What Mac should I buy?
Updated March 2026. Apple released seven products this week, including three new Macs: the all-new MacBook Neo ($599), the M5 MacBook Air, and MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. All are available March 11. The MacBook Air remains the best Mac for most people, and the Neo gives first-time buyers and students a real Mac at a price Apple has never offered before.
One question I receive from many of my clients is what Mac they should buy. Luckily, Apple's product lineup is very simple compared to most other brands. Basically, it comes down to whether you need a portable computer or a desktop computer, and how much power you need.
If you'd rather have someone walk you through it, that's one of the things I help clients with during one-on-one tutoring sessions in San Francisco, DC, and via Zoom. But if you want to do your own research first, this guide covers everything you need to know.
How many computers is too many?
In general, I recommend no more than one computer per person. Having multiple computers means more to manage and maintain, and more things that can get out of sync. Maintaining a second computer "just in case" is like having a second car just in case one has to be in the shop. It just means you're going to be in the shop twice as often, and you’re going to often end up wanting something you left in the other car.
Should I get a Desktop or laptop Mac?
Desktop computers give you more bang for the buck. It costs a lot more to cram powerful computing into something portable.
But… what if you want both? If you want a portable Mac on the go but enjoy having a large, luxurious screen at home, I recommend getting a laptop computer and adding a huge monitor, possibly with a mouse and keyboard. You'll come out ahead financially and with fewer headaches compared to two computers. So if you already have a laptop but want a big screen, you can get a fantastic 27” 4K monitor in the $400-500 range. Read my article on the topic for my current recommendation.
What’s coming up for Mac?
Currently, all Mac laptop models are using the latest chip and are a fantastic buy. Most of the desktop computers aren’t on the latest chip, so they should be getting an upgrade soon.
There are some rumors pointing to the M6 chips. We might be seeing touch screens and OLED displays, so 2027 and 2028 are looking to be a major upgrade. If you need a new laptop now, the models that are available now are something you’ll be very happy with. If you need a new computer now, there is no reason to wait. But if you just want something shiny and new, something new is always around the corner, and those rumored upgrades might scratch that itch.
Which model Mac should I get?
Portable
MacBook Air - The best computer for most people.
$1,099 starting
This lightweight but still amazingly powerful computer is available in a 13" or 15" screen size. The new M series Macs are 3x faster or more than their Intel predecessors. If you have ignored the MacBook Air in the past because it was underpowered, that is no longer a concern. Unless you need additional ports or are doing high-end multimedia work, the MacBook Air will almost certainly fit the bill. Current MacBook Airs now support dual 6K screens in addition to the internal display. Since the M4 MacBook Air is still a pretty recent model, you’ll see many retailers still selling brand-new ones at a discount. Those can be a really good value, just make sure you take into account that the M4 will probably be obsolete one to two years sooner than the M5.
MacBook Neo - The best computer for people looking for a deal or with minimal needs
$599 starting, or $499 with an edu discount
Apple released this computer in March 2026. It’s a pared-down Mac that keeps the price low enough for students or for people who want the full Mac experience but have very limited needs. This is priced to compete with Chromebooks and cheap PCs, but unlike a Chromebook, this has a fully-functional OS. Though the hardware is a bit of a downgrade from the MacBook Air. It’s slightly thicker, the screen is slightly smaller, and the color isn’t as vivid. The camera is of lower quality, it is not available with my normally-recommended 16 GB of memory, the standard model does not have Touch ID, and the trackpad uses a physical hinge rather than the haptic Force Touch trackpad that other MacBooks have had for nearly ten years. But all that said, this computer is competitive or may be better than other computers in its price range.
MacBook Pro 14" or 16" - This is a computer for the prosumer or media professionals.
$1,699 starting, easily several thousand if you choose upgrades
Reasons for choosing it over the MacBook Air are more ports (1 additional USB-C, HDMI, SD card), better screen color, better speakers, better mic, and better battery life. Though it's considerably bulkier than a MacBook Air and a good amount more expensive. The 14" model is available with M5 and with the more powerful M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. Just remember that the base model at $1,699 has the same M5 chip as the MacBook Air; the difference is in the screen, mics, ports, etc. The 16” model is only available with the M5 Pro and M5 Max, so the huge jump in price is not just for the bigger screen.
Below is a table comparing the size, weight, and price of the various MacBook models. Apple also has a Mac comparison tool to compare the specs of the most recent models of Mac.
| Model | Base Price | Processor Options | Memory Options | Storage Options | Battery life (Apple TV movie playback) | Ports | Weight | Thick | Wide |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Neo | $599 | A18 Pro 6-core (with 5-core GPU) | 8 GB |
256 GB |
16 hours | 2 USB-C (USB 2, USB 3 speed), headphone | 2.7 lb | 0.5" | 11.71" |
| 13.6" MacBook Air M5 8-core | $1,099 | M5 10-core (with 8 or 10-core GPU) | 16 GB 24 GB 32 GB |
512 GB 1 TB 2 TB 4 TB |
18 hours | MagSafe 3, 2 USB-C, headphone | 2.7 lb | 0.44" | 11.97" |
| 15.3" MacBook Air M5 8-core | $1,299 | M5 10-core (with 10-core GPU) | 16 GB 24 GB 32 GB |
512 GB |
18 hours | MagSafe 3, 2 USB-C, headphone | 3.3 lb | 0.45" | 13.4" |
| 14-inch MacBook Pro (available with M5, M5 Pro, M5 Max) | $1,699 | 16 GB 24 GB 32 GB 48 GB 64 GB 128 GB (some options depend on chip) |
1 TB 2 TB 4 TB 8 TB (some options depend on chip) |
20-24 hours depending on chip selection | MagSafe 3, 3 Thunderbolt USB-C (TB 4 for M5 / TB 5 for M5 Pro & Max), headphone, SD, HDMI | 3.4-3.56 lb depending on chip selection | 0.61" | 12.31" | |
| 16-inch MacBook Pro (available with M5 Pro, M5 Max) | $2,699 | 24 GB 36 GB 48 GB 64 GB 128 GB (some options depend on chip) |
1 TB 2 TB 4 TB 8 TB (some options depend on chip) |
22-24 hours depending on chip selection | MagSafe 3, 3 Thunderbolt 5 USB-C, headphone, SD, HDMI | 4.7 lb | 0.66" | 14.01" |
Desktop
iMac — for most people who need a desktop
$1,299 starting
If you need a desktop computer this is almost certainly what you want to get unless you are a multimedia professional. It comes in a 24" size in multiple colors, and in two basic configurations. One model has two USB-C/Thunderbolt ports. For a $200 upcharge, the upgraded model throws in two additional ports (though they are just regular USB-C without Thunderbolt capability, which probably doesn't matter to most), ethernet, and Touch ID.
Mac Mini — for those on a budget, those who want to get a monitor that's 30" or larger, or a prosumer who wants an M4 Pro desktop
$599 starting
The Mac Mini is popular among those who want an inexpensive entry into the Mac world. The basic model is actually a really good machine, though it does not include a monitor, mouse, or keyboard. But it's extremely versatile. It's popular for hobbyists and for servers where cheap raw computing power is needed. You can get this with an M4 or M4 Pro chip. If you would like a 24" monitor, I would recommend just going with the iMac. Having everything integrated means far less clutter and better reliability. but if you would like a 27" screen or larger you should see my monitor recommendations.
Mac Studio — for the multimedia professional
$1,999 starting
This is essentially a beefed-up Mac Mini with lots more ports. If you need a powerful desktop computer for high-end graphics and video editing, this is probably the one you want. The basic model includes an M4 Max processor and has options for the M3 Ultra, which can make this computer about twice as fast as the fastest MacBook Pro. Yes, it's weird that the M3 is an upgrade over the M4. But that's because the "Ultra" chip is actually two Max chips fused together. Apple has stated that not every generation of Apple Silicon chip will have the connectors to do this, and the M4 is one of those. But the M3 Ultra is roughly double the speed of the M3 Max. And the M4 Max is roughly 20% faster than the M3 Max. So the M3 is still definitely a speed upgrade.
Mac Pro — for the multimedia professional who needs lots of internal expansion
$6,999 starting
No home user needs one of these expensive machines for anything but bragging rights. It is identical to the Mac Studio with M2 Ultra, except that it includes lots of expansion: 6 PCIe ports, 2 additional Thunderbolt 4 ports, an additional 10Gb Ethernet, an additional HDMI port, and an additional USB-A port. Considering that a Mac Studio with the exact same processor is $3,999, you'll have to decide if that extra expansion ability is worth an additional $3,000. Be aware that the current model runs an M2 chip which is several years old.
| Model | Base Price | Chip Options | Memory Options | Storage Options | Ports | Internal Expansion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| iMac | $1,299 | •M4 8-core •M4 10-core |
16 GB 24 GB 32 GB (requires 10-core model) |
256 GB 512 GB 1 TB 2 TB (requires 10-core model) |
•2 Thunderbolt 4 ports (8-core model) or 4 Thunderbolt 4 ports (10-core model) •headphone jack •gigabit ethernet (optional on 8-core model, standard on 10-core) |
None |
| Mac Mini | $599 | •M4 10-core •M4 Pro 12-core |
16 GB 24 GB 32 GB 48 GB 64 GB (some options depend on chip) |
256 GB 512 GB 1 TB 2 TB 4 TB 8 TB (some options depend on chip) |
•3 Thunderbolt 5 ports + 2 USB-C ports •HDMI •Gigabit ethernet (option for 10Gb) •headphone jack |
None |
| Mac Studio with M4 Max | $1,999 | •M4 Max 14-core CPU, 32-core GPU •M4 Max 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU |
36 GB 48 GB 64 GB 128 GB (options depend on chip) |
512 GB 1 TB 2 TB 4 TB 8 TB |
•4 Thunderbolt 5 ports + 2 USB-C ports (front). •2 USB-A ports •HDMI •10Gb ethernet •headphone jack •SD |
None |
| Mac Studio with M3 Ultra | $3,999 | •M3 Ultra 28-core CPU, 60-core GPU •M3 Ultra 32-core CPU, 80-core GPU |
96 GB 256 GB 512 GB (options depend on chip) |
1 TB 2 TB 4 TB 8 TB 16 TB |
•4 Thunderbolt 5 ports + TB 5 ports on front •2 USB-A ports •HDMI •10Gb ethernet •headphone jack •SD |
None |
| Mac Pro | $6999 | M2 Ultra | 64 GB 128 GB 192 GB |
1 TB 2 TB 4 TB 8 TB |
•8 Thunderbolt 4 ports •2 USB-A •2 HDMI •2 10Gb ethernet •headphone jack |
2 x16 slots 4 x8 slots 1 USB-A 2 SATA |
Geekbench 6 Multi-Core Scores
Double the score means roughly double the speed. These measure CPU performance only, not graphics, storage, or internet speed. M-series chips perform identically across all Mac models (an M5 MacBook Air is the same speed as an M5 MacBook Pro).
What configuration should I get?
Getting your Mac configured properly upfront is far more important today than it was in the past. Macs now are rarely upgradeable, so in most cases, if you want to upgrade your memory or storage, your only option is to replace the computer. While this does sound like it's all a negative, this does make the computers faster because the parts are closer to each other, more reliable because there are fewer contact points, and smaller because there are no connectors needed. The memory and storage are both built into the chip.
Processor or Chip. Beginning in late 2020, Apple began releasing processors dubbed "Apple Silicon". Sometimes you will see this written as the specific chip, such as M1, M2, or M3. These processors are phenomenal, with many Macs getting 5x or more speed than their Intel predecessors. If you are a basic user (web, documents, personal photos), the lower-end options are usually good enough, but I always recommend getting the latest generation available so that it isn’t obsolete soon.
Generation: this is designated as M followed by a number. The higher the number, the more recent the technology is, and the better it performs. A higher number also means it has more capabilities, such as a newer generation of Thunderbolt, WiFi, or Bluetooth, or the ability to process newer media formats. And it means it will last longer before becoming obsolete. I almost always recommend getting the latest chip model for whatever Mac you are buying, so it will last you the longest.
Class: this is designated as nothing (for example, simply M4), Pro, Max, or Ultra, each of which offers increasing performance. The standard model is just fine for home users or for light multimedia work. This is a bit of a generalization, but pro photographers should consider a Pro chip, videographers should consider a Pro or Max chip, and extremely high-end professional setups where waiting for processing can cost you money should look at the Ultra.
CPU Cores: This is the number of Central Processing Units in the chip, which are used for general processing and number crunching. The higher the number, the faster your computer is with general tasks.
GPU Cores: this is the number of Graphics Processing Units in the chip, which are used for image filters, processing and compressing video, and for playing video games. If you don't care about those things going fast, then you don't need to take this into consideration.
Neural Engine Cores: these are the processors on the chip that run AI. Even though AI is the current buzzword, Apple has been using AI in its computers and devices for years for things like voice analysis and face recognition. The more of these you have, the faster your computer can run AI tasks.
Memory or RAM. Basic users who just need their computer for the web, documents, and consumer-grade photos and videos can go with the standard 16 GB of memory. If you are a media professional or if you are syncing enormous document libraries with Dropbox or OneDrive, you may want to consider more. Memory isn't storage. It has nothing to do with how many files your computer can handle. For more on the difference, I wrote a blog post about that.
Storage capacity. If you don't know how much storage you need, my general rule of thumb is to get something with at least twice as much storage as you are currently using. That will give you room to grow over the next 5 to 10 years of life that you can expect from your Mac. To see how much storage you are using, go to the Apple menu > About this Mac > Storage (macOS 12 and earlier) or Apple menu > System Settings > General > Storage (macOS 13 and later). If you want help cleaning up your storage in case a lot of that is junk, you can read my blog post about that, or you can book an appointment with me. Sometimes a cleanup can reduce storage enough to knock a couple of hundred off the cost of your new computer.
In macOS 13 or higher it shows that I am using 792 GB of storage. Unless I can reduce the storage usage, my next computer should probably be at least 1,584 GB, or about 1.5 TB. Most Macs go from 1 TB to 2 TB so I might want to consider cleaning up instead.
In macOS 12 or lower, you can see I'm using roughly 375 GB (844 minus 469), so that means I should get a computer that has at least 750 GB (375 x 2).
Feeling overwhelmed? Choosing the right Mac, with the right configuration, is one of the things I help clients with most often. Everyone's situation is different, and sometimes a 30-minute conversation can save you hundreds of dollars by making sure you're not over- or under-buying. If you're in San Francisco, I offer in-person sessions, and I also work with clients anywhere via Zoom. You can book an appointment with me, and we'll figure out exactly what makes sense for you.
AppleCare+. I'm always on the fence about recommending AppleCare+. It often makes sense to get it for a portable computer, which is more prone to physical damage. Maybe you are a klutz, or you are worried the kids are going to damage it. But it's really up to you. In addition to extending the warranty from 1 year to 3, it's also insurance for accidental damage (with a deductible, of course). And now you have the option of extending it beyond 3 years, though month-to-month is more expensive.
How long can I expect a Mac to last?
It's hard to predict when your computer might become obsolete or when it might start breaking down. And sometimes you just get lucky or unlucky. But in general, you can expect a Mac to last between 6 and 10 years.
If your Mac is a major tool for your income, it's normal to upgrade near the beginning of that range or sometimes even earlier. If you're a casual home user, you can usually make it toward the end of that range.
What determines a Mac's lifespan?
There are typically three different reasons a Mac has to be put out to pasture:
Apple has stopped releasing security patches. This typically happens after around 8 to 11 years. Once your Mac has dropped off the major annual upgrades (usually 6 to 9 years), you get two more years of security patches. At that point, if a problem is found with that software, your computer could be compromised if it's connected to the internet. There is evidence that since Apple is now developing its own chips rather than relying on security updates from Intel, we might start seeing longer support, but we won't know that for sure until about 2031, when the first Apple Silicon Macs pass the decade mark.
Your needs have outgrown the computer. It could be that you're using the computer in a more demanding way as you learn more about it and find more ways for it to help you. Or it could be that newer cameras, websites, and software are just pushing it harder and bogging it down more than a few years ago. This is the reason I sometimes suggest adding a few upgrades when you first purchase it. Adding extra memory can help your computer last you an extra 2 or 3 years. You might not need those upgrades right now, but you might in five years.
The computer starts physically breaking down. This could be obvious things like a broken screen or hinges, or it could be more invisible things like liquid damage, air pollutant buildup, fractures in the soldering, or chips that are corroding or just starting to degrade. Sometimes this is just due to physical age, sometimes it can be due to humidity, vibration, or smoky environments, but mostly just luck.
Do I need any accessories?
Generally, I do not recommend any of Apple's accessories, such as chargers or adapters. They are usually overpriced, and Apple doesn't have a very good track record at making cables that are reliable. The good news is that the new computers all use USB-C, which is an industry standard, so for the first time ever, notebook chargers are universal. Forgot to pack your Apple charger? You can grab a new Dell or Acer charger and use that!
For cables, I almost always recommend Anker. They are extremely durable and a great value.
For chargers, I usually recommend Anker, Aukey, or Satechi. Some of my favorite configurations have two or more ports so that you can simultaneously charge your Mac and your iPhone. Or your Mac and iPad. Or your Mac and an Android.
For USB-C adapters and hubs, I often recommend Anker, Aukey, Satechi, or Plugable. They each have many different configurations that are good for different needs. But if you have a modern monitor, it probably has a hub built in already.
Sometimes, what works better than a USB-C adapter is to replace the entire cable itself with a cable with USB-C on one end and the connector you need on the other. Especially when it comes to external hard drives. They usually run around $7 to $10 and fewer connections mean fewer points of failure.
For thumb drives, most manufacturers now make dual plug drives that can connect to either the old USB-A or the new USB-C. The Sandisk Ultra Dual Drive Go is a great option that's available in many sizes and colors. But please be careful with thumb drives. They are notoriously unreliable, and there are no good diagnostic tools for them. They may just suddenly open some files slowly, and then they don't open things at all. Thumb drives are like writing things down on cocktail napkins: they are great if you just need to do something quick or get some information to someone, but they should never be part of your file storage or backup plan. Your data is much safer on your computer or in the cloud.
When should I buy a Mac?
Of course, if you need to buy a new Mac now, go ahead and buy it. But if you have the luxury of choosing when, I normally recommend getting one when it has recently been released rather than right before a new one comes out. Sometimes holding off for a month or two means getting a computer that will last a year or two longer. Knowing when Apple will release a new model can be tricky. Most computers get updated about once a year, but sometimes they go two or more years between updates. It's not like cars or iPhones, where a new model is predictably released annually. To check where we are in the update cycle, visit the MacRumors Buyer's Guide. They have an easy-to-understand table that shows each model of Mac, when the last release was, and how regularly they are updated. As well as a list of recent rumors about upcoming updates.
Where should I buy my Mac?
The first place people think of to buy a Mac is from the Apple Store. But Apple rarely offers the best prices. There are a lot of third-party resellers who are Apple-authorized, so you get the same warranty as if you bought directly from Apple.
Apple Refurbished Store can be a great place to look if you're interested in a previous year's model or a model that has been available for a while. They all come with new bodies, new batteries, and the same warranty as a brand-new Mac. I buy from there myself when I don't need a just-released model. Inventory changes constantly, and oftentimes the configuration you want isn't available, but it's worth checking.
B&H Photo & Video keeps many custom configurations in stock, so it's often the fastest way to get a model with some upgrade options. They also sometimes offer really good deals for several hundred off the retail price. Be careful to check the year in the description because they do sell previous models. Though if a previous model is what you're after, they often offer steep discounts.
Micro Center is a small chain of computer stores with a few locations around the country. They often have great prices, but they don't usually have custom configurations.
Best Buy often has great prices if they have what you're looking for. Though be careful, as they oftentimes will sell items that are several years old for a small or no discount, and will rarely indicate that it's a previous model. You have to look it up by model number, which can be confusing. Also, be wary of their open-box items. Sometimes people returned the computer for a reason.
Amazon sometimes has fantastic prices. Though, because their website is enormous, I find that their labeling is often inaccurate. Sometimes they will label a prior model iPad as the "current model", for example. Amazon rarely offers many configurations of a Mac, sometimes just one or two variations. If they carry the one you want, then great! Or sometimes they will carry an upgraded model that has more storage than you were planning to get for the same price as a lower configuration from a competitor.