Choosing between a MacBook Air and MacBook Pro can be tough. You know you want a MacBook, but the question of whether to go with the ultra-portable Air or the powerful Pro remains. Let’s break down the current Apple laptop lineup to help you decide. Right now, Apple offers the MacBook Air in 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch sizes, and the MacBook Pro in 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch models.
The MacBook Air models come equipped with either the M2 or M3 chip, balancing performance and efficiency. On the other hand, the MacBook Pro models take power up a notch with M4, M4 Pro, or M4 Max chips. This difference in processing power is one of the key distinctions between the Air and Pro lines, though the base 14-inch MacBook Pro now starts with the standard M4, blurring the lines a bit. The good news is, with Apple’s current range, you can’t really make a wrong choice. It’s more about finding the MacBook that best fits your specific needs and how you plan to use it.
The latest additions, the 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 and 16-inch MacBook Pro M4 Pro, are designed for users who demand top-tier performance. However, for most people, the 13-inch MacBook Air M3 remains our top recommendation. It hits a sweet spot with its combination of affordability, a slim and robust design, excellent performance for everyday tasks, and impressive battery life. Apple even boosted the value of the base model on October 30, 2024, by doubling the RAM to 16GB – a previously recommended $200 upgrade that’s now standard. The MacBook Air 13 M2 also continues to be available as a more budget-friendly option for those seeking the most affordable entry into the MacBook ecosystem, and it’s still a very capable machine.
Rumors are circulating about potential MacBook Air M4 models expected around March, but official details are still under wraps. If a MacBook Air suits your needs and you need one now, rest assured that the current M2 and M3 models are fantastic. Plus, you can often find great MacBook deals as we head into 2025.
To help you make the best decision, we’ll compare the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro across key factors like price, features, performance, and battery life. Let’s dive in and see whether a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro is the right choice for you.
MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro: Detailed Specs Comparison
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| Feature | Best for most | Best value | Big screen value | Portable power | Peak performance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | MacBook Air 13 (M3) | MacBook Air 13 (M2) | MacBook Air 15 (M3) | MacBook Pro 14-inch | MacBook Pro 16-inch |
| Starting Price | $1,099 | $999 | $1,299 | $1,599 | $2,499 |
| CPU | M3 | M2 | M3 | M4, M4 Pro or M4 Max | M4 Pro or M4 Max |
| RAM | Up to 24GB | Up to 24GB | Up to 24GB | Up to 128GB | up to 128GB |
| Display | 13.6 inches (2560 x 1600) | 13.6 inches (2560 x 1600) | 15.3 inches (2880 x 1864) | 14.2 inches (3024 x 1964), 120Hz | 16.2 inches (3456 x 2234), 120Hz |
| Ports | 2 Thunderbolt 3/USB 4, MagSafe, headphone | 2 Thunderbolt 3/USB 4, Magsafe, headphone | 2 Thunderbolt 3/USB4, MagSafe, headphone | 3 Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC card, MagSafe, headphone | 3 Thunderbolt 5, HDMI, SDXC card, MagSafe, headphone |
| Graphics | M3 | M2 | M3 | M4, M4 Pro or M4 Max | M4 Pro or M4 Max |
| Storage | up to 2TB | up to 2TB | Up to 2TB | Up to 8TB | up to 8TB |
| Battery Life (hrs) | 15:13 (tested) | 14:06 (tested) | 14:59 (tested) | 18:32 (tested) | 20:46 (tested) |
| Security | Touch ID | Touch ID | Touch ID | Touch ID | Touch ID |
| Size | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches | 13.40 x 9.53 x 0.45 inches | 12.3 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches | 14 x 9.8 x 0.66 inches |
| Weight | 2.7 pounds | 2.7 pounds | 3.3 pounds | 3.4 pounds | 4.7 pounds |
MacBook Quick Picks: Top Recommendations
[](Best Overall MacBook: MacBook Air 13 M3)
1. MacBook Air M3
The best MacBook for most users
The MacBook Air M3 is the ideal choice for the majority of people. Its M3 chip delivers ample power for everyday tasks and more demanding applications. Coupled with over 15 hours of battery life and a vibrant Retina display, it’s a clear winner for overall value and performance.
[](Best Budget MacBook: Apple MacBook Air M2)
2. Apple MacBook Air M2
The best value MacBook in 2025
If you’re looking for an affordable MacBook in 2025, the MacBook Air M2 is your best bet. It features Apple’s modern design, impressive 14-hour battery life, reliable performance, a comfortable keyboard, and convenient MagSafe charging, all at a lower price point.
[](Best Affordable Big Screen MacBook: Apple MacBook Air 15)
3. Apple MacBook Air 15
The best MacBook with a large screen at an accessible price
The MacBook Air 15 fills a crucial need in Apple’s lineup: a large display without the premium cost typically associated with larger MacBooks. While it’s essentially a larger M3 Air, this combination makes it a perfect laptop for users who prioritize screen real estate without breaking the bank.
[](Best Portable MacBook for Professionals: MacBook Pro 14 M3)
4. MacBook Pro 14 (M4)
Top MacBook for professionals needing performance on the go
For creative tasks like photo and video editing, music production, or handling complex spreadsheets, the MacBook Pro 14 is the recommended choice. The M4 chip’s enhanced power and battery efficiency represent a significant step up this year.
[](Best Performance MacBook: MacBook Pro 16 M4 Pro)
5. MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro)
The ultimate MacBook for maximum performance
The MacBook Pro 16 with the M4 Pro or M4 Max chip is designed to tackle the most demanding tasks. Its larger display, superior performance capabilities, and extended battery life justify its premium price for users who need the absolute best.
MacBook Air (13-inch, M3): The Top Choice for Most Users
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Alt text: MacBook Air 13 M3 in silver, displaying its sleek profile on a wooden table setting with floral accents, highlighting its suitability for everyday use.
Alt text: Overhead view of the MacBook Air 13 M3 keyboard and trackpad, showcasing the spacious layout and comfortable design for extended typing sessions.
Alt text: MacBook Air 13 M3 partially closed, emphasizing its slim profile and lightweight design ideal for portability and easy storage.
Alt text: Side view of the incredibly thin MacBook Air 13 M3, highlighting its headphone jack and sleek chassis, emphasizing its ultra-portable nature.
Alt text: A hand effortlessly holding the lightweight MacBook Air 13 M3, illustrating its exceptional portability and ease of carrying for mobile professionals and students.
1. MacBook Air M3
The best MacBook for the majority of users
Read our in-depth review
Key Specs
CPU: Apple M3
GPU: Apple M3 GPU
RAM: 16GB/24 GB
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB SSD options
Display: 13-inch, 1664p Liquid Retina Display
Dimensions: 12 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
Weight: 2.7 pounds
Reasons to Buy
- Exceptional battery life for all-day use
- Powerful performance for everyday tasks and more
- Bright and vibrant Liquid Retina display
- Comfortable and responsive keyboard
- Enhanced SSD speeds compared to previous models
Drawbacks
- Limited selection of ports
- Display color range not as wide as some competitors
Pros: While the 13-inch MacBook Air M3 maintains the same iconic design as its predecessor, the internal upgrades, powered by the M3 chip, solidify its position as the best MacBook for most people in 2025. Apple has also enhanced the base configuration, now including 16GB of RAM as standard, a welcome improvement from the previous 8GB base and a feature that was once a $200 upgrade.
The 13.6-inch display on the MacBook Air M3 is remarkably bright, making it easily viewable in various lighting conditions. True Tone technology ensures excellent color accuracy for tasks like photo editing and graphic design, although the color vibrancy isn’t quite as rich as some OLED panels found in competing laptops. While OLED MacBooks are rumored for the future, they are not here yet.
Like its predecessors, the MacBook Air M3 stands out as one of the thinnest laptops available, measuring just 0.4 inches in thickness. Despite its slim profile, it delivers impressive performance for a wide range of workloads thanks to the efficiency of the M3 chip. Whether handling demanding benchmarks or everyday real-world tasks, the Air M3 performs admirably.
In benchmark testing, the MacBook Air M3 achieved a score of 12,087 in Geekbench 6.2, significantly surpassing the average for its category. In our Handbrake video transcoding test, it converted a 4K video to 1080p in just 7 minutes and 54 seconds, again outperforming the average. It’s worth noting that some Intel Core Ultra-powered laptops are now starting to edge out Apple in certain performance metrics. However, Apple has improved the SSD read/write speeds in the M3 Air, boosting performance from the M2 model’s 2,800.1/2,210.6MBps to a faster 3,030.7/3,058.8MBps.
This strong performance doesn’t come at the expense of battery life. The MacBook Air M3 excelled in our battery testing, lasting over 15 hours on a single charge, making it ideal for users who need all-day power without constantly searching for an outlet.
Additionally, the Air M3 features an upgraded 1080p webcam, enhanced by Apple’s software optimizations, resulting in improved video quality for calls and meetings.
Cons: The main limitations of the MacBook Air M3 are its port selection. With only two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports, users with numerous peripherals may find it restrictive. However, the inclusion of MagSafe 3 charging does free up both ports for accessories while charging.
The 13-inch MacBook Air M3 starts at $1,099, which isn’t inexpensive. However, in early 2025, it’s often available for $949 or less from various retailers. Be sure to check for the latest MacBook deals to find the best price.
If you require a larger display, the 15-inch MacBook Air M3 is an excellent alternative. It offers all the strengths of the 13-inch model but with a more expansive 15.3-inch screen.
For more details, see our comprehensive 13-inch MacBook Air M3 review and 15-inch MacBook Air M3 review.
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| Performance Metric | MacBook Air 13 M3 | Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 | Acer Swift X 14 (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (Higher is better) | 12087 | 10828 | 12118 |
| Handbrake time (Lower is better, (MM.SS)) | 6.32 | 9.45 | 7.46 |
| Battery life (HH.MM) | 15.13 | 10.24 | 7.26 |
| DCI-P3 Color Gamut (Higher is better) | 77.80% | 142.10% | 138.10% |
| Display Brightness (Nits) | 476 | 353 | 359 |
MacBook Air (13-inch, M2): The Best MacBook for Budget-Conscious Buyers
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Alt text: MacBook Air M2 in its sleek, redesigned form, positioned on a modern glass table in an outdoor setting, showcasing its contemporary aesthetic.
Alt text: Close-up, top-down shot of the MacBook Air M2’s keyboard and trackpad, emphasizing the comfortable key spacing and responsive trackpad for user interaction.
Alt text: Side profile of the closed MacBook Air M2, revealing the MagSafe charging port and Thunderbolt/USB-C ports, highlighting its blend of legacy and modern connectivity.
Alt text: Angled top-down view of the closed MacBook Air M2, prominently displaying the iconic Apple logo on its lid, symbolizing brand recognition and quality.
Alt text: MacBook Air M2 open but facing away, showcasing the lid design and Apple logo while hinting at the vibrant display and powerful performance within.
2. MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
Best budget-friendly MacBook
Read our expert review
Key Specs
CPU: Apple M2
GPU: Apple M2
RAM: 16GB/24GB
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB SSD options
Display: 13.6-inches, 2560 x 1600 pixels Liquid Retina Display
Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches
Weight: 2.7 pounds
Reasons to Buy
- Elegant and modern redesign
- Solid and reliable performance
- Bright and colorful display
- Comfortable and ergonomic keyboard
- Excellent battery life for all-day use
Drawbacks
- SSD speeds slightly slower compared to the M1 Air
Pros: The M2 MacBook Air remains a highly compelling laptop. It introduced a significant design refresh, moving away from the classic wedge shape to a more MacBook Pro-like aesthetic. Despite this design change, the Air is actually 20 percent smaller in volume than its predecessor, maintaining its ultraportable nature. Apple also included several upgrades from earlier Air models, such as a 1080p webcam, an enhanced speaker system, and a larger display. Like the M3 Air, the base model now comes with 16GB of RAM, increasing its value proposition.
However, the standout feature is still Apple’s M2 chip. Even in 2025, it delivers impressive performance for an ultraportable laptop. It’s faster and more powerful than the previous M1 model, making it an excellent choice for anyone needing a lightweight yet capable workhorse. It also boasts over 14 hours of battery life in our tests and supports fast charging for quick power-ups.
The M2 MacBook Air features a larger 13.6-inch, 2560 x 1664 Liquid Retina display with slimmer bezels compared to the previous generation’s 13.3-inch screen. The display is vibrant and sharp, delivering excellent color and detail for both work and entertainment.
In performance benchmarks, the M2 Air also excelled. In Geekbench 5.4, it scored 8,919, outperforming the premium laptop average of 6,054 and significantly beating the Lenovo Slim 7 Carbon (AMD Ryzen 7 5800 CPU) score of 6,241. In the Handbrake video transcoding test, the Air M2 converted a 4K video to 1080p in 7 minutes and 52 seconds, significantly faster than the 10-minute average and competitors like the Dell XPS 13 and HP Spectre x360.
Weighing just 2.7 pounds and measuring 12 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches, the MacBook Air M2 is incredibly portable, easily fitting into bags and backpacks.
Cons: Historically, the MacBook Air has been known for its limited port selection, and the M2 model continues this trend. While it brings back MagSafe charging, it still only offers two Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports and a headphone jack. Users needing more connectivity will likely need to use dongles or adapters.
Read our full MacBook Air M2 review for more in-depth analysis.
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| Performance Metric | MacBook Air 13 M2 | Dell XPS 13 9310 (2022) | Lenovo Slim 7 Carbon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 5 (Higher is better) | 8919 | 5365 | 6241 |
| Handbrake time (Lower is better, (MM.SS)) | 7.52 | 18.33 | 8.51 |
| Battery life (HH.MM) | 14.06 | 7.32 | 9.56 |
| DCI-P3 Color Gamut (Higher is better) | 75.90% | 76.90% | 139.30% |
| Display Brightness (Nits) | 489 | 442 | 369 |
MacBook Air (15-inch, M3): The Big-Screen MacBook Value Proposition
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Alt text: MacBook Air 15 M3 displayed at an angle on a wooden table, highlighting its thin profile and large screen, perfect for users valuing screen real estate.
Alt text: Overhead view of the MacBook Air 15 M3 keyboard and touchpad, showing the expanded layout and comfortable user interface for productivity tasks.
Alt text: Side view of the MacBook Air 15 M3 ports, including MagSafe charging and USB4, illustrating its essential connectivity options for everyday use.
Alt text: Top-down image of the closed MacBook Air 15 M3, showcasing its lid with the Apple logo on a wooden table, emphasizing its brand identity and sleek design.
Alt text: MacBook Air 15 M3 open on a wooden table, displaying its bright and expansive screen, ideal for multitasking, media consumption, and visual comfort.
3. MacBook Air 15 (M3)
Best affordable large-screen MacBook
See our expert review
Key Specs
CPU: Apple M3
GPU: Apple M3
RAM: 16GB/24GB
Storage: 256GB/512GB/1TB/2TB SSD options
Display: 15.3-inches, 2880 x 1864 pixels Liquid Retina Display
Dimensions: 13.4 x 9.35 x 0.45 inches
Weight: 3.3 pounds
Reasons to Buy
- Thin and light design for a 15-inch laptop
- Bright and vivid Liquid Retina display
- Over 15 hours of battery life on tests
- Strong performance for daily tasks
- Competitively priced for its features
Drawbacks
- Limited port selection
- Display color vibrancy could be improved
Pros: The 15-inch MacBook Air M3 makes a large 15.3-inch display accessible at a starting price of just $1,299. Previously, a MacBook with this screen size would easily cost upwards of $2,500, making this model a significant value proposition. While it lacks the 120Hz ProMotion refresh rate of the MacBook Pro models, the display is still excellent, achieving a bright 482 nits in our testing.
At only 3.3 pounds and 0.45 inches thick, the 15-inch MacBook Air M3 is highly portable for a larger laptop. This makes it a compelling option for professionals, students, or anyone who values a larger screen without the bulk. Its impressive battery life, lasting over 15 hours in our tests, further enhances its appeal for mobile users.
Internally, it features the same powerful M3 chip as the 13-inch Air, delivering nearly identical performance for most tasks. However, in sustained workloads like video editing, the 15-inch model may offer slightly better performance due to improved thermal management. Like the other Air models, it now starts with a more generous 16GB of RAM.
Cons: The primary drawback is again the limited port selection. It includes the same two Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports, MagSafe charger, and headphone/mic jack as the smaller 13-inch MacBook Air. Users needing more ports will likely need to invest in a USB-C hub or docking station.
For more detailed information, read our full MacBook Air 15-inch M3 review.
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| Performance Metric | MacBook Air 15 M3 | MSI Prestige 16 AI Evo | Acer Swift Edge 16 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (Higher is better) | 12052 | 13310 | 10682 |
| Handbrake time (Lower is better, (MM.SS)) | 6.3 | 5.17 | 6.04 |
| Battery life (HH.MM) | 15.03 | 13.04 | 7.18 |
| DCI-P3 Color Gamut (Higher is better) | 77.50% | 137.90% | 139.20% |
| Display Brightness (Nits) | 482 | 368 | 387 |
MacBook Pro (14-inch): The Ideal MacBook for Creative Professionals on the Move
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Alt text: MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 model in Space Gray, positioned on a wooden desk, showcasing its professional design and powerful capabilities for creative tasks.
Alt text: Close-up of the MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 keyboard and trackpad, highlighting the precision and comfort designed for demanding professional workflows.
Alt text: Side view of the MacBook Pro 14-inch M4, emphasizing its robust build and comprehensive port selection, catering to professional connectivity needs.
Alt text: Angled shot of the MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 open on a desk, displaying its vibrant screen and powerful performance ready for creative applications.
Alt text: Rear view of the MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 with the lid open, showcasing the Apple logo and the laptop’s solid construction, designed for durability and performance.
Alt text: MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 in use on a wooden desk, demonstrating its ideal size for professional workspaces and its capability to handle intensive creative projects.
4. MacBook Pro (14-inch, M4, M4 Pro/Max)
The best MacBook for creative professionals on the go
Check out our detailed review
Key Specs
CPU: Apple M4, M4 Pro/M4 Max
GPU: Apple M4 , M4 Pro/M4 Max
RAM: 16/24/36/48/64/128GB options
Storage: 512GB/1TB/2TB/4TB/8TB SSD options
Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (3024×1964 pixels) with 120Hz ProMotion
Dimensions: 12.3 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches
Weight: 3.4 pounds
Reasons to Buy
- Incredible performance for demanding tasks
- Over 17 hours of battery life in tests
- Excellent selection of ports for peripherals
- Stunningly vibrant display with sharp details
- High-fidelity audio system
Drawbacks
- Display notch can be distracting for some users
- Still lacks Face ID facial recognition
Pros: The base 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 chip offers exceptional value for users who need more power than a MacBook Air but don’t want to spend over $2,000. It’s also important to note that the base model comes with 512GB of storage, which is a $200 upgrade on the Air models, further enhancing its value. While the standard M4 chip is sufficient for most users, the M4 Pro and M4 Max configurations offer even greater performance, making them among the fastest and most power-efficient chips for mobile computing.
The base models at both the M4 and M4 Pro levels are significantly improved this year. The M4 Pro even outperforms last year’s M3 Max in many benchmarks, making it worth considering over older models. While the base M4 configuration is more than enough for many, the M4 Max can be configured with up to 128GB of RAM and an 8TB SSD for the most demanding professional workflows. Battery life is impressive, with the standard M4 configuration lasting 18 hours and 32 minutes in our tests, and similar results are expected from M4 Pro and M4 Max models.
The 2021 redesign still feels modern, featuring a 14.2-inch, 3024 x 1964-pixel Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display with a smooth 120Hz refresh rate. This panel is exceptionally bright, reaching 556 nits in our tests, and offers both excellent color accuracy and vibrancy for creative work.
Despite its powerful internals, the 14-inch MacBook Pro remains portable, measuring 12.3 inches x 8.7 x 0.6 inches and weighing 3.4 pounds.
The 12MP Center Stage webcam is another significant upgrade for the M4 MacBook Pros. It’s arguably the best webcam on any laptop, offering outstanding color accuracy and performing well in various lighting conditions. Combined with Touch ID, a six-speaker sound system, and a comfortable keyboard, the 14-inch MacBook Pro offers a premium user experience.
Cons: There are very few downsides to the 14-inch MacBook Pro. The notch at the top of the display can be visually distracting for some users. It would also be beneficial to have Face ID for facial recognition login, a feature common on Windows laptops for years. Additionally, the vent placement can make the laptop slightly uncomfortable to hold in certain positions, although this is a minor issue.
For a deeper dive, read our complete MacBook Pro 14 M4 review.
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| Performance Metric | Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4, 2024) | Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3, 2023) | HP Spectre x360 (14-inch, 2024) | Asus Zenbook S14 UX5406S | Premium laptops average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (Higher is better) | 15,114 | 11,968 | 12,358 | 11,157 | 10,492 |
| Handbrake conversion (Lower is better, MM.SS) | 04:28 | 05:38 | 07:30 | 08:28 | 06:18 |
| Battery life (HH.MM) | 18:32 | 17:16 | 11:01 | 13:51 | 13:23 |
| DCI-P3 Color Gamut (Higher is better) | 80.2 | 81.3 | 85.8 | 82 | 84.7 |
| Display Brightness (Nits) | 556.6 | 558 | 366 | 555 | 434 |
MacBook Pro 16-inch: The Ultimate MacBook for Peak Performance
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Alt text: Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch M4 Pro in Space Black, placed on a wooden desk, emphasizing its large display and professional-grade performance for demanding users.
Alt text: Close-up view of the MacBook Pro 16-inch M4 Pro keyboard and trackpad, highlighting the spacious layout and ergonomic design for extended professional use.
Alt text: Side profile of the MacBook Pro 16-inch M4 Pro, showcasing its slim yet powerful design and the inclusion of Thunderbolt 5 ports for advanced connectivity.
Alt text: MacBook Pro 16-inch M4 Pro open and angled on a desk, displaying its expansive screen and readiness for high-performance computing tasks and creative projects.
Alt text: Rear view of the MacBook Pro 16-inch M4 Pro with the screen open, showing the Apple logo and its robust build quality, designed for professionals requiring top-tier performance.
5. MacBook Pro (16-inch, M4 Pro)
The best MacBook for ultimate performance and battery life
Read our expert review
Key Specs
CPU: Apple M4 Pro/M4 Max
GPU: Apple M4 Pro/M4 Max
RAM: 24GB/32GB/64GB/128GB options
Storage: 512GB/1TB/2TB/4TB/8TB SSD options
Display: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display (3456 x 2234 pixels) with 120Hz ProMotion
Dimensions: 14 x 9.8 x 0.7 inches
Weight: 4.7 pounds
Reasons to Buy
- Exceptional overall and gaming performance
- Class-leading battery life for a high-performance laptop
- Premium audio quality
- Beautiful and expansive display
Drawbacks
- High starting price of $2,499
Pros: The 16-inch MacBook Pro takes everything great about the 14-inch model and expands it with a larger 16-inch display. It offers the same M4 Pro and M4 Max chip options, along with up to a massive 128GB of memory and up to an 8TB SSD. Battery life is even more impressive, lasting 20 hours and 46 minutes in our tests – our second-longest result ever and the longest for any MacBook. Given its incredible performance, this battery life is almost unbelievable.
If you plan to keep your laptop for 5-7 years or more, especially for creative work or tasks involving frequent data transfers with external drives or hardware, the 16-inch MacBook Pro offers a significant advantage: Thunderbolt 5 ports. While Thunderbolt 5 devices are still emerging, docks, external SSDs, and other peripherals leveraging this new standard are starting to become available and will become more prevalent in the coming years.
Cons: The main downside is the price. You can get much of the performance of the 16-inch MacBook Pro in the 14-inch model for $500 less. If you specifically need the larger screen or Thunderbolt 5 support, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is worth the investment. However, if these aren’t critical, the 14-inch model may be a more cost-effective choice.
Additionally, at 14 x 9.8 x 0.66 inches and 4.7 pounds, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is considerably larger and heavier than the 14-inch model, which is a factor to consider if portability is a major concern.
Like the 14-inch model, it lacks Face ID, and the vent design is not ideal for handheld use, but these are minor drawbacks in an otherwise exceptional laptop.
See our full MacBook Pro 16-inch M4 Pro review. for more details.
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| Performance Metric | Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro, 2024) | Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max, 2023) | Lenovo Yoga Pro 9i 16 Gen 9 | Asus ProArt PX16 2024 | Premium laptops average |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (Higher is better) | 22,822 | 21,182 | 12,141 | 15,286 | 10,492 |
| Handbrake conversion (Lower is better, MM.SS) | 02:38 | 02:36 | 03:53 | 03:15 | 06:18 |
| Battery life (HH.MM) | 20:46 | 18:05 | 09:51 | 09:32 | 13:23 |
| DCI-P3 Color Gamut (Higher is better) | 81.4 | 81.8 | 105.7 | 85.5 | 84.7 |
| Display Brightness (Nits) | 565 | 558 | 373 | 356 | 434 |
How We Test MacBooks
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Alt text: A wide view of the Laptop Mag testing lab, showcasing the professional environment where laptops undergo rigorous performance and quality assessments.
Alt text: Closer shot inside the Laptop Mag lab, focusing on the advanced equipment and meticulous setup used for standardized laptop testing and reviews.
Alt text: A red tool cabinet in the Laptop Mag testing lab, filled with specialized devices and tools used for comprehensive evaluation of laptop functionality and performance metrics.
At Laptop Mag, we subject every MacBook to rigorous benchmark testing, both synthetic and real-world, before our expert reviewers get hands-on. We meticulously evaluate every aspect, from speed and battery longevity to display quality, speaker volume, and thermal performance.
We utilize a Klein K10 colorimeter to precisely measure display brightness and sRGB color gamut coverage. For performance benchmarking, we run a comprehensive suite of tests, including Geekbench 6, BlackMagic Disk Speed Test, and PugetBench for Adobe CC.
To assess real-world performance, we task each MacBook to convert a 4K video to 1080p resolution using Handbrake. Our graphics performance tests on MacBooks include benchmarks using games like Borderlands 3, Shadow of the Tomb Raider, Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Gathering Storm, and Total War: Warhammer III at both 1080p and native resolution settings.
We also conduct thermal testing by playing a 15-minute full-screen video and measure surface temperatures. Our proprietary Laptop Mag Battery Test involves continuous web surfing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of screen brightness. A battery life exceeding 10 hours is considered excellent, a standard that all current MacBooks easily achieve. These standardized tests are always complemented by thorough hands-on testing and analysis from our experienced reviewers.
Why Trust Laptop Mag
Laptop Mag reviews over a hundred laptops each year, ranging from ultra-portable devices to powerful workstations and high-performance gaming notebooks. Our expertise extends beyond laptops, as we also rigorously test smartphones, tablets, headphones, PC accessories, software, and the latest in gaming technology.
We maintain 100% editorial independence and bring decades of experience to help you make informed buying decisions with confidence. Laptop Mag has been providing trustworthy and reliable product reviews for three decades.
Our experienced team of writers and editors thoroughly researches each laptop and puts it through a demanding testing regimen to determine the best options for your needs. Before reviews are published, our dedicated testing team subjects every system to a rigorous suite of synthetic and real-world benchmarks to evaluate its performance under various workloads and gaming scenarios.
As part of Future Publishing, one of the world’s largest technology publishers, we uphold the highest standards of editorial integrity and trustworthiness. Future Publishing has unparalleled expertise across the entire technology sector, and Laptop Mag is the group’s dedicated specialist in mobile technology.
