You’re in the market for a new MacBook, and like many, you’re likely caught between the sleek MacBook Air and the powerful MacBook Pro. It’s a common dilemma: Macbook Air Compared To Pro – which one truly fits your needs? This guide is designed to clear up the confusion and help you make the best decision. Apple’s current laptop lineup offers a range of options, including the ultra-portable 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch MacBook Air models, and the professional-grade 14.2-inch and 16.2-inch MacBook Pro versions.
The MacBook Air series is equipped with the efficient M2 or M3 chips, while the MacBook Pro steps up the performance with the M4, M4 Pro, or M4 Max processors. Notably, the “Pro” and “Max” chips, reserved for the MacBook Pro, signify a significant leap in processing power, clearly distinguishing the Pro line from the Air. However, the base 14-inch MacBook Pro, featuring the standard M4 chip, introduces a nuanced option that bridges the gap between the two families. In today’s Apple ecosystem, every MacBook is a capable machine. The real choice isn’t about good or bad, but rather about aligning your laptop with your specific requirements.
The recently launched 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 and 16-inch MacBook Pro M4 Pro represent the pinnacle of Apple’s laptop technology, ideal for users demanding top-tier performance. Yet, the 13-inch MacBook Air M3 remains our overall recommendation for most users. Its blend of affordability, robust build, impressive performance, and exceptional battery life makes it a compelling choice. Apple’s decision on October 30, 2024, to upgrade the base model to 16GB of RAM, a previously recommended $200 upgrade, further enhances its value. The MacBook Air 13 M2 continues to be available, appealing to those prioritizing the most budget-friendly MacBook option, and it still holds its own as a capable laptop.
Looking ahead, the MacBook Air M4 models are anticipated to arrive potentially by March, according to recent speculation, although official details are yet to be announced. If the MacBook Air aligns with your needs and you require a laptop now, rest assured that the current models are outstanding, and attractive MacBook deals are readily available as we enter 2025.
Let’s delve into a detailed comparison of price, features, performance, battery longevity, and more, to guide you in choosing between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro: Detailed Specifications
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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, MagSafe, headphone | 3 Thunderbolt 5, HDMI, SDXC, 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 | 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 |
Quick Recommendations
This quick list summarizes our top picks, helping you swiftly navigate to the MacBook that best suits your primary need.
MacBook Air M3: Best Overall MacBook
1. MacBook Air M3
The Recommended MacBook for Most Users
The MacBook Air M3 stands out as the ideal choice for the majority of users today. Powered by the M3 chip, it delivers ample performance for everyday tasks and more demanding applications. Combined with its impressive battery life exceeding 15 hours and a vibrant Retina display, it’s a top recommendation for its overall value and capabilities.
Learn more about MacBook Air M3
MacBook Air M2: Best Budget MacBook
2. Apple MacBook Air M2
The Top Budget-Friendly MacBook
For those seeking an affordable entry into the MacBook world in 2025, the MacBook Air M2 is unparalleled. Featuring Apple’s modern design, a substantial 14-hour battery life, reliable performance, a comfortable typing experience, and the convenience of MagSafe charging, it offers exceptional value without compromising on essential features.
Explore the budget-friendly MacBook Air M2
MacBook Air 15-inch M3: Best Affordable Big Screen
3. Apple MacBook Air 15
The Best Value Big-Screen MacBook
The MacBook Air 15 effectively fills a crucial need in Apple’s laptop lineup: a larger screen option that doesn’t come with an exorbitant price tag. While essentially a larger version of the M3 Air, it provides the sought-after screen real estate at a more accessible price point, making it perfect for users who prioritize display size without breaking the bank.
Discover the big-screen MacBook Air 15
MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4): Best for Professionals On-the-Go
4. MacBook Pro 14 (M4)
The Ultimate MacBook for Portable Professional Performance
For creative professionals and power users who require robust performance in a portable format, the MacBook Pro 14 is the definitive choice. Whether you’re engaged in photo and video editing, music production, or handling complex spreadsheets, the MacBook Pro 14, enhanced by the M4 chip’s power and efficiency, delivers top-tier performance on the move.
Uncover the power of MacBook Pro 14 for professionals
MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro): Best for Peak Performance
5. MacBook Pro 16 (M4 Pro)
The Premier MacBook for Unmatched Performance
The MacBook Pro 16 with the M3 Max chip is engineered to tackle the most demanding tasks with ease. Its larger display, superior performance capabilities, and extended battery life make it a worthwhile investment for professionals who need the absolute best in performance and screen real estate, justifying its premium positioning.
Explore peak performance with MacBook Pro 16
MacBook Air (13-inch, M3): The Top Choice for Most Users
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MacBook Air 13 M3 open on a slatted table facing the camera with flowers and coasters behind it (Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
MacBook Air 13 M3 top down photo on a slatted table showing the full keyboard (Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
Top down photo of the MacBook Air 13 M3 open slightly on a slatted table with the lid facing the camera (Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
MacBook Air 13 M3 open on a slatted table viewed from the side to show thinness and headset jack (Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
MacBook Air 13 M3 held in one hand with the lid facing the camera (Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
1. MacBook Air M3
The Best MacBook for General Use
Read Expert Review
Key Specifications
- CPU: Apple M3
- GPU: Apple M3 GPU
- RAM: Configurable to 16GB/24GB
- Storage: Options from 256GB up to 2TB SSD
- Display: 13-inch Liquid Retina (2560 x 1664)
- Dimensions: 12 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
Reasons to Purchase
- Exceptional battery performance
- Robust processing power for daily tasks
- Vivid and bright Liquid Retina display
- Ergonomic and comfortable keyboard
- Enhanced SSD read/write speeds
Drawbacks to Consider
- Limited selection of ports
- Display color range not as extensive as some competitors
Pros: The 13-inch MacBook Air M3, while maintaining the familiar external design of its predecessor, introduces significant internal upgrades thanks to the M3 chip, solidifying its position as the best MacBook for most users currently. Apple’s recent enhancement to the base model, doubling the RAM to 16GB from the previous 8GB (an upgrade that once cost $200), adds considerable value.
The 13.6-inch display of the MacBook Air is notably bright, ranking among the top in its class. True Tone technology ensures accurate color representation, although its color vibrancy doesn’t quite match OLED screens found in competing laptops. While OLED technology is rumored for future Apple displays, it’s not yet implemented in the current models.
Staying true to its reputation, the MacBook Air M3 is remarkably thin at just 0.4 inches. Despite its slim profile, it delivers impressive performance for a variety of demanding tasks, courtesy of the M3 chip. Benchmark tests and real-world usage confirm the Air M3’s capability to handle substantial workloads effectively.
In performance benchmarks, the MacBook Air M3 achieved a score of 12,087 in Geekbench 6.2, surpassing the average for its category. In our Handbrake video transcoding test, it converted a 4K video to 1080p in 7 minutes and 54 seconds, again outperforming the average. It’s worth noting that laptops powered by Intel Core Ultra processors are beginning to outperform Apple in some of these tests. However, Apple has addressed the SSD performance issues seen in the M2 Air, significantly improving read/write speeds in the M3 model to 3,030.7/3,058.8MBps from 2,800.1/2,210.6MBps in the M2.
Battery life is another strong suit of the MacBook Air M3. It lasted over 15 hours in our battery life tests, making it highly reliable for all-day use without needing to constantly search for a power outlet.
Additionally, the inclusion of a 1080p webcam, enhanced by Apple’s software optimizations, further elevates the hardware, providing improved video conferencing quality.
Cons: The primary limitations of the MacBook Air 13 M3 are its port selection. With only two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports, users with multiple peripherals may find connectivity restrictive. However, the inclusion of MagSafe 3 allows for charging without occupying these ports.
While the starting price of $1,099 might seem considerable, the MacBook Air 13 M3 often sees discounts, especially in early 2025, potentially dropping to $949 or less. Checking for MacBook deals is recommended to find the best available pricing.
For users needing a larger display, the 15-inch MacBook Air M3 offers all the advantages of the 13-inch model but with a more expansive 15.3-inch screen. It mirrors the strengths of its smaller counterpart, providing a larger canvas for work and entertainment.
For a comprehensive analysis, see our detailed 13-inch MacBook Air M3 review and [15-inch MacBook Air M3 review](https://www.laptopmag.com/laptops/macbooks/macbook-air-15-inch-m3).*
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| Performance Metric | MacBook Air 13 M3 | Lenovo Yoga 9i Gen 8 | Acer Swift X 14 (2023) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 6 (Score) | 12087 | 10828 | 12118 |
| Handbrake (Time in MM:SS) | 6:32 | 9:45 | 7:46 |
| Battery Life (HH:MM) | 15:13 | 10:24 | 7:26 |
| DCI-P3 Color Gamut (%) | 77.80% | 142.10% | 138.10% |
| Display Brightness (Nits) | 476 | 353 | 359 |
MacBook Air (13-inch, M2): The Affordable MacBook Option
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MacBook Air M2 open on a glass outdoor table facing the camera (Image credit: Future)
Topdown photo of the MacBook Air M2 keyboard and touchpad (Image credit: Future)
Sideview of the MacBook Air M2 closed on a glass table showing the MagSafe port and Thunderbolt USB-C ports (Image credit: Future)
Angled topdown photo of the MacBook Air M2 closed on a glass table showing the lid and Apple logo (Image credit: Future)
MacBook Air M2 open with screen facing away from the camera on a glass table showing the lid and Apple logo (Image credit: Future)
2. MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
The Best Value MacBook
Read Expert Review
Key Specifications
- CPU: Apple M2
- GPU: Apple M2 GPU
- RAM: Configurable to 16GB/24GB
- Storage: Options from 256GB up to 2TB SSD
- Display: 13.6-inches, 2560 x 1600 pixels Liquid Retina
- Dimensions: 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
Reasons to Purchase
- Elegant and modern redesign
- Solid performance for everyday use
- Bright and vibrant screen
- Comfortable and responsive keyboard
- Excellent battery life
Drawbacks to Consider
- SSD performance slightly slower than M1 Air
Pros: The M2 MacBook Air remains a highly compelling laptop, especially for those seeking value. It marked a significant design shift from the previous wedge shape, adopting a more MacBook Pro-esque aesthetic. Despite this design change, it’s remarkably compact, being 20% smaller in volume than its predecessor. Upgrades from earlier Air models include a 1080p webcam, an enhanced speaker system, and a larger display. Like the M3 Air, the base model now starts with 16GB of RAM, up from 8GB, enhancing its out-of-the-box performance.
The M2 chip is the centerpiece, delivering excellent performance for an ultraportable laptop in 2025. It offers a performance upgrade over the previous generation, making it ideal for users needing a lightweight yet capable machine for work and daily tasks. It boasts over 14 hours of battery life and supports fast charging, adding to its portability and convenience.
The display is another highlight, featuring a 13.6-inch, 2560 x 1664 Liquid Retina display with slimmer bezels compared to previous models. This larger screen provides a more immersive visual experience with vibrant colors and sharp details.
In benchmark tests, the M2 Air performs admirably. It scored 8,919 in Geekbench 5.4, significantly outperforming the premium laptop average and competitors like the Lenovo Slim 7 Carbon. In video transcoding, it converted a 4K video to 1080p in just 7 minutes and 52 seconds, substantially faster than the average and many competitors like the Dell XPS 13 and HP Spectre x360. Its portability is further enhanced by its light weight of 2.7 pounds and slim dimensions, making it easy to carry in various bags.
Cons: True to the MacBook Air tradition, port selection is limited. While it thankfully reintroduces MagSafe charging, it still only offers two Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports and a headphone jack. Users needing more connectivity may require dongles or adapters.
For a detailed evaluation, refer to our full MacBook Air M2 review.
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| Performance Metric | MacBook Air 13 M2 | Dell XPS 13 9310 (2022) | Lenovo Slim 7 Carbon |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geekbench 5 (Score) | 8919 | 5365 | 6241 |
| Handbrake (Time in MM:SS) | 7:52 | 18:33 | 8:51 |
| Battery Life (HH:MM) | 14:06 | 7:32 | 9:56 |
| DCI-P3 Color Gamut (%) | 75.90% | 76.90% | 139.30% |
| Display Brightness (Nits) | 489 | 442 | 369 |
MacBook Air (15-inch, M3): Big Screen on a Budget
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MacBook Air 15 M3 at an angle on a slatted wooden table to show thinness (Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
Topdown photo of MacBook Air 15 M3 to show keyboard and touchpad (Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
Sideview of MagSafe and USB4 ports on MacBook Air 15 M3 (Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
Topdown photo of MacBook Air 15 M4 closed on a slatted wooden table showing the lid and Apple logo (Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
MacBook Air 15 M3 open on a slatted wooden table showing the bright display (Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
3. MacBook Air 15 (M3)
Best Affordable Large Screen MacBook
Read Expert Review
Key Specifications
- CPU: Apple M3
- GPU: Apple M3 GPU
- RAM: Configurable to 16GB/24GB
- Storage: Options from 256GB up to 2TB SSD
- Display: 15.3-inches, 2880 x 1864 pixels Liquid Retina
- Dimensions: 13.4 x 9.35 x 0.45 inches
- Weight: 3.3 pounds
Reasons to Purchase
- Thin and light chassis for a 15-inch laptop
- Bright and clear Liquid Retina display
- Over 15 hours of battery life
- Solid performance for everyday tasks and more
- Competitively priced for its features
Drawbacks to Consider
- Limited ports like the 13-inch model
- Display vibrancy could be improved
Pros: The 15-inch MacBook Air M3 provides a compelling option for those seeking a larger display without a premium price. Starting at $1,299, it offers a 15.3-inch screen, a size that historically commanded prices of $2,500 or more in the MacBook lineup. While it lacks the 120Hz refresh rate of the Pro models, the display is bright and effective, achieving 482 nits in our brightness tests.
Weighing just 3.3 pounds and measuring 0.45 inches thick, it’s an attractive choice for professionals and students who need a larger screen in a portable format. Its battery life, lasting over 15 hours in our tests, further enhances its appeal for users on the go.
Internally, it features the same 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 shows slight advantages, likely due to better thermal management. Like other recent Air models, it now starts with 16GB of RAM, improving baseline performance.
Cons: The primary downside is the limited port selection, mirroring the 13-inch Air with just two Thunderbolt 3/USB 4 ports, a MagSafe charger, and a headphone jack. Users requiring more ports will likely need to employ USB-C hubs or docking stations.
For an in-depth analysis, see our complete 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 (Score) | 12052 | 13310 | 10682 |
| Handbrake (Time in MM:SS) | 6:30 | 5:17 | 6:04 |
| Battery Life (HH:MM) | 15:03 | 13:04 | 7:18 |
| DCI-P3 Color Gamut (%) | 77.50% | 137.90% | 139.20% |
| Display Brightness (Nits) | 482 | 368 | 387 |
MacBook Pro (14-inch): Best for Creative Professionals On The Move
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(Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
(Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
(Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
(Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
(Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
(Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
4. MacBook Pro (14-inch, M4, M4 Pro/Max)
The Premier MacBook for Mobile Creative Professionals
Read Expert Review
Key Specifications
- CPU: Apple M4, M4 Pro/M4 Max
- GPU: Apple M4, M4 Pro/M4 Max
- RAM: Configurable from 16GB up to 128GB
- Storage: Options from 512GB up to 8TB SSD
- Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR (3024×1964 pixels) with 120Hz refresh rate
- Dimensions: 12.3 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches
- Weight: 3.4 pounds
Reasons to Purchase
- Outstanding performance for demanding tasks
- Over 17 hours of battery life
- Comprehensive port selection
- Stunningly vibrant and detailed display
- Exceptional audio quality
Drawbacks to Consider
- Display notch may be intrusive for some users
- Still lacks Face ID
Pros: The base 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M4 chip is an excellent value proposition for users needing more power than the Air models but without exceeding a $2,000 budget. It’s also worth noting that the base model starts with 512GB of storage, a $200 upgrade for Air buyers, adding to its value. While the standard M4 chip is sufficient for most users, the M4 Pro and M4 Max configurations offer even greater performance, representing some of the most powerful and energy-efficient chips available for portable computing.
The performance enhancements in the M4 and M4 Pro models are significant, with the M4 Pro outperforming last year’s M3 Max in various benchmarks. This makes even the base models highly capable, while the top configurations with M4 Max can support up to 128GB of RAM and an 8TB SSD for extreme workloads. Battery life is impressive, with the standard M4 configuration lasting 18 hours and 32 minutes in tests, and similar longevity is expected from M4 Pro and M4 Max models.
The design, refreshed in 2021, remains modern and functional, featuring a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED display with a 120Hz refresh rate. This display is exceptionally bright at 556 nits and offers excellent color accuracy and vibrancy, making it ideal for creative professionals.
Despite its powerful internals, the 14-inch MacBook Pro remains portable, weighing 3.4 pounds and measuring 12.3 x 8.7 x 0.6 inches.
The 12MP Center Stage webcam is a notable upgrade, offering the best webcam quality seen on a laptop, with accurate colors and good performance in varied lighting conditions. Additional features like Touch ID, a six-speaker audio system, and a comfortable keyboard enhance the overall user experience.
Cons: Minor drawbacks include the display notch, which some users may find distracting, and the continued absence of Face ID. Additionally, some users might find the vent placement less comfortable when holding the laptop in certain positions, although this is a minor issue.
For a complete review, see our detailed 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 (Score) | 15,114 | 11,968 | 12,358 | 11,157 | 10,492 |
| Handbrake Conversion (Time in MM:SS) | 4:28 | 5:38 | 7:30 | 8:28 | 6:18 |
| Battery Life (HH:MM) | 18:32 | 17:16 | 11:01 | 13:51 | 13:23 |
| DCI-P3 Color Gamut (%) | 80.2 | 81.3 | 85.8 | 82 | 84.7 |
| Display Brightness (Nits) | 556.6 | 558 | 366 | 555 | 434 |
MacBook Pro 16-inch: Top-Tier Performance
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(Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
(Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
(Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
(Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
(Image credit: Laptop Mag/Sean Riley)
5. MacBook Pro (16-inch, M4 Pro)
The Ultimate MacBook for Performance and Battery Life
Read Expert Review
Key Specifications
- CPU: Apple M4 Pro/M4 Max
- GPU: Apple M4 Pro/M4 Max
- RAM: Configurable from 24GB up to 128GB
- Storage: Options from 512GB up to 8TB SSD
- Display: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR (3456 x 2234 pixels) with 120Hz refresh rate
- Dimensions: 14 x 9.8 x 0.7 inches
- Weight: 4.7 pounds
Reasons to Purchase
- Exceptional overall and gaming performance
- Class-leading battery life for a performance laptop
- Superb audio quality
- Stunning and expansive display
Drawbacks to Consider
- Higher starting price at $2,499
Pros: The 16-inch MacBook Pro builds upon the strengths of the 14-inch model, offering a larger 16-inch display. It shares the same M4 Pro and M4 Max chip options and supports up to 128GB of RAM and an 8TB SSD, making it a powerhouse for demanding tasks. Battery life is even more impressive, lasting 20 hours and 46 minutes in our tests, the longest battery life we’ve recorded for a MacBook and among the top for any laptop in its class. This combination of performance and battery life is almost unparalleled.
For users planning to keep their laptop for 5-7 years or more, especially those in creative fields or requiring high-speed data transfer, the 16-inch MacBook Pro offers Thunderbolt 5 ports. While Thunderbolt 5 peripherals are still emerging, they promise future-proof high-bandwidth connectivity for docks, external SSDs, and other devices.
Cons: The primary downside is the price premium. The 16-inch MacBook Pro starts at $500 more than the 14-inch model while offering largely similar features, except for the larger screen and Thunderbolt 5. If these specific features aren’t critical, the 14-inch model may offer better value.
Additionally, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is considerably larger and heavier, weighing 4.7 pounds and measuring 14 x 9.8 x 0.66 inches, making it less portable than the 14-inch version. Like the 14-inch model, it lacks Face ID, and some users may find the vent design less comfortable. However, these are minor concerns considering its overall capabilities.
For an in-depth review, please read our full MacBook Pro 16-inch M4 Pro review.
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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 (Score) | 22,822 | 21,182 | 12,141 | 15,286 | 10,492 |
| Handbrake Conversion (Time in MM:SS) | 2:38 | 2:36 | 3:53 | 3:15 | 6:18 |
| Battery Life (HH:MM) | 20:46 | 18:05 | 9:51 | 9:32 | 13:23 |
| DCI-P3 Color Gamut (%) | 81.4 | 81.8 | 105.7 | 85.5 | 84.7 |
| Display Brightness (Nits) | 565 | 558 | 373 | 356 | 434 |
How We Evaluate MacBooks
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(Image credit: Future)
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(Image credit: Future)
At Laptop Mag, we conduct thorough benchmark testing on all MacBooks before they reach our reviewers. Our evaluations cover a wide spectrum of attributes, from speed and battery performance to display quality, audio output, and thermal management.
We utilize a Klein K10 colorimeter to precisely measure display brightness and sRGB color gamut. For performance benchmarking, we employ a suite of tests including Geekbench 6, BlackMagic Disk Speed Test, and PugetBench for Adobe CC, assessing both synthetic and real-world performance.
To gauge real-world performance, we task each MacBook with transcoding a 4K video to 1080p resolution. Our graphics performance tests on MacBooks include gaming benchmarks with titles 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.
Thermal testing is conducted by playing a 15-minute full-screen video and monitoring surface temperatures. Our proprietary Laptop Mag Battery Test involves continuous web browsing over Wi-Fi at 150 nits of brightness. A battery life exceeding 10 hours is considered excellent, a standard that all current MacBooks easily surpass. These objective tests are complemented by extensive hands-on reviews from our experienced team.
Why Trust Laptop Mag for Your Tech Decisions?
Laptop Mag rigorously reviews over a hundred laptops annually, ranging from ultraportable notebooks to high-performance gaming rigs. Our expertise extends beyond laptops, encompassing detailed testing of smartphones, tablets, headphones, PC peripherals, software, and the latest in gaming technology.
We pride ourselves on our 100% independence and bring decades of experience to help you make informed purchasing decisions. Laptop Mag has been a trusted source for product reviews for three decades, delivering reliable and trustworthy evaluations.
Our team of seasoned writers and editors meticulously research and test each laptop to identify the best options for various needs. Before reviews are published, our dedicated testing team subjects each system to a rigorous battery of synthetic and real-world benchmarks, ensuring that our reviews accurately reflect how each laptop performs in typical usage scenarios and demanding tasks.
As part of Future Publishing, one of the world’s largest technology publishers, Laptop Mag adheres to stringent editorial standards, ensuring our trustworthiness and accuracy. Future Publishing’s extensive experience across all technology sectors makes us uniquely qualified to provide expert, unbiased reviews, and Laptop Mag is the group’s specialist in mobile technology.
