Apple today makes most of its profits from iPhone, but the company exists because of the Mac. It was the line that sparked a computing revolution in the 1980s, by popularizing the desktop interface, windows, and using a mouse. And it transformed Apple’s fortunes in the late 1990s, with the consumer-friendly iMac.
Although the Mac is at best in second place to the iPhone regarding how much money Apple makes from it, the Mac isn’t second best in Apple’s broader thinking. The company invests time and effort in keeping the Mac line relevant, and currently sells six distinct models, each designed for different audiences. This guide will help you decide which is the right Mac for you.
Tight for time? Skip to the end for a lightning-fast overview on what to buy – and when to upgrade.
Mac buying FAQ
Beyond budget, bear these things in mind before you buy a Mac:
Mobile or desktop: If you’re happy using an iPhone or iPad when on the move, a desktop might be a better choice. Conversely, if you want a Mac to take anywhere, you won’t be lugging an iMac on to a flight.
Screen size: Most Apple laptops come in two sizes. Ideally, see them in-person to decide which is best for you.
How much RAM: You cannot upgrade RAM after buying a Mac. 8GB is fine for basic and even some quite advanced tasks, but go higher (where possible) if you plan to keep your Mac for many years.
How much storage: If you live in the cloud, a 256GB SSD might be sufficient. It won’t if you work with huge media files. However, you can extend available connected storage post-purchase with external drives. And those tend to work out cheaper than upgrading built-in internal storage when buying.
Recent updates: You don’t want to buy just before an update. At the time of writing, we’d suggest being particularly cautious with the Mac mini and iMac, both of which look set for updates.
Refurb or new: To maximize your budget, consider buying refurb or second-hand. Prefer reputable sellers, avoid Intel Macs (effectively obsolete), and carefully weigh up savings against specs and reduced longevity.
Now, let’s get into the Mac reviews…
MacBook Neo
From $599/£599 • 13.0in display • A18 Pro chip • Touch ID** • 1080p FaceTime HD camera • ports: 1x USB 3; 1x USB 2; 3.5mm headphone • 2.7lbs/1.23kg / Last updated: March 2026
** Only on 512GB $699/£699 model.
Best for: value
“Why doesn’t Apple offer a stripped-down Mac that is more affordable?” That was the question Apple answered with the Mac mini in 2015. A mere(!) 11 years later, the company’s done the same with laptops, hitting a low price no one thought they’d ever see in this market from Apple.
There are compromises, but this still feels like an Apple device. The build, screen and keyboard beat anything else in its price range. The colors are fun. It doesn’t get hot. And despite having a chip first used in an iPhone, the Neo has enough grunt for most tasks that most people want a laptop for.
Bad bits? Touch ID is limited to the more expensive model. There are only two USB-C ports – and one of those is slow. And you get only 8GB of RAM. Even today, the last of those can feel tight. It’ll almost certainly cause issues years down the line.
Even so, this MacBook represents a bargain and an ideal choice for students, basic home use, or as an affordable mobile Mac if you otherwise use a desktop but want something for when you’re on the road.
Pros: Surprisingly few compromises; quality display; low price
Cons: USB-C port weirdness; 8GB RAM ceiling
MacBook Air
From $1099/£1099 • 13.6in/15.3in display • M5 chip • Touch ID • 12MP Center Stage camera • ports: MagSafe 3; 2x Thunderbolt 4; 3.5mm headphone • From 2.7lbs/1.23kg / Last updated: March 2026
Best for: affordability and power
The original wedge-shaped MacBook Air was famously pulled out of an envelope by Steve Jobs during a keynote. This more modern design doesn’t taper to a point, but it’s – surprisingly – thinner than even that 2008 model, along with being disarmingly light.
Despite its slender form, this Mac is surprisingly powerful, along with having an excellent display, a genuinely all-day battery, and whisper-quiet performance. If the MacBook Neo isn’t enough for you, the MacBook Air almost certainly will be – although you do pay almost double for it.
Drawbacks? That lack of a fan means the Air struggles with high-end games. And the paucity of ports irks. But this laptop delivers a great mix of affordability, portability, and power, even if its crown as the best Mac for most people has now been taken by the Neo.
Pros: Compact; silent; great battery life
Cons: Few ports; no Face ID; 60Hz display
MacBook Pro
From $1699/£1699 • 14.2in/16.2in ProMotion display • M5/M5 Pro/M5 Max chip • Touch ID • 12MP Center Stage camera • ports: MagSafe 3; 3x Thunderbolt 5 (Thunderbolt 4 on M5); 3.5mm headphone; HDMI; SDXC • From 3.4lbs/1.55kg / Last updated: March 2026
Best for: power on the move
The clue is in the name. This is a portable Mac geared towards more demanding users – although you don’t have to be a “pro” to use one. Over the MacBook Air, it gives you a superior, silky smooth 120Hz display, better speakers, twice as much entry-level storage (starting at 1TB), along with a bunch of extra ports.
However, it’s hard to make the argument that the entry-level M5 is worth $600/£600 more than the equivalent MacBook Air, especially given that it’s not significantly more powerful.
But if you’re a demanding Mac user and always on the move, either the M5 Pro or the M5 Max would be an excellent choice – albeit a very expensive one. So make sure you need all that power before you buy, because the Pro is overkill for the vast majority of people.
Pros: Powerful; superb display; extra I/O over the Air
Cons: No Face ID; expensive; heavier than other MacBooks
Mac mini
From $599/£599 • M4/M4 Pro chip • ports: Ethernet or 10Gb Ethernet; 3x Thunderbolt 4 (M4) or 5 (M4 Pro); HDMI; 2x USB-C; 3.5mm headphone / Last updated: October 2024
Best for: entry-level modularity
The very first Mac mini was positioned as an affordable Mac and designed to tempt “switchers” from Windows. Today’s entry-level model sits in a similar space, and offers great performance for a computer at this price.
Unlike the MacBook Neo and MacBook Air, though, the Mac mini is blessed with a solid selection of ports. And although the M4 chip in the standard models is getting on a bit now, it’s more than capable for a range of tasks, from basic office work to editing media.
Weak spots? The mini’s not quite silent – the fan remains on even when the Mac’s idle. The speaker is terrible. And you’ll need to add your own display and accessories – even a keyboard and mouse/trackpad. Still, we reckon this Mac is the best desktop Mac for most people.
Pros: Affordable; compact; powerful
Cons: Fewer ports on M4 model; rubbish speaker
iMac
From $1299/£1299 • 23.5in display • M4 chip • Touch ID** • 12MP Center Stage camera • ports: 4x Thunderbolt 4; 3.5mm headphone; 10Gb Ethernet / Last updated: October 2024
** 8-core two-port iMac comes with the standard keyboard by default. Upgrade to a Touch ID keyboard for an additional $50/£50. Its two ports are Thunderbolt/USB 4. Gigabit Ethernet is optional.
Best for: an elegant all-in-one desktop
The original iMac saved Apple from oblivion. And although the current M4 model looks wildly different from its bulbous Bondi blue forebear, it does the same job, giving you a hassle-free all-in-one Mac desktop experience.
This Mac looks fantastic and it’s extremely quiet. The display is excellent (but lacks height adjustment – you can only tilt it), and the speakers have surprising clout.
If you like the idea of an all-in-one and don’t care about portability, the iMac is a great buy. But avoid the cheaper 8-core version. Pay the extra $200/£200 for the 10-core model and you’ll get two extra ports, Ethernet, a keyboard with Touch ID, and a wider choice of colors. (Mmm: purple.)
Pros: Superb all-rounder; great performance
Cons: Entry-level model too cut down; can’t adjust screen height
Mac Studio
From $1999/£2099 • M4 Max/M3 Ultra • ports: 4x Thunderbolt 5 (6x on M3 Ultra); 2x USB-C (M4 Max only); 10Gb Ethernet; 2x USB-A; HDMI; 3.5mm headphone; SDXC / Last updated: March 2025
Best for: raw power
Looking like an extruded Mac mini, the Mac Studio is now Apple’s pro desktop after the Mac Pro was quietly discontinued in 2026. The compact form factor is oddly minimal for a pro-grade computer, yet even the base-level spec is hugely powerful, letting you chew through all manner of demanding tasks.
Around back, you get a wide range of ports, but there are a few on the front too, which is convenient. Shortcomings echo the Mac mini: the speaker is poor; upgrade prices are high; you’ll need to add accessories; and the fan never stops – although it is quiet.
If you need a huge amount of raw power (for high-end video/music/3D work, say) from a computer, this is an ideal desktop Mac. But for more modest needs, stick with a Mac mini.
Pros: Loads of power; quiet; great connectivity
Cons: Quickly gets expensive; terrible speaker
TL;DR
Still undecided? Here’s a lightning-fast comparison for which Mac to choose:
If you want a laptop:
- Get the MacBook Neo for a bargain that’s nonetheless brilliant.
- Go for a MacBook Air if you need more power, storage or memory, a display with greater color accuracy, or the option of a 15in screen.
- Buy a MacBook Pro only if your needs are hugely demanding.
If you want a desktop:
- Grab a Mac mini if you crave the flexibility of adding your own keyboard, display, and input devices.
- Choose an iMac when you’d like an all-in-one with a splash of color.
- Splash out on a Mac Studio when you need huge amounts of raw power.