Best MacBooks of 2025: Should you buy air or professionals?

Whenever you buy a new laptop, many people will tell you the same thing: Get a MacBook.

We don’t blame them. The best MacBooks are great laptops, and while they don’t assume the customization freedom offered by other brands, it’s not something everyone cares about. Most of us just want a high-quality laptop that will let us go through work, school and play.

While MacBooks may get a little expensive – the latest M4 MacBook professionals are entering the real terrifying territory, they prove the affordable with Apple’s signature design, user-friendly OS and Zippy M-series processors. Plus, you can usually find MacBook Air and Pro models that are being sold (the cheapest price is around $850 to $999).

After testing Apple’s entire laptop lineup, we’re here to help you narrow down your choices and bring back the Apple Machine of your dreams.

Your First Big Decision: MacBook Pro vs. Air

With the current MacBook lineup, you actually have only two options: the MacBook Pro or the MacBook Air. So, which one is right for you?

If you are a creative person who can push your laptop to the limit regularly with demanding video and photo editing apps, you need to target the professionals. The title of the game using the Pro series is processing power, and the latest iterations are by far the fastest and most performing driver.

Test the M1 MacBook Air after release in 2020.
Credits: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable

Test the super powered M3 MacBook Pro.
Credits: Kimberly Gitton/Mix-up

If your priority is your priority, the air will be best for you. It’s thin and lightweight, and if you’re dragging it out anywhere, you can even use the 13-inch option. In addition, since the debut of Apple’s M-series chips, the MacBook Air has become a pint-sized powerhouse. The latest model utilizes the M3 chip, so you won’t sacrifice much in terms of power.

Which generation of MacBook is the best?

This will boil down to performance you are willing to give up on, in some cases quality. But, no matter what you Do Think that it’s worth sacrificing, you’ll save money. For example, the 2022 Model M2 MacBook Air won’t come with the latest chips, but you’ll still sell for impressive laptops, often for as little as $849.99.

MASHABLE tests photos of M1 MacBook Air.
Credits: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable

Test the M2 MacBook Air.
Credits: Molly Flores / Mashable

So don’t worry if you have a lighter budget – you can still get your MacBook at an affordable price. Older MacBooks are still worthy of your consideration, and they cost almost no more.

What is the best MacBook?

After testing the latest Apple laptops, we think there are four MacBooks worth buying in 2025. Check out our top picks, their pros and cons below, and the people we think we like the most of each model.