Apple launches the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023), MacBook Pro 14-inch (2023), and Mac mini (2023), all of which have the new M2 Pro and M2 Max chips. These are the best MacBooks and Macs of 2023. (or the M2 and M2 Pro in the case of the Mac mini).

As with earlier models that came with Apple’s own SoCs (system on chip), these new Macs perform very well, which is why we’ve put them on our list of the best MacBooks and Macs.

With the release of the new models, Apple has stopped selling the 2021 models of the 14-inch and 16-inch, as well as the 2020 Mac mini. However, other stores may still have them in stock, and they may even be on sale.

Even though Windows laptops try their best, the best MacBooks and Macs offer a smoother, more streamlined, and more stable experience. So, if you want to switch to macOS or replace an old system with a newer one, these are the first ones you should think about.
We’ve tried and reviewed every Mac and MacBook from Apple, so you can trust us to help you find the best one for your needs and budget. Here are the best MacBooks or Macs for video editing, music production, and college, along with the best MacBook deals to help you save money on your choice of machine.

The Best MacBook And Macs In 2023

1. MacBook Air (M2, 2022)

The MacBook Pros are great for power users and people who make their own content, but the MacBook Air is for the rest of us (M2, 2022). That doesn’t mean that it isn’t strong on its own. In fact, when we tested it, we found that it worked very well. It handled 4K video editing and music production workflows quickly and quietly (thanks to its fanless design). In some benchmark tests, its single-core performance is just as good as the 13-inch MacBook Pro (M2, 2022).

Its specs aren’t the only thing that have changed since it came out before. Its battery life went up by 5 hours, so it can now be used for 16 hours on a single charge. It also has a bigger screen and a better design. We didn’t get all of the colours that the 24-inch iMac has, but this one has a much more modern look. It is even thinner and smaller, but the screen size is bigger.

2. MacBook Air (M1, 2020)

Last year ended with a bang when Apple released the much-talked-about M1 silicon chip, which has been a real game-changer so far. And the first laptop to get it is the thinnest and lightest one Apple has ever made. This makes it one of the most exciting laptops Apple has made in recent years. With this new chip, the MacBook Air is better than ever. It has great performance and a long battery life, and the price hasn’t gone up, so it’s still (pretty) cheap. This MacBook is the best for almost everyone.

3. Mac mini (2023)

The Mac mini got an unexpected upgrade in 2023, and now you can choose between the powerful M2 chip or the even more powerful M2 Pro chip. We looked at the M2 Pro model and were very impressed by how well it worked. Even though it’s small, this Mac is very powerful and can run macOS Ventura and any app or game without any trouble.

You should also think about the M2 model. It has the same M2 chip as the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro 13-inch models from 2022 and offers the same level of performance, but at a lower price. Speaking of which, the Mac mini (2023) came out with a new, lower price tag, making it an even better deal.

SPECIFICATIONS

4. MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021)

With the release of the MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021) and its 16-inch counterpart, the MacBook Pro is now at its best. With the new M1 Pro and M1 Max, the MacBook’s power and battery life are off the charts. This is exactly what a professional needs and deserves. Then, Apple adds its XDR display, which has a peak brightness of 1600 nits and a wide colour gamut. There are also three Thunderbolt 4 ports, an SD card slot, and an HDMI port (all of which can stay available thanks to MagSafe charging being back.) It’s one of the best, but also one of the most expensive MacBook Pros ever made.

SPECIFICATIONS

5. iMac (24-inch, 2021)

You’d be wrong to think that the new iMacs can’t be as good as they look. Not only do they look better than their 21.5-inch predecessor because they have a new face that comes in different colours, but they are also better in other ways. They also have new specs, like Apple’s new M1 chip, which makes them much faster than the Intel iMacs that came before. In fact, we’d go so far as to say that the new iMac (24-inch, 2021) is the best all-in-one PC we’ve ever tested. It has certainly earned its spot on our list of the best Macs. You’ll also be happy to know that you’re getting a great deal because the Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse are included—in colours that match, by the way.

SPECIFICATIONS

How to tell which Macs and MacBooks are the best

No matter if it’s the new 16-inch MacBook Pro that just came out or the tiny Mac mini, it’s easy to see why creative professionals choose the best Macs and MacBooks.

Even if you don’t buy the newest models, you still have a few great choices, especially since Apple has updated the MacBook Air, 13-inch MacBook Pro, and 14-inch MacBook Pro in the past year.

The best Macs and MacBooks come in different shapes, sizes, and prices, so whether you want the cheapest MacBook you can find, a professional workhorse that breezes through all your large workloads like a pro, or an all-in-one that saves you space, there’s a Mac on the market for you.

How we find the best MacBooks

Testing the best MacBooks and Macs is harder than you might think, especially since most of these devices are made for creative professionals with more demanding jobs.

We test the device’s build, screen, keyboard, trackpad, and webcam, as well as creative benchmarks like Handbrake and demanding workflows like editing an 8K video in Final Cut Pro and doing real-time 3D modelling and animation, to see how it would work in the real world. We also check how long its battery lasts and how well it deals with heat when running such demanding tasks.