The 10 Best Value Macbook Of 2024, Tested By Our Experts

William Shatner By, William Shatner
Updated
2020 Apple Macbook Air Laptop: Apple M1 Chip, 13” Retina Display
Image credit: Amazon.com

The Rundown

1. Best Overall: 2020 Apple Macbook Air Laptop: Apple M1 Chip, 13” Retina Display

The 2020 Apple Macbook Air Laptop is the perfect Apple laptop for school, work and life. With an ultra-lightweight design, up to 13" Retina display, and up to 16 hours of battery life, it's a tough worker that fits your lifestyle. The new M1 chip makes your day go even smoother with up to 24GB of memory, and the powerful performance you need for all the big projects. Finally switch seamlessly between work and play thanks to the built-in Thunderbolt Read Review

2. Best Bang For The Buck: Apple Macbook Air 13-inch Retina Display, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage

The Apple Macbook Air 13-inch Retina Display is powerful without the bulk. The new, stunning 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone technology and Backlit Magic Keyboard has a crisp resolution of 2560-by-1600 pixels, so everything looks more vivid, beautiful and true to life. The 10th generation Intel Core i3 processor lets you have your cake and eat it too. The Intel Iris Plus Graphics 5200 delivers smooth visuals while the Fast SSD storage speeds Read Review

3. Best Convenient: 2020 Apple Macbook Pro with Apple M1 Chip 13-inch, 8GB RAM

Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance. Get more done with up to 20 hours of battery life. The 2020 Macbook Pro features the latest 8-core processor with up to 2.8x faster performance to fly through workflows quicker than ever. The 2020 Macbook Pro is loaded with 8-core GPU with 5x faster graphics for graphics-intensive apps and games. Read Review

4. Best Easy To Use: 2019 Apple Macbook Pro

The 2019 Apple Macbook Pro is a notebook that can do it all and more. This machine has the power to handle everything from photo-editing and 3D rendering to fast-paced gaming and video streaming. With its stunning 16-inch Retina Display with True Tone technology and Touch Bar, this versatile MacBook Pro is your best choice for a Mac laptop. Read Review

When it comes to buying a new computer, the first thing you should be asking yourself is how much do I need this computer for? Do I need a laptop or a desktop? Depending on your answers to these questions, you might want to consider getting a MacBook. They are incredibly reliable and functional.

Also, they are more affordable than their PC counterparts. However, if you are serious about upgrading from your old computer then we recommend that you get yourself a new one. Here we have listed some of the best-value MacBooks on the market today.

In the end, we concluded that 2020 Apple Macbook Air Laptop: Apple M1 Chip, 13” Retina Display was the most highly recommended. Other options presented here are certainly worthy of your attention, and in order to assist you in making an informed choice, we have compiled a helpful shopping guide.

Our Top Picks

  • Fanless Design – Your MacBook Air stays cool and runs quietly even while tackling intense workloads.
  • Stunning Display – With a 13.3” Retina display, images come alive with new levels of realism. Text is sharp and clear, and colors are more vibrant.
  • Environmentally Friendly – MacBook Air is made with a 100% recycled aluminum enclosure and uses less energy for a smaller carbon footprint.
  • All-Day Battery Life – Go longer than ever with up to 18 hours of battery life.
  • Why Mac – Easy to learn. Easy to set up. Astoundingly powerful. Intuitive. Packed with apps to use right out of the box. Mac is designed to let you work, play, and create like never before.
  • Powerful Performance – Take on everything from professional-quality editing to action-packed gaming with ease. The Apple M1 chip with an 8-core CPU delivers up to 3.5x faster performance than the previous generation while using way less power.
  • Simply Compatible – All your existing apps work, including Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft 365, and Google Drive. Plus you can use your favorite iPhone and iPad apps directly on macOS. Altogether you’ll have access to the biggest collection of apps ever for Mac. All available on the App Store.
  • Superfast Memory – 8GB of unified memory makes your entire system speedy and responsive. That way it can support tasks like memory-hogging multitab browsing and opening a huge graphic file quickly and easily.
  • AppleCare – Every Mac comes with a one-year limited warranty and up to 90 days of complimentary technical support. Get AppleCare+ to extend your coverage and reduce the stress and cost of unexpected repairs.
  • Easy to Learn – If you already have an iPhone, MacBook Air feels familiar from the moment you turn it on. And it works perfectly with all your Apple devices. Use your iPad to extend the workspace of your Mac, answer texts and phone calls directly on your Mac, and more.
  • Force Touch trackpad
  • 8GB of memory
  • Two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
  • Fast SSD storage
  • Tenth-generation Intel Core i3 processor
  • Stereo speakers with wider stereo sound
  • Backlit Magic Keyboard and Touch ID
  • Intel Iris Plus Graphics
  • Stunning 13.3-inch Retina display with True Tone technology
  • Up to 11 hours of battery life
  • Get more done with up to 20 hours of battery life, the longest ever in a Mac
  • Active cooling system sustains incredible performance
  • FaceTime HD camera with advanced image signal processor for clearer, sharper video calls
  • Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
  • 8-core CPU delivers up to 2.8x faster performance to fly through workflows quicker than ever
  • 16-core Neural Engine for advanced machine learning
  • 8-core GPU with up to 5x faster graphics for graphics-intensive apps and games
  • 8GB of unified memory so everything you do is fast and fluid
  • 13.3-inch Retina display with 500 nits of brightness for vibrant colors and incredible image detail
  • Superfast SSD storage launches apps and opens files in an instant
4 2019 Apple Macbook Pro
Our Score:
9.2
Apple
  • 802.11ac Wi-Fi
  • Six-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers
  • Intel UHD Graphics 630
  • Ninth-generation 6-Core Intel Core i7 Processor
  • Stunning 16-inch Retina Display with True Tone technology
  • Ultrafast SSD
  • Up to 11 hours of battery life
  • AMD Radeon Pro 5300M Graphics with GDDR6 memory
  • Touch Bar and Touch ID
  • Four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
  • Apple M1 Pro or M1 Max chip for a massive leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
  • 16-core Neural Engine for up to 11x faster machine learning performance
  • Six-speaker sound system with force-cancelling woofers
  • Up to 32-core GPU with up to 13x faster performance for graphics-intensive apps and games
  • Stunning 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with extreme dynamic range and contrast ratio
  • 1080p FaceTime HD camera with advanced image signal processor for sharper video calls
  • Up to 10-core CPU delivers up to 3.7x faster performance to fly through pro workflows quicker than ever
  • Longer battery life, up to 17 hours
  • Up to 8TB of superfast SSD storage launches apps and opens files in an instant
  • Up to 64GB of unified memory so everything you do is fast and fluid
  • Touch Bar and Touch ID
  • Mail-in repair for portable computers: Mail in your Mac using a prepaid shipping box provided by Apple
  • Ninth-generation 8-Core Intel Core i9 Processor
  • Stunning 16-inch Retina Display with True Tone technology
  • Amd Radeon Pro 5500M Graphics with GDDR6 memory
  • AppleCare+ for Mac extends your coverage to three years from your AppleCare+ purchase date and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage.
  • Global repair coverage
  • Each incident of accidental damage coverage is subject to a service fee of $99 for screen damage or external enclosure damage, or $299 for other damage, plus applicable tax
  • Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU and 7-core GPU
  • 16GB unified memory
  • 512GB SSD storage
  • MacBook Air 13.3" with Retina Display - 30W USB Type-C Power Adapter - USB Type-C Charge Cable (2m) - Apple 1 Year Limited Warranty with 90 Day Technical Support
  • 16-core Neural Engine
  • 8GB 3733MHz LPDDR4X memory
  • Retina display with True Tone
  • MacBook Air 13.3" with Retina Display (Gold) - 30W USB Type-C Power Adapter - USB Type-C Charging Cable (6.56' / 2m) - Apple 1 Year Limited Warranty
  • 1.1GHz quad-core 10th-generation Intel Core i5 processor, Turbo Boost up to 3.5GHz
  • 256GB SSD storage
  • Mail-in repair for portable computers: Mail in your Mac using a prepaid shipping box provided by Apple
  • Ninth-generation 6-Core Intel Core i7 Processor
  • Amd Radeon Pro 5300M Graphics with GDDR6 memory
  • Stunning 16-inch Retina Display with True Tone technology
  • Each incident of accidental damage coverage is subject to a service fee of $99 for screen damage or external enclosure damage, or $299 for other damage, plus applicable tax
  • AppleCare+ for Mac extends your coverage to three years from your AppleCare+ purchase date and adds up to two incidents of accidental damage coverage.
  • Global repair coverage
  • Touch Bar and Touch ID
Product Images, Product Titles, Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Our buying guide to pick best value macbook for you need

Maybe you feel overwhelmed by the variety of choices when it comes to purchasing best value macbook? Visitors didn't even know if a better option was available. We have a few suggestions which will make things easier and thus save you time and effort.

Review them out below to see whether the item you're looking for is right for you!

Ports

All Apple laptops use USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 ports. This is the only port that you will find on an Apple MacBook. These ports charge the computers, but you will need an adapter if you want to attach anything else.
There are different MacBook models with various ports. The MacBook only has one USB-C port. Two ports are available on the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro with Touch Bar. Both the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Touch Bar, and 15-inch MacBook Pro have four ports.

Portability

All of these computers are slim and light, however, the MacBook Air, especially the 12-inch MacBook, are significantly thinner and lighter than Pro models. They weigh just two pounds.
This tiny MacBook looks almost like an iPad when viewed from far away. If portability is your main priority, this is the MacBook you should get.

Storage

When it comes time to buy a laptop, storage is also important. The 16-inch MacBook Pro is the best option if you want maximum storage. It can hold up to 8TB. You can also order the 13-inch Intel-powered MacBook Pro, which has four ports and up to 4TB storage.

RAM

It is crucial to decide how much computer RAM you want. Your system's temporary data storage is called random-access memory (RAM). Your computer will be able to access data faster if it has more RAM. You'll also need more RAM if you have more applications running.
Apple won't allow you to change the RAM of your MacBooks after you purchase it, so make sure you choose carefully.

Battery Life

The M1 MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are the best options for battery life. Apple's customized chip provides unprecedented battery life for its laptops. According to Apple's estimations, the MacBook Air can last for 18 hours and the MacBook Pro for 20 hours. Apple's Intel-powered laptops are expected to last between 10-12 hours.

Performance

It is important that you know what your MacBook will be used for before you decide on the right MacBook. The MacBook Pro is the better option if you require a fast machine to process images or edit video.
Apple MacBook Pro models with Intel-powered Intel processors, especially the 13-inch MacBook Pro with four ports, as well as the 16-inch MacBook Pro are upgradeable up to 32GB. The M1 MacBook Pro and Intel-powered MacBook Pro with only two ports and M1 MacBook Air can only support 16GB.

Graphics And Gaming

M1-based MacBooks can get either a 7-core, or an 8-core integrated GPU. We've had amazing results with the 8-core version, so upgrade if your Mac is running it. You can now play some serious games on your Mac. It's impressive.

Size

You are looking for a bigger laptop to do your work? You should consider the 16-inch MacBook Pro as your top choice. The only Apple laptop available in larger sizes than 13.5", it's your best choice if you're looking for something more desktop-like than portable.

FAQs

Do I Choose An IPad Pro Or MacBook Air?

The MacBook Air, which is ideal for students and anyone who needs to do real work, remains the most popular choice. While the iPad Pro offers more functionality, the MacBook Air excels in all the essential elements of a computer for work. The MacBook Air offers software that is better suited to productivity than iPadOS. It also provides a superior typing experience, which makes it more useful for long battery life.

Which MacBook Is Best For Students?

The MacBook Air is our favorite for students. The MacBook Air is slim, light, fast, portable, and has a fantastic trackpad. The best thing for students? It's Apple's most economical MacBook. And it now comes in multiple color options.
The MacBook Pro is a powerful and versatile computer that can be used to program or create.

What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of Macbooks?

My personal experience is that MacBooks can last up to five years without needing replacement. Apple generally supports its older products for five years. This corresponds with how long it tends to maintain security and software updates. This is a long time, considering most finance plans will see the MacBook pay off around halfway through its lifespan. The optional Apple Care service may extend the life of the MacBook by providing more frequent maintenance attention.

Are There Large-screen Models?

You can have the most stunning display possible with the MacBook Pro 16 inch with Retina Display. This is your large and stunning workplace. This is the biggest Retina Display on a MacBook. The display produces 500 nits brightness. It produces vivid, true-to life images with the P3 color.

Are They Producing Lightweight Models?

The MacBook Air, which is both lightweight and affordable, is our top choice. The MacBook Air is lightweight and portable, but it can still perform exceptionally well.

Is It Really Worth Buying MacBooks?

It all depends on what you need and want from your portable computer, and if Apple is willing to sell it. It makes sense to have a well-connected computer if you are familiar with macOS and Apple's mobile operating systems. This will allow you to get the best out of all devices involved, including your MacBook. I find that this level of synchronization has been worth the effort, as have many others.

Which Apple Laptop Is The Best?

Apple offers a variety of laptops, including the MacBook Air 13-inch and Pro 13-inch models. There are many rave reviews about the 13-inch MacBook Pro. Although it is quite expensive, many people are buying it. It has a faster processor and a longer battery life. The laptop comes equipped with the 8th Generation Quad-Core Intel i5 processor as well as a Retina screen with True Tone technology. It also has a faster SSD and two Thunderbolt ports. Its battery life is amazing at 10 hours.

Conclusion

The website has a buying guide for best value macbook for your needs. It will assist you in determining what to purchase and how much was to purchase! If the above options do not meet your needs, consider Apple Macbook Pro (16-inch, 16GB RAM, 512GB Storage) - Space Gray as an alternative.

Whether any of this makes it sound daunting or if you want more information, please give us a call, our members of the team are always happy to chat and brainstorm ideas with you!


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About William Shatner

William Shatner

William Shatner is a writer and editor who has worked in the audio equipment, computer, and projector industries. He also enjoys repairing and modifying audio equipment, and he has a particular interest in projectors. William is a critical thinker and problem solver, and he takes great pride in his work. He currently serves as the freelance editor of The Audio Insights.