Best MacBooks for 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: May 3rd, 2024

💻Deciding on the right MacBook can be tricky with all the impressive choices Apple has rolled out this year, especially with the new M-series chips. We've dug through heaps of reviews and data to help simplify your decision. Whether you're a professional, a student, or just trying to find the best bang for your buck, here's our take on the best MacBooks for you.

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Overall Best: Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, 2024, M3)

Apple 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop with M3 chip: 8GB Memory, 512GB Storage ; Space Gray with AppleCare+ (3 Years) 8GB RAM 512GB Space Gray With AppleCare+ (3 Years)

The 13-inch MacBook Air (2024) with M3 chip is our overall best pick for most users. It strikes a perfect balance between power, portability, and price, making it ideal for a variety of tasks such as web browsing, word processing, and even light gaming. This model features the innovative M3 chip, ensuring smooth and fast performance. One of the standout features is its impressive battery life, keeping you productive throughout the day without needing to constantly recharge. Priced starting at $849, it offers great value for its capabilities and is perfect for everyday use.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$1,298.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the 2024 MacBook Air 13-inch, M3, 8GB/512GB, Space Gray? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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can the 2024 MacBook Air M3 support two external displays?
Hey, I found out about the 2024 MacBook Air M3 and its support for two external displays. So, it can definitely hook up to two monitors, but there's a bit of a catch. Our research shows that you'll need to keep the MacBook's lid closed to make this setup work, kind of turning it into a desktop setup. You'll also want to have an external keyboard and mouse because the laptop's screen will be off when you're using the external displays. This setup isn't perfect for everyone, especially if you want to use the laptop's screen along with the two external ones. It's a bit of a bummer that you can't have all three screens going at once. But, if you roll with it, the two monitors do work well—one can handle 6K resolution at 60 Hz, and the other can go up to 5K at 60 Hz. The M3 chip is pretty impressive, too. It boosts overall performance, so it's better at multitasking and running multiple displays compared to the older [M1 models](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dm1%2Bmacbook%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). However, opinions are a mixed bag. Some folks really appreciate having extra screen space for work, while others find closing the lid a bit inconvenient, especially if you're used to using the laptop screen with other displays. So, if you're cool with keeping the lid down and want a more desktop-style setup, the MacBook Air M3 might just fit the bill. Just something to think about if you're planning your workspace around it!
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how does the M3 chip improve performance in the 2024 MacBook Air?
The 2024 MacBook Air comes with Apple's latest M3 chip, and it really bumps up performance and efficiency from previous models, according to our research. **Performance Enhancements:** With the M3 chip, the MacBook Air can multitask more smoothly and handle demanding tasks like video editing and programming much better. The chip's more advanced process technology is a big part of this boost. **Improved Graphics and Display:** The M3 chip also improves graphics capabilities. This means you get smoother graphics rendering and support for dual external displays, which is a pretty big deal if you need more screen space for work or projects—something that wasn't as strong in older models, according to the manufacturer's description. **Energy Efficiency and Battery Life:** Another cool thing about the M3 chip is its energy efficiency. It's designed to give you great performance without sucking up battery life. So, the MacBook Air can last up to 18 hours on a charge, based on our data. That's perfect if you're always on the move or if you just don't want to plug in all the time. **Power Management:** The M3 also helps with power management, making sleep modes and overall power use more effective. If you're moving from older [Mac](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dmac%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20)s or even [Windows laptops](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3Dwindows+laptops%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20) to this MacBook Air, you might notice a difference in how it handles power. It's a good idea to tweak the settings to match how you use your laptop for the best performance. Overall, the M3 chip in the 2024 MacBook Air is pretty impressive. Whether you're tackling heavy-duty projects or just want a reliable daily machine, the improvements in speed, graphics, battery life, and more are definitely worth noting.

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Runner-up: Apple MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2023, M3 Pro)

Apple 2023 MacBook Pro Laptop M3 Pro chip with 12‑core CPU, 18‑core GPU: Built for ...

The 14-inch MacBook Pro (2023) with M3 Pro chip is a top choice for creative professionals who demand high performance. It packs a 12-core CPU and 18-core GPU, making it suitable for intensive tasks such as video editing, graphic design, and software development. The Liquid Retina XDR display provides stunning visuals with accurate colors, essential for professional creatives. According to our research, this model’s robust performance and exceptional display quality make it a worthy runner-up.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$2,099.00 at Amazon

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Budget Pick: Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, 2020, M1)

Late 2020 Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip (13.3 inch, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) Space Gray (Renewed)

For those on a budget, the 13-inch MacBook Air (2020) with M1 chip is an excellent option. Despite being an older model, it remains a strong performer for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and productivity work. The M1 chip still delivers impressive speed and efficiency, while its lightweight design and long battery life are perfect for students or casual users. Currently available for as low as $649, this model offers reliable performance without breaking the bank.

Lowest at Amazon
$819.00 at Amazon
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$531.00 at Adorama

Best for Professionals: Apple MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2023, M3 Max)

MacBook Pro 16.2" with M3 Max Chip (Late 2023) - Space Black, 14-Core / 30-Core, 96GB, 2TB SSD

The 16-inch MacBook Pro (2023) with M3 Max chip is tailored for power users and creative professionals who need the best performance. This model combines a stunning mini-LED display with the latest M3 Max chip, providing unmatched capability for heavy tasks such as 3D rendering and high-definition video editing. A robust cooling system ensures sustained performance without overheating, and multiple connectivity options, including HDMI and Thunderbolt ports, enhance its versatility. If you need top-tier performance for professional work, this is the MacBook to get.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$4,699.00 at Amazon

Best Big-Screen MacBook: Apple MacBook Air (15-inch, 2024, M3)

Apple 2024 MacBook Air 15-inch Laptop with M3 chip: Built for Apple Intelligence, 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display, 16GB Unified Memory, 512GB SSD Storage, Backlit Keyboard, Touch ID; Midnight

If you prefer a larger display, the 15-inch MacBook Air (2024) with M3 chip is an outstanding choice. This model offers all the benefits of the 13-inch version, such as impressive battery life and a lightweight build, but with added screen real estate that enhances productivity. It’s particularly suitable for tasks that benefit from a larger display, like photo editing and multitasking. For users who need more visual workspace without compromising portability, this MacBook Air is the perfect fit.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$1,549.00 at Amazon
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