MacBook buying guide: The right M1 or M2 laptop for every use case

Enlarge / Two 2021 MacBook Pro models, side by side. Samuel Axone

Over the past two years, Apple has completed an overhaul of its entire line of laptops. This means now is the best time to dive in for people who have been waiting for an upgrade from an older MacBook.

But which MacBook is the best to choose? Much depends on your specific use case, and that's what we're going to explore here today.

Usually buying guides select diamonds from the rough, with "rough" being hundreds of lower quality products. But when you're recommending a MacBook, it's a simpler matter. There aren't many to choose from. But since they usually can't be upgraded, you'll have to make some serious choices before you buy.

So we won't just highlight the best MacBook to buy for a specific use case, we'll also discuss specs and other more specific issues to consider when ordering a machine.

Ars Technica may receive compensation for sales from links in this posting through affiliate programs. This article was originally published in May 2022. It was updated and republished with new information on February 9, 2023.

Contents For most people For software developers, engineers and researchers For designers, artists and other visual creators Notable Mentions

Meet the new MacBook Air. Looks like a Mac, right? Samuel Axone

Open it up and it looks a bit like the 14-inch MacBook Pro from this angle. Samuel Axone

In addition to MagSafe, there are two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports, but they're both on the left side. Samuel Axone

The other side just has the headphone jack. Samuel Axone For most people Macbook Air M2 Buy: From $1,199 at Apple, $1,099 at Amazon, $1,199 at Best Buy

Let's cut to the chase: the best Apple laptop for most people is the MacBook Air. It wasn't so clear when Macs had Inte...