The Best MacBook to Buy in 2024

The Best MacBook to Buy in 2024. The year 2024 brings with it new technological advancements, particularly in Apple's MacBook lineup, with the introduction of the M3 chip across all MacBook models. Whether you’re a professional looking for performance, a student seeking portability, or a casual user interested in affordability, choosing the right MacBook can be a daunting task.

The Best MacBook to Buy in 2024

The wide range of options, from M1 and M2 MacBooks still available to the new M3 models, further complicates the decision. In this guide, we will break down each model to help you make the best choice based on your unique needs.

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Understanding Apple’s M3 Chip

Before diving into specific models, let’s look at what makes the M3 chip such a significant update. The M3 chip is built using a next-generation 3nm process, which improves both performance and efficiency. This translates into faster processing, better graphics performance, and improved battery life compared to the M1 and M2 chips.

Additionally, the M3 chip is ideal for both everyday tasks like browsing and streaming, as well as more demanding applications such as video editing, gaming, and 3D rendering. The M3 series brings noticeable improvements in areas like gaming performance, cooling efficiency, and even multi-core processing. If you’re upgrading from an older MacBook or buying one for the first time, the M3 chip ensures you’re getting cutting-edge performance.

1. MacBook Air 13-inch (M3): The Perfect All-Rounder

The MacBook Air 13-inch (M3) is arguably the best MacBook for most people in 2024. With the M3 chip under the hood, this laptop provides a stellar balance between power, portability, and price.

Why You Should Buy It:

• Portability: Weighing in at just 2.7 pounds, the 13-inch MacBook Air is incredibly light and easy to carry, making it ideal for students, professionals, or anyone frequently on the go.
• Performance: The M3 chip’s 3nm architecture ensures that the 13-inch MacBook Air delivers excellent performance for tasks like web browsing, streaming, and light photo/video editing. The M3’s integrated GPU also allows for some light gaming and graphical work.
• Battery Life: Apple claims up to 18 hours of battery life, making it a great option for users who need long-lasting power throughout the day.
• Display: The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display offers 500 nits of brightness, ensuring vivid colors and crisp images, making it perfect for both casual use and creative work.

Pros:

• Thin and light design
• Silent, fanless operation
• Ability to connect to two external displays (a first for MacBook Air models)

Cons:

• No mini-LED or ProMotion technology (which is available on the MacBook Pro models)

For most users, the 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 is a fantastic all-rounder, offering enough power for everyday use without breaking the bank. Unless you have specific high-performance needs, this should be at the top of your list.

2. MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3 Max): The Powerhouse for Professionals

For users who require more performance, particularly in areas like video editing, software development, or graphic design, the MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3 Max) is a true workhorse.

Why You Should Buy It:

• Power: The M3 Max chip is built for professional-level tasks, with up to 38% faster multi-core CPU performance compared to the M2 Max. It’s ideal for anyone who works with resource-heavy applications.
• Graphics: The M3 Max provides up to a 56% uplift in GPU performance compared to its predecessor, making it suitable for 3D rendering, video production, and even gaming. In fact, it even outperforms the RTX 4070 laptop chip, making it a surprising contender for gamers.
• Display: The mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display with 120Hz ProMotion makes the MacBook Pro 14-inch a standout for visual work. The high contrast ratio and true blacks are perfect for video editing, while the 120Hz refresh rate ensures a smooth experience.

Pros:

• Exceptional performance for creative and professional applications
• Superior mini-LED display with ProMotion
• Excellent battery life for a performance machine

Cons:

• High price point
• Overkill for casual users

If you’re a power user who demands top-tier performance, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max is one of the best laptops on the market. It handles intensive workloads with ease and provides an excellent experience for creative professionals.

3. MacBook Air 15-inch (M3): Larger Display, Same Portability

In 2023, Apple introduced a 15-inch version of the MacBook Air, and in 2024, this model comes with the M3 chip. The MacBook Air 15-inch (M3) offers a larger screen while maintaining the same sleek and portable design that the Air lineup is known for.

Why You Should Buy It:

• Display: The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display is one of the main attractions here. With a P3 wide color gamut and 500 nits of brightness, it offers excellent visuals for photo editing, watching movies, or even gaming.
• Gaming and Graphics: While the Air models aren’t known for gaming, the M3 chip’s improved GPU means that the 15-inch MacBook Air can handle light gaming and casual creative work without issue.
• Portability: Despite its larger screen, the 15-inch MacBook Air is only slightly heavier than the 13-inch version, making it a great option for users who want more screen space without sacrificing portability.

Pros:

• Large, vibrant display
• Silent operation
• Great for media consumption and light creative work

Cons:

• Bulkier than the 13-inch Air
• No mini-LED or ProMotion features

For users who need a bigger screen but don’t want the bulk or price of a MacBook Pro, the 15-inch MacBook Air is an excellent middle ground.

4. MacBook Air 13-inch (M2): Best Budget MacBook

With the introduction of the M3 chip, Apple has dropped the price of its MacBook Air 13-inch (M2), making it a solid option for budget-conscious buyers.

Why You Should Buy It:

• Affordability: The price drop makes the M2 version an attractive option for users who don’t need the absolute latest technology.
• Performance: While the M2 chip isn’t as powerful as the M3, it still offers excellent performance for everyday tasks like browsing, watching videos, and light productivity work.
• Design: The redesign introduced with the M2 chip gave the MacBook Air a sleek, modern look, and the fanless design keeps it running quietly even under load.

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Great design and portability
• Excellent battery life

Cons:

• Not as powerful as the M3 models
• Limited to a single external display

If you’re on a budget but still want a premium laptop experience, the M2 MacBook Air is an excellent choice, offering good performance and a modern design at a lower cost.

5. MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max): The Ultimate MacBook for Power Users

For those who need the most power and screen space, the MacBook Pro 16-inch (M3 Max) is the ultimate machine. This model is perfect for professionals in fields like video production, 3D modeling, and software development, offering unmatched performance and a stunning display.

Why You Should Buy It:

• Performance: With the M3 Max chip, this MacBook delivers incredible performance, handling even the most demanding tasks with ease. The multi-core CPU and powerful GPU make it perfect for professionals who need the best.
• Display: The 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display offers mini-LED technology, providing deep blacks, vibrant colors, and a 120Hz refresh rate for smooth performance. It’s the best display you can find on any MacBook.
• Audio and Battery: The six-speaker sound system provides immersive audio, and the large battery ensures long-lasting power, even during intense workflows.

Pros:

• Best performance in the MacBook lineup
• Large, stunning display
• Great for creative professionals

Cons:

• Extremely expensive
• Overkill for non-professional users

If you’re looking for the most powerful and feature-rich MacBook, the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max is the clear choice. It’s built for users who need the best performance possible.

Should You Buy a Refurbished MacBook?

Refurbished MacBooks are an excellent option for those who want to save money without sacrificing quality. Apple offers certified refurbished models that come with the same warranty and support as new MacBooks. Refurbished models from authorized resellers are also a good option, but make sure you’re buying from a trusted source.

If you decide to buy a refurbished MacBook, consider opting for models with Apple Silicon (M1, M2, or M3), as they offer better performance and efficiency compared to Intel-based models.

Which MacBook Should You Buy in 2024?

Ultimately, the best MacBook for you depends on your needs and budget:

• Best All-Rounder: The **13-inch