Whether you’re looking for a laptop to keep you entertained or you need a powerhouse machine to keep your business running smoothly, Apple’s MacBooks are worth the hype they receive. MacBooks are constantly ranked as one of the best laptops on the market – and for good reason.

MacBooks are powerful and boast Apple’s incredibly simple operating system, iOS. MacBooks are easy to use from the get-go, and setting up a MacBook is more often than not a seamless and simple experience. 

Get ready to use or download all your favorite productivity apps and get back to your workflow in record time. Although price-wise MacBooks are on the higher end, rest assured that they retain their value and are built to last.

Apple has a simple lineup of MacBooks to choose from, each slightly different in tech specs and price. If you’re not familiar, Apple has two noteworthy MacBooks – the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. 

Best MacBook overall: MacBook Pro 14’’

• Price: From $1999
• Best Features: M1 Pro chip, powerful performance, extended battery life, stunning liquid retina XDR display, impressive camera and audio, additional ports
• Reasons to avoid: Pricey, more power, and options than you need

The 2021 MacBook Pro 14’’ is the newest and top-of-the-line MacBook. From speed to performance to battery life, this laptop puts the pro in professional. In 2021, Apple announced its M1 chip that packs a serious punch.

But what about battery life? The MacBook Pro 14’’ has a game-changing battery that will keep you up and running. You can expect up to seventeen hours of video playback or eleven hours of wireless web browsing.

It doesn’t stop there. The MacBook Pro 14’’ model has a stunning Liquid Retina XDR display, top-of-the-line camera, improved mic, and sound system, and features more ports than its predecessors, allowing you to plug in all your necessary items.  

Best bang for your buck: MacBook Air 

• Price: From $999
• Best Features: Budget-friendly, M1 chip, extended battery life, beautiful retina display, Touch ID
• Reasons to avoid: Fewer ports, you wanting the M1 Pro or M1 Max chip speeds

Apple’s MacBook Air is perfectly capable of getting the job done right. Although a scaled-back version of the MacBook Pro series of laptops, the MacBook Air has a do-it-all attitude while keeping your purse a bit happier overall. 

The MacBook Air is equipped with the M1 chip, which is plenty powerful for your performance needs. Take on your professional projects such as editing or enjoy quick processing speeds through gaming – the MacBook Air can handle both with ease. This laptop shares much of the same hardware and tech specs as the base-level MacBook Pro 13’’.

Enjoy up to eighteen hours of battery life and the thermal efficiency of this quiet and fan-free laptop. If you’re looking for something reliable and plenty capable, look no further than this budget-friendly option.

Best MacBook for business: MacBook Pro 16’’

• Price: From $2499
• Best Features: Ability to choose between the M1 Pro or M1 Max chip, Liquid Retina XDR display, multiple ports, a large size screen
• Reasons to avoid: Most expensive MacBook

Without a doubt, Apple’s MacBook Pro 16’’ takes the blue ribbon for the most powerful laptop. This particular MacBook Pro is the only model where you can choose the Apple M1 Max – Apple’s most powerful chip for those with intensive business demands. This alone makes the MacBook Pro 16’’ the best MacBook for business on the market. 

Nothing is spared in the MacBook Pro 16’’, from the largest of displays to an increased number of ports – if you make your living by working on a laptop, this machine is incomparable. 

Are MacBook Pros or Airs better?

The MacBook Pro is superior in many ways – but only if you need that kind of power. Especially for those in need of higher-end processing performance, a MacBook Pro will undoubtedly come in handy if you’re a video or audio professional with editing needs. The larger display is a game-changer when it comes to those preferring a big-screen experience. In addition, the increased number of ports is a win-win for the Pro series.

That said – it’s important to mention that the MacBook Air can still crush your everyday workload – it just depends on your work industry and performance needs. If you’re looking for a reliable home laptop or a scaled-back version of the Pro series, a MacBook Air would be a great option to consider. Aesthetically pleasing, the MacBook Air also offers a desirable gold color, which is a warm welcome to the cool gray and silver tones of the MacBook Pro series. 

The bottom line – you really can’t go wrong with an Apple MacBook. 

How long do MacBooks last?

MacBooks are popular for a reason. Apple’s secure iOS operating system keeps their laptops (and all products, for that matter) virus-free and up and running for the long haul. The typical lifespan of a MacBook goes beyond seven years. For this reason, we believe the higher price of a MacBook is well worth the initial investment. 

If your current laptop is reaching the end of its life, consider a MacBook Pro or Air – we doubt you’ll be disappointed. And if you’re interested in learning more about what laptops outside of Apple might be right for you, check out Reviews Republic’s other laptop reviews.