Which MacBook Should I Buy in 2025?

Looking for a new MacBook in 2025? You're probably choosing between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. Both laptops are fast, polished, and unmistakably Apple—but they target different users. Thanks to Apple's latest M4 chips, raw performance isn't the key differentiator anymore. Instead, the real question is whether you need the Pro's extra features, or if the Air already provides that perfect balance of power and portability. In this review, we'll compare these MacBooks head-to-head, examine their unique features, and help you decide which one suits your needs best.

MacBook Air: The Everyday Hero

The MacBook Air has evolved far beyond its origins as a basic student laptop. The M4-powered version, released in 2025, delivers a capable, polished, and truly enjoyable experience. For daily tasks—emailing, writing, handling dozens of browser tabs, video calls, light photo editing, and even basic design work—the Air performs effortlessly. Its fanless design runs whisper-quiet and stays cool during extended sessions. The M4 chip makes multitasking smooth and responsive, even when juggling multiple apps and Chrome tabs.

The design is stunning. Its 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display offers bright, accurate colors and an immersive viewing experience while maintaining portability. The thin bezels, notch-housed 12-megapixel webcam, and minimalist body exemplify classic Apple design. Creative professionals will appreciate the True Tone and P3 wide color support for visual media work. The battery life impresses, lasting beyond 14 hours with typical use. With MagSafe charging, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a headphone jack, this versatile machine adapts seamlessly to any scenario—whether you're working remotely, studying, or streaming Netflix.

Why the M1 Pro Still Deserves a Spot

It might be tempting to dismiss the M1 MacBook Pro, originally released in 2020, as outdated. But in reality, it’s still a strong contender for anyone who wants a MacBook on a budget. The M1 chip continues to outperform expectations, and for light users—think email, writing, web browsing, and occasional Zoom calls—it’s more than capable. The fanless design keeps it silent, the keyboard is still excellent, and the display, while not quite as bright or color-accurate as newer models, is still better than what you’ll find on many budget laptops even today.

There are some notable limitations to consider. The 720p webcam seems outdated now that high-resolution video calls are standard, and the base model's 8 GB of RAM can feel restrictive when multitasking with numerous apps or browser tabs. However, at under $700, the value is exceptional. It's particularly well-suited for younger students or as a lightweight travel companion. Just remember that being an older model, it won't receive macOS updates as long as the newer versions will.

MacBook Pro: The Creative Workhorse

The MacBook Pro is perfect if you work with demanding software like video editing programs, music production tools, or large projects. Unlike the Air, it has a cooling fan that helps it maintain top performance during long, intense work sessions. It also offers up to 64 GB of memory, which means you can run many professional programs at once without slowdowns.

The screen is what makes the Pro special. It has one of the best displays you can get on a laptop, with exceptional brightness, smooth motion, and stunning color accuracy. This makes it ideal for professionals who work with photos, videos, or design projects where color quality really matters. While it's a bit heavier than the Air, it's still easy to carry around. It also has more connection ports than the Air, including HDMI, an SD card slot, and three Thunderbolt ports. Yes, it costs more, but for people who need its features for their work, it's worth the extra money.

Which MacBook is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best MacBook is the one that matches your real-world needs—not just the shiniest or priciest model. For most people seeking a reliable laptop that's quick, lightweight, and handles everyday tasks with grace, the MacBook Air M4 is the clear winner. It hits the sweet spot between power and portability that works perfectly for most users, whether you're a remote worker, student, or someone who simply wants their computer to feel natural and effortless.

If you want a larger screen and enhanced audio but don't need the Pro's full capabilities, the 15-inch MacBook Air offers an excellent balance. It delivers extra space for multitasking and entertainment without the Pro's premium price or added weight.

For anyone who regularly edits large files, runs pro-level software, or wants the absolute best screen Apple makes, the MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip is still king. It’s not necessary for most users, but if you’re pushing your laptop to the edge daily, it earns its price tag.

And if budget is the deciding factor, the M1 Air remains a surprisingly strong option. It won’t impress anyone with its specs in 2025, but it still delivers a smooth, reliable macOS experience for the basics—and sometimes, that’s all you need.