MacBooks remain the default choice for many buyers who value long battery life, tight hardware-software integration, and strong app compatibility. The 2024 and 2025 Apple silicon lineup extends those strengths, offering everything from ultra-portable 13-inch Air models to a 14-inch Pro built for demanding creative and development workloads. Choosing the right MacBook depends on how the machine will be used: light web and office work, multimedia editing, software development, or mobile content creation.
Key factors to consider include the Apple silicon variant and its CPU/GPU core count, unified memory size, and SSD capacity. Display size and quality matter for creative work, while port selection and external display support are important for power users. Battery life and thermals determine how long the laptop can sustain heavy tasks on the go, and refurbished or renewed options still offer excellent value for everyday use. Below are four picks that cover the full range from ultraportable everyday machines to pro-grade portable workstations.
1. Apple 2025 MacBook Air
Best Ultraportable for Everyday Productivity
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Technology: Apple M4 chip • Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina; 1 billion colors • CPU / GPU: M4 (consumer configuration) • Memory: 16GB unified memory • Storage: 256GB SSD See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS |  £899.00 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Extremely portable with a bright, color-rich Liquid Retina display +M4 delivers noticeable gains in app responsiveness and graphics over previous generations +All-day battery life for long work sessions away from an outlet +12MP Center Stage camera and strong audio for video calls +Two Thunderbolt ports plus MagSafe offer modern connectivity without excess weight |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Base storage is limited for large media libraries or video projects -Not designed for sustained heavy workloads that benefit from active cooling -Limited port variety compared with Pro models |
Review
This 13.6-inch model prioritizes balance between mobility and capability. The M4 chip makes everyday tasks feel snappy, whether switching between productivity apps, browsing with many tabs, or running light creative software. The Liquid Retina panel reproduces color and contrast well for photo review and media consumption, while the 12MP Center Stage camera improves the experience of video conferencing.
Thermal tuning favors quiet operation and battery longevity rather than sustained peak performance. That approach means short bursts of demanding work such as video export or large-code builds complete quickly, but longer GPU- or CPU-bound sessions will see throttling compared with active-cooled systems. For writers, students, sales professionals, and frequent travelers who prioritize light weight and long battery life, this configuration hits the sweet spot.
Connectivity is modern and tidy: two Thunderbolt 4 ports and a MagSafe charger keep the chassis slim while supporting fast external drives and displays. The included 16GB of unified memory gives comfortable headroom for multitasking and browser-heavy workflows, but users working with large RAW photo libraries or multi-track video editing should consider higher storage or a Pro-class machine.
2. Apple 2025 MacBook Air
Best Large-Screen Ultraportable for Creators
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Technology: Apple M4 chip • Display: 15.3-inch Liquid Retina; 1 billion colors • CPU / GPU: M4 (consumer configuration) • Memory: 16GB unified memory • Storage: 256GB SSD See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | £1099.00 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Larger Liquid Retina screen improves productivity and creative workspace +M4 performance combined with better acoustics for media work +Long battery life despite larger display +Six-speaker system provides richer sound for editing and playback +Retains Air-series portability while expanding screen real estate |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Base SSD remains small for video-heavy projects -Still not a thermal match for Pro models during extended heavy workloads |
Review
The 15-inch Air expands the portable canvas without sacrificing the slim design that defines the Air lineup. The bigger Liquid Retina display is immediately useful for photo editing, spreadsheets, and arranging multiple windows, turning a typical laptop into a more usable desktop replacement for many creators. The upgraded speaker array makes it easier to judge mixes and previews without headphones, and the Center Stage camera keeps subjects framed on video calls.
Performance mirrors the smaller Air but benefits from the added thermal headroom inherent in a larger chassis, so short creative tasks and everyday editing move along smoothly. Memory and SSD limits remain the main constraints for video professionals who frequently handle large project files; those users will either want higher-capacity configurations or a Pro-class machine.
For users who want a roomy screen for multitasking while preserving a travel-friendly weight and long battery life, this model is a strong compromise. It matches well with workflows that mix office apps, photo editing, and content review, and it integrates cleanly into Apple-centric setups with fast wireless and Thunderbolt connectivity.
3. Apple 2024 MacBook Pro
Best for Professionals and Power Users
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Technology: Apple M4 Pro chip (12-core CPU, 16-core GPU configuration) • Display: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR; Extreme Dynamic Range • CPU / GPU: M4 Pro up to 12-core CPU and 16-core GPU • Memory: 24GB unified memory • Storage: 512GB SSD See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | £1799.00 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Significant GPU and CPU headroom for video editing, 3D work, and large codebases +Liquid Retina XDR display with pro reference modes ideal for color-critical tasks +Extensive port selection including HDMI and SDXC for media professionals +Large unified memory and higher SSD capacity for complex projects +Long battery life while delivering sustained performance thanks to active cooling |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -Heavier and less pocketable than Air models -Higher-end configurations may be overkill for casual users |
Review
This 14-inch Pro targets users who need sustained compute and graphics capability in a portable package. The M4 Pro configuration delivers clear improvements in multi-threaded builds, timeline renders, and large model training tasks compared with consumer M4 variants. The Liquid Retina XDR display offers the brightness range and color fidelity professionals need for HDR grading and critical photo work.
Thermals are tuned to sustain higher clocks for longer, so workloads that throttle on fanless machines will complete faster here. The port selection is practical for on-location media capture and editing, with an SD slot for direct card access and HDMI for quick client reviews on external screens. The 24GB of unified memory in this configuration provides room for multiple pro applications and large datasets without excessive swapping.
The trade-offs are greater weight and a less svelte profile versus Air models, but those are typical for pro-grade laptops that prioritize performance. For developers compiling large projects, video editors, colorists, and designers who need pro-level displays and connectivity, this model strikes a strong balance between desktop-class power and true portability.
4. 2020 Apple MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip (13-inch
Best Value Renewed Option for Students and Light Users
| SPECIFICATIONS | • Technology: Apple M1 chip • Display: 13.3-inch Retina display with P3 wide color • CPU / GPU: Apple M1 8-core CPU; up to 8-core GPU • Memory: 8GB unified memory • Storage: 256GB SSD See more |
| TODAY'S BEST DEALS | £418.99 |
| REASONS TO BUY | +Excellent value as a renewed unit with near-new performance for everyday tasks +M1 remains capable for office apps, streaming, light photo edits, and coding +Long battery life and silent operation due to fanless design +Lightweight and portable for students and commuters |
| REASONS TO AVOID | -8GB memory can limit heavy multitasking or large creative projects -Older generation lacks some modern ports and features of newer models -Renewed condition means cosmetic and battery health can vary |
Review
This renewed M1 Air continues to be a sensible choice for buyers who want Apple silicon performance on a budget. The M1 chip delivers snappy responsiveness across everyday workflows: web browsing with many tabs, office suites, video calls, and moderate photo editing. The fanless design ensures silent operation, which users appreciate in quiet environments such as libraries or classrooms.
Battery life is one of the model's strongest points, comfortably lasting a typical workday under mixed use. The 13.3-inch Retina panel reproduces colors well for casual creative work, though pro colorists will prefer the XDR panels on Pro models. Two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports support fast external storage and displays, but port variety is more limited compared with later MacBook Pro editions.
As a renewed unit, the exact condition can vary, so buyers should check seller warranties and reported battery health. For students, writers, and anyone prioritizing value and portability over peak performance, this configuration offers a very practical entry into the Apple ecosystem.
Summary
Choosing the right MacBook depends on how the machine will be used and how much portability matters. For most users who prioritize light weight, long battery life, and strong overall performance, the 13.6-inch Air with M4 is the best daily driver. It balances responsiveness, a bright Liquid Retina display, and useful features like Center Stage for video conferencing.
Users who want a larger on-device workspace without moving to a heavier Pro should consider the 15-inch Air. It preserves Air-level portability while giving extra screen real estate and improved speakers for media work. Professionals who need sustained CPU and GPU performance, extensive ports, and a pro-grade XDR display will find the 14-inch Pro with M4 Pro better suited to heavy editing, 3D work, and large codebases. Finally, budget-conscious buyers and students can get excellent day-to-day performance with a renewed M1 Air, provided they accept limits in memory and expandability.
When deciding, prioritize the chip and memory for performance needs, SSD capacity for media projects, and display quality if color accuracy matters. For the greatest longevity in demanding workflows, favor the Pro-class model; for maximum portability and battery life, the Air models are hard to beat. Renewed units remain a practical option for those who need a capable Mac without selecting the latest configuration.
