What Mac should I buy in 2026? Every model compared

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Summary

• The 13-inch MacBook Air is the best Mac for most people because it balances performance, portability, battery life, and longevity.
• The MacBook Neo is the budget choice for email, documents, browsing, schoolwork, and video calls.
• The iMac is the simplest desktop because its display, camera, speakers, keyboard, and mouse are included.
• Choose a Mac mini, MacBook Pro, or Mac Studio only when you need a different display setup, more ports, or substantially more performance.

Quick Mac comparison

Best for most

13-inch MacBook Air

View 13-inch MacBook Air on Amazon

The right balance of performance, portability, battery life, and longevity.

Check price on Amazon

Budget

MacBook Neo

View MacBook Neo on Amazon

For email, documents, browsing, schoolwork, and video calls.

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Best simple desktop

iMac

View iMac on Amazon

A complete desktop with its display, camera, speakers, keyboard, and mouse included.

Check price on Amazon

Need more power or a different screen size? Compare every Mac.

One question I receive from many of my clients is what Mac they should buy. Apple’s lineup is simpler than most computer brands, but there are still enough combinations of screen size, chip, memory, and storage to make the choice confusing. For most people, the answer comes down to whether you need a portable computer or a desktop, and how much power you actually use.

If you would rather have someone walk you through it, this is one of the things I help clients with during one-on-one tutoring sessions in San Francisco, Washington DC, and via Zoom. If you want to do your own research first, this guide covers the full lineup.

Updated August 25, 2026. Apple has announced a new Mac mini with M6 and M5 Pro and a new Mac Studio with M5 Max and M5 Ultra. Both are available to preorder now and begin arriving September 22.

Should I get a desktop or a laptop Mac?

In general, I recommend one computer per person. Having multiple computers means more to manage and maintain, and more things that can get out of sync. It is like having a second car in case one has to be in the shop: you will be in the shop twice as often, and you will eventually want something you left in the other car.

Desktop computers give you more performance for the money because it costs more to fit powerful computing into something portable. But if you want a portable Mac on the go and a large screen at home, I recommend getting a laptop and adding a large monitor, possibly with a mouse and keyboard. You will usually spend less and have fewer headaches than you would with two computers. See my current monitor recommendations if that setup appeals to you.

Which model Mac should I get?

Portable

• MacBook Air: the best Mac for most people. Its starting MSRP is $1,299, and it comes with a 13-inch or 15-inch screen. Unless you need additional ports or do high-end multimedia work, the MacBook Air will almost certainly fit the bill. Current models support two external 6K displays in addition to the built-in screen. You may still see new M4 models at a discount, but remember that an older chip will probably lose software support sooner than the M5.
• MacBook Neo: the budget choice. Its starting MSRP is $699. It is a full Mac at a Chromebook-like price, but it has only 8 GB of memory, a lower-quality camera, no Touch ID on the standard model, a less vivid display, and a mechanical trackpad instead of the haptic Force Touch trackpad found on other MacBooks. It is best for students and people with modest needs.
• 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro: for power users and media professionals. Its starting MSRP is $1,999, and it can quickly cost several thousand dollars with upgrades. Compared with the Air, it has more ports, a better screen, stronger speakers and microphones, and longer battery life, but it is considerably bulkier and more expensive. The 14-inch model offers M5, M5 Pro, or M5 Max. The 16-inch model offers M5 Pro or M5 Max.

MacBook comparison

Desktop

• iMac: for most people who want a desktop. Its starting MSRP is $1,499, and it includes a 24-inch screen, keyboard, and mouse. The upgraded model adds two USB-C ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and Touch ID. The iMac is still on the M4 chip, so people who do not need a computer immediately may prefer to wait for its next update.
• Mac mini: for people reusing a display, choosing a larger monitor, or running a compact server or pro workstation. The M6 model has an MSRP of $899. It does not include a monitor, mouse, or keyboard, so compare the total setup cost with the $1,499 iMac. The M6 model is the better fit for everyday work, while M5 Pro is for software development, video production, 3D work, and other sustained professional tasks.
• Mac Studio: for demanding professional work. Its starting MSRP is $2,499 with M5 Max or $5,499 with M5 Ultra. It adds far more graphics power, memory capacity, display support, and connectivity than the Mac mini. Most people should skip it. It makes sense when faster video, 3D, scientific, or local-AI processing saves enough time to justify the cost.

Who should buy the Mac Studio?

The Mac Studio comes with M5 Max or M5 Ultra:

• M5 Max has a starting MSRP of $2,499 with an 18-core CPU, 32-core GPU, 36 GB of memory, and 512 GB of storage. It can be configured with a 40-core GPU, up to 128 GB of memory, and up to 8 TB of storage.
• M5 Ultra has a starting MSRP of $5,499 with a 30-core CPU, 64-core GPU, 96 GB of memory, and 1 TB of storage. It can be configured with a 36-core CPU, 80-core GPU, up to 512 GB of memory, and up to 16 TB of storage.

Both versions include four rear Thunderbolt 5 ports, two USB-A ports, HDMI, 10-gigabit Ethernet, a headphone jack, and an SD card slot on the front. The M5 Max model has two front USB-C ports, while the M5 Ultra model upgrades those front ports to Thunderbolt 5. Both also add Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.

Apple says M5 Ultra can support up to eight external displays and run very large AI models entirely on the Mac. Those are impressive capabilities, but they are not reasons for a typical home user to spend the $5,499 MSRP. Buy the Ultra only if you already know that your work benefits from its extreme graphics performance, memory capacity, media engines, or display support. I have not personally tested these models, so this is a researched recommendation based on Apple’s specifications rather than hands-on experience.

Desktop Mac comparison

What configuration should I get?

Getting your Mac configured properly up front matters because memory and storage cannot normally be upgraded later. Integrating all of these parts onto a single chip improves speed, reliability, and size, but it also means that adding memory or internal storage later usually requires replacing the computer.

Processor or chip. Apple silicon chips use names such as M1, M2, M3, M4, M5, and now M6. A newer generation can add performance and features, but the suffix matters too. Standard chips (no suffix) are enough for home users and light creative work. Professional photographers and developers may benefit from Pro. Video, 3D, and other graphics-heavy professionals may need Max. Ultra is for specialized, high-end workflows where processing time has a direct business cost.

Do not assume M6 is faster than M5 Pro or M5 Max merely because six is a larger number than five. The generation and class describe different things. The standard M6 is newer, while M5 Pro, M5 Max, and M5 Ultra offer more CPU and GPU cores, memory bandwidth, and memory capacity for demanding work.

Geekbench 6 multi-core scores

Double the score means roughly double the CPU performance. These figures do not measure graphics, storage, or internet speed. M6 and M5 Ultra are clearly marked estimates based on Apple's CPU comparisons; all other entries are approximate Geekbench results.

Intel Macs

MacBook Neo and M1

M2 generation

M3 generation

M4 generation

M5 generation

M6 generation

Intel Macs

MacBook Air 2020Core i3

2,100

MacBook Pro 2020Core i5

5,000

iMac 21.5-inch 2019Core i5-8500

4,900

MacBook Neo and M1

MacBook NeoA18 Pro 6-core

8,700

M18-core

8,400

M1 Pro8-core

10,300

M2 generation

M28-core

9,700

M2 Pro12-core

14,500

M2 Max12-core

14,700

M2 Ultra24-core

21,400

M3 generation

M38-core

11,600

M3 Pro11-core

14,000

M3 Max14-core

19,000

M3 Ultra32-core

27,700

M4 generation

M410-core

14,700

M4 Pro12-core

20,300

M4 Max16-core

25,600

M5 generation

M510-core

17,800

M5 Pro18-core

28,900

M5 Max18-core

29,200

M5 Ultra36-core · Apple estimate

≈36,000*

M6 generation

M612-core · Apple estimate

≈20,600*

* Estimated, not measured Geekbench results. M6's ≈20,600 applies Apple's claim ofup to 40 percent faster CPU performance than M4to the 14,700 M4 reference score. M5 Ultra's ≈36,000 applies Apple's claim ofup to 1.3x higher multithreaded performance than the 32-core M3 Ultrato the 27,700 M3 Ultra reference score. Both are rounded to the nearest hundred and should be treated as directional upper-bound estimates because Apple's tests are not Geekbench.

Scores reflect early Geekbench 6 Mac benchmarksand should be treated as approximate. Additional reporting: M5 Max benchmarks,MacBook Neo benchmarks, andMacworld's M5 Pro and Max analysis. M5 Pro and M5 Max have similar CPU scores because both can use an 18-core CPU. Their larger differences appear in graphics, memory bandwidth, and professional media tasks.

Memory or RAM. Basic users who use the web, documents, and consumer-grade photos and videos can normally use 16 GB. Media professionals, developers, and people syncing enormous Dropbox or OneDrive libraries may benefit from more. Memory is not storage, and it does not determine how many files the computer can hold. See my explanation of the difference between memory and storage.

Storage capacity. If you do not know how much storage you need, my general rule is to buy at least twice as much as you currently use. That gives you room to grow during the five to ten years you may keep the Mac. To check your usage, open Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage in macOS 13 or later. In macOS 12 or earlier, open Apple menu > About This Mac > Storage.

If a lot of your storage is unnecessary, read my guide to clearing space on a Mac. A cleanup can sometimes reduce the storage tier you need and save hundreds of dollars.

Where do most people go wrong when buying a Mac?

Buying more computer than they need. I have seen people spend thousands on a MacBook Pro when a MacBook Air would have handled everything they do. Unless you use demanding professional software or need the Pro’s ports and display, the Air is usually enough.

Not buying enough storage. Storage cannot be upgraded after purchase, and running out in a few years may mean replacing the computer sooner than expected. Check your current usage before ordering.

Confusing memory with storage. Memory is your computer’s short-term workspace. Storage is where files live. Upgrading one does not fix a shortage of the other.

Buying right before a new model comes out. A few weeks of patience can sometimes get you a newer computer that receives software updates for longer. Check the MacRumors Buyer’s Guide before purchasing.

Buying a previous-generation model at current-model pricing. Retail listings do not always make the model year or chip obvious. Verify both before ordering.

Should I get AppleCare+?

I am always on the fence about recommending AppleCare+. It often makes sense for a portable computer, which is more likely to be dropped or damaged. In addition to extending hardware coverage, it includes accidental-damage coverage with a service fee. Whether that is worthwhile depends on how you use the computer and how comfortable you are paying for an unexpected repair.

How long can I expect a Mac to last?

In general, a Mac can last six to ten years. If it is a major tool for your income, upgrading near the beginning of that range may make sense. Casual home users can often keep one longer. The practical lifespan depends on software and security support, performance needs, battery condition, and physical wear. Read my detailed guide to how long a Mac lasts.

Do I need any accessories?

All current Macs use USB-C, which makes it easier to share many chargers, displays, docks, and accessories. I often recommend third-party cables and chargers from established brands such as Anker and Satechi. Before buying a hub, check whether your monitor already includes the ports you need.

For more current picks, see my product recommendations, monitor recommendations, and printer recommendations for Mac.

When should I buy a Mac?

If you need a computer now, buy one. If you have flexibility, I prefer buying soon after a model is released rather than immediately before an expected update. Mac updates do not arrive on a perfectly annual schedule, so the MacRumors Buyer’s Guide is useful for checking each model’s age and current recommendation.

The new Mac mini and Mac Studio are fresh releases and are good choices if they fit your needs. The iMac remains on M4, making it the desktop to consider waiting on if you can comfortably keep using your current computer.

What’s coming up for Mac?

The M6 Mac mini is the first Mac with Apple’s new M6 chip. Apple has not announced an M6 iMac or MacBook, so anything beyond the new mini is still future product planning or rumor. If you need a laptop now, the current MacBook lineup is strong. If you specifically want the newest possible iMac, waiting is more reasonable because it is now the oldest chip generation among Apple’s current desktops.

Where should I buy my Mac?

The Apple Store is the most direct place to configure a new Mac, especially immediately after a release, but Apple-authorized resellers often discount standard configurations later.

• The Apple Refurbished Store can be a good source for a previous-generation model. Inventory changes frequently, but refurbished Macs include a standard Apple warranty.
• Amazon sometimes discounts standard configurations, but verify the chip, memory, storage, and model year carefully.
• Best Buy also discounts Macs, but older models are not always clearly labeled. Check the exact model before buying, and evaluate open-box items cautiously.

Key takeaways

• The MacBook Air remains the best Mac for most people.
• The new M6 Mac mini is a flexible desktop, but its $899 starting MSRP makes the total cost with a display and accessories more important than before.
• The M5 Pro Mac mini is a strong compact workstation for people who need more than the standard M6 provides.
• The Mac Studio is for demanding professional workflows. Most home users should skip it.
• Check current storage usage before choosing a configuration, and remember that memory and storage cannot normally be upgraded later.
• Verify the chip and model year before buying a discounted Mac from a third-party retailer.

Further reading

• How long can I expect a Mac to last?
• My monitor recommendation
• More recommendations from JimmyTech

If you want help choosing the right Mac and configuration for your situation, I offer one-on-one tech tutoring in San Francisco and Washington DC, as well as remote sessions over Zoom. Book a session, and we will figure out what fits without overbuying or cutting the wrong corners.