The best MacBooks and Macs of today are huge game-changers. Apple’s new SoCs (system-on-a-chip) include the highly-acclaimed M1 and Ultra. Now, M2 chips are available. These Apple laptops and computers are again proving to be a huge boost for Intel-powered laptops.
The latest Apple releases are more powerful and efficient than ever. They’re ideal for creative professionals as well as regular users who love the simplicity of the Apple or macOS ecosystem. We were blown away by the MacBook Pros 14-inch and 16-inch last year. The new Mac Studio, which is a compact workstation computer for creatives, shows that Apple can do it all.
This combined with the fact that Apple offers a more seamless, streamlined, and stable experience than what Windows laptops can provide, makes it a great time to purchase a MacBook or Mac. We have tested every Mac and MacBook made by Apple and can help you choose the right model.
We have compiled the top MacBooks and Macs for video editing, music production, college, and upgrading to macOS. Check out our price comparison tool to find the best MacBook deals.
The Best Macs and MacBooks 2022
1. MacBook Air (M2, 2022).
The MacBook Pro is the best overall
Specifications
CPU: Apple M2 chip, 8-core CPU
Graphics: Integrated 9 core – 10 core GPU
RAM: 8GB – 24-GB unified memory
Screen: 13.6 inches (diagonal). 2560×1664 LED-backlit LCD display with IPS technology
Storage: Up to 2TB
+Battery life is long and great design
Avoidable reasons
-More expensive than the old model. The new colors are more subtle.
The MacBook Pros are capable of producing content creators and power users, but the MacBook Air (M2, 222) is more suitable for everyone else. It’s still powerful. Its performance was exceptional in testing, handling 4K video editing and music production workflows quickly and silently (thanks to its fanless design). Its single-core performance was even comparable to the MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2,2022) in benchmark tests.
The upgrade to its specs was not limited to its hardware. The battery life has been extended by five hours, giving it 16 hours on one charge. It also has a larger screen and a better design. Although we didn’t get the full color options on the iMac 24-inch, you will still enjoy a modern design. The screen is even smaller and thinner, but it offers a larger size.
2. MacBook Air (M1, 2020).
The most affordable MacBook
Specifications
- CPU: Apple M1 chip, 8-core CPU
- Graphics: Integrated 7 core – 8 core GPU
- RAM: 8GB – 16GB unified memory
- Display: 13.3-inch, 2560x 1600 Retina screen
- Storage: 256GB SSD – 2TB SSD
+macOS Big Sur is responsive and fast+Battery life great+Silent when in use
Avoidable reasons
Performance could be affected by fanless design
Apple ended last year with a bang by rolling out the much-talked-about M1 silicon chip, which has been a game-changer. It’s the thinnest and lightest laptop ever made by Apple, making it one of the most anticipated Apple laptops in recent years. The MacBook Air has a new chip that delivers exceptional performance and a long battery life. It is also reasonably affordable. This MacBook Air is the perfect MacBook for almost everyone.
3. MacBook Pro 14-inch (2021)
Professionals will love the best MacBook Pro
Specifications
CPU: Apple M1 Pro 8-core – M1 Max 10-core
Graphics: Integrated GPU with 14-core or 32-core CPU
RAM: 64GB
Screen: 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
Storage: Maximum 8TB
+Best performance on a laptop
Avoidable reasons
Some people may find the screen a little too small.
With the release of the MacBook Pro 14 inch (2021) as well its 16-inch counterpart, the MacBook Pro has become its true self. MacBook Pro 14-inch and 16-inch models are equipped with the M1 Pro and M1 Max. They offer incredible power and a long battery life, which is exactly what professionals need and deserve. Apple’s XDR display adds an extra dimension with 1600 nits peak brightness and a wide range of colors. The Thunderbolt 4 ports are also available, as well as an SD card slot and an HDMI port. All of these can be kept accessible by MagSafe charging being returned. This MacBook Pro is among the most expensive ever released, but it’s also one of the best.
4. iMac, 24-inch, 2021
This is the best Mac all-in-one for most users
Specifications
- CPU: Apple M1 chip, 8-core CPU
- Graphics: Integrated 7 core – 8 core GPU
- RAM: 8GB – 16GB unified memory
- Display: 24-inch, 4.5K Retina screen
- Storage: Up to 2TB
+Excellent screen+Striking design+Fantastic camera
Avoidable reasons
-Some people may prefer Mac mini because it has fewer ports.
You would be wrong to think the new iMacs aren’t as beautiful as they appear. These iMacs are more than just an improvement on their predecessors at 21.5 inches externally. They also come in a variety of colors and have a new look. The new M1 chip from Apple makes them more powerful than previous Intel iMacs. We’d even go so far as to state that the new iMac (24 inch, 2021) is our favorite all-in-one computer and deserves a place on our top Macs list. You will also be pleased to know that this iMac includes the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, and possibly even matching colors.
5. MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021)
This MacBook is the best for people who need a lot of power.
Specifications
- CPU: Apple M1 Pro 10-core – M1 Max 10-core
- Graphics: Integrated 16 core – 32 core GPU
- RAM: 64GB
- Screen: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
- Storage: Maximum 8TB
+Extremely long battery lifespan+Lots of ports
Avoidable reasons
-On the larger side
The MacBook Pro 16-Inch (2021), can handle almost any type of computer. Apple’s M1 Pro (16-Inch) and M1 Max (16-Inch if you upgrade) are capable of running any application. It also features an impressive display and a lot of ports, including the next-generation Thunderbolt 4 ports as well as the return of MagSafe charging ports. Even the base model is expensive, all that performance comes at a cost. It’s well worth the entry price, given how powerful it is.
6. Mac Studio
A compact Mac for creative professionals
Specifications
- CPU: Apple 10-core or 20-core M1 Extreme processors
- Graphics: Integrated 24-core, 32-core (M1Max) or 48 core (M1Ultra) GPU
- RAM: 32GB -128GB unified memory
- Storage: 512GB SSD – 8TB SSD
- Dimensions (HxWxD): 9.5×19.7×19.7cm
+Compact+Powerful
Avoidable reasons
-Pricey-Non-upgradable
The Mac Studio is a Mac mini that’s supercharged for creative professionals. Apple’s latest Mac is a compact and powerful computer. You can choose from the M1 Max chip or the new, super-powerful M1 Ultra. Although the Mac Studio is a powerful workstation computer for creative tasks such as rendering complex 3D scenes or animations or editing 8K footage, it will not be for everyone. Although it is expensive, the investment is well worth it.
7. MacBook Pro 13-inch (M2, 2022)
Apple’s MacBook Pro is the most affordable with powerful internals
Specifications
CPU: Apple M2 with 8 core CPU
Graphics: Integrated 10-core GPU
RAM: 8GB – 24GB
Screen: 13.3-inch 2560x 1600 display with True Tone and P3 technology
Storage: 256GB SSD – 2TB SSD
Dimensions (HxWxD): 30.41×21.24×1.56 cm
+M2 Chip is a great performer+Excellent battery lifetime+Almost silent when in use
Avoidable reasons
-No new design -There are still only two Thunderbolt ports
The Apple MacBook Pro 13 inch (M2, 2022), may not have a new design, making it feel somewhat out of place, especially since the M1 version is quite impressive. Although the outside isn’t very exciting, Apple’s new M2 chip makes up for it greatly.
The M1 MacBook Pro 13″ is a good choice if you have an older model. The 2022 model performed better in our CPU tests. This means that the 2022 model has a noticeable increase in multitasking abilities, which allows users to open multiple applications at once. In our battery life tests, it scored twice as high as the Intel Core i7-1185G7 powered Surface Laptop 4 and lasted nearly two hours longer that the M1 MacBook Pro 13.-inch. It’s also the same price as before.
8. Mac mini (M1, 2020).
Small but big dreams
Specifications
CPU: Apple M1 chip, 8-core CPU
Graphics: Integrated 8 core GPU
RAM: 8GB -64GB unified memory
Storage: 256GB SSD – 2TB SSD
Dimensions (WxDxH): 19.7×19.7×3.6cm
+Same beautiful design+Good performance+New M1 hardware has the potential
Avoidable reasons
-Can’t use eGPUs
The update to the smallest Mac is one of Apple’s greatest surprises. Apple’s M1 chip is now featured on the Mac mini, but it retains its beloved design. This Mac mini is more powerful than ever, with better video editing performance at 8K and the ability to run iOS apps and Games. However, it retains its title of being the cheapest Mac ever, which is great news for Apple fans who are budget-conscious.
9. iMac (27 inch, 2020)
It’s a remarkable upgrade
Specifications
CPU: Intel Core i5 – i9
Graphics: AMD Radeon Pro 5300 – Radeon Pro 5700 XT
RAM: 8GB – 128GB 2666MHz DDR4
Screen: 27 inches (diagonal), 5120 x 28880 Retina 5K display
Storage: 256GB SSD – 8TB SSD
+Improved internals+Can also be configured to be very powerful
Avoidable reasons
Design is becoming old-Just two Thunderbolt ports
Despite the fact that the iMac 27 inch’s last update was last year, Apple decided to make a big step in the upgrades department with the 2020 follow-up. This model has some great specs, and it also features a new webcam and microphones. This PC is a great choice for those who work from home. Its overall design isn’t been updated in a while, which makes it look old. But if you are looking for power, this Mac is the right one.
What are the top Macs and MacBooks?
It doesn’t matter if it’s the new 16 inch MacBook Pro or the Mac Pro 2019,, that just came out, it’s easy to see why the best Macs and MacBooks are the preferred tools of choice for creative professionals.
Even if you don’t want to buy the latest releases, there are still a lot of great options, especially since Apple recently updated its MacBook Air, MacBook Pro 13-inch and MacBook Pro 15-inch models.
The best thing about the Mac is that they come in a variety of sizes, prices, and shapes. This means that you can choose from the most affordable Mac, the most powerful Mac, or a Mac that’s both lightweight and compact.
How to test the best MacBook
The process of testing the top MacBooks and Macs can be more difficult than you might imagine, especially since most of these devices are intended to be used by creative professionals who have more demanding workloads. We test the device’s build, display, keyboard and trackpad. We also run creative benchmark tests such as Handbrake and perform demanding workflows such as editing 8K videos in Final Cut Pro, 3D modeling, animation, and real-time 3D modeling to determine how it would perform in real-world scenarios. Its battery life is tested and its heat management performance is evaluated when performing such intense tasks.
