Apple is famous for the high-quality computers it produces. Macs, in particular, are a favorite among many students and creators. They tend to have compact builds when compared to rivals and pack some of the fastest, most energy-efficient computing chipsets currently available. Though, considering the high number of models and sizes the company sells, choosing the right device can be challenging. That's why we've broken down the best Macs Apple currently sells to help you find what best matches your workflow.

Best overall: MacBook Air M2 13-inch

Over a decade ago, Steve Jobs pulled the first MacBook Air out of a manila envelope. It was introduced as a slim device that packs a lot of power, and to this day, it remains one of the slimmest and most powerful devices in its category. This is especially true after the introduction of the Apple M1 and M2 chips. Apple revealed the MacBook Air M2 13-inch during WWDC22, and it quickly took our best Mac crown.

The MacBook Air, in general, has always had a special place in my heart, but it has evolved into an iconic blend of performance and affordability. It simply merges the best of two worlds in a futuristic-looking chassis. Loved by students and employees alike, this Mac is lightweight, powerful, and simply stunning. Just slide it into your backpack, and it'll accompany you wherever you go.

The 2023 MacBook Air has a 13.6-inch LED-backlit display with a 2560 x 1664 resolution at 224 PPI with support for millions of colors. Its screen also supports True Tone, making the colors a bit warmer in certain lighting conditions.

The M2 chip has an always-on processor, an eight-core CPU with four perform­ance cores and four efficiency cores, an eight-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. This turns it into a powerhouse when compared to similarly priced laptops. It's capable and power-efficient to the point that Apple actually removed the fans from its internals. The MacBook Air M2 simply doesn't heat up with average use.

When it comes to battery life, it has a built-in 52.6Wh lithium polymer battery. It lasts for up to 15 hours when browsing the web on a single charge, according to Apple. It comes with a 30W USB-C power adapter, and fully charging it doesn't take long, relatively speaking.

The MacBook Air M2 includes two USB-C ports and, surprisingly, a 3.5mm headphone jack. Additionally, Apple has reintroduced the MagSafe 3 charging port. So you'll likely need to buy extra dongles or depend on cloud-based and other wireless solutions. Personally, I'm not bothered because my setup is completely wireless, and my work is internet browser-based, for the most part at least. I only use MagSafe 3 port for charging it. The two Thunderbolt 3 ports and headphone jack remain untouched.

This mighty notebook comes with 8GB of RAM, but it's upgradable to 24GB if you require the extra memory. The base model has 256GB of SSD storage and can be upgraded to 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB. These configurations should be enough to fit the needs of an average user.

The Apple MacBook Air M2 supports macOS Ventura, and it should be supporting future macOS updates for years to come. So you'll get to take advantage of the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. It's available in four color options: Silver, Starlight, Space Gray, and Midnight. So if you're a fan of more vibrant colors, you will have to settle for a case or skin for your new laptop. The base model is priced at $1,199 in the U.S.

Best for creators: MacBook Pro with M2 Pro (14-inch)

The Apple MacBook Pro has been one of the most powerful laptops for a while now. It's mighty, has a solid build, and supports various professional editing tools from both Apple and third-party developers. The 14.2-inch MacBook Pro with M2 Pro offers a minimalist, premium design that's unmatched by its rivals that come packing a similar power. It offers great durability and portability and will likely get updates for at least seven years. To sum up, it's a future-proof investment.

Powered by the Apple M2 Pro chip, the latest MacBook Pro has a 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, with a 3024 x 1964 native resolution at 254 PPI. Its screen also supports True Tone, making the colors look a bit warmer in certain lighting conditions, along with ProMotion technology, allowing you to take advantage of the 120Hz refresh rate.

When it comes to battery life, it has a built-in 70Wh lithium-polymer battery. It lasts for up to 18 hours when watching videos on a single charge, according to Apple. It comes with a 67W USB-C power adapter, so fully charging it shouldn't take long, even when completely drained.

The MacBook Pro M2 Pro includes three Thunderbolt 4 ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, an HDMI port, an SD card slot, and a MagSafe 3 charging port. So you likely won't need to buy extra dongles since this port variety probably matches most people's needs.

This powerhouse comes with 16GB of RAM, but it is upgradable to 32GB if you require the extra memory. The base model has 512GB of SSD storage and can be upgraded to 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB. The M2 Pro chip has an always-on processor, up to 12 CPU cores, up to 19 GPU cores, and a 16-core Neural Engine. This turns it into an unstoppable beast when compared to similarly priced laptops. The Apple MacBook Pro M2 Pro comes with macOS Ventura pre-installed.

The MacBook Pro with M2 Pro has more than enough power for an average person, so it's more aimed at people who work in audio/video editing and other intensive tasks. It's only available in two colors — silver and Space Gray — and the base model is priced at $1,999 in the US.

Best for Pro creators: MacBook Pro with M2 Max (16-inch)

If somehow the 14-inch MacBook Pro isn't enough to suit your needs, you're in luck. Apple also announced a 16-inch MacBook Pro variant for 2023. It comes with the M2 Max chip, which enables the device to do intensive tasks, and it's as powerful as it gets in Apple's lineup right now. It's unmatched, especially when compared to similarly priced laptops from different manufacturers.

This 16.2-inch MacBook Pro has a Liquid Retina XDR display, with a 3456 x 2234 resolution at 254 PPI, with support for one billion colors. It also supports True Tone, making the colors a bit warmer in certain lighting conditions. However, it lacks a Touch Bar since the company has dropped support for that on the highest-end models.

When it comes to battery life, it has a built-in 100Wh lithium polymer battery, which lasts for up to 22 hours when watching videos on a single charge, according to Apple, and comes with a 140W USB-C power adapter. This MacBook Pro also includes a MagSafe 3 port charging, allowing you to conveniently connect and disconnect the cable.

This beast comes with 32GB of RAM, but it is upgradable to a whopping 96GB. The base model has 1TB of SSD storage and can be upgraded to 8TB. These configurations will be enough to fit your needs, no matter what you're working on, and they might even surpass them. And just like every other recent Mac, it supports macOS Ventura

I wouldn't personally buy this MacBook because it's too mighty for my average computing needs. However, if you work in heavy editing or other fields that require this processing power, this is what you're looking for. Like the other MacBook Pro this year, only available in two colors: silver and Space Gray. This model is priced at $3,499 in the U.S., but adding more RAM or storage will bump up the price even more.

Best desktop: iMac M1 24-inch

The Apple iMac M1 is a new all-in-one (AiO) desktop Mac that recently got a complete redesign. It's capable, comes in plenty of color options, and supports a wide variety of professional editing tools, from both Apple and third-party developers. This desktop offers a modern, premium design unmatched by similar AiO computers. It offers great durability and gets software updates for at least seven years usually. To sum up, we can safely say it's a future-proof investment that will sit on your desk for years to come.

Powered by the Apple M1 chip, the latest iMac has a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display with a 4480 x 2520 resolution at 218 PPI with support for one billion colors. Its screen also supports True Tone, making the colors a bit warmer in certain lighting conditions. Additionally, it includes a 1080p FaceTime HD camera with an M1 image signal processor so that you can attend virtual classes or work meetings with confidence.

When it comes to power, the iMac doesn't include a battery. It has to be plugged in at all times, which makes sense because it's a stationary desktop computer. However, if you live in an area where power outages are frequent, you may want to consider buying a MacBook instead. The iMac M1 also only includes four USB-C ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and supports gigabit Ethernet.

This powerhouse comes with 8GB of RAM, but it's upgradable to 16GB — if you require the extra memory. The base model has 256GB of SSD storage and can be upgraded to 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB. The M1 chip has an always-on processor, an eight-core CPU with four perform­ance cores and four efficiency cores, an eight-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. This turns it into a mighty machine in comparison to similar computers. These configurations should be more than enough to fit your needs, no matter what your occupation is, and even surpass them.

The iMac supports one external display with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz and has a high-fidelity, six-speaker system with force-canceling woofers, wide stereo sound support, spatial audio when playing music or video with Dolby Atmos support, studio-quality three-mic array with high signal-to-noise ratio and directional beam-forming, in addition to Hey Siri support.

The Apple iMac M1 also comes with macOS 11 Big Sur pre-installed. However, you can update it to macOS Ventura to take advantage of the latest features, bug fixes, and security patches. This desktop computer would be a great fit for people who are studying or working remotely at all times because it remains stationary. So if you attend classes or go to the office in person, you might want to look into buying a MacBook. It has more than enough power for an average user, so it's more aimed at people who work in audio/video editing and other intensive tasks.

The iMac M1 is also great for those who love vibrant colors since there are seven options: blue, green, pink, silver, yellow, orange, and purple. The base model is priced at $1,499 in the U.S., and it comes with a Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Magic Mouse.

Best on a budget: Mac Mini M2

If you want to spend less than a thousand bucks on a Mac, then the Mac Mini M2 is here to the rescue! As its name suggests, it's a small Mac, but don't let its size fool you — it packs a notable punch.

When it comes to power, this Mac doesn't include a battery. It has to be plugged in at all times, which makes sense because it's a stationary desktop computer with a compact design. While it can easily be moved around itself, you would still need to pack its mouse, keyboard, screen, and other accessories.

The Mac Mini currently supports macOS Ventura. Expectedly, though, it doesn't come with a display, Magic Mouse, or Magic Keyboard. It only ships with a power cord. So you would have to buy all accessories separately. This isn't surprising, considering it's the cheapest Mac out there. To lower the price tag, Apple had to sacrifice certain elements. It supports up to three displays simultaneously: two displays with up to 6K resolution at 60Hz through Thunderbolt and one display with up to 4K resolution at 60Hz over HDMI. It also has a built-in speaker.

The Mac Mini M2 includes two USB-C ports (or four if you go for the M2 Pro variant), two USB-A ports, an HDMI 2.1 port, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and supports gigabit Ethernet. It's got a decent variety of ports compared to some other Mac models, but it doesn't match all users' needs.

This tiny bundle of joy comes with 8GB of RAM, but it's upgradeable to 32GB. The base model has 256GB of SSD storage and can be upgraded to 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB. The M2 chip has an always-on processor, an eight-core CPU with four perform­ance cores and four efficiency cores, a ten-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine. These configurations should be more than enough to fit your needs, no matter your occupation. If they aren't, though, you can get a ten-core CPU with six perform­ance cores and four efficiency cores, a 16-core GPU, and a 16-core Neural Engine through the M2 Pro model.

This Mac is perfect for someone on a limited budget. You get great computing and processing power at a relatively low price. You could always buy affordable or second-hand keyboards, mice, and screens. Ultimately the computer's quality itself is what matters most. The Apple Mac Mini M2 is available in Silver only. It's priced at $599 for the base model, and, as a reminder, it only ships with a power cord.

Best desktop for Pro creators: Mac Studio

The Mac Studio is the 2022 Apple desktop computer for creators who need extraordinary processing power. If you actively edit videos, photography, or audio files, then this Mac will provide the might that you need. It's also ideal for those who deal with 3D renders and compile large files.

The Mac Studio doesn't include a built-in monitor, keyboard, or mouse, so you will have to buy your own accessories separately to actually use them. Its box only includes the actual Mac Studio and its power cable. So if you're looking for an all-in-one (AiO) computer, this Mac isn't for you. Additionally, if you only need a Mac for basic, everyday tasks, you might want to check out the other cheaper options since the powers of M1 Max and M1 Ultra aren't aimed at average users.

When it comes to power, this Mac Studio doesn't include a battery. It has to be plugged in at all times, which makes sense because it's a stationary desktop computer. However, if you live in an area where power outages are frequent, you may want to consider buying a MacBook instead.

The Mac Studio includes four Thunderbolt 4 ports, two USB-A ports, an SDXC card slot, a 3.5mm headphone jack, an HDMI port, and supports gigabit Ethernet. The M1 Ultra variant includes two additional Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the M1 Max model uses two USB-C ports. You likely won't need to buy extra dongles as these port options are typically enough for most people.

This bundle of strength comes with 32GB of RAM, but it's upgradable to 64GB or even 128GB. This model has 512GB of SSD storage and can be upgraded to 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB. It's powered by either the Apple M1 Max or the M1 Ultra chip, both of which turn it into an unstoppable computer compared to similar devices. These configurations should be more than enough to fit your needs, no matter what your occupation is, and even surpass them. Like many other recent Macs, it supports macOS Ventura. Unlike other Macs, it only comes in one color: silver.

This desktop computer would be a great fit for people working remotely due to how it remains stationary. So if you go to the office in person, you might want to look into buying a MacBook. It has more than enough power for an average user, so it's more aimed at people who work in advanced photo, video, or audio editing, and other intensive tasks. This model starts at $1,999 in the U.S., and it doesn't include any accessories apart from its power cable.

Best for business owners: Mac Pro Intel

The Apple Mac Pro — also known as the Cheese Grater — is a desktop computer aimed at professionals who require higher powers that other Macs can't provide. You will more likely find it placed in corporate offices rather than homes. If you're an average user, this one packs a bigger punch than you need.

When it comes to power, this Mac doesn't include a battery. It has to be plugged in at all times, which makes sense because it's a stationary desktop computer. This shouldn't really matter because it wasn't designed for portability. You can, however, include wheels with it for an extra $400 if you plan on pushing it around.

Like every other recent Mac, it supports macOS Ventura. This Mac doesn't come with a display, though. It only ships with the exclusive Black-and-Silver Magic Mouse and Magic Keyboard with Numeric Pad. While Apple sells a Pro Display XDR, it starts at a whopping $4,999, with an optional stand that costs $999. So you might want to buy a monitor from a third party.

So what are Mac Pro internals like? The Intel-powered iMac includes two USB-A ports, six USB-C ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, two 10GB Ethernet ports, and a speaker. When it comes to memory, storage, and processor, we will be listing the most powerful configurations. This is to express the extent of this device's capability. This epitome of advanced computing power supports up to 1.5TB of RAM, an 8TB SSD, a 28-Core Intel Xeon W, and an AMD Radeon Pro W6800X Duo. Again, this device is not aimed at regular individuals, let alone when it's in its maxed-out form. This is a computer created to run complex tasks and processes, and it comes in two forms: a tower or a rack.

If you max out the storage, memory, graphics, and processors, the Mac Pro costs over $50,000 and is only available in silver. This is yet another reminder that this device, especially in its most powerful form, isn't meant for casual use.

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Apple devices, and Macs in particular, are well-built and supported. When you invest in an Apple product, you know that you're getting excellent support, exceptional qualities, and a future-proof device. Apple has made sure there's a Mac suitable for every person, whether you're a student, employee, or business owner. If you're looking for power, you've got that. Looking for an affordable price? You've also got that. A balance between both? There's a Mac that matches these criteria.

My personal favorite is the MacBook Air M2. It is my balance between power and affordability. It also adds portability, lightness, and minimalism to the blend. A MacBook Air will always remain my daily driver for the foreseeable future.