Best MacBooks for 2025

The best MacBook for you depends on what you need it for and, especially, your budget. Apple MacBooks aren't cheap, so it's important you know which MacBook will suit your needs before parting with your cash.

We take a look at the key differences between the Apple MacBook Air and MacBook Pro ranges, so you can be confident you're buying the right MacBook for you. We also show you how to get away with paying less.

Our lab tests reveal which models are worth your money and which aren't. See our expert pick of the best laptops.

Which is the best MacBook? Current Mac specs and prices compared

There are two latest MacBook Air and two MacBook Pro models. The cheapest model is the 13-inch MacBook Air. Scroll down for previous-generation Mac models that are still available new.

Here, we’ve lined up all four of the latest MacBook models and their most important specs, and the best prices we could find. Then we bring you our verdict on which is the best MacBook for your own specific needs.

Best cheaper MacBooks: save money on a previous-gen

If you're looking to save money by opting for an older model, look out for the M3 and M2 MacBook generations. MacBooks unfortunately often do hold their price quite well if you go back just a single generation, but you can start to see significant savings if you go back further. We’d suggest you look at grabbing a bargain before they go off sale or consider reputable second-hand refurbished retailers, as you can save upwards of £400.

We wouldn't generally recommend going back more than three years though, unless you're willing to upgrade your MacBook every few years, since Apple typically supports its MacBooks for eight years from launch. 

These are the previous-gen MacBooks to look out for. You might be able to make a considerable saving with some of these over the absolute latest models. 

Want more information to help you choose? Head straight to our expert MacBook reviews.

Best MacBook Air for your needs

Apple has three generations of MacBook Air you can consider:

• 2025 MacBook Air, M4 processor, 13-inch and 15-inch
• 2024 MacBook Air, M3 processor, 13-inch and 15-inch sizes
• 2023 MacBook Air, M2 processor, 15-inch only
• 2022 MacBook Air, M2 processor, 13-inch only

Our tests have uncovered something interesting about battery life and performance, though, which you should know about before you buy.

Which? members can see the full details of our independent MacBook reviews. If you're a member, log in to get access – if you're not, you can join Which?.

MacBook Air prices

Below you'll find the best prices we've found for the current range of MacBook Airs.

2025 13-inch MacBook Air

2025 15-inch MacBook Air

Previous-gen MacBook Air prices

Here you'll find the best prices we've found for the MacBook Airs that are still available new but have been superseded. This is where you can find some great deals. 

2024 13-inch MacBook Air

2024 15-inch MacBook Air

2022 13-inch MacBook Air

Best MacBook Pros: 14- and 16-inch compared

MacBook Pros are expensive. But you can expect them to do pretty much anything you ask, quickly and without fuss.

The MacBook Pros feature upgraded screens, faster processors and more ports than the Airs. You get an SD card reader and an HDMI port, in addition to three USB-C/Thunderbolt ports. 

14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros

These laptops should be capable of intensive video and photo editing. 

If you're looking to save money by opting for an older model, you can look out for the M3, M2 and M1 generations of the larger MacBook Pros, and the early 2023 (M2 Pro/Max) and 2021 (M1 Pro/Max) editions are virtually identical except for a slightly slower set of processors. We’d suggest you look at grabbing a bargain before they go off sale or consider reputable second-hand retailers, as you can save upwards of £400. 

Find out more about buying a second-hand laptop.

See our expert 14-inch 2024 MacBook Pro review and 16-inch 2024 MacBook Pro review.

MacBook Pro prices

Below you'll find the best prices we've found for the current range of MacBook Pros.

Late-2024 14-inch MacBook Pro

Late-2024 16-inch MacBook Pro

Previous-gen MacBook Pro prices

Below, you'll find the best prices we can find at major retailers for the previous-gen MacBook Pro models.

14-inch 2024 MacBook Pro

16-inch 2024 MacBook Pro

MacBook Pro vs MacBook Air

We’ve summarised the ranges above, but if you’re still not sure which to buy, consider the following (the links lead to our expert reviews – only Which? members have full access to these. However, anyone, including non-members, can use the links in our reviews that show the lowest available prices we can find):

1. Just want a MacBook but won’t be doing much heavy photo and video editing? Pick the 2022 13-inch MacBook Air, or the 2025 13-inch MacBook Air or 2024 13-inch MacBook Air if you have a bit more budget and want extra performance and battery life. 
2. Need, or simply fancy, the fastest laptop Apple has to offer? Pick the 14-inch MacBook Pro or 16-inch MacBook Pro (or the 2023 14-inch or 16-inch model); these models have performance that just keeps on going because their built-in cooling fans let the processors work at top speed for longer, but they're not quite as portable-friendly as the MacBook Airs.
3. Want a big screen but don't need the scintillating speed of the MacBook Pro? Go for the 2025 15-inch MacBook Air or 2024 15-inch MacBook Air.
4. Want the most future-proofed MacBook Air? Go for the latest-generation 13-inch MacBook Air or 15-inch MacBook Air. 

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Mac Self Service Repair program

Apple's self-service program allows those who have the confidence and experience to perform repairs on their MacBooks (and iPhones) to buy genuine Apple parts and tools. Apple says the tools and parts available to buy are the same as those made available to authorised repair shops. 

There are a few things to check before embarking on a repair:

• Your device needs to be listed on the Self Service Repair website (when we checked in March 2025, this included 2020-2024 MacBook Air/Pro models).
• You will need to physically have the device, as you need its serial number to see the list of parts available to buy. 

Then you can buy the necessary tools and parts to complete the job. The self-service website also includes manuals that guide you through the process. 

These tasks still require experience in repairing electronics. If you're unsure, you should probably use a qualified repair shop - use our Which? Trusted Traders service to find a good, local one. 

Available parts include screens, logic boards, case components, fans, speakers, antennas and batteries. When buying parts, check whether you can receive a discount if you return the part you’re replacing. 

For more information on the process, head to Apple's Self Service Repair information page.

Definitely know you want to buy an Apple laptop? Check out our Apple MacBook reviews to find out which is right for you, and which retailer has it on sale for the best price.

Is the Mac mini an alternative to a MacBook?

It's small enough to be portable - at 5cm x 12.7cm x 12.7cm (H x W x D), and weighs just 0.67kg (0.73kg for the top-end M4 Pro version).

However, if you're weighing up whether to buy a Mac mini instead of a MacBook, there are caveats you need to consider. Including that you'll need to be connected to a power source and you will need a screen, keyboard and mouse.

Find out more in our detailed Mac mini review, including how the performance of the base spec M4 compares to MacBooks in our lab tests, whether you can use it as a laptop, plus whether you can use it with a tablet instead of a monitor.