Which Apple Silicon MacBook Should You Buy in 2025?

If you’re thinking about buying a new MacBook in 2025, you’re probably wondering which one is the right fit for your needs. I get asked this question all the time, and after using every Apple Silicon MacBook released since 2020, I can confidently help you decide. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the key factors to consider so you can make the best choice for your daily workflow.

First, it’s important to figure out what you’ll actually be using your MacBook for. This might seem obvious, but I’ve seen many people make the mistake of either buying an underpowered system and needing an upgrade within a year, or overspending on a high-end model when they don’t really need the extra performance. My simple approach is to write down everything you typically use your MacBook for. Once you’ve got that list, try to estimate how much time you spend on each task—whether it’s basic productivity like browsing the web and using Google Docs, or more demanding work like video editing or photo editing in Photoshop and Lightroom. If most of your tasks are lightweight and you only occasionally do heavier work, you’ll likely be best off with a MacBook Air.

When it comes to the MacBook Air, you’ve got a couple of choices. There’s the 13-inch or 15-inch version, and then there are different chip options: M1, M2, M3, and M4. For most people, I recommend the M4 MacBook Air, and here’s why. The new M4 base model now includes 16 GB of RAM as standard. In previous Air models, upgrading from the default 8 GB to 16 GB meant paying an extra $200. On top of that, Apple has priced the M4 Air at just $999, the same price we saw for the original M1 Air back in 2020. Compare that to the M2 and M3 Air models, which were $1,199 and $1,099 respectively, and it’s clear you’re getting a lot of value for your money.

It’s also worth noting that there aren’t many used MacBook Airs out there with 16 GB of RAM, and if you do find one, the seller probably paid a premium for it. That makes buying a brand-new M4 Air at $999 a much better deal. Plus, for the first time ever, the M4 Air supports dual external monitors without having to close the MacBook’s lid. That’s a big deal for many users who rely on multiple screens.

Performance-wise, the M4 is noticeably faster than older models in some workflows, but for everyday tasks like web browsing and basic productivity, you won’t see a huge difference. Still, I recommend going for the M4 because it’s future-proofed, comes with the full Apple warranty, and you’ll get at least seven years of software updates.

The only reason to consider a used or refurbished M2 or M3 Air is if you can get one for at least 40 to 50 percent less than the M4 Air and if it also has 16 GB of RAM. Otherwise, the M4 Air is the better buy, and it’s rare for me to say that, as I usually suggest going for an older model to save money.

Now, what about the MacBook Pro? Should you spend a bit more and get a Pro instead of the Air, even if you don’t necessarily need all that extra power? Well, there are technically two different MacBook Pro models to consider. The entry-level MacBook Pro starts at $1,599 and uses a non-Pro chip, similar to the Air, while the higher-end MacBook Pro starts at $1,999 and comes with a Pro or Max chip.

The entry-level $1,599 MacBook Pro is a bit of a strange option. You’re paying more than the $999 M4 Air but getting the same chip, and the Air’s thin and light design makes it a more appealing choice for most people. The only real advantage of the $1,599 Pro is the slightly larger chassis and fan cooling, but in reality, the M4 chip doesn’t need active cooling for most users. It’s a niche product that sits in an awkward spot between the Air and the full Pro models.

If you really need a MacBook Pro, I’d recommend going all-in with the M4 Pro model, which starts at $1,999. This version offers a lot of upgrades over the Air: a 120 Hz ProMotion display like you get on the iPhone Pro, more ports, significantly better performance for intensive tasks like video editing or 3D design, and a larger base SSD at 512 GB compared to the Air’s 256 GB.

As for portability, while the MacBook Air is thinner and lighter, the difference between the 13-inch Air and the 14-inch Pro isn’t as huge as you might think. I’ve traveled extensively with both, and the size difference in a backpack or on an airplane tray table is minimal. The 0.8 lb (about 360 g) weight difference isn’t something you’ll really notice unless your bag is already packed full. That said, the 16-inch Pro is a different story. It’s definitely bulkier, and while you can travel with it, it’s not as convenient. It’s really best for people who primarily work at a desk and only occasionally move between home and office.

When it comes to which MacBook Pro chip to get—whether M1, M2, M3, or M4—it’s a bit more nuanced. For the Air, it’s easy: get the M4. But for the Pro, since it’s meant for more intensive work, you have to weigh your needs carefully. The M4 Pro model adds features like an upgraded webcam and Thunderbolt 5 ports over the previous versions, but the actual performance gains for most workflows are modest.

In the end, the decision comes down to your specific needs. If you’re doing mostly light work like browsing, productivity tasks, or the occasional heavier task, the M4 MacBook Air is an unbeatable value. If you’re working with video editing, coding, or other demanding tasks, the MacBook Pro—especially the M4 Pro model—is the way to go.

And if you’re the kind of person who likes upgrading every couple of years, there are also options like the Upgraded MacBook program, which lets you get a new MacBook on a monthly payment plan, with the ability to upgrade every two years or own it outright after three. It even includes AppleCare+, and for some users, that could make a lot of sense.

Ultimately, you can’t go wrong with the M4 MacBook Air for most everyday users. For those who need more power, the M4 Pro MacBook Pro is the better choice. Whatever you choose, make sure it fits your workflow and your budget.