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Best Mac 2026: Every Apple Mac and MacBook compared

Macworld Which Mac is best for you? Whether you want everyday portability, professional creative power, desktop performance, or budget-friendly computing, Apples lineup has a Mac that fits. For $699 you can own a MacBook Neo , which is Apples most affordable laptop. Spend a little more and the MacBook Air excels at everyday work and battery life, while the MacBook Pro lineup delivers the extra power required by demanding professional workloads. If you prefer a desktop, the iMac is a great all-in-one option for the home, while Mac mini offers good value if you dont need portability and already have a display and accessories. At the top end, the Mac Studio is built for intensive professional workloads, including demanding creative work and AI development. Choosing the best Mac in 2026 isnt simply about buying the newest model; its about finding the Mac that best matches what you need from a computer. Apples lineup ranges from ultraportable MacBooks to powerful desktop Macs, with options for students, everyday users, creatives and professionals. In this Mac buying guide, we cover everything you need to know about the MacBook Neo, MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac mini, iMac and Mac Studio, including the differences in size, specs, features and price. Well help you decide which Mac and configuration offers the right balance of value, performance and portability for you. Best Mac 2026: Mac & MacBook Buyers Guide Our top Mac for most people in 2026 is the MacBook Air. It offers an excellent combination of performance, portability and value in a compact package that will suit the typical Mac user. If you need more power, we recommend the MacBook Pro, which delivers high-end performance in a portable form. At the other end of the price range, the new MacBook Neo starts at $699/699 and is Apples most affordable Mac laptop. If you dont need a laptop, Apple also has some excellent desktop options. The Mac Studio offers exceptional performance for the money and can save thousands compared with a similarly specified Mac laptop, while the Mac mini is Apples cheapest desktop Mac, starting at $899/899. Below, we take you through every Mac currently available from Apple, explaining who each model is best suited to and what you should consider when choosing a configuration. Youll also find live prices to help you find the best deal today. For more help choosing between Apples laptops, see our MacBook comparison . Price increases June 2026 In June 2026, Apple increased prices significantly across several product lines including Macs, iPads, the Apple TV 4K, and HomePod models, citing an unprecedented rise in component costs. The company stated it had never seen a component price increase this much, this quickly and that it had shielded customers from these increases for as long as possible before finally raising prices. For Macs, prices increased from $100/100 to $500/500 depending on the model. MacBook Neo is $100 more MacBook Air is $200 more MacBook Pro is $300 to $500 more Mac mini was $200 more, but is now $300 more following the August update Mac Studio is $500 more Prices have been updated throughout this article. 13-inch MacBook Air (M5, 2026) Great all-rounder for most users Price When Reviewed: From $1,299 (was $1,099) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1,243 View Deal $1297 View Deal $1298 View Deal $1299 View Deal $1299 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices What is it? The 13-inch MacBook Air is Apples most affordable laptop, designed with portability in mind. Whats new? Apple introduced the M5 MacBook Air in March 2026, featuring the M5 chip with its faster CPU and GPU. The base configuration now starts with 512GB of storage (double the previous model), along with faster SSD speeds, more memory bandwidth, and support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Whos it for? Its perfect for students and everyday users who want a lightweight laptop thats easy to carry, and powerful enough for working, studying, browsing, and doing light creative work. If you want a larger screen there is a 15-inch MacBook Air, which we discuss below. How much does the 13-inch MacBook Air cost? The entry-level 13-inch M5 MacBook Air costs from $1,299/1,299, thats up $200/200 from the launch price of $1,099/1,099. You can create build-to-order models with more memory (up to 32GB) or storage (up to 4TB). What are the specifications? The standard specs for the M5 MacBook Air offer an improvement compared to the previous generation. The MacBook Air now ships with 512GB SSD as standard. Apple M5, 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB memory, 512GB SSD, two Thunderbolt 4 ports: $1,299/1,299. Apple M5, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB memory, 512GB SSD, two Thunderbolt 4 ports: $1,399/1,399. Additional options: Up to 32GB memory, 4TB storage. What are display specifications? While referred to as 13-inch, when measured diagonally the screen is 13.6-inches. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina on the M5 MacBook Air display has a native resolution of 2,5601,664 and 500 nits brightness. The MacBook Air M5 can support two external displays. How do I connect stuff? The M5 MacBook Air models supports Thunderbolt 4, which means that they can support a dual monitor set up . If you want to connect USB-A devices, you need either a USB-C to USB-A adapter, like Apples $19 / 19 one, or a USB-C hub that has USB-A ports. In the U.K. and Europe Apple has stopped including a Power Adapter in the box, so you will need to buy one separately. See our round-up of the best USB-C hubs and adapters . The 2026 MacBook Air offers Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) for connecting to a network. It also provides built-in Bluetooth (6) for wirelessly connecting a mouse or other peripherals. If you want to connect to an ethernet network, you need an adapter. How fast is it? In our tests the M5 saw consistent gains over the M4 in the previous generation, as you can see in our Mac processor benchmarks . In some benchmarks the M3 even beats the M1 Ultra. If you are upgrading from an old Mac especially if it is one with an Intel chip you will see a huge difference. Any other considerations? The MacBook Air should be more than fast enough for general-purpose use. The only issue is that, because it doesnt have an internal fan, it may slow down during long processing sessions to keep cool. So if you are likely to be video editing or compiling code the MacBook Pro with its fan is a better choice. Also note that its impossible to upgrade the storage or memory after purchase, so you should buy the model with the largest amount of storage and memory you can afford or invest in external storage. Why we recommend the 13-inch MacBook Air: The MacBook Air is a great choice for someone who does general-purpose work and moves around a lot, such as a student or a self-employed person. We compare the MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro separately. Read our full Apple 13-inch MacBook Air (M5, 2026) review Apple MacBook Neo Budget-friendly Mac for students and casual users Price When Reviewed: $699 (was $599) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $689 View Deal $699 View Deal $699 View Deal $699 View Deal $699.99 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices Whats new? The MacBook Neo is Apples new entry-level Mac laptop. Its powered by an iPhone-class chip (the A18 Pro) rather than an M-series processor, and it introduces a colorful design and a simplified feature set at a much lower starting price, although not as low as it was, thanks to Apples June 2026 price hikes which pushed prices up $100. Whos it for? The MacBook Neo is designed to appeal to students and those who want to use a laptop for everyday tasks like web browsing, video calls, schoolwork, streaming, email and office apps. Because it uses an A18 Pro iPhone chip and is limited to 8GB of non-upgradable RAM, it is not suitable for heavy video editing or large-scale photo processing. How much does the MacBook Neo cost? At launch the MacBook Neo was the the cheapest Mac laptop Apple has ever released, starting at $599/599. That price is now slightly more, at $699/699, but its still about half the price of a MacBook Air. What are the specifications? The MacBook Neo is the first Mac to use an A-series processor, the same family used in iPhones. That chip has a 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU, 8GB unified memory, and either 256GB or 512GB storage. Apple A18 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 8GB memory, 256GB SSD, two USB-C ports: $699/699. Apple A18 Pro, 6-core CPU, 5-core GPU, 8GB memory, 512GB SSD, two USB-C ports: $799/799. Additional options: None. What are display specifications? The MacBook Neo features a 13-inch Liquid Retina display with 2,4081,506 resolution at 220 ppi, at up to 500 nits and sRGB color. That should be good enough for everyday work. How do I connect stuff? Connectivity is basic. There are two USB-C ports; one is USB 3, the other is slower USB 2. There isnt a separate MagSafe port so charging is via USB-C. There is a 3.5mm headphone jack. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 6 are included. How fast is it? MacBook Neo uses the A18 Pro chip that first appeared in the iPhone 16 Pro. Our tests and benchmarks of that chip indicate that it offers similar performance to the M1. It is suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, and office apps. Any other considerations? To get to the low price Apple has made several trade-offs. The MacBook Neo lacks Thunderbolt and MagSafe support, there is no keyboard backlight and no Touch ID on the base model, and RAM is limited to 8GB with no option to increase that to 16GB. Why we recommend the MacBook Neo : This is the most affordable way to own a Mac laptop unless you buy a used or refurbished model. If you dont need pro-level performance its a very compelling entry-point into Apples ecosystem. Read our full Apple MacBook Neo review Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M5, 2026) Bigger screen without Pro pricing Price When Reviewed: $1,499 (was $1,299) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price Check Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide What is it? The 15-inch MacBook Air is essentially identical to the 13-inch model above aside from the bigger screen and six-speaker system rather than four speakers. Surprisingly, battery life isnt better on the 15-inch, despite the bigger battery. Whats new? The M5 MacBook Air arrived in March 2026. Like the 13-inch version it features the M5 chip for faster CPU and GPU performance compared to the previous generation. The base configuration now starts with 512GB of storage (double the previous model), along with faster SSD speeds, more memory bandwidth, and support for Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Whos it for? The 15-inch MacBook Air is ideal for anyone who wants a big-screen laptop for far less than the price of a 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro. The big screen will allow more room for spreadsheets and browser tabs, and for multitasking with multiple apps open. Its also great choice for anyone who values portability due to its lightweight and thin design. How much does the 15-inch MacBook Air cost? The price of the 15-inch model was $1,299/1,299, but following the June 2026 price increases it now starts at $1,499/1,499. There are three configurations and you can create build-to-order models with up to 32GB memory and 2TB storage. What are the specifications? The specifications of the 15-inch M5 MacBook Air are generally the same as the 13-inch model, expect there is no 8-core GPU option here. The actual screen measurements, measured diagonally are 15.3in. You are essentially paying $200/200 more for the bigger screen. Apple M5, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB memory, 512GB SSD, two Thunderbolt 4 ports: $1,499/1,499. Additional options: Up to 32GB memory, 4TB storage. What are display specifications? While referred to as 15-inch, when measured diagonally the screen is 15.3-inches. The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display has a native resolution of 2,8801,864 and 500 nits brightness. The MacBook Air M5 can support two external displays. How do I connect stuff? Both M5 MacBook Air models support Thunderbolt 4 and can support a dual monitor set up . For USB-A devices you need a USB-C to USB adapter (Apple sells one for $19 / 19 ), or a USB-C hub with USB-A ports. In the U.K. and Europe Apple has stopped including a Power Adapter in the box, so you will need to buy one separately. See our round-up of the best USB-C hubs and adapters . The 2026 MacBook Air offers the new standards of Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) and Bluetooth (6). If you want to connect to an ethernet network, you need an adapter. How fast is it? This is the same M5 as found in the 14-inch MacBook Pro, so you can expect similar performance. In our tests we found the M5 to be faster than the M1 Ultra in some benchmarks. If you are updating from an older Mac expect a big boost. Any other considerations? The Air doesnt have a fan to keep the computer cool, so it may throttle down its speed during long processing sessions, such as video editing or compiling code. If thats the kind of work you intend to do, a MacBook Pro would be a better option. Also note that you wont be able to update RAM or storage later, so get as much as you can afford. Why we recommend the 15-inch MacBook Air: Starting at $1,499/1,499, the 15-inch MacBook Air is a much more affordable Mac laptop than the 14-inch MacBook Pro, which starts at $1,999/1,999, so if you want your screen to be bigger than 13 inches, and you dont need the power of a MacBook Pro for the kind of work you do, the 15-inch MacBook Air is a great option. Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5, 2025) Portable power for work and study Price When Reviewed: $1,699 (was $1,799) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1,849.99 View Deal $1886.31 View Deal $1989 View Deal $1999 View Deal $1999 View Deal $1999 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices What is it? There are three distinct types of MacBook Pro, the M5 model discussed here, and the M5 Pro and M5 Max models we look at separately. Like its more powerful siblings, the M5 MacBook Pro has an HDR ProMotion display, which the MacBook Air lacks. The MacBook Pro offers more ports than the MacBook Air: HDMI and SDXC slots. The 14-inch MacBook Pro offers 24 hour battery life which, along with the 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro chip, is the best battery life ever on a MacBook. Whats new? In October 2025 Apple updated the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip. There were no other major changes, aside from the new option to add 4TB storage at point of sale. Bigger changes came with the launch of the M4 MacBook Pro in October 2024, back then we saw RAM increase from 8GB to 16GB as standard, camera improvements, and Thunderbolt 4 support. Whos it for? The 14-inch MacBook Pro is for a more demanding user than the MacBook Air. Its main benefit is the design allows for better cooling, which means that if you push the machine it wont slow down to avoid overheating. However, there are other MacBook Pros available from Apple (including a 16-inch model) that offer faster processors, so if you really need a powerful machine one of those might be more suitablewe discuss the M5 Pro and M5 Max models below. How much does the 14-inch MacBook Pro cost? The entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro M5 starts at $1,999/1,999 (up from the $1,699/1,699 it cost in March 2026 (even that was an increase compared to the $1,599/1,599 it cost at launch in October 2025). What are the specifications? The standard specs for the 14-inch MacBook Pro offer an improvement on the previous generation. The MacBook Pro now ships with 1TB SSD as standard, up from 512GB. Apple M5, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB memory, 1TB SSD, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, SDXC, HDMI, $1,999/1,999. Additional options: 32GB memory; up to 4TB storage. What are display specifications? Apple refers to it as a 14-inch screen, but the screen measured diagonally is actually 14.2-inches. The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display has a native resolution of 3,0241,964 and 1,000 nits brightness, 1600 nits peak, 600 nits SDR brightness, and ProMotion for adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz. The notch at the top of the display conceals the 12MP FaceTime camera which now features Centre Stage. How do I connect stuff? There are three Thunderbolt 4 ports. These are compatible with USB-C (if you have wired devices that arent USB-C, youll need an adapter, we have a separate MacBook Pro Thunderbolt adapter guide to help you decide which ones youll need). The 14-inch MacBook Pro also comes with an HDMI port for connecting an external display or projector, and an SDXC Card slot for plugging in memory cards from cameras, audio recorders, and other devices. The HDMI port also supports multichannel audio output. The 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro still has the older Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) and Bluetooth 5.3 for wireless connectivity (the other MacBook Pro models and Air have been updated to the newer standards. In the U.K. and Europe Apple has stopped including a Power Adapter in the box, so you will need to buy one separately. How fast is it? Apple described the M5 chip in the MacBook Pro as offering a big leap in AI performance thanks to a Neural Accelerator in each core. It also offers 4x better graphics performance compared to the M4, according to Apple. In some of our tests the M5 beat the M1 Ultra, which shows the progress Apple has made with its silicon over the past few years. The MacBook Air matches the specs of the M5 MacBook Pro, but the Pro outperforms the Air due to the inclusion of a fan for cooling (the MacBook Air doesnt have the space for this). If you need it, more power is available from the MacBook Pro with M5 Pro or Max. Any other considerations? Our advice is to max out the RAM (aka Unified Memory) and storage when you buy a Mac because you cant update it later on. Why we recommend the 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5): The 14-inch MacBook Pro costs $1,999/1,999, which is much more than the 13-inch MacBook Air at $1,299/1,299. However the $700/700 difference is misleading: when comparing like for like: the 15-inch MacBook Air with 1TB SSD costs $1,799/1,799, which is $200/200 less than the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the same 1TB SSD. For that extra $200 you get a bigger screen on a machine that is better suited to processor intensive work. Read our full Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5, 16GB, 1TB, 2025) review 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/M5 Max, 2026) Portable desktop-class performance Price When Reviewed: $2,499 (was 2,199) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $2,299 View Deal $2299 View Deal $2299 View Deal $2351.79 View Deal $2499 View Deal $2499 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices What is it? The 14-inch MacBook Pro can also be configured with an M5 Pro or M5 Max chip, which are much more powerful than the standard chip in the M5 MacBook Pro. The Pro and Max MacBook Pro can support up to 18-core CPU, 40-core GPU, 128GB memory and 8TB storage, for a seriously fast Mac laptop. Theres a larger 16-inch MacBook Pro with similar specs that we discuss below. Whats new? The 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro or M5 Max was introduced in March 2026 and introduces Apples new Fusion Architecture chip that combines two 3nm CPU and GPU dies into a single unified system on a chip, which lets Apple scale performance and efficiency. In addition, the GPU includes a Neural Accelerator in every core, which Apple claims delivers up to 4x the AI performance of the previous generation. There is also faster memory and faster SSD speeds. Whos it for? If your work demands serious processing power, these machines are built to handle it. If you regularly work in professional software, the 14-inch MacBook Pro is a strong choice, and with either the M5 Pro or M5 Max chip theyre the most powerful laptops Apple has ever made. The 14-inch model costs less than the 16-inch version, making it the more budget-friendly option, and if you use an external monitor the screen size matters less. The M5 Pro MacBook Pro is designed for demanding professional tasks like software development, managing large photo libraries, or editing 4K video, while the M5 Max is aimed at even heavier workflows such as 3D animation, complex simulations, AI development, and high-end video production. How much does the 14-inch MacBook Pro, M5 Pro & Max cost? The price now starts at $2,499/2,499 (up from $2,199/2,199) for the M5 Pro. The M5 Max version starts at $4,099/4,099, up from $3,599/3,599 prior to June 2026, and a gigantic leap from the previous generation starting price of $3,199/3,199 (that M4 Max model came with 1TB SSD rather than 2TB). What are the specifications? Here are the standard configurations for the 14-inch MacBook Pro. Apple M5 Pro, 15-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB memory, 1TB SSD, three Thunderbolt 5 ports, SDXC, HDMI, $2,499/2,499. Apple M5 Pro, 18-core CPU, 20-core GPU, 24GB memory, 1TB SSD, three Thunderbolt 5 ports, SDXC, HDMI, $2,699/2,699. Apple M5 Max, 18-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 36GB memory, 2TB SSD, three Thunderbolt 5 ports, SDXC, HDMI, $4,099/4,099. Apple M5 Max, 18-core CPU, 40-core GPU, 48GB memory, 2TB SSD, three Thunderbolt 5 ports, SDXC, HDMI, $4,699/4,699. Additional options: 128GB memory; up to 8TB storage, Nano-texture display. What are display specifications? Apple refers to it as a 14-inch screen, but the screen measures 14.2-inches. The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display hasnt changed from its native resolution of 3,0241,964, 254 pixels per inch, 1,600 nits of maximum brightness and 1,000 nits for HDR content, but it now offers 1000 nits for standard content, up from 600. Youll also get a 1,000,000-to-1 contrast ratio and ProMotion support with a refresh rate up to 120Hz. The notch at the top of the display conceals the 12MP Center Stage camera with support for Desk View and 1080p HD video recording. The notch does not affect the available screen areathe work area is a 16-by-10 space, while the screen surrounding the notch is considered extra space and is used to display the menu bar. How do I connect stuff? Unlike the M5 model, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and Max offers Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) and Bluetooth 6 for wireless connectivity. There are three Thunderbolt 5/USB C ports, an SDXC slot for plugging in memory cards from cameras, audio recorders, and other devices, and an HDMI port for connecting an external display or projector (the HDMI port supports multichannel audio output). In the U.K. and Europe Apple has stopped including a Power Adapter in the box, so you will need to buy one separately. How fast is it? Apple built the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with pro users in mind and it shows in the performance. With the M5 Pro and M5 Max you can enjoy the fastest Mac laptops Apple has ever made. When it comes to graphics prowess the Max will always beat the Pro, so if you need the fastest then youll want the M5 Max. Any other considerations? The MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro chips cost significantly more than other Macs, and the Max version costs even more, so you should consider whether the extra performance will actually benefit your workflow. Why we recommend the 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro or M5 Max): If you want a laptop that can handle any task you throw at itand you dont have a constraining budgetyou want a MacBook Pro. The only reason not to buy the 14-inch M5 Pro or M5 Max MacBook Pro would be if you saw a good deal on the discontinued M4 Pro/M4 Max version, just remember that that there was less storage in those model (512GB rather than 1GB at the entry-level). 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro/M5 Max, 2026) Spacious display for demanding workflows Price When Reviewed: 4,399 (was 3,899) Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $3,999 View Deal $3999 View Deal $4124.65 View Deal $4199 View Deal $4399 View Deal $4399 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices What is it? The 16-inch MacBook Pro offers a similar set of specs and configuration options as the 14-inch MacBook Pro (above), but it has a higher price, a bigger screen, and better battery life 24 vs 22 hours. Whats new? Like the 14-inch MacBook Pro discussed above, the 16-inch MacBook Pro features Apples M5 Pro or M5 Max chips, which use Apples Fusion Architecture to combine two 3-nm CPU and GPU dies into a single unified system on a chip. This design allows Apple to scale both performance and efficiency. The GPU also includes a Neural Accelerator in every core, which Apple says means it can deliver up to four times the AI performance of the previous generation. There is also faster memory and improved SSD speeds compared to the previous generation. Whos it for? This is Apples largest pro laptop and its designed for people who need a portable Mac to do work that demands extreme processing power. You could save some money with the 14-inch MacBook Pro, but if you need a big screen on your laptop this is the Mac for you. Youll also benefit from longer battery life. Configured with the M5 Max this is the fastest and most powerful laptop Apple has ever created. How much does the 16-inch MacBook Pro cost? There are four standard configurations starting at $2,999/2,999 (up from $2,699/2,699, which was already $200/200 more than the previous generation, although with double the storage). The ultimate option is a $4,399/4,399 (up from $3,899/3,899) for a M5 Max. What are the specifications? Here are the standard configurations for the 16-inch MacBook Pro introduced in 2026. The screen measures 16.2in diagonally. Apple M5 Pro, 18-core CPU, 20-core GPU, 24GB memory, 1TB SSD, three Thunderbolt 5 ports, SDXC, HDMI, $2,999/2,999 (up from $2,699/2,699). Apple M5 Max, 18-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 36GB memory, 2TB SSD, three Thunderbolt 5 ports, SDXC, HDMI, $4,399/4,399 (up from $3,899/3,899). Apple M5 Max, 18-core CPU, 40-core GPU, 48GB memory, 2TB SSD, three Thunderbolt 5 ports, SDXC, HDMI, $4,999/4,999. (up from $4,399/4,399). Additional options: 48GB, 64GB, or 128GB unified memory. Up to 8TB SSD, Nano-texture display. What are display specifications? When measured diagonally, the screen is 16.2-inches. The 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display has a native resolution of 3,4562,234, 1,600 nits of maximum brightness, and 1,000 nits for HDR content, but it now offers 1000 nits for standard content, up from 600. Youll also get a 1,000,000-to-1 contrast ratio and ProMotion support with a variable refresh rate of up to 120Hz. The notch at the top of the display conceals the 12MP Center Stage camera with support for Desk View and 1080p HD video recording. The notch does not affect the available screen areathe work area is a 16-by-10 space, while the screen surrounding the notch is considered extra space and is used to display the menu bar. How do I connect stuff? The 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and Max offers Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be) and Bluetooth 6 for wireless connectivity. There are three Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports that are compatible with USB-C. If you have wired devices that arent USB-C or are an older version of Thunderbolt, youll need an adapter. We have a separate MacBook Pro Thunderbolt adapter guide to help you decide which ones youll need. Unfortunately, be prepared to shell out a good amount of extra cash. These laptops also come with an HDMI 2.0 port for connecting an external display or projector, and an SDXC Card slot for plugging in memory cards from cameras, audio recorders, and other devices. The HDMI port supports multichannel audio output. In the U.K. and Europe Apple has stopped including a Power Adapter in the box, so you will need to buy one separately. How fast is it? The 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models are both built for pro users the 16-inch MacBook Pro doesnt get any faster or more powerful options than the 14-inch model, but you will benefit from better battery life. The arrival of the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips make these the fastest Mac laptops Apple has ever made 30% faster performance and stronger AI and graphics capabilities than the M4 generation, according to Apple. When it comes to graphics prowess the Max will always beat the Pro, so if you need the fastest then youll want the M5 Max. Any other considerations? Apple has increased prices for this generation of MacBook Pro, compared to the predecessors, which makes what are already high-priced Mac laptops even more expensive. While this is partly explained by the inclusion of twice as much storage (now 2TB as standard) shoppers will want to consider whether they really need the extra performance. Look out for deals on the discontinued M4 Pro and M4 Max MacBook Pro models, but note that the older models will have less storage. Why we recommend the 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro or M5 Max): The 16-inch MacBook Pro offers the largest display and longest battery life in Apples laptop lineup. Its large Liquid Retina XDR display is ideal for multitasking, providing more workspace for editing timelines, coding, and using design tools. Read our full Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max, 2026) review Mac mini (M6, 2026) Compact power at a low price Price When Reviewed: $899 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $899 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide What is it? The M6 Mac mini is Apples smallest and most affordable desktop Mac. It has the same compact 55-inch design introduced with the M4 Mac mini in 2024, but the M6 replaces the M4 chip inside. Unlike an iMac, the Mac mini doesnt include a display, keyboard or mouse, so it is particularly attractive if you already own those things. There is also a more powerful Mac mini with an M5 Pro chip, which we discuss separately. Whats new ? Apple updated the Mac mini with the M6 chip in August 2026, although the new model doesnt go on sale until September 22. The design hasnt changed, but there are some significant improvements inside. The M6 has a 12-core CPU and 12-core GPU, up from 10 CPU and GPU cores in the M4, along with Neural Accelerators in every GPU core and Apples first Dual 16-core Neural Engine. Maximum unified memory increases from 24GB to 32GB and memory bandwidth rises from 120GB/s on the M4 to as much as 170GB/s. Apple also says storage is up to twice as fast. Connectivity has been upgraded with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and 2.5Gb Ethernet as standard. Whos it for? The M6 Mac mini is a good choice for anyone who wants a powerful desktop Mac but doesnt need the additional performance of the M5 Pro Mac mini or Mac Studio. It has more than enough power for everyday work, web browsing and office apps, but is also capable of photo and video editing, coding and gaming. Apple is particularly pushing the M6 Mac mini for AI workloads, including running local AI models and AI agents. If your work involves demanding video production, 3D rendering, large AI models or other processor-intensive professional workflows, the M5 Pro version will be a better choice. How much does the Mac mini cost? The M6 Mac mini starts at $899/899 with 16GB unified memory and a 256GB SSD. Thats $100/100 more than the M4 Mac mini cost immediately before it was replaced, and $300/300 more than the M4 models original $599/599 launch price in October 2024. A 16GB model with 512GB storage costs $1,199/1,199. There is also an M6 configuration with 24GB memory and 512GB storage, while additional memory and storage upgrades can be selected when you order. What are the specifications? Apple M6, 12-core CPU, 12-core GPU, 16GB memory, 256GB SSD, three Thunderbolt 4 ports, 2 USB-C, HDMI, 2.5Gb Ethernet, $899/899. Additional options: 24GB or 32GB unified memory; up to 2TB SSD, and 10Gb Ethernet The Mac mini does not include a display, keyboard, or mouse, so youll have to provide your own, or you can customize your order to include these devices as extra-cost options. How do I connect stuff? There are two USB-C ports on the front of the Mac mini, supporting USB 3 at up to 10Gb/s, alongside a 3.5mm headphone jack. On the back are three Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports capable of speeds up to 40Gb/s, an HDMI port and a 2.5Gb Ethernet port. The Ethernet connection can be upgraded to 10Gb when you order. Wireless connectivity has also been upgraded to Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, and the Mac mini includes Thread networking support. The M6 model can drive as many as three displays , including two 6K screens and a third 5K display. Unlike some older Mac mini models, there are no USB-A ports, so youll need an adapter or hub for older USB accessories. How fast is it? Apple says the M6 delivers up to 40% faster CPU performance and twice the graphics performance of the M4. For everyday use, the M6 Mac mini is more powerful than most people will need. It is more than capable of photo and video editing, coding, gaming, and demanding creative and AI workloads. However, if you regularly work with heavy 3D rendering, high-end video production, or large local AI models, the M5 Pro Mac mini will be faster and better suited to sustained workloads. Any other considerations? As with other current Macs, the unified memory and internal SSD cant be upgraded after purchase, so think carefully about how much memory and storage youll need before you order. The 256GB SSD is likely to feel restrictive if you store lots of photos, video or large applications and wed consider 24GB memory if you want to run more demanding creative or AI workloads. If you need more memory, Thunderbolt 5, or better performance look at the M5 Pro Mac mini instead. Why we recommend the Mac mini M6: Though not as affordable as it once was, the Mac mini is an appealing way to get a powerful Mac if you already own a display, keyboard and mouse. Its combination of a tiny footprint, extensive connectivity and enough performance for everything from everyday work to photo and video editing makes it one of Apples most versatile Macs. Read our full M4 Pro Mac mini review Mac mini (M5 Pro, 2026) Compact desktop for pro users Price When Reviewed: $1,699 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1699 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide What is it? The M5 Pro Mac mini is the more powerful of the two Mac mini models introduced in August 2026. It uses the same compact five-by-five-inch design as the M6 Mac mini (and the predesessor), but substitutes the more powerful M5 Pro chip and Thunderbolt 5 connectivity. Despite the apparently older chip name, M5 Pro is significantly more capable than M6 for demanding professional workloads, with more CPU and GPU cores, greater memory bandwidth, support for up to 64GB of unified memory, and support for three 6K displays. Whats new ? The higher-end Mac mini moved from M4 Pro to M5 Pro in August 2026, with availability from September 22. It now offers up to an 18-core CPU, 64GB unified memory and 307GB/s memory bandwidth, plus Neural Accelerators in every GPU core. Connectivity improves with Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and standard 2.5Gb Ethernet, while genlock over USB-C supports professional video workflows. Whos it for? The M5 Pro Mac mini is for developers, video editors, 3D artists, musicians, researchers and other creative or technical professionals who need more processing and graphics power than the standard Mac mini offers, but dont need to step up to a Mac Studio. Its particularly well suited to running larger local AI models thanks to its 307GB/s memory bandwidth and support for up to 64GB of unified memory. Apple also highlights app development, video rendering, scientific simulations, 3D design, VFX and game development as suitable workloads. For ordinary office work, web browsing, photo editing and less demanding creative work, the M6 Mac mini should be more than sufficient and costs considerably less. How much does the Mac mini cost? The M5 Pro Mac mini starts at $1,699/1,699 with 24GB unified memory and a 512GB SSD. Thats $100/100 more than the M4 Pro model cost following Apples June 2026 price increase, and $300/300 more than the M4 Pro Mac minis original $1,399/1,399 launch price. What are the specifications? Apple sells three Mac mini models. Apple M5 Pro, 15-core CPU, 16-core GPU, 24GB memory, 512GB SSD, three Thunderbolt 5 ports, 2 USB-C, HDMI, 2.5Gb Ethernet, $1,699/1,699) Additional options: M5 Pro with 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU; 48GB or 64GB unified memory; up to 8TB SSD, and 10Gb Ethernet The Mac mini does not include a display, keyboard, or mouse, so youll have to provide your own, or you can customize your order to include these devices as extra-cost options. How do I connect stuff? The M5 Pro Mac mini has two USB-C/USB 3 ports and a headphone jack on the front. On the back are three Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI and Ethernet. Thunderbolt 5 offers transfer speeds up to 120Gbps and can also be used for display, storage, docks and other high-performance peripherals. It can drive up to three 6K displays . Wireless connectivity is Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6, while wired networking is now 2.5Gb Ethernet as standard, with 10Gb Ethernet available as an option. Apple has also introduced genlock over USB-C, which will be useful in professional video setups where cameras and displays need to be synchronized. How fast is it? The M5 Pro offers up to an 18-core CPU, 20-core GPU and 307GB/s memory bandwidth, versus the M6s 12-core CPU, 12-core GPU and 170GB/s. That makes M5 Pro better suited to demanding video, 3D, development and local Al workloads. Apple claims the M5 Pro Mac mini offers up to 4x faster LLM prompt processing in LM Studio, 1.4x faster ray-traced rendering in Blender, and 1.5x faster image processing in Affinity compared to the M4 Pro Mac mini. Any other considerations? Memory and storage cant be upgraded later, so choose carefully; for demanding work, extra unified memory is worth prioritising. Youll also need your own display, keyboard and mouse. The M6 Mac mini is cheaper and powerful enough for most users, while those needing substantially more performance should consider the Mac Studio. Why we recommend the Mac mini (M6): Its not as affordable as it once was, but the M5 Pro Mac mini packs impressive professional-level performance into an exceptionally small desktop. Compared with the M6 model, it offers more CPU and GPU cores, almost twice the memory bandwidth, up to 64GB unified memory, Thunderbolt 5, and support for three 6K displays. For developers, video editors, 3D artists, and demanding AI workloads, its a good middle ground between the standard Mac mini and the more expensive Mac Studio. Read our full M4 Pro Mac mini review Mac Studio (M5 Max, 2025) High-end power for demanding workflows Price When Reviewed: $2,499 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $2499 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide What is it? The Mac Studio with M5 Max is Apples high-performance compact desktop for professional users. It between the Mac mini with M5 Pro and the more expensive M5 Ultra version of the Mac Studio. It doesnt come with a display, keyboard or mouse, but its small desktop design packs in considerably more sustained performance and connectivity than Apples laptops. The M5 Max version supports up to 128GB of unified memory and five external displays. Whats new? Apple updated the Mac Studio in August 2026, replacing the M4 Max chip in the model introduced in March 2025 with the M5 Max. The design hasnt changed, but there are significant upgrades inside. The M5 Max has an 18-core CPU and up to 40-core GPU, with Neural Accelerators built into every GPU core for much faster AI processing. Memory bandwidth increases to as much as 614GB/s, storage is up to twice as fast, and the Mac Studio gains Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Apple has also added support for genlock over USB-C and Thunderbolt 5 clustering, which allows multiple Mac Studios to work together on distributed AI workloads. Whos it for? The Mac Studio with M5 Max is aimed at creative and technical professionals who need more performance than a Mac mini can provide, but dont need the extreme power or price of the M5 Ultra. Apple specifically highlights musicians, photographers, software developers, engineers and designers working with 3D and motion graphics. Its also a strong choice for video editing, software development, AI image and video generation, and running large language models locally. If your work involves exceptionally large AI models, complex VFX simulations or huge quantities of 8K video, the M5 Ultra Mac Studio may be more appropriate. How much does the Mac Studio cost? The M5 Max Mac Studio starts at $2,499/2,499. That gets you the M5 Max with an 18-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 36GB unified memory and 512GB SSD. The starting price hasnt changed from the price Apple introduced in June 2026, but it is substantially higher than the previous models original launch price: the M4 Max Mac Studio started at $1,999/2,099 when it arrived in March 2025. What are the specifications? The entry-level M5 Max Mac Studio offers: Apple M5 Max, 18-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 36GB unified memory, 512GB SSD, $2,499/2,499. Additional options: M5 Max SoC with a 18-core CPU, up to a 40-core GPU; up to 128GB unified memory; up to 8TB SSD storage. The memory bandwidth of the M5 Max is 614GB compared to 546GB/s for the M4 Max model. How do I connect stuff? The M5 Max Mac Studio has the following ports: Four Thunderbolt 5 ports on the back supporting speeds of up to 120Gb/s. Two USB-C ports on the front (these are Thunderbolt on the M5 Ultra model). SDXC Card slot on the front. Two USB-A ports. 10Gb ethernet. HDMI. 3.5 mm headphone jack Wi-Fi 7. Bluetooth 6. The M5 Max supports up to five external displays. The Mac Studio doesnt include a display, keyboard or mouse, so youll need to provide your own or add Apples as extra-cost options. How fast is it? The M5 Max Mac Studio is significantly faster than the previous M4 Max model, with some of the biggest improvements coming in AI workloads. Apple says LLM prompt processing in LM Studio can be up to 3.9x faster than M4 Max, while text-to-image generation can be up to 3.5x faster. Magic Mask processing in DaVinci Resolve Studio is up to 3x faster, while Redshift scene rendering is up to 1.4x faster. Apple also says the new GPU can be up to 50 percent faster than the previous generation for graphics-intensive work. The 18-core CPU is also faster than the M4 Max and memory bandwidth rises to 614GB/s. The M5 Max can simultaneously play as many as 19 streams of 8K ProRes 422 video at 30fps. The Mac Studios active cooling also means it is designed to maintain this level of performance during long, intensive workloads. Any other considerations? The M5 Max is an extremely powerful chip if you dont regularly perform processor-, graphics- or AI-intensive work, a Mac mini will probably offer better value. The main disadvantage is that the Mac Studio is just the computer: youll need to provide a display, keyboard and mouse or trackpad, which can add considerably to the overall cost if you dont already own them. You should also choose your memory and internal storage carefully when you order because neither can be upgraded later. Why we recommend the Mac Studio (M5 Max): The Mac Studio with M5 Max strikes a strong balance between performance and price for professionals who rely on processor- and graphics-intensive apps. Its 18-core CPU, powerful GPU, up to 128GB of unified memory and high memory bandwidth make it well suited to video editing, 3D rendering, software development, music production and AI workloads, especially if you regularly spend time waiting for projects to render, compile or export. At $2,499/2,499 it isnt cheap, and youll still need to provide a display and peripherals, but it offers substantially more performance than the Mac mini while costing far less than the $5,499/5,499 M5 Ultra model. With the Mac Pro discontinued, the Mac Studio is now Apples highest-performance desktop and the best fit for many creative professionals, developers, engineers and other power users. Read: Why Mac professionals should switch to a Mac Studio . Mac Studio (M5 Ultra, 2026) Maximum performance for video and AI Price When Reviewed: $5,499 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $5499 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide What is it? The Mac Studio with M5 Ultra is Apples most powerful Mac and its highest-end desktop. The M5 Ultra chip combines two M5 Max dies using Apples UltraFusion architecture, giving it significantly more CPU and GPU cores, memory capacity and bandwidth than the M5 Max model. It is designed for workloads that would overwhelm most Macs, including complex 3D rendering, multiple streams of 8K video, scientific simulations and running very large AI models locally. Whats new? Apple introduced the M5 Ultra Mac Studio on August 25, 2026, replacing the M3 Ultra model that arrived in March 2025. The headline change is the M5 Ultra chip, which offers up to a 36-core CPU and 80-core GPU, with a Neural Accelerator in every GPU core. Memory bandwidth rises from 819GB/s on M3 Ultra to 1.2TB/s, while maximum unified memory remains 512GB. Apple has also introduced faster PCIe Gen 6-based SSD storage, Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6 and genlock over USB-C. The external design is unchanged. Whos it for? The M5 Ultra Mac Studio is for people with exceptionally demanding professional workloads. That includes VFX artists rendering complex scenes, filmmakers working with multiple streams of high-resolution video, engineers running simulations, and AI researchers or data scientists working with very large models. Its ability to support as much as 512GB of unified memory is particularly significant for AI developers who want to run huge LLMs locally rather than rely on cloud services. Most users, including many creative professionals, will find the considerably cheaper M5 Max Mac Studio more than powerful enough. How much does the Mac Studio cost? The Mac Studio with M5 Ultra starts at $5,499/5,499, with a 30-core CPU, 64-core GPU, 96GB unified memory and 1TB SSD. That is $200/200 more than the M3 Ultra model cost immediately before it was replaced, and $1,500 more than the $3,999 launch price of the previous-generation M3 Ultra Mac Studio when it was introduced in March 2025. There are a number of build-to-order options, including a 36-core CPU, 80-core GPU, and 16TB SSD. There was also a 512GB Unified Memory option, but memory shortages mean that wont be available until October 2026. A Mac Studio with M5 Ultra, 16TB SSD and 256GB unified memory costs $18,299, the 512GB RAM option will cost even more when it is available. What are the specifications? The Mac Studio withMac Ultraprocessors offers these specs: Apple M5 Ultra, 30-core CPU, 64-core GPU, 96GB unified memory, 1TB SSD, $5,499/5,499 Additional options: M5 Ultra with 36-core CPU and 80-core GPU, up to 512GB unified memory (October onwards), and up to 16TB SSD. The memory bandwidth of the M5 Ultra is 1.2TB/s compared to 819GB/s in the M3 Ultra model. How do I connect stuff? The Mac Studio has the following ports: Four Thunderbolt 5 ports on the back supporting speeds of up to 120Gb/s. Two Thunderbolt 5 ports on the front. SDXC Card slot on the front. Two USB-A ports. 10Gb ethernet. HDMI. 3.5 mm headphone jack Wi-Fi 7. Bluetooth 6. The M5 Ultra Mac Studio can drive up to eight displays, including up to four Studio Display XDR displays at 5K and 120Hz. The Mac Studio does not include a display, keyboard, or mouse, so youll have to provide your own, or you can customize your order to include these devices as extra-cost options. How fast is it? How fast is it? Apple says the M5 Ultra delivers up to 1.3x faster multithreaded CPU performance, 1.8x faster graphics and 4.3x the peak AI compute performance of the M3 Ultra. Compared with M1 Ultra, Apple claims up to 2.4x faster CPU performance, 4.7x faster GPU performance and 9.8x faster AI performance. In specific workloads, Apple claims up to 3.3x faster ML training in Foundry Nuke, 4x faster LLM processing in LM Studio, 4.3x faster text-to-image generation and 1.7x faster Redshift rendering. SSD performance can also be up to twice as fast as the previous generation. Any other considerations? The biggest consideration is whether you actually need this much performance. At $5,499/5,499 before any upgrades, the M5 Ultra Mac Studio costs $3,000/3,000 more than the entry-level M5 Max Mac Studio. The M5 Max model is already an extremely powerful workstation and will be sufficient for many video editors, developers, photographers and other creative professionals. If you do need large amounts of unified memory, remember that memory and internal storage cannot be upgraded after purchase, so choose your configuration carefully. Why we recommend the Mac Studio M3 Ultra: The M5 Ultra Mac Studio is excessive for most people, but that is the point. It offers the highest CPU core count in any Mac, Apples most powerful GPU, up to 512GB of unified memory and an extraordinary 1.2TB/s of memory bandwidth in a compact desktop. The jump in AI performance makes it particularly compelling for developers and researchers who need to run extremely large models locally, while its 80-core GPU, powerful media engines and extensive Thunderbolt 5 connectivity make it equally well suited to demanding video, VFX and 3D workflows. If your work can actually take advantage of that hardware, this is the most powerful Mac you can buy. Apple 24-inch iMac (M4, 2024) Best for receptions and living rooms Price When Reviewed: $1,299 | $1,499 | $1,699 | $1,899 Best Prices Today: Retailer Price $1,424 View Deal $1424 View Deal $1499 View Deal $1499 View Deal $1499 View Deal Price comparison from over 24,000 stores worldwide View more prices What is it? The iMac is what Apple is famous for, although the current design is as far removed from the original as you. can get. Its the Mac to have in a living room or an office reception somewhere you can show it off. Whats new? In October 2024 Apple introduced the M4 version of the 24-inch iMac. Little has changed since the redesign of 2021, which represented the first major update in more than a decade, with a cleaner design and a choice of seven bright colors (slightly lighter shades for 2024). Whos it for? The iMac is great for both novices and demanding users. It can handle general-purpose and heavy-duty tasks equally well, although those after a replacement for a 27-inch IMac or iMac Pro might want to wait to see if the rumored iMac Pro ever materializes, or settle for a Mac mini Pro or Mac Studio. Its ideal for someone who needs to buy a complete computer setup (keyboard, mouse or trackpad, and display) and wants to maximize workspace efficiency. The 24-inch iMac is a design icon that will look great in any office. How much does the iMac cost? Following the June price hikes, the three standard configurations start at $1,499/1,499 (up from $1,299/1,299) for the entry-level model, and $1,699/1,699 (up from $1,499/1,499) for the mid-range. What are the specifications? The 24-inch iMac still uses Apples M4 chip. Compared to other Macs, there is half the storage as standard, at 256GB. There are several configurations available as well as build-to-order options: Apple M4, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB memory, 256GB SSD, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, $1,499/1,499. Apple M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB memory, 256GB SSD, four Thunderbolt 4 ports, $1,699/1,699. Apple M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB memory, 512GB SSD, four Thunderbolt 4 ports, $1,899/1,899. Apple M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 24GB memory, 512GB SSD, four Thunderbolt 4 ports, $2,099/2,099. Additional options: 32GB memory; up to 2TB storage What are the display specifications? The 24-inch 4.5K Retina display has 11.3 million pixels and supports the P3 wide color gamut, over a billion colors, 500 nits of brightness, and True Tone. Apple treats the display with an anti-reflective coating to help with readability. The display hasnt changed since the M1 model launched. How do I connect stuff? The $1,499 24-inch iMac 24 has two Thunderbolt 4 ports that also work with USB-C devices. The $1,699 and $1,899 iMacs have four Thunderbolt 4 ports (the previous generation had two Thunderbolt/USB 4 and two USB 3 ports). If you have a USB-A device, you need to buy an adapter, such as Apples ( $19 / 19 ). If you have multiple USB-A devices and other items, consider a Thunderbolt hub . The 24-inch iMac also has a headphone jack on the side. Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 are built-in. Apple doesnt put a gigabit ethernet port on the 24-inch iMacinstead, its on the power adapter. But that ethernet-equipped power adapter comes standard with the $1,699 and $1,899 models. Its not included with the $1,499 model, but you can select it as an option at the point of purchaseand yes, that means youll have to pay extra for it. How fast is it?: The 24-inch iMac is the only Mac still using the M4 chip, so its not as fast as the other Macs, but its still got all the speed general consumers need, and it can even handle pro applications with no problem. However, the $1,499 model has only one fan inside its body, while the $1,699 and $1,899 models have two fans. That means the high-priced models do a better job of keeping the internals cool. The $1,499 model may need to slow down its performance on heavy-duty tasks in order to maintain a proper temperature. Any other considerations? The iMac doesnt represent particularly good value at its current price. A better buy is the MacBook Air, which offers a faster M5 chip with a 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB of memory, and a 512GB SSD for $1,299/1,299. By comparison, the iMac costs $1,499/1,499 yet includes an older M4 chip with an 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, the same 16GB of memory, and only a 256GB SSD. We feel that the iMac price is high compared to the specs on offer, but we do admire the design. We are holding out for a bigger screen. Apple is rumored to launch a M6 iMac in 2027. Why we recommend the iMac (M4): The iMac was transformed when Apple introduced the redesigned 24-inch model in 2021, with major improvements to its design, display, and performance. If youre buying one today, the $1,699/1,699 model is the sweet spot, adding more ports, Touch ID, and Ethernet. Wed still love to see Apple revive the iMac Pro with a larger display, and sincerely hope one is in the pipeline. Read our full Apple iMac (M4, 2024) review Which Mac is best for what you do? In the table below you can find the best Mac for every use case we can think of. Find the Mac that is best for you and meets your needs below. Who Recommended Mac Why Most people 13-inch MacBook Air (M5) The best balance of performance, portability, battery life and price for everyday work. Small budget MacBook Neo Apples cheapest laptop and plenty powerful enough for web browsing, email, streaming and basic productivity. Students MacBook Neo Affordable, portable and capable enough for schoolwork, research, video calls and everyday apps. Commuters 13-inch MacBook Air (M5) Thin and light with strong performance and long battery life. Big screen/everyday use 15-inch MacBook Air (M5) A larger display without the weight or expense of a 16-inch MacBook Pro. Big screen/pro use 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) Largest laptop display combined with outstanding battery life and workstation-class performance Home worker 15-inch MacBook Air (M5) Plenty of screen space, excellent battery life and enough performance for office and productivity work. Family computer 24-inch iMac Simple all-in-one setup thats well suited to a shared home computer. Receptionist 24-inch iMac Compact, tidy all-in-one design with very little setup required. Value seeker Mac mini (M6) Strong everyday and creative performance in Apples smallest desktop. Developer (desktop) Mac mini (M5 Pro) More CPU and GPU power than the standard mini, with active cooling for sustained workloads. Developer (laptop) 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) Multicore performance, ample memory options and portability. Photographers and designers 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) Excellent XDR display combined with CPU and GPU performance for creative applications. Video editor (laptop) 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro or M5 Max) Powerful media engines and sustained performance while remaining reasonably portable. Video editor (desktop) Mac Studio (M5 Max) Powerful GPU and media capabilities make it ideal for demanding 4K/8K production workflows. Creative professionals (desktop) Mac Studio (M5 Max) Workstation-class CPU and GPU performance for video, audio, photography, development and 3D work Music production Mac Studio (M5 Max) Quiet operation, sustained CPU performance, lots of memory and extensive connectivity. 3D rendering Mac Studio (M5 Max or M5 Ultra) The most GPU performance and memory capacity. Large AI models Mac Studio (M5 Ultra) Up to 512GB of unified memory plus Apples highest-end CPU and GPU options. FAQ 1. Whats best, MacBook Air or MacBook Pro? We address this question in detail in our comparison of the MacBook Air vs Pro. Its really a question of price versus power. The Air is sufficient for most peoples needs, the Pro will give you that extra boost in terms of what the Mac is capable of. Buying an entry-level MacBook Air for $1,299/1,299 will get you an excellent Mac laptop. If you want to spend less than that you may be able to find a discounted MacBook Air we round up the best MacBook Air deals regularly. If you want a larger screen, the 15-inch MacBook Air is a great option that is a lot cheaper than the smaller 14-inch MacBook Pro. The price of the Pro and Max MacBook Pro models is high, but these models offer the kind of specs professional users, especially creatives, need, including support for more RAM, and more CPU and GPU cores. If you can afford to stretch to the Max you will get the ultimate Mac without a doubt, but you need to be willing to make a significant investment. The choice between the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro is all down to the screen size. The 16-inch models are more expensive, but once you spec them out in such a way to be comparable the price difference is minor. The bigger difference is between the Pro and Max processors. Other than speed, MacBooks with Max processors can connect up to four external displays (three over Thunderbolt and one over HDMI), while since the M4 all models allow two external displays in addition to the laptop screen. (There are workarounds if you need to connect more screens). There is now another Mac laptop to consider, the MacBook Neo lowers the price of ownership of a Mac laptop to $699/699. If budget really is tight though, you might want to consider a discounted previous generation MacBook Air instead. 2. Should I upgrade from my Intel Mac? Yes. Its time! We are now more than six years into Apples transition from Intel processors to its own silicon that includes CPU, GPU, and unified memory. The transition began with the introduction of the M1 in November 2020. Since June 2023 every Mac Apple sells uses Apples own chips rather than Intel processors. If youve yet to upgrade your Intel Mac to one powered by Apples silicon what are you waiting for? If you are concerned that a must-have app doesnt run on an M-series Mac, consider finding a new app because the performance gains are tremendous. Another good reason to update your Intel Mac is that Intel chips will not be supported by Apple for much longer in terms of security updates. With the arrival of macOS Tahoe, the number of supported Intel Macs was fewer than ever, and when the next version of macOS macOS Golden Gate launches later in 2026it will not support any Intel powered Macs. This doesnt mean that in fall 2026 Intel Macs will be out in the cold, because Apple continues to support older versions of macOS with security updates for a couple more years, but, with only a few of the most recent Intel Macs supported by 2024s Sequoia the days of Intel Macs are certainly numbered. Read: How long does Apple support Macs . 3. Where can I get the best price for a new Mac? Apple rarely offers direct price cuts on new hardware, but resellers frequently do. Getting the best price on a new Mac requires knowing where to look and when to buy: Top U.S. Retailers: Amazon : Often has the lowest prices, especially during events like Prime Day. For example, during the July 2026 Prime Day event, a 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro was available for $1,749, a $450 discount. Even outside of events, Amazon frequently undercuts Apples MSRP. Best Buy : A reliable source for discounts and trade-in offers. In late 2025, Best Buy offered a massive $1,150 off an M2 Ultra Mac Studio. B&H Photo : A well-regarded authorized reseller that often has competitive pricing on Macs. Walmart : Known for exclusive deals on older models, like the M1 MacBook Air, which has been sold brand-new for just $599. Top U.K. Retailers: Amazon UK : Similar to the U.S., Amazon UK is a primary source for discounts. KRCS : An Apple Premium Reseller that frequently offers good deals. John Lewis & Currys : Reliable high-street retailers that often have competitive prices and good customer service. If youre looking for a great offer, visit our MacBook Pro deals , MacBook Air deals , iMac deals , Mac Studio deals , and Mac mini deals pages which are regularly updated. 4. What specs do I really need for my Mac? Chip : The specs you need depend on what you plan to do with your Mac. For everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, office apps and light photo editing, a standard M-series chip is more than sufficient. Apples latest entry-level desktop chip is the M6, available in the Mac mini, while other Macs still use M4 or M5-generation chips. If you regularly work with complex spreadsheets, large Photoshop files, audio projects, video editing or more demanding games, look at a Pro chip. The M5 Pro Mac mini, for example, offers up to an 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU and up to 64GB unified memory. For professional video production, 3D work, software development and other intensive workloads, a Max chip is more appropriate. The Mac Studio with M5 Max offers an 18-core CPU, up to a 40-core GPU and as much as 128GB unified memory. The M5 Ultra, with up to a 36-core CPU, 80-core GPU and 512GB unified memory, is aimed at the most extreme workloads, including VFX, scientific computing and running very large AI models locally. GPU : One of the biggest differences between Apples chips is GPU performance. Standard M-series chips are easily sufficient for everyday graphics, casual gaming and light creative work. Pro chips add considerably more GPU power for video editing, graphics work, 3D applications and gaming. Max chips are designed for professional graphics, high-resolution video and demanding 3D workflows, while Ultra provides Apples highest GPU performance. The M5 Max offers up to 40 GPU cores, while the M5 Ultra doubles that to 80 GPU cores. Both also have Neural Accelerators built into every GPU core to speed up AI workloads. RAM : Apple calls RAM Unified Memory. The MacBook Neo is limited to 8GB, which is probably the biggest drawback of that machine. Most Macs start with at least 16GB, which is plenty for everyday use, although we recommend choosing more if your budget allows because the memory cannot be upgraded later. 24GB or 32GB is a good choice for heavier multitasking, photo editing, podcasting, moderate video production and gaming. Developers and professional creative users may benefit from 48GB, 64GB or more. The new M5 Pro Mac mini can be configured with up to 64GB, M5 Max Mac Studio with up to 128GB, and M5 Ultra Mac Studio with an enormous 512GB. Storage : Even with iCloud and external drives available, it can seem like you can never have enough storage inside your Mac. 256GB may be sufficient for basic web and office use, but it can fill up quickly. We recommend 512GB for most people who want to keep a Mac for several years, particularly if you store photos, games or media locally. For regular video or audio production, 1TB or more is preferable. Professional users may need several terabytes: the M5 Pro Mac mini can be configured with up to 8TB, while Mac Studio configurations go even higher. As with unified memory, internal Mac storage cannot be upgraded after purchase, so it is worth thinking about future requirements when ordering. For more information to help you decide which Mac to buy see our Mac processor comparison where we compare Apple silicon and Intel . We also offer advice about how much storage, RAM, and cores in How much MacBook RAM, SSD, GPU, and CPU do you really need. 5. When were the Macs last updated? In August 2026 the Mac mini and Mac Studio were updated. In March 2026 the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air were updated, and the MacBook Neo was introduced. The most recent iMac update was in October 2024. The Mac Pro has been discontinued. Why you can trust Macworlds advice Macworld has been covering everything Apple related since our first issue which arrived alongside the original Mac in 1984. Nobody knows Apple better, except probably Apple, but the difference is that we are completely impartial. We are made up of a team of experts with decades of experiences with Macs and other Apple products, and between us we have reviewed every Apple product meaning we are uniquely positioned to provide buying advice.

26 Aug 2026 6:45 pm