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USA Today
18-03-2025
- USA Today
The Best Vibrators, tested in real life, of 2025
Vibrators are an essential part of modern sexual wellness. Today, they're more sophisticated than ever and designed with anatomy, pleasure, and user experience in mind. They range from discreet bullet vibes that fit between your fingers to powerful wands ready to rewire your neural pathways. Some focus on clitoral stimulation alone, while others target the G-spot or multiple erogenous zones at once. Since their rise as a consumer good starting in the 1960s, they've revolutionized how women experience pleasure—and played a key role in bridging the orgasm gap for those who have sex with men. Today's variations in shape, size, material, and smart features mean that finding the right one requires knowing yourself and what's available. That's where this guide comes in. Our Sexperts have tested dozens of vibrators, from the best G-spot vibrators to bullet vibrators we don't want to live without. We've distilled those tested findings to highlight the best options across multiple categories so you can find a perfect match at a glance. Whether you're buying your first vibrator or your latest, we've got you covered. Our standout winner? The Magic Wand Rechargeable (available at Amazon) . This updated version of the 1968 classic delivers deep, rumbly vibrations—and when the battery dies, you can plug it into the wall and keep going. Or coming. Credit: Reviewed / Tim Renzi It's durable and easy to clean. Best Vibrator Overall Magic Wand Rechargeable (HV-270) Vibration patterns: 4 4 Material: Silicone Silicone Waterproof: No No Rechargeable: Yes Hitachi's Magic Wand has been an iconic vibrator and bedside table standby for over 50 years, with several variations now on the market. During testing, our Sexperts attribute the Magic Wand Rechargeable's staying power to its 2.25-inch surface area and its four intensity levels. Don't let its soft, silicone head and semi-flexible neck fool you into thinking it'll be gentle. The Magic Wand packs a powerful orgasm, or four, one after another. The big vibrating head and relentless motor can zap your whole clitoral region, offering a result that translates to big, rolling orgasms instead of quick, jerking ones. Hitachi does make a smaller version, the Magic Wand MINI, which it advertises as having the "same legendary power" as the Original version in a more compact, 9.6-inch size. Pros Great orgasms Good massager Easy to clean Cons Loud Heavy Buy now at Amazon $131.95 from eBay $125.95 from Walmart Credit: Reviewed / Timothy Renzi The Dame Arc has the perfect shape for solo and couple play. Best G-Spot Vibrator Dame Arc Vibration patterns: 5 5 Material: Medical-grade silicone Medical-grade silicone Waterproof: Water-resistant Water-resistant Rechargeable: Yes Out of the box, the Dame Arc looks like a classic G-spot vibrator, although it's quite pretty, which many wand vibrators are not. Behind its design is the best G-spot vibrator on the market right now. The Dame Arc has a lot going for it. It's lightweight and relatively long, making it easy to grasp and integrate into partnered sex. It's also quiet. While most of the other G-spot vibrators we tried featured blunt, rounded ends, the Dame Arc tapers into an angular ridge. You can press this ridge against your G-spot—or use it externally on your clit. This shape, combined with the toy's rumbly vibrations, offers a more powerful sensation than more rounded or buzzy vibrators. The experience can be intense. Even without being a particularly girthy or heavy toy, this is the G-spot vibrator we'd recommend to anyone who wants that 'aches so good' sensation. The Dame Arc's battery can last 81 minutes on the highest setting in our experience—not bad for a rechargeable toy (although the brand says 90 minutes). Although the packaging claims it is waterproof, our tests found that it's probably better described as splash-proof, as full submersion can damage the motor. For a quick shower, though, the Dame Arc works great. She's good alone, good with partners, good when you turn it down, and good when you crank it up. The angular design is simple but effective, letting the user quickly increase the intensity by adding more pressure. Pros Wide range of vibrations Easy to use alone or with partner Comfortable to hold Cons Took on an annoying rattling sound after we submerged it in water $98.99 from Amazon $99.00 from Dermstore $49.99 from Walmart Credit: Reviewed / Womanizer Best Suction Vibrator Womanizer Premium 2 Vibration patterns: 14 14 Material: Body-safe silicone Body-safe silicone Waterproof: Yes Yes Rechargeable: Yes If you're up for it, the Womanizer Premium 2 Clitoral Stimulator can keep you engaged for a whopping four hours before its batteries need to be recharged. Vah-voom! It also operates as softly as a whisper and stays in standby mode unless it's touching skin, making it a great investment for your pleasure sesh if you have thin walls. This high-end sex toy comes with small and medium-sized nozzle heads for personal suitability and an autopilot mode that randomly changes up the play between intensity levels, so you never know what's coming. If you like practicality with your pleasure, the Womanizer boasts an impressive five-year warranty. Pros 14 intensity levels Sucking function Waterproof Cons Learning curve to using it Buy now at Amazon Credit: Reviewed / Timothy Renzi This perfectly palm-sized bullet vibrator has a pleasantly tactile feel, equipped with a variety of settings to please you. Best Bullet Vibrator Maude Vibe Personal Massager Vibration patterns: 3 3 Material: Platinum-grade silicone Platinum-grade silicone Waterproof: Water-resistant Water-resistant Rechargeable: Yes At just under 5 inches long, shaped like a pear, and designed to fit right in the palm of your hand, the Maude Vibe proves you don't have to be fancy to be effective. Unlike many of the other bullet vibrators we tested, this minimalist toy doesn't have countless vibration speeds or patterns. Instead, it has three speed settings, meaning there's virtually no learning curve for beginners. We found the Maude Vibe delivers rumbly-style vibrations up to around 182 hertz (Hz), meaning it offers deeper, more intense stimulation compared to buzzy alternatives. Its conical shape makes it easy to grip and maneuver around the labia, especially compared to some lipstick-shaped bullet vibrators we tried. It was one of the quietest toys overall, too. Its matte, water-resistant silicone makes cleaning it a breeze. Our only gripe is its battery life. Although it is rechargeable, it took up to two hours to fully charge and could only run for about 49 minutes at a time. It won't go the distance if you want to use it with a partner. Some user reviews have claimed the battery tends to brick within about a year or so, and considering the Maude Vibe is only covered by a one-year warranty, this could be a sticking point. Pros Quiet Easy to use Beginner-friendly Powerful, rumbly-style vibrations Comes with a travel pouch Cons Limited battery life Buy now at Amazon Credit: Reviewed Internal and external stimulation from the popular brand. Best Rabbit Vibrator Lelo Soraya Wave Vibration patterns: 8 8 Material: Body-safe silicone, ABS plastic Body-safe silicone, ABS plastic Waterproof: Yes Yes Rechargeable: Yes Our favorite rabbit vibrator comes from the Swedish sex toy brand Lelo. In case you're not in the know, this popular style of women's vibrator delivers dual, internal, and external stimulation at the same time, and the Wave takes it to another level by introducing a 'finger-like' motion to the mix. In addition to vibrating, the shaft of the toy curls up and down a la 'come hither' to maximize G-spot stimulation. She is pretty and easy to clean, with her dulcet silicone exterior that comes in three colors. The Soraya Wave also features a loop in the base that makes her easy to hold. Spend some time with her—she's not meant for a quickie and goes far beyond clitoral stimulation, according to our Soraya Wave reviewer. Our favorite feature: It delivers fast, powerful orgasms inside and out. If you're trying to indulge in some discrete self-pleasure, the Soraya Wave probably isn't the best tool for the job. We were surprised at how loud it is. This toy is best suited for solo use—it's simply too big and bulky to use during intercourse. Pros Unique finger-like motion Maximum G-spot stimulation Easy to clean Easy to hold Cons Loud Too big for use during intercourse Buy now at Amazon $214 $238 at eBay $109.00 from Walmart Credit: Reviewed / We-Vibe Ready to add vibration? The We-Vibe Ditto is ideal for beginners and experienced players, and can be controlled from an app or with a hand-held remote. Best Anal Vibrator We-Vibe DItto+ Vibration patterns: 10 10 Material: Body-safe silicone Body-safe silicone Waterproof: Yes Yes Rechargeable: Yes A small yet satisfying vibrating butt plug, the We-Vibe Ditto+ provides a titillating experience for beginners and still feels like a delight to anyone more experienced. A rounded tip widens into a curve that tapers to a narrow neck, so it's easy to insert and you don't have to stress about it moving around once it's in place. The base is off-center, which makes for comfortable wear during solo or partnered sex and gives people with vaginas the possibility of receiving vaginal penetration. The vibrations are rumbly and powerful, and the toy lets you know when its battery is low—a feature that will have you wondering why every other sex toy doesn't do the same. Control the Ditto with a hand-held remote, buttons on the base of the toy, or the We-Vibe app. The app allows you to switch between up to four We-Vibe toys, and—best of all—to sync with a partner who can then control the vibration patterns and intensity from anywhere with an internet connection. Pros Easy to insert Comfortable Alerts you to low battery Pairs to phone Cons None that we could find Buy now at Amazon Credit: Rewviewed / We-Vibe Best Hands-Free Vibrator We-Vibe Sync O Vibration patterns: 10 10 Material: Body-safe silicone Body-safe silicone Waterproof: Yes Yes Rechargeable: Yes The O in this vibrator's name doesn't just stand for orgasms. It also literally refers to the innovative shape of the insertable arm, which features a little loop. You squeeze it on both sides to insert it, not unlike you would with a period disc or diaphragm. The O-shape ensures that it stays in place for genuine hands-free stimulation. A frequent problem with C-shape vibrators is that they shift around during use, which kills the "put your hands somewhere else" vibe. However, the Sync-O doesn't budge, making it an excellent option for use during partner sex. Vibration patterns go from soft and steady to rumbly and intense, and it operates quietly no matter the intensity. You can control the device using the We-Connect app or the included remote, so you don't have to reach down and seek out a button to cycle through the different modes. Pros Good for couples App enabled Stays in place Cons None we could find Buy now at Amazon What to Consider When Buying Vibrators Who would use a vibrator? If you're wondering, 'Who would use a vibrator?,' the answer is: anyone. All that using a vibrator says about you is that you like using a vibrator. But how do you find a vibrator you like using? Like with many other types of products, the cheapest sex toys are probably not worth your time, and the most expensive aren't necessarily the best. Between those two extremes, however, the selection can be overwhelming. Especially if you're new to vibrators, you will probably have to explore different options to find out what works best for you. Since sex toys are not returnable, trusted sources for reviews can help you make an informed decision. If you already have one or two you know you love, think about what you love about them—the specific vibrations, the size, the shape—and use that as a starting point to find others. If you've never used a vibrator before, head to your local feminist sex shop and try out the floor models (in your hands) to get an IRL feel for the following features. Key features Noise levels and types of vibration: When you're thinking about vibrators, a good place to start is the motor. Vibrators generally fall into two categories—rumbly and buzzy—based on the frequency of their vibrations. Rumbly vibrations are lower frequency, deeper vibrations that penetrate more deeply into the body. They tend to feel bigger and more intense without leading to numbness. Rumbly motors typically vibrate at between 40 to 180 Hz, and because of their lower frequency, they also sound quieter. Buzzy vibrations are high frequency, surface-level, and create a sharp, tingling sensation. While they can feel interesting at first, they can lead to temporary desensitization with prolonged use. Buzzy motors can vibrate at 10,000+ Hz, making them louder and more intense, but not necessarily more enjoyable. While individual taste varies, the clit is made up of receptors that respond best to frequencies between 5 and 15 Hz—far lower than most vibrators on the market. This means that no matter which vibrator you choose, your clit will notice it, but buzzy isn't better. If you visit a sex shop and test a vibrator on your hand, keep in mind that it will feel different during actual use. Ultimately, the best choice depends on what feels good to you. If you prefer deep, penetrating vibrations, a rumbly motor might be ideal. If you like a sharp, intense buzz, a higher-frequency option might be more your speed. Materials: It's important to know that sex toys are not regulated, so the only way to tell whether one is made of safe materials for vibrators is to do your research. Most body-safe vibrators are made of medical-grade silicone, ABS plastic, or a combination of the two (think the Magic Wand Rechargeable, which has an ABS body and silicone head). Since unsafe materials appear similar to safe ones to the naked eye, look for the words 'body-safe,' 'medical-grade,' or 'platinum' silicone. The key factor with your sex toy material is two-fold: making sure the toy isn't porous, and therefore won't trap and fester bacteria, and making sure the toy is phthalate-free, because phthalates are endocrine disruptors. This makes stainless steel and certain types of glass fantastic sex toy materials as well. Material What to expect Silicone Body-safe, hypoallergenic, and comes in a range of textures from soft to hard and shiny to matte. Just make sure to stick to water-based lube, since silicone lube will degrade silicone toys over time ABS plastic Inexpensive, common, hard, and safe to use with any type of lube. Stainless steel Weighty, hard to damage, and easy to clean. Stainless steel sex toys often feel luxurious for the same reason they can be challenging choices for extended sessions: they're heavy. Glass Glass sex toys have the advantage of being non-porous, and the disadvantage of being, you know, glass. If you want to try a glass vibrator (likely a glass dildo with a hole in the bottom for a bullet vibrator), look for borosilicate glass, which is what Pyrex used to be made of, or tempered soda-lime glass. Stay away from 'tempered borosilicate,' since borosilicate can't be tempered so that term can indicate the manufacturer isn't being transparent about something. And vibrating or not, stay away from glass butt toys—a shard of glass in the vagina requires medical attention, but a shard of glass in the rectum is a medical emergency. Design: After materials, evaluate the toy's other design elements by how you want to use it. For the bath, a waterproof vibrator is mandatory—while for the shower, splash-proof should be sufficient. If you're planning to use it alone, cleaning it with soap and water is enough, but if you're planning to use or share it with partners, then look for one that is dishwasher safe so you can disinfect it. Finally, some vibrators are more travel-friendly than others, with travel locks or even carrying cases. Stimulation and smart technology: Vibrators often have several intensity settings, as well as one to several patterns. On some toys, like the Magic Wand Rechargeable, these are separate buttons. On others with only one control button, like the We-Vibe Ditto+, you cycle up through the intensities and then through the patterns. If you're enjoying a setting and accidentally press the button, you'll often have to cycle through all the intensities and patterns until you reach the one you liked again. However, some vibrators—again like the Ditto+—are controllable via apps, which can give you or a long-distance partner more specific control over the vibration patterns or intensities. For example, the We-Connect app allows you to choose more easily between patterns or even create and save your own. It also has a chat and video function—and a robust privacy policy, following concerns that led to a settlement in 2017. Care, maintenance, and warranty There are two types of vibrator users: those who already clean their vibrators after every time they use them, and those who should start. You can clean any waterproof vibrator with anti-microbial soap and warm water. For splash-proof and unspecified vibrators, consult the manual for what's safe to get wet. Make sure to dry it thoroughly afterward with a clean towel. If the idea of getting out of bed and cleaning something right after an orgasm is a huge buzzkill, bedside sex toy wipes are better than nothing. Even if you use your vibrator alone and don't share sex toys, it can still harbor bacteria and fungi that can lead to bacterial vaginosis or urinary tract infections. After it's clean and dry, store your vibrator in a dust bag somewhere cool and dry. Think more along the lines of a nightstand drawer out of the sun, rather than a bathroom cupboard or windowsill display (save that choice placement for your solid stainless-steel butt plug collection). Keep your vibrator battery in good shape by using it until it dies, charging it fully, and removing it from the charger once it's done. If you have a vibrator with removable batteries, remove them when you aren't using it. FAQ: What to Know about Vibrators How many different types of vibrators are there? There are lots of types of vibrators. Here are a few of the most common: Bullet, egg, and lipstick vibrators: Compact, portable, and often discreet, these small vibrators are perfect for targeted clitoral stimulation. While typically less powerful than larger models, their precision and convenience make them ideal for beginners or for taking on the go. Many bullet vibrators feature multiple intensity settings despite their small size, and some are surprisingly rumbly. Compact, portable, and often discreet, these small vibrators are perfect for targeted clitoral stimulation. While typically less powerful than larger models, their precision and convenience make them ideal for beginners or for taking on the go. Many bullet vibrators feature multiple intensity settings despite their small size, and some are surprisingly rumbly. Rabbit vibrators: Rabbit vibrators are internal/external vibrators that hit your G-spot and clit at the same time. They're called 'rabbit vibrators' because in 1984 the clitoral stimulator of the very first one looked like tiny fluttering bunny ears. Today, the clitoral stimulator is often a nonrepresentational appendage with a firmness that varies by toy. Rabbit vibrators are internal/external vibrators that hit your G-spot and clit at the same time. They're called 'rabbit vibrators' because in 1984 the clitoral stimulator of the very first one looked like tiny fluttering bunny ears. Today, the clitoral stimulator is often a nonrepresentational appendage with a firmness that varies by toy. Wand vibrators: Known for their deep, rumbly vibrations, wand vibrators are some of the most powerful, still-portable vibrators on the market. They feature a proportionately long handle, which may or may not vibrate, and a larger head, which does. Like their back massager predecessors, many wand vibrators are now rechargeable and cordless—but also like their back massager predecessors, the most powerful and longest-lasting models plug into the wall. Known for their deep, rumbly vibrations, wand vibrators are some of the most powerful, still-portable vibrators on the market. They feature a proportionately long handle, which may or may not vibrate, and a larger head, which does. Like their back massager predecessors, many wand vibrators are now rechargeable and cordless—but also like their back massager predecessors, the most powerful and longest-lasting models plug into the wall. G-spot vibrators: These internal vibrators have a curve towards the anterior wall of the vagina to stimulate the G-spot. They often have a somewhat-to-very pronounced head for the same reason, and the best ones are also easy to grip for added thrusting. These internal vibrators have a curve towards the anterior wall of the vagina to stimulate the G-spot. They often have a somewhat-to-very pronounced head for the same reason, and the best ones are also easy to grip for added thrusting. Remote-controlled vibrators: Perfect for partner play or anyone who hates fumbling around for out-of-sight buttons with lube-covered fingers, remote-controlled vibrators can be controlled wirelessly, either by a physical remote in the same room or by smartphone app from anywhere with an internet connection. Do vibrators have options for couples' play? With the right attitude, any vibrator is a couple's vibrator—but some are easier to use with a partner than others. Think about your favorite sex positions, and use that as a starting point to determine which vibrators might work best. For instance, if you prefer a T-position and there's a lot of space between your bodies, the Magic Wand is a powerful addition, and your pelvis or torso can support some of its weight. But if you love back shots and have the wrists of someone reading this on their phone right now, the Maude is smaller and lighter. You can also take a wearable approach. C-shaped vibrators are worn internally by someone with a vagina and can stimulate the clitoris, G-spot, or both. You can wear them while receiving penetration, under a strap-on harness, or even under your clothes, and the best ones will hit the spot and stay out of the way. And vibrating butt plugs are also a versatile hands-free option. And don't forget: If you or your partner's favorite toy on this earth is a rabbit vibrator and you don't feel like anal this evening, there's no phrase hotter than 'I want you to watch/I want to watch.' Are there any health and safety concerns I should know about? When you're vibrator shopping, safety is as important as stimulation. Here are a few things to look for: Body-safe materials: Stick to non-porous, hypoallergenic materials like medical-grade silicone, ABS plastic, or stainless steel. Avoid anything made of jelly polymers, rubber, or an unknown material, since it could contain phthalates or other harmful chemicals. If you don't know what a sex toy is made of, and want to use it anyway, you can also protect yourself by covering it with a condom. Stick to non-porous, hypoallergenic materials like medical-grade silicone, ABS plastic, or stainless steel. Avoid anything made of jelly polymers, rubber, or an unknown material, since it could contain phthalates or other harmful chemicals. If you don't know what a sex toy is made of, and want to use it anyway, you can also protect yourself by covering it with a condom. Reputable brands: Sex toys are largely unregulated, which means you have to find manufacturers you can trust. Personally, I have purchased and used a vintage vibrator from Etsy, just to see how it would be. (Answer: loud.) But professionally, I recommend sticking to reputable brands that clearly disclose their materials. A cheat code for finding reputable brands is to look at those carried by sex-positive sex shops like SheVibe, the Pleasure Chest, or Smitten Kitten—these companies have been curating sex toys for years, and are knowledgeable about materials and safety. Sex toys are largely unregulated, which means you have to find manufacturers you can trust. Personally, I have purchased and used a vintage vibrator from Etsy, just to see how it would be. (Answer: loud.) But professionally, I recommend sticking to reputable brands that clearly disclose their materials. A cheat code for finding reputable brands is to look at those carried by sex-positive sex shops like SheVibe, the Pleasure Chest, or Smitten Kitten—these companies have been curating sex toys for years, and are knowledgeable about materials and safety. Certifications: Check for material certifications like 'phthalate-free,' 'body-safe,' or 'medical-grade silicone.' You can also research whether the manufacturer has won any relevant industry or product awards. Check for material certifications like 'phthalate-free,' 'body-safe,' or 'medical-grade silicone.' You can also research whether the manufacturer has won any relevant industry or product awards. Red flags: A strong chemical smell, sticky or tacky texture, and unclear or contradictory material labeling are red flags. Avoid vibrators with visible seams in the material—even if it's silicone—or gaps where bacteria could collect. If for some reason you want to use one of these anyway, again, cover it with a condom. Can I trust retailers to be discreet with their packing when mailing a vibrator? Sex toy manufacturers and feminist sex shops know their audience. In most cases, your sex toy will arrive in plain, opaque packaging and with a label with a shipping name that ranges from discreet to unrecognizable. For instance, SheVibe ships toys from the shipping manager's name, 'SV,' or 'SV Inc.,' and We-Vibe ships toys from 'WOW Tech USA Ltd.' Many other sex toy companies and shops also have shipping pages on their websites that specify the packaging and labeling—a top reason to buy directly from the manufacturer or sex shop instead of from Amazon. Why You Should Trust Our Expertise Ryan Yates shared their deep expertise in sex toys in this guide by addressing the questions about vibrators how to care for them, and key features you should look for. They have been reviewing sex toys and sexual health products since 2011, including for publications like The Daily Beast, Autostraddle, Nylon, and, of course, Reviewed. They were Autostraddle's NSFW Editor from 2013 to 2018, and wrote the weekly NSFW Sunday sex column from 2011 to 2021. Reviewed's various Sexperts tested all the vibrators included in this guide, and you can read more in-depth reviews across the site. What Other Reviewers Are Saying about the Best Vibrators The experts seem fairly united on what the best vibrator is—which is a surprise, since the actual best vibrator is the best vibrator for you. But to save you some time and trouble, we've collected the top picks from other Sexperts. Spoiler alert: the Magic Wand Rechargeable is a crowdpleaser. Wirecutter: Wirecutter's top pick is the Magic Wand Rechargeable, noting that the cordless version is well worth the investment over the corded original. We completely agree. The Strategist: The Strategist's top pick is also the Magic Wand Rechargeable, highlighting its reputation as strong and consistent and noting that while its appearance is no-frills, it gets the job done time and again. Good Housekeeping: GH's best overall vibrator is—surprise—also the Magic Wand Rechargeable, highlighting that it's great for beginners and noting that you, unlike its battery, might need a moment to recharge after use. What Owners Are Saying about Our Best Vibrators While the best vibrator is always at least a little bit personal, user comments about vibrators also love the Magic Wand Rechargeable and our other top picks. We're pulling these user reviews from sources other than Amazon because Amazon isn't the best place to buy sex toys. Reddit/BuyItForLife: Over at Reddit's BIFL, one user posted that an earlier version of our Womanizer Premium 2 pick, still looks and runs like new after seven years of use. Some users affirmed that they can orgasm with it in minutes or seconds. Other users shouted out the Magic Wand. Reddit/SexToys: Over at Reddit's Sex Toys, one user who tested 32 wand vibrators over 7 months determined that the over best was the Magic Wand Rechargeable, noting as well that because it's been around for so long it's compatible with lots of attachments. However, they also note that the BMS Palmpower Extreme was their personal favorite, because of an angled head that makes it easy to hold and easy to position between bodies during sex. On the Dame website, users of the Dame Arc internal G-spot wand give it 4.8 stars and highlight the good design, Dame customer service, and in one case the fact that it survived an accidental trip through the washing machine. And one user notes it's great in combination with—you guessed it—the Magic Wand. Beyond small differences in taste and sensation, the most common complaints about the Magic Wand Rechargeable are that it doesn't look like anything special—including from users noting that it is. Read More About Vibrators and Other Sex Toys on Reviewed
USA Today
06-03-2025
- USA Today
Apple Macbook Air M2 vs M3: How much better is the new laptop?
Products are chosen independently by our editors. Purchases made through our links may earn us a commission. The humble MacBook Air has come a long way since Steve Jobs pulled the first model out of a yellow envelope. The most recent model features Apple's highly efficient M3 chip, which gives it a stunningly long battery life, while still offering excellent performance—and many consider it to be the best laptop for most users. (To be fully transparent, we name the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 as the top pick in our best laptop guide, but the MacBook Air M3 is our best overall MacBook pick.) At first glance, the MacBook Air M3 appears identical to the M2 model, but in reality, the two laptops are similar. They offer similar features, battery life, display quality, and more. But with an improved chip under the hood, the M3 is a better laptop, and we experienced this in our M3 model review. However, despite the M3 being better, for some it may still be worth saving the cash for a refurbished or used M2 model—and if you have a MacBook Air M2 already, it's probably not worth upgrading. Here's a deeper look at the two laptops and what the major differences are. MacBook Air M3 The latest and greatest MacBook Air, with better performance and a modern design. Read Our Review BUY NOW at Amazon MacBook Air M2 Almost as good as the newer model, but at a lower price. Read Our Review BUY NOW at Amazon Design Credit: Reviewed / Timothy Renzi On the left side of all M2 and M3 MacBook Air models, you'll find a MagSafe connector along with two USB-C 4 ports. When considering Apple's Macbook Air M1 vs M2, Apple redesigned the MacBook Air for the M2 generation, giving it a more modern profile with flat edges that syncs with other current Apple products. That new design has stuck around; ultimately, the design is more or less the same between the M2 and the M3 MacBook Air. The MacBook Air M2 not only represented a design refresh, it was also the introduction, or reintroduction, of a new display size. For the M2 series, Apple added a 15-inch MacBook Air model, and since then, you've been able to get a MacBook Air in either 13-inch or 15-inch sizes. That's good news for those who want a thin build and additional screen real estate. The M2 and the M3 MacBook Air measure 0.44 inches, which is extremely thin. The 15-inch MacBook Air isn't much thicker, measuring 0.45 inches thick. On the left side of all M2 and M3 MacBook Air models, you'll find a MagSafe connector along with two USB-C 4 ports. On the right side, the headphone jack can be found. That's it for ports though, and if you want more, you'll have to consider using a hub or buying a MacBook Pro instead. Given that the design is identical between these two laptops, there's no winner in the design category. Our pick: Tie MacBook Air M3 The latest and greatest MacBook Air, with better performance and a modern design. Read Our Review BUY NOW at Amazon MacBook Air M2 Almost as good as the newer model, but at a lower price. Read Our Review BUY NOW at Amazon Display The design of these laptops is the same, as is the display tech. Both 13-inch MacBook Air models feature a 13.6-inch display with a 2560 x 1664 resolution, while the 15-inch models have a 15.3-inch screen with a 2880 x 1864 resolution. All models have a 500-nit brightness and a pixel density of 224 pixels per inch. There's no big difference between the built-in displays on the M2 and M3 MacBook Air models. When it comes to display, it's more important to think about whether you want a 13-inch model vs a 15-inch model than whether you want an M2 or an M3. Our pick Tie MacBook Air M3 The latest and greatest MacBook Air, with better performance and a modern design. Read Our Review BUY NOW at Amazon MacBook Air M2 Almost as good as the newer model, but at a lower price. Read Our Review BUY NOW at Amazon Configurations and price The M2 and M3 models have slightly different configuration options. The base M2 MacBook Air comes with an M2 chip and 8GB of RAM, which can be upgraded to 16GB or 24 GB. It also has 256GB of storage, which can be upgraded to up to 2TB. The M3 model offers more than just a faster chip. The base M3 MacBook Air configuration has 16GB of RAM instead of 8 GB. The storage options are the same, starting at 256GB and ranging up to 2TB. Both 13-inch models come with an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU, and they can both be upgraded to a 10-core GPU. The 15-inch M3 model has a 10-core GPU in its base configuration. Keep in mind that performance is much more than just the number of cores, and don't expect the 8-core CPU on the M2 to be as fast as the 8-core CPU on the M3. At the time of this writing, Apple was still selling the 13-inch version of the M2 MacBook Air for $999—however, you can no longer buy [the 15-inch M2 model new. The M3 MacBook Air starts at $1,099 for the 13-inch model and $1,299 for the 15-inch model. The M3 MacBook Air may be more expensive than the M2 model still available, but it has more configurations and you can still buy a new 15-inch M3 model. Our pick: M3 MacBook Air MacBook Air M3 The latest and greatest MacBook Air, with better performance and a modern design. Read Our Review BUY NOW at Amazon Performance The M2 and M3 models may offer similar core counts, but there's a lot more to performance. During our testing, the M3 MacBook Air showed around a 20% performance boost in benchmark tests. What does that mean? Well, it won't unlock all new worlds of possibilities, but it will give you more headroom if you need a laptop to perform more demanding tasks. Not only that, but that extra headroom could come in handy towards the end of the laptop's lifespan, though that remains to be seen. Unfortunately, Apple has yet to bring the Apple M4 chip to the MacBook Air—and it's entirely possible that it could skip the M4 and go straight to the M5. There are some ways in which better performance makes for real-world improvements right off the bat. For example, the M3 MacBook Air can drive two external monitors, compared to only one for the M2 MacBook Air. Perhaps it's a niche use case, but if you do want to use multiple external monitors, it's something to keep in mind. Our pick: M3 MacBook Air MacBook Air M3 The latest and greatest MacBook Air, with better performance and a modern design. Read Our Review BUY NOW at Amazon Battery life Credit: Reviewed / Adrien Ramirez The battery life of the M3 MacBook Air is likely to be more than enough for most, the M2 model still has a longer battery life. Apple rates all M2 and M3 MacBook Air models as offering the same battery life—up to 18 hours of video playback. That's pretty stellar, and most users should easily get a full workday of usage. If you don't use your laptop for a full day, you'll have no problem getting at least a few days of moderate usage before needing to charge. Despite Apple rating the battery life as the same on these laptops, our tests of the 13-inch models revealed some differences. The MacBook Air M3 reached 10 hours and 24 minutes in our battery test while the M2 model lasted 17 hours. We suspect the M2 model wouldn't perform as well if it were running the latest version of macOS, and its improved battery is likely at least partially due to a less powerful chip. Regardless, while the battery life of the M3 MacBook Air is likely to be more than enough for most, the M2 model still has a longer battery life. Our pick: MacBook Air M2 MacBook Air M2 Almost as good as the newer model, but at a lower price. Read Our Review BUY NOW at Amazon And the winner is … M3 MacBook Air No surprises here—Apple's newer laptop model is better. But only a bit better. In other words, there's no reason to upgrade to the M3 model if you already have an M2 model. But, if you have an M2 model and you're reaching its performance limits regularly, consider upgrading to a MacBook Pro instead. If you only use a laptop for basic tasks like web browsing, emails, and watching Netflix, save some cash by opting for an M2 model. A refurbished one will net you even greater savings. All said, if you prefer to buy the manufacturer's latest model, the M3 MacBook Air is an excellent machine. MacBook Air M3 The latest and greatest MacBook Air, with better performance and a modern design. Read Our Review BUY NOW at Amazon
