The editorial staff of 20 Minutes did not participate in the production of this article.

Choosing a MacBook as a laptop requires mobilizing a certain budget.

The Californian manufacturer regularly renews its range without abandoning its models after a few months.

The current range is made up of models marketed since 2020 for the oldest.

Apple exclusively offers computers powered by its own processor chip.

For the moment, it is available in M1 and M2 versions for the entry level, while the most powerful versions are called M1 Max and M1 Pro.

MacBooks are available in two ranges.

The entry-level consists of ultrabook MacBook Air, thin and light.

The top of the range is made up of MacBook Pros that can be configured with 3 screen sizes to meet all the needs of professionals or demanding users.

Selection of the best MacBooks

  • Apple MacBook Air M1: entry-level

  • Apple MacBook Air M2: the next generation

  • Apple MacBook Pro M2 13.3“: powerful and compact

  • Apple MacBook Pro M1 Pro 8-core 14“: the right compromise

  • Apple MacBook Pro M1 Pro 10-core 14“: a powerful CPU

  • Apple MacBook Pro M1 Pro 10-core 16“: the comfort of the big screen

  • Apple MacBook Pro M1 Pro 10-core 16“ 1 TB: large storage capacity

  • Apple MacBook Pro M1 Max 16“: the top of the high-performance range

Apple MacBook Air M1: entry-level

Essential in the Apple range, the MacBook Air has gone from a simple ultrabook at an affordable price to a real high-performance machine.

Its price has increased slightly compared to older generations based on Intel processors, but the performance is increased tenfold.

Since the adoption of the M1 processor, the entry-level MacBook 12“ has disappeared to make way for this powerful model.

It retains its finesse and lightness.

The integrated screen is made up of a 13“ Retina panel offering very high resolution and good brightness.

Autonomy is also increased thanks to the low energy consumption of its processor.

It can reach and even exceed 15 hours on a single full charge.

Most : 

  • Powerful ;

  • Very high autonomy;

  • Finesse and lightness.

The lessers :

  • Non-expandable soldered RAM memory;

  • Price a little high for an entry level.

See the price on Amazon

Apple MacBook Air M2: the next generation

The new MacBook Air M2 cohabits with the M1 version for the moment.

Its price is significantly higher.

The reason: its new M2 processor, even more powerful for a consumer notebook.

Combined with a slightly revisited design, losing a bit of finesse, the latest Apple ultrabook has a 256 GB SSD and 8 GB of RAM.

Its screen is a Liquid Retina 13.6“ offering great finesse and rapid refreshment.

It comes in 4 shades, each as elegant as the next.

The refined and refined design remains a priority for the brand.

Most : 

  • Even more powerful;

  • Display quality;

  • Ultraportable.

The lessers :

  • Little scalable with its soldered SSD and RAM

See the price on Amazon

Apple MacBook Pro M2 13“: powerful and compact

The manufacturer has just released a new 13" MacBook Pro.

The old version with the M1 processor is replaced by this new edition with the M2 processor.

Its 8-core CPU coupled with a high-performance GPU gives it an extra dose of power.

Equipped with a 13.3“ Retina type screen, it is compact to follow you everywhere while benefiting from a good autonomy and high performance on the move.

It is available in a 256 GB or 512 GB version with a soldered SSD.

It is therefore necessary to choose the right capacity from the start.

Most : 

  • Compact;

  • Powerful processor;

  • Beautifully crafted high-resolution panel

The lessers :

  •  His price

See the price on Amazon

Apple MacBook Pro M1 Pro 8-core 14“: the right compromise

The middle version of the MacBook Pro line has an M1 Pro processor.

With its 14“ Retina screen, it presents a good compromise for having a high-performance machine with great autonomy on the move.

Power is paid for, its price exceeds €2,000.

Its configuration includes 16 GB of RAM memory and a 512 GB SSD. In addition, you can also opt for a version with a 1 TB SSD. A choice that may be relevant, we quickly find ourselves cramped.

Most : 

  • 14“ Retina panel;

  • M1 Pro processor;

  • 16 GB RAM

The lessers :

  •  Little upgradeable for the price

See the price on Amazon

Apple MacBook Pro M1 Pro 10-core 14“: a powerful CPU

The 14“ laptop is also offered with a 10-core version of its processor.

This powerful version will be preferred by demanding users (videographers, photographers, etc.).

Billed a little more expensive, it also has 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD (1 TB optional).

The significant investment deserves to be interested in the AppleCare+ warranty extension offered by Apple.

Most : 

  • Relevant configuration.

The lessers :

  •  A more spacious disc would be appreciated for this price.

See the price on Amazon

Apple MacBook Pro M1 Pro 10-core 16“: the comfort of the big screen

Are you looking for a laptop with a large screen to make it your main work machine without the need to connect an additional screen?

Opt for the 16“ version.

With its 10-core M1 Pro processor and 16-core GPU, this MacBook is a good fit.

It has 16 GB of RAM and a 512 GB SSD. A comfortable configuration for most users.

In addition, you can opt for a 1TB disk, useful if you want to avoid having to resort to an external disk or cloud storage.

It's available in space gray or silver gray, the two usual MacBook colors for several years.

Most : 

  • Large screen comfortable for everyday use;

  • Relevant configuration.

The lessers :

  •  A larger SSD would be better.

See the price on Amazon

Apple MacBook Pro M1 Pro 10-core 16“ 1 TB: large storage capacity

The purchase of a MacBook Pro 16“ is often synonymous with intensive use given the investment it represents.

It is not very scalable with its components soldered to the motherboard, it is better to choose the large capacity version of the SSD.

Here it hits 1TB, a pretty comfortable size for most users. 

Most : 

  • 1TB SSD;

  • Very high resolution 16“ Retina display;

  • Maximum autonomy of 21 hours.

The lessers :

  •  Nearly €600 to go from 512 GB to 1 TB.

See the price on Amazon

Apple MacBook Pro M1 Max 16“: the top of the high-performance range

At the very top of the range, Apple offers the ultimate very high performance version of its 16“ MacBook Pro with the M1 Max.

If the processor retains its 10 cores, the GPU goes from 16 to 32 cores for maximum computing power.

This machine is paid for at a high price and is intended for a demanding clientele.

The design is identical to the rest of the range, the manufacturer achieves a feat between pure power and efficient cooling of the device.

It is particularly quiet in use even if you use it to the maximum.

Most : 

  • The most powerful with its Apple M1 Max processor

The lessers :

  •  The most expensive of the range

See the price on Amazon

What are the differences between the M1, M2, M1 Pro and M1 Max processors in MacBooks?

This new generation of processor has been equipping desktop Macs and laptops since 2020. The first to market was the M1.

It incorporates a powerful and particularly energy-efficient CPU and GPU.

It gave birth to the M1 Pro and M1 Max with more CPU and GPU cores.

The power is much higher while the power consumption remains very low.

The basic M1 will be replaced by the M2, a new generation of even more efficient processor.

How to choose your new MacBook?

To choose your MacBook, you must base yourself on two essential criteria: your budget and your needs.

95% of the needs can be met with a MacBook Air M1, but if you use applications that require high computing power, a MacBook Pro will be more appropriate.

This range also allows you to take advantage of a larger screen. 

Admittedly, buying a MacBook is a big investment.

You can find a Windows laptop at a lower price.

The manufacturing quality, design and reliability of MacOs are also important parameters when choosing your machine.

The ease of use is undeniable with a latest generation MacBook.

Purchase guide

What is the best Xiaomi smartphone to choose in 2022?

Purchase guide

What is the best Bluetooth speaker to choose in 2022?

Content offered by our tips experts, partners of 20 Minutes.

The editorial staff did not participate in its production.

The prices mentioned in this article are indicative and are subject to change.


Some links in this article are affiliate links, which may use tracers to enable 20 Minutes to receive a commission in the event of a purchase on the partner site.

  • Purchase guide

  • Tips

  • high tech