Selecting the right Mac laptop isn’t easy, with three core models and four versions of the MacBook Pro - Apple’s most powerful and versatile laptop - to choose from. How you select the best Mac to buy depends on several factors, including what you need it for and of course, budget. Mac laptops go from $1299 to $2399.

Apple essentially now has six laptops to choose from: MacBook, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro (13 and 15 inch screen), and the same 13 and 15 inch MacBook Pro, equipped with a Touch Bar and Touch ID.

If you’re considering buying a new Mac because yours is starting to slow down, there is a cheaper option. CleanMyMac X is a powerful and effective Mac declutter and cleaning tool - clearing away 62GB - on average, of junk that slows Macs down. You can download it here for free.

Options to consider when buying a Mac laptop

In this Mac buying guide, we cover the merits and downsides of each model, and outline the advantages of each option, depending on how you intend to use your Mac laptop. Here is a rundown of the options:

1. MacBook

First introduced in 2015 and refreshed in 2017, this is the sturdy and reliable MacBook, Apple’s core Mac laptop. Not the cheapest (starting at $1299), but oddly enough, the lightest in the range - even lighter than the MacBook Air.

Best mac for developers 2016. Blockbusters RebornSimultaneously nostalgic and new, these world-famous franchises were boldly reimagined.The Storyteller WithinIn 2019, these apps helped us discover our inner creators — in whatever form they took. Trends of the YearThese apps and games for iPhone and iPad were part of two cultural phenomenons that helped define 2019.

May 18, 2020.

It comes with four color options: Gold, Silver, Space Grey or Rose Gold. And you can pick from three base models:

The best laptop: Dell XPS 13. Why should you buy this: It’s portable, fast, attractive,. Jul 20, 2020.

1.2GHz dual-core Intel Core m3;
1.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5;
1.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i7.

You can either select an 8GB or 16GB memory, with the option of a 256GB or 512GB SSD hard drive, giving you a decent amount of memory and processing power for work, studying and leisure.

One downside with the MacBook is it only comes with one USB-C port for the power charging and data transfer (a new version of a USB that isn’t widespread yet; which will probably mean buying an expensive adapter). It is fast and efficient, with around 10 hours battery life. Not the most powerful Mac laptop in the range, but a sturdy workhorse for the price.

2. MacBook Air

Slim and lightweight, the MacBook Air is ideal for commuters, students and those who need a laptop occasionally, but won’t need to use it all of the time. For those on a budget, this is definitely the best Mac to buy, starting at $999, making it cheaper than the MacBook.

It comes with a 13-inch screen, is only available in silver, and you can pick from two core models (1.8GHz, 128GB, or a 1.8GHz, 256GB); although both only come with 8GB of RAM. However, you can upgrade - at extra cost - to a 2.2GHz processor with 512GB worth of storage.

A few downsides include the fact that it still uses a 2015 model processor, and it isn’t powerful enough for gamers, video editors, vloggers and professional developers. It’s also lacking a future-proof feature, as it doesn't come with a USB-C port. An 11-inch version is now only available second hand, with the newer 13-inch version coming equipped with more connectivity ports than a MacBook and the original smaller Air, including a MagSafe 2, two USB 3.0 ports, Thunderbolt 2, and an SDXC card slot.

Ideal for those who don't want to carry a heavy laptop, although with it squeezing a similar amount of computing power in a smaller frame, it does weigh somewhat heavier than the more expensive MacBook. Something for students and those on a budget to keep in mind.

Mac Laptops At Best Buy

3. MacBook Pro: 13 and 15 inch

For working professionals, video producers, designers, developers, and anyone who prefers to use a Mac laptop, the MacBook Pro is the workhorse many know, trust, and would recommend. Equally, gamers also benefit from the speed and processing power contained within the MacBook Pro.

With the MacBook Pro, you get a range of base specs to choose from:

MacBook Pro - 13.3-inch - 2.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, or;
MacBook Pro - 13.3-inch - 2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor;
MacBook Pro - 15.4-inch - 2.2GHz, 2.5GHz, or 2.8GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor.

Best apple mac computer for college student

Memory size options go from a 128GB to 1TB SSD hard drive in the smaller model, with 256GB to 1TB worth of memory in the 15-inch version. Both are available in space grey and silver.

Newer versions of both come with a Touch Bar and Touch ID; although Apple have made significant upgrades in other ways too, which has made some journalists question “whether the 13inch MacBook Pros deserve the 'Pro' name at all.” It is also worth noting that the older, 15-inch version runs on the same processor model as the MacBook and MacBook Air, which means the same physical connectivity options are included: a MagSafe 2, two USB 3.0 ports, Thunderbolt 2, and an SDXC card slot.

4. MacBook Pro: 13 and 15 inch (with Touch Bar and Touch ID)

As we mentioned above, these new models are worth their own section in this Mac Buyers guide.

In many ways, they're more powerful than the older models that lack the Touch Bar and Touch ID. Apple is taking biometric security seriously, with the Touch ID fingerprint sensor replacing the power button. Both of these features are powered by the Apple T1 chip, combining Apple's Secure Enclave architecture to authenticate biometric data (you’ll also find these on modern iOS devices) and the super-efficient processor from the Series 2 Apple Watch.

With this level of security, the Secure Enclave makes it impossible for third-party apps or malware to gain access to your fingerprint data, and everything your fingerprint protects. Apart from the security benefits, these MacBook Pros come with the following range of spec options:

MacBook Pro - 13.3-inch - 3.1GHz or 3.3GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor;
MacBook Pro - 13.3-inch - 3.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 processor;
MacBook Pro - 15.4-inch - 2.8GHz, 2.9GHz, or 3.1GHz quad-core Intel Core i7 processor.

Memory size options go from a 256GB to a 1TB SSD hard drive, with an impressive 2TB an option in the 15-inch version. Touch Bar models come with four USB-C ports, with one needed for the power cord, and both come with a headphone jack, although they don't have any other physical connectivity options.

Which Mac should I buy?

Even knowing all of the specs, memory options, information on processors, systems and connectivity ports, making a comparison is still not easy. So below, we've considered which is the best Apple laptop from a range of viewpoints, considering how they might be used and who is using them.

Best option for a portable laptop

When it comes to carrying a laptop around, something that will fit into a backpack, shoulder bag, or even mid-to-large handbag, the MacBook is the lightest and most portable. Most would assume - as the name suggests - the MacBook Air, but the 2015 redesign made it heavier and comes with a lower resolution screen.

Unfortunately, you do make some sacrifices for portability, with only one USB-C and, as the cheapest in the range, it is less powerful than other Mac laptops. But for those who want something easy to carry around, light, portable, and cheap, the MacBook beats the others.

Best Mac laptop for students

Students need laptops in classes, lectures and libraries - even when researching online, libraries - many equipped for modern laptops and tablets - are ideal places to work. Students need something portable and cheap - although many can stretch a budget a little further with the Apple education discount - making the MacBook an ideal option.

Although for a little more computing power a

Best Apple Mac Computer To Buy