The best MacBooks you can get in 2025: Should you buy an Air or Pro?
All products featured here are independently selected by our editors and writers. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.
Any time you shop for a new laptop, a lot of people are going to tell you the same thing: Get a MacBook.
We don't blame them. The best MacBooks are fantastic laptops, and while they don't afford you the freedom of customization that other brands offer, that's not something everyone will care about. Most of us just want a high-quality laptop that'll get us through work, school, and play with minimal fuss.
SEE ALSO: Laptop specs explained: A jargon-free guide to what's inside your computer
Although MacBooks can get a bit pricey — with the latest M4 MacBook Pros reaching into truly frightening territory — they justify the price with Apple's signature design, user-friendly OS, and zippy M-series processors. We were excited to see that the latest M4 MacBook Air starts at a relatively budget-friendly $999. Plus, you can often find MacBook Air and Pro models on sale if you shop third-party retailers like Amazon or Best Buy.
After testing out Apple's entire lineup of laptops, we're here to help you narrow down the choices and take home the Apple machine of your dreams.
With today's current lineup of MacBooks, you really only have two options: The MacBook Pro or the MacBook Air. So, which is right for you?
If you're a creative who regularly pushes your laptop to the limit with demanding video and photo editing applications, you'll want to aim for the Pro. The name of the game with the Pro line is processing power, and the latest iterations are the speediest and most performance-driven yet.
Testing the all-rounder M4 MacBook Air. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable
Testing the super-powered M4 MacBook Pro. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable
If convenience and portability are your top priorities, then the Air will be most suited to you. It's thin and light, and it even comes in a 13-inch option if you'll be lugging it around wherever you go. Plus, ever since the debut of Apple's M Series chips, the MacBook Air has become a pint-sized powerhouse. The most current model utilizes the M4 chip, so you won't be sacrificing all that much in terms of power.
SEE ALSO: The best Windows laptops we tested in 2024: Our pick lasts longer than the M4 MacBook Pro
After testing out the latest Apple laptops, we think there are four MacBooks worth buying in 2025. Check out our top picks below, their pros and cons, and who we think would like each model best.
This will come down to what you're willing to give up in performance, and in some cases, quality. But whatever you do deem worthy of sacrificing, you'll be paid back in savings. For example, the 2022 model M2 MacBook Air won't come with the latest chip, but you'll still be scoring an impressive laptop that frequently goes on sale for as low as $849.99.
A photo from Mashable's test of the M1 MacBook Air. Credit: Zlata Ivleva / Mashable
Testing the M2 MacBook Air. Credit: Molly Flores / Mashable
So, if you've got a lighter budget, don't fret — you can still get a MacBook at an affordable price. Older MacBooks are still very much worthy of your consideration, and they won't cost you nearly as much.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
33 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Buy now pay later provider Zilch to launch first physical card
Zilch, which offers buy now, pay later for brands such as Amazon and Iceland, is launching its first physical card as part of a new partnership with Visa. The fintech, which has been named one of the fastest-growing in the UK, said it means more of its customers can make payments in stores. Zilch currently offers a virtual card, stored in its app or in people's mobile wallets, which links to customers' debit cards and means they can pay for shopping flexibly. People can choose to pay in full, or spread payments over six weeks or three months, at retailers from Primark and Asos to Just Eat and eBay. While the virtual card can be used in shops as well as online, Zilch said that nearly 80% of UK adults do not regularly use mobile wallets so having a physical card will drive more transactions. It is also set to open up buy-now-pay-later options for bigger purchases like home repairs, hotel check-ins, and car rentals. The cards will become available to its existing customers from September. The London-based company has grown its customer base to more than five million since launching five year ago and securing authorisation from the UK's Financial Conduct Authority. It reached a valuation of two billion dollars (£1.5 billion) in 2021 and was named one of the UK's fastest-growing fintech unicorns this year. Buy now, pay later providers like Klarna and Clearpay have come under new standards since legislation was introduced last month. It came amid concerns that a lack of regulation has led some of the 10 million people who use it to take on too much debt. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Android Authority
44 minutes ago
- Android Authority
Robot deals: Narwal Freo X Ultra and Freo Pro drop to record-low prices!
Jonathan Feist / Android Authority Are you looking for a robot vacuum and mop? They're the best way to keep your floors clean with little to no effort, and two of our favorite models are on sale right now, hitting new all-time low prices we've never seen before! Keep reading to learn more about the Narwal Freo X Ultra and Narwal Freo Pro. Buy the Narwal Freo X Ultra for just $549.99 ($350 off) Buy the Narwal Freo Pro for just $499.99 ($200 off) Both of these offers are available from Amazon and are labeled as 'limited time deals.' The discount is automatic, so simply add your favorite model to your cart and check out! Narwal Freo X Ultra Narwal Freo X Ultra Narwal Freo X Ultra Our floors have never looked cleaner Powerful suction, anti-clog dirt channels and brushes, LiDAR and laser sensors, and a convenient self-cleaning base station make the Narwal Freo X Ultra one of the best robot vacuums we've seen for home users. Safe and efficient operation for wood, tile, carpet, and nearly every floor surface in between. See price at Amazon Save $350.00 Limited Time Deal! For value per dollar, the Narwal Freo X Ultra is still my personal favorite robot vacuum and mop combo. It's literally the one I use. Sure, the newer Narwal Freo Z Ultra is better, but it is also significantly more expensive—it costs twice as much right now, to be exact. Also, that's only if you have an Amazon Prime subscription; it's more expensive if you don't! And while the Narwal Freo X Ultra isn't the latest, it's also not really that old, launched in early 2024. That said, the Narwal Freo X Ultra was the last premium offering from the brand, so it is very capable. It features a mighty 8,200Pa suction power. I've seen it pick up metal marbles with ease. Regular debris and dust will be no challenge. Additionally, the tri-laser system is really efficient at avoiding obstacles. I've had no issues with it in this department! One of my favorite things about this model is its mopping system. It's kind of life-changing. The two rotating mops rotate, effectively scrubbing your floors. My previous robot cleaners would just drag a rag across the floor. Not only that, but when the robot returns to the dock, the system will recognize how dirty the mops came back. The robot will continue going back to mop until the floors are actually clean. Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority While we are on the topic of the base, it is super convenient. The dock can store both clean and dirty water, and the app will let you know when it's time to dump or refill it. The detergent goes in the base, too, and it is dispensed automatically. Additionally, the base will wash and dry your mopping pads, keeping funky, humid smells at bay. The hands-off approach is amazing if you want a robot vacuum and mop that will require little maintenance on your end. The tangleless brush means you won't need to manually remove hair from it all the time, which is excellent news for those of us with long hair or pets. And the dust bin can store up to seven weeks of debris! I honestly rarely have to mess with it. I just dump the dirty water and refill the freshwater tank about once a week. Again, this is a brand-new all-time low price for this model. Get it while you can. You will not regret it! Narwal Freo Pro Narwal Freo Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo Narwal Freo Pro Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo LiDAR and more in a mid-range bot There are not many compromises in the Narwal Freo Pro to help bring the price down. Only a few controls in the base station, manual detergent addition, but still some of the best floor cleaning capabilities we've seen from a robot vacuum. See price at Amazon Save $200.00 Limited Time Deal! Now, if you want to save even more, the Narwal Freo Pro is a great robot, and it is also at a record-low price! It was released as a more affordable alternative to the brand's more expensive 2025 units, but it is actually very similar to the Narwal Freo X Ultra! Of course, the manufacturer made some sacrifices to reach a lower price, but it is actually better in some ways, too. Let's talk about the differences. For starters, the suction power gets upgraded to 8,500Pa, so it's slightly stronger. Something that catches my eye is that the newer front brushes are better at avoiding tangles, making it an even better option for those of us with long hair and pets! The rest of the experience is very similar in terms of features. The dock will wash and dry the mopping pads, obstacle detection is still outstanding, and you get the same seven-week debris collection time. Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority But, where are the downsides? Well, they honestly aren't many, and they aren't that annoying. The Narwal Freo Pro base doesn't have physical controls, so you'll need to rely on the app. That said, I have yet to use the physical controls on mine, so I personally wouldn't mind the lack of physical buttons. Additionally, it doesn't have automatic detergent dispensing. You'll need to throw in a tablet whenever you replace the freshwater tank. It's an extra little step, but definitely not a deal-breaker either. If I were to pay full price for any of these, I would honestly go for the Narwal Freo Pro. Its downsides aren't that bad, and it is actually better in some ways. That said, today's deals put them very close in price. I would probably pay the extra $50 for the Narwal Freo X Ultra, mainly for the automatic detergent dispensing. Again, these are both record-low prices, so go take advantage of these deals while you can! We don't see them sticking around for long. If you're not convinced by either of these, here's our list of the best robot vacuums!
Motor 1
an hour ago
- Motor 1
Amazon's In-Car Technology Deal With Stellantis Is Dead
In early 2022, Stellantis announced that it would work with Amazon to develop new software for the automaker's vehicles. That included technology for the cabin and infotainment experience. It was called SmartCockpit , and it was supposed to arrive in vehicles starting in 2024. However, that deadline came and went without the software, and now we know why—Amazon and Stellantis are ending their SmartCockpit collaboration. Both companies confirmed to Reuters that they were "winding down" SmartCockpit development. Neither company told the publication the reason for the mutual decision; however, they said in a statement that this would allow the companies to "focus on solutions that provide value to our shared customers and better align with our evolving strategies." In 2022, Stellantis said that SmartCockpit would run in millions of Stellantis vehicles globally beginning last year. It was supposed to "integrate with customers' digital lives" and create a personalized experience with AI-enhanced apps, Alexa-enabled voice controls, and other tech-centric features. Stellantis claimed that SmartCockpit would adapt to a driver's behaviors and interests, as well as work with other Amazon services. The SmartCockpit project is just one example of automakers reaching out to tech companies for help in developing software, as some of them have struggled. Volkswagen has had serious issues with software that delayed several projects . Amazon is just one company fighting to control your vehicle's screens. Google Built-In (not to be confused with Android Auto) is already in many vehicles, including those of General Motors, Ford, Honda, Volvo, and others. Apple wants to solidify its dominance with its CarPlay Ultra , which takes over every screen in a car. It recently launched on Aston Martins. Infotainment Showdown: Land Rover's Official Apple CarPlay Retrofit Kit Won't Come to the US GM Killed the Only Apple CarPlay Retrofit for Its EVs Get the best news, reviews, columns, and more delivered straight to your inbox, daily. back Sign up For more information, read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use . Source: Reuters Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
