What's the Best Mac Laptop or Desktop for You?

While we have not yet had a chance to run the new M5 MacBook Pro through our suite of lab tests (we have to buy it first), we will update this article with the results and analysis once that testing is complete. In the meantime, this guide can help you understand how the current models, including those with the M4 chip, fit into Apple’s lineup.

If portability is your top priority, Apple’s two laptop lines, the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, are your starting point.

Both deliver solid performance, but the MacBook Pro is typically a better fit for power users. That includes video editors working with 4K footage, developers compiling large codebases, and 3D artists rendering complex scenes.

For everyday tasks like web browsing, video streaming, and working in productivity apps like Microsoft Word or Google Docs, the MacBook Air is the smarter buy.

Prefer a desktop? Apple has you covered there, too.

The iMac and Mac Mini open up the possibility of expansive screens, better ergonomics, and a generous selection of ports, with no extra dongles required. Pro-level users also have their pick between the ultra-powerful Mac Studio and Mac Pro, but these are probably overkill for the average Consumer Reports reader.

And, if you haven’t shopped for a Mac in several years, here’s one major change: Apple no longer uses Intel chips. Instead, it designs its own silicon. The first chip, the M1, launched in 2020, followed by the M2 in 2022, the M3 in 2023, and the M4 in 2024. The new M5 chip just debuted in October 2025. If you’re looking to save money, buy a model with an earlier chip. It will not hinder the performance for routine tasks.

Let’s begin with Apple’s laptops.