you will be reimbursed in the form of savings. For example, you can get a MacBook Air 2020, which will take you back to the era of M1 chips, but you’ll still get an impressive laptop that frequently goes on sale for just $749.99. That’s compared to the latest Air’s $1,099 price and the latest Pro’s $1,599 asking price.

A photo from the Mashable review of the MacBook Air M1.
Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable

MacBook Air M2 review.
Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable

So if you’re on a lighter budget, don’t worry: you can still get a MacBook at an affordable price. Yes, you’ll have to get an older model, but staying up to date is overrated. Older MacBooks are still worth your attention, and they won’t cost you as much.

So, what are the best MacBooks?

After testing Apple’s latest laptops, we think there are four MacBooks worth buying in 2024. Check out our top picks below, their pros and cons, and which ones we think , would prefer each model.