Which MacBook should you buy in 2025? Expert picks & tips!

MacBook has long been one of Apple’s strongest product lineups. With the introduction of M-series chipsets, these lineups got a massive boost in performance and battery life, and it even pushed the rival, Microsoft, to launch ARM-based laptops.

If you have been contemplating buying a MacBook, you have come to the right place. Read on, and I will tell you exactly which MacBook you should get, depending on your type of work.

Overview of MacBook models in 2025

Apple mainly sells two distinct lines of MacBooks: the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro. The Air lineup is focused on giving a lighter form factor and sleeker design while slightly cutting corners on the performance front. On the other hand, the Pro lineup is a more power-oriented machine focused on delivering the best performance.

Each of these MacBook models is available in two different sizes. The table below shows all the available MacBooks in the market today.

Who should buy which MacBook

• Best MacBook for students & casual users: 13-inch MacBook Air M4
• Best MacBook for creative professionals: 16-inch MacBook Pro M4
• Best MacBook for business users: 14-inch MacBook Pro M4

Key factors to consider when choosing a MacBook

Here are all the factors you should consider to find the best MacBook for your needs.

1. Performance

Depending on the type of work you do, you will need a certain level of performance from your MacBook. Apple currently offers three different processor variations in the MacBook lineup: M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max. You also get different unified memory options. Choosing the right one can be confusing—you don’t want an underpowered laptop that slows down your workflow, nor do you want to overspend on a MacBook that exceeds your actual needs.

Let’s simplify the decision-making process. Here’s a breakdown of MacBook processors:

All current MacBook models come with the M4 processor, Apple’s latest and most advanced chipset. However, the M4 chip has three variants:

• M4 Max – the most powerful option, designed for creative professionals who require high processing power for tasks like video editing and graphic design.
• M4 Pro – a mid-range option that offers exceptional performance, not as powerful as the Max but still well-suited for business users.
• M4 – the base variant, ideal for casual users who need a reliable and efficient machine for everyday tasks.

2. Display

All MacBooks have incredible displays, but the Pro models offer extra display features that might make a difference for you. For example, there’s ProMotion, which provides an adaptive refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The brightness also varies in MacBooks, with the Pro getting brighter displays than the Air.

Also, MacBooks come in different screen sizes, ranging from 13-inch to 16-inch. Depending on the type of work, you can choose the display size that suits you.

3. macOS & software support

Apple is known for its impeccable software support on all its devices. However, one thing to note is that the newer the processor, the better the software’s longevity. Likewise, a MacBook with an M4 will last longer than an M3, an M3 will last longer than an M2 and so on.

The latest macOS is macOS 15 Sequoia, and all the current M-series MacBooks have been updated to it. Going by the track record, you should at least get 6-7 years of updates on all MacBooks, so do consider looking at the release date of these laptops before buying them.

4. Battery life

As the MacBook Pro models pack many more features and a powerful processor, they also contain beefier batteries inside to help deliver that power, providing slightly superior battery life compared to the MacBook Air. Meanwhile, Air marginally sacrifices battery life for its sleek and portable design. While the ARM-based M-series chips are super-efficient, the difference in battery life can be noticed among the Macs.

5. Ports and connectivity

As mentioned earlier, the MacBook Pro variants pack in a lot more extra features, and some of those features come in the form of additional ports. While the Air only comes with a MagSafe charging port, two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, and a 3.5mm headphone jack, the Pro variants, however, pack an HDMI port, a dedicated SD card slot, and an extra Thunderbolt 4 or Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) port alongside.

Best for students & casual users: 13-inch MacBook Air M4

The all-new 13-inch MacBook Air M4 is an excellent choice for students. It features a powerful processor capable of handling note-taking, coding projects, online lectures, and more with ease. Additionally, its compact and lightweight design (weighing just 2.7 pounds and 0.44 inches thin) makes it easy to carry between classes.

Battery life is another strong point—Apple claims up to 15 hours of continuous browsing.

This MacBook is also great for regular users who primarily use their laptops for web browsing, watching videos, and casual video calls. It’s even a perfect option for seniors who need a reliable and easy-to-use MacBook.

With a starting price of $999, it’s a solid deal. If you buy it during a sale or with a student discount, it becomes an even better value.

If you prefer a larger screen, you can opt for the 15-inch MacBook Air M4, which costs $200 more.

Best for creative professionals: 16-inch MacBook Pro M4

The big 16″ XDR display coupled with ProMotion and 1600 nits of peak brightness on the MacBook Pro M4 can display a wide range of colors that creative professionals need. The mighty M4 Pro or Max processors will provide excellent power and sustained performance for tasks like video editing, graphic designing, animation, and 3D rendering. The Thunderbolt port will also allow you to connect the MacBook to multiple external displays for enhanced visuals.

Overall, the price of this machine, which starts at $2499, will seem worth it if you plan to use it to its full potential.

Best for business and power users: 14-inch MacBook Pro M4

If you don’t need the full power of the M4 Pro and M4 Max but still need a capable machine, then the regular 14-inch MacBook Pro with an M4 processor can still perform great. You still get all the extra ports and features like ProMotion. The compact form factor makes it easier to carry, making it an ideal machine for business travelers.

The slightly less powerful processor and a smaller display also constitute better battery life. Apple says it can handle up to 16 hours of web browsing on a single charge, which is incredible.

When and where to buy a MacBook in 2025?

While it is true that the best time to buy a MacBook is when you absolutely need one, if you are planning a purchase or an upgrade in the future, you might get good deals during the Black Friday or Cyber Monday sales. Almost every retailer, including Apple, officially offers excellent discounts during these times. Also, if you are a student, you can get an additional discount with your student ID, and if you can, you can also consider waiting for Back-to-School sales.

Moreover, an important thing to remember is that you should not buy a MacBook just before a big launch, especially before the big Apple launch in September. If you wait just a little longer, you might get the latest model for the same price or the older version for cheaper. Do glance over Apple launch news before you make a purchase.

You can buy MacBooks at many different places, including Amazon and BestBuy. Sometimes, you might also get refurbished models for a lot cheaper than the original price, but be careful before buying refurbished ones and check thoroughly before purchasing. If you need absolute security and trust, consider getting it at Apple.com or your nearest Apple store.

Conclusion…

That was all about buying an Apple MacBook in 2025. As you can see, Apple has a MacBook for everyone and in every price range, but choosing the right one from various options can be a little tricky. We hope the guide helps you select the best MacBook for your use case.

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