Best MacBooks for 2022
Apple laptops aren't cheap, so it's important that you consider your MacBook options carefully before parting with your cash.
We take a look at the key differences between the MacBook, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro ranges, so you can be confident that you're buying the right Mac for you.
Whatever your budget, our lab tests reveal which models are worth your money and which aren't. See our expert pick of the best laptops for 2022.
Which MacBook should I buy? MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro
There are now four distinct models in the MacBook line-up. The MacBook Air is the cheapest, and there are three Pro models to choose from. The 13-inch model is the cheapest, lightest and smallest, and also uses the same Apple M1 processor as the MacBook Air, albeit with a cooling fan so it can perform faster for longer.
There are also two higher-end Pro models, coming in 14- and 16-inch screen sizes. They are both similar when it comes to specifications, and include more than the two or four USB-C ports found on the Air and 13-inch Pro. You get an HDMI, SD card and the useful MagSafe charging port. In addition, the controversial Touch Bar touchscreen has been dropped for these two higher-end models.
In our tests (see below for the scores), the 13-inch Pro comes out on top due to its excellent mix of speed, lightness and battery life and we think it's the best model for most people. However, the 14- and 16-inch models are undoubtedly more powerful at the expense of a bit of weight and shorter battery life. They also have the best screen, speakers and webcams of the lot. If absolute speed is your goal and your budget will stretch, those are the models to go for.
With all of that said, the Air isn't far off at all. While it isn't as fast and battery life isn't as strong as on the 13-inch Pro, it can also frequently be found for under £900, making it excellent value for anyone looking for a quality laptop for their daily computing tasks.
- BEST BUY
Apple
MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020)
£1,299Test score
92%
It's the highest-scoring MacBook of the bunch. While it shares all the same positives with the other models in the range, we think the 13-inch Pro melds the best of all worlds with excellent battery life and reasonably lightweight, along with its fast performance. You could save a bit of cash on the Air if you wanted, but the Pro is the best Mac for most people.
Read full review- BEST BUY
The Apple 13in MacBook Pro might cost more than most laptops, but if its own-brand M2 processor and high-resolution screen blow away the competition, it might be worth the extra. Read our full Apple MacBook Pro 13in review to see how this top-end laptop fared in our tough tests.
Read full review- BEST BUY
The newest addition to the MacBook Air line-up features the new M2 processor. This laptop itself is thinner and lighter than its predecessor and some elements have been redesigned. But how did it perform during our tough lab tests? Find out by reading the full Apple MacBook Air M2 Chip (2022) review.
Read full review- BEST BUY
This is a brilliant laptop that has an excellent screen and great speakers, as well as a thin and light design and plenty of speed. Its screen isn’t quite as good as the one found on the MacBook Pro, the battery is smaller and it isn’t quite as fast, but these are small compromises for a hefty price reduction. If your budget will only stretch as far as the MacBook Air, you won’t be disappointed.
Read full review- BEST BUY
This is an excellent laptop that’s among the best we’ve tested. It’s super quick, with outstanding screen quality, great speakers and a robust design. Its battery doesn’t last as long as the 13-inch MacBook Pro or MacBook Air’s and it’s a fair bit heavier, but that doesn’t take away from the fact that this is a brilliant Best Buy for those who need the extra speed and screen size.
Read full review- BEST BUY
There’s no doubt that this is a fantastic laptop, but with a price this high it shouldn’t come as a surprise. It aces practically every test, with a great screen, excellent sound and a scintillatingly quick processor. It’s aimed at people who use their computers professionally for tasks that would challenge most other laptops, so if you don’t need a video-editing powerhouse, you could save hundreds of pounds by buying one of the cheaper MacBooks instead.
Read full review
Mac vs Windows vs Chromebooks
MacOS, Windows 10 and ChromeOS all have their own strengths and weaknesses. MacOS is buttery smooth and is the go-to operating system for many creative industries, but it also requires you to shell out a huge amount of money on a premium Apple device.
MacBooks run smoothly and can keep viruses at bay, but they aren't cheap.
Windows meanwhile is available on a huge range of devices from ultra-budget to super-premium and, for many, is still the operating system they know best. But it's not without its downsides: Windows 10 updates are still a major sticking point for many people and the fact Windows 10 doesn't run particularly smoothly on very cheap laptops.
That's where ChromeOS comes in. This operating system is little more than a fancy web browser, with web apps that work best when connected to the internet. There's a range of budget devices available, and a few premium options as well. There's no faffing with huge updates and since everything is in a browser, there shouldn't be any problems with programs crashing either.
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