Over the years, Apple has manufactured a range of computing devices. These days, the company takes a more refined approach, offering five styles of computer in multiple editions.

Whether you're looking for a high-performance desktop computer, a long-lasting laptop, or something in between, there's a Mac device that'll suit your needs.

To help you get started with Apple's macOS ecosystem, we've rounded up the options to help you find the best Mac or best MacBook for you.

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1. Apple Mac Pro

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The Apple Mac Pro is an expensive macOS-based computer aimed at professionals. Unlike the all-in-one design of the iMac, the Mac Pro looks more like a traditional tower PC. This is to accommodate the powerful hardware contained within and offer increased space for components and cooling systems.

Of course, as this is an Apple computer, there are no messy wires or out-of-place components inside. Instead, the interior of the Mac Pro is organized and easy to maintain.

It is also the most customizable Apple computer available today, with a wide range of configurations, components, and hardware options. The Mac Pro (2019) has not been switched to the Apple M1 chip. In place of this, there's an Intel Xeon W CPU with 8, 12, 16, 24, or 28 cores.

All editions come with 32GB of RAM as standard, though you can configure this up to 768GB or an astonishing 1.5TB of RAM if you select the 24 or 28-core CPU.

At the highest configuration, it's possible to have your Mac Pro (2019) come with an AMD Radeon Pro Vega II Duo GPU. However, even the AMD Radeon Pro 580X, which comes with the base model, is no slouch.

There are also eight PCI Express expansion slots, should you need them. Similarly, the Mac Pro (2019) includes an Apple Afterburner accelerator card for video processing tasks.

Ultimately, the Apple Mac Pro is not a consumer-grade computer. The device is mighty, immensely configurable, and impressive. However, the base configuration is also almost six times more expensive than an iMac all-in-one desktop device.

As further evidence for its commercial use, you can choose to buy the Mac Pro in a rack enclosure. To differentiate the Mac Pro (2019) from other devices, it ships with an exclusive silver Magic Keyboard with black keys and a black Magic Mouse.

Key Features
  • Extreme specifications
  • Upgradeable and configurable tower computer
  • Intel Xeon W CPU with up to 28 cores
Specifications
  • Brand: Apple
  • Storage: 256GB
  • CPU: Intel Xeon W
  • Memory: 32GB
  • Operating System: macOS
  • Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 4x Thunderbolt 3, 2x 10Gb Ethernet, 3.5mm audio
  • Display (Size, Resolution): N/A
Pros
  • Incredibly customizable
  • Up to 1.5TB of RAM
  • Top-end configuration comes with an AMD Radeon Pro Vega II Duo GPU
Cons
  • Base model is six times more expensive than an iMac
  • Overpowered for most users
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Apple Mac Pro

The Apple MacBook Pro is a premium laptop running macOS. The MacBook Pro is visually similar to the Apple MacBook Air but with upgraded hardware and features. Like the Air, Apple also refreshed this laptop in late 2020.

As a result, the Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020) is available with the custom-designed Apple M1 chip for integrated Apple-based experiences and support for iPhone apps on your laptop. However, at present, there is also an edition of the MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020) with an Intel CPU, while the larger MacBook Pro 16-inch is currently only available with Intel inside.

The MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020) comes with a Retina display, offering a 2560x1600 resolution and Apple's True Tone technology. The battery in the MacBook Pro is a step up from the MacBook Air, offering up to 20 hours of use despite powering higher performance hardware.

The MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020) is customizable, allowing you to choose between 8GB or 16GB of RAM and 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of storage. However, if you select the Silver variant rather than Space Grey, you also have the option of a 256GB SSD.

There are two USB-C/Thunderbolt ports included, and you can plug the USB-C charging lead into either of them. The backlit keyboard automatically adjusts based on ambient conditions and comes with an integrated Touch ID sensor for biometric authentication.

Like the MacBook Air (2020), this MacBook Pro's speakers support Dolby Atmos, allowing you to make the most of your Apple Music subscription and get clear, crisp audio when listening to podcasts, watching videos online, or streaming movies.

Similarly, there's a built-in FaceTime HD camera just above the display. You can connect to wireless networks using the Wi-Fi 6 hardware and attach peripherals and headphones via Bluetooth 5.0. If you have wired headphones, you can plug them in using the 3.5mm jack.

Key Features
  • Apple M1 chip
  • 20-hour battery life
  • 13-inch Retina display
Specifications
  • Operating System: macOS
  • CPU: ‎3.2GHz M1 chip
  • GPU: Integrated
  • Storage: 256GB SSD
  • Battery: 20 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 13.3-inch, 2560x1600
  • Camera: 720p FaceTime HD webcam
  • Memory: 16GB
  • Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 3, 3.5mm audio input
  • Dimensions: ‎14.75 x 11.25 x 4.25 inches
  • Weight: 3lbs
  • Brand: Apple
Pros
  • Integrated Touch ID sensor
  • Memory and storage are configurable
  • Modern wireless equipment, with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0
Cons
  • Not many ports
  • Lackluster 720p camera for the price
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Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (2020)

The Apple MacBook Air is the company's entry-level macOS device. The laptop was first released in 2008 and has undergone several revisions in the years since. The MacBook Air (2020) is the latest iteration, making the transition to Apple's own-brand M1 chips.

Previously, many Apple computers used Intel-based processors, but the Apple-designed M1 gives the company more control, allowing for tighter integration with other Apple products and services and better overall performance, as well as support for iPhone apps.

As a result, the MacBook Air (2020) is a high-performance entry-level laptop. It is available in three colors; Space Grey, Silver, and Gold. These options are standard across many Apple devices, so you can match your new laptop to any products you already own.

The 13.3-inch Retina display has an impressive 2560x1600 resolution, offering 400 nits of brightness and the company's True Tone technology. Despite this, the MacBook Air (2020) weighs just 2.8 pounds.

Unlike older editions of the laptop, the Apple MacBook Air (2020) recharges via USB-C. The battery lasts up to 18 hours, allowing you almost a full day away from a power adapter. There are only three ports on the laptop; two USB-C 4/Thunderbolt ports and a 3.5mm headphone jack.

It's important to keep in mind that the charger utilizes one of the Thunderbolt ports, so it might be worth investing in a USB-C hub if you often connect peripherals or memory card readers.

The standard edition of the laptop comes with an acceptable 8GB of RAM, though to make it more future-proof, you might choose to opt for 16GB instead. Similarly, you can get the MacBook Air (2020) with 256GB or 512GB of storage. Given the tight integration with iCloud, if you store most of your data in the cloud, then 256GB should be enough for most purposes.

The laptop has some of the latest wireless specifications, including Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0. The backlit keyboard comes with an integrated Touch ID sensor for biometric authentication. Just above the display, there's also an integrated FaceTime HD camera for video calls and photos.

The MacBook Air's speakers support Dolby Atmos playback, which means you can enjoy Apple Music's Spatial Audio feature if you're a subscriber to the music streaming service.

Key Features
  • 13.3-inch Retina display
  • 18-hour battery life
  • Apple M1 chip
  • Integrated Touch ID sensor
Specifications
  • Operating System: macOS
  • CPU: Apple M1
  • GPU: Apple M1
  • Storage: 256GB
  • Battery: 18 hours
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 13.3-inch, 2560x1600
  • Camera: 720p
  • Memory: 8GB
  • Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 3, Headphone Out
  • Weight: 2.8 pounds
  • Brand: Apple
Pros
  • Available in three colors
  • Support for Dolby Atmos audio
  • Recharges via USB-C
Cons
  • Not many ports
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Apple MacBook Air (2020)

If you're in the market for a desktop computer, one of your best options is the Apple iMac 24-inch (2021). The iMac has been a staple of the company's lineup since it first launched in 1998, with the iconic design remaining roughly unchanged since 2007.

However, that all changed in early 2021 with the announcement of an M1-based 24-inch iMac. The all-in-one computer is slimmer than its predecessors, at just 11.5mm thick, with a reduced bezel, and, notably, it's available in a range of seven vibrant colors.

You can purchase the iMac 24-inch (2021) with varying degrees of SSD storage, ranging from 256GB up to 2TB. As standard, the computer comes with 8GB of RAM, but you can opt for 16GB as well. The integrated 4.5K Retina display has a resolution of 4480x2520, offers up to 500 nits of brightness, and has the company's True Tone technology.

Just above the display is a built-in FaceTime HD camera. Importantly, this is a 1080p camera, in contrast to the 720p device included on MacBook laptops. The standard iMac 24-inch (2021) comes with two Thunderbolt 3 ports and a magnetic power input socket.

There's no Ethernet port, although you can configure the iMac to add one. However, there is an edition of the computer with an M1 chip with an eight-core GPU (rather than seven-core), which comes with two Thunderbolt 3 ports, two USB 3 ports, the power socket, and an Ethernet port included.

The Apple iMac 24-inch (2021) has six internal speakers with support for Dolby Atmos. Both models come with a Magic Keyboard and Magic Mouse pre-configured to work with your iMac. The eight-core edition includes a Magic Keyboard with an integrated Touch ID sensor for biometric authentication. There's also a three-mic array built-in for studio-quality audio recordings. Wireless connections are provided by Wi-Fi 6-compatible hardware and Bluetooth 5.0.

It's worth noting that alongside the 24-inch M1 model, Apple also released an Intel-based 27-inch iMac with the older design. As iMacs are widely used by businesses and creatives globally, there may still be cases where it's not possible to drop support for specific software or apps.

In which case, it's a decision whether to invest in new hardware now, knowing it might be unsupported in a couple of years or wait until your essential software is ready for an M1 iMac.

Key Features
  • Apple M1 chip
  • Support for Dolby Atmos audio
  • Storage up to 2TB
Specifications
  • Brand: Apple
  • Storage: 256GB
  • CPU: Apple M1
  • Memory: 8GB
  • Operating System: macOS
  • Ports: 2x Thunderbolt 3, 1x magnetic power socket
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 24-inch, 4480x2520
Pros
  • Available in seven colors
  • 1080p FaceTime HD camera
  • Modern wireless equipment, with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0
Cons
  • Base model comes with only two ports
  • No Ethernet as standard
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Apple iMac 24-inch (2020)

If you're looking for a portable, space-saving computer, then the Apple Mac mini (2020) could be the best option for you. The M1-based Mac mini is a compact desktop computer running macOS with support for iPhone apps and the performance improvements associated with Apple's new chip.

Like other mini PCs, the Mac mini doesn't come with a display, monitor, or peripherals. Instead, you get a 7.7-inch by 7.7-inch unit with power input, Ethernet port, two Thunderbolt inputs, an HDMI port, a single 3.5mm input (although there is a built-in speaker), and two USB-A ports.

The Mac mini is easy to move around, too, weighing just 2.6 pounds. If you want to connect the computer wirelessly, you can use the Wi-Fi 6-compatible hardware or Bluetooth 5.0. As standard, the device has 8GB of RAM, although you can opt to increase this to 16GB.

The entry-level Mac mini (2020) comes with 256GB of SSD storage, although you can configure this to 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB. The M1-based computer is only available in a single color; Silver.

For the time being, Apple still offers the older Intel-based Mac mini in Space Grey. Nevertheless, if your critical software supports the M1 chip, it's better to stick with the M1 Mac mini rather than the soon-to-be-retired Intel-based model.

Key Features
  • Apple M1 chip
  • Integrated speakers
  • Storage configurations up to 2TB
Specifications
  • Brand: Apple
  • Storage: 512 GB, as tested
  • CPU: M1
  • Memory: 8 GB, as tested
  • Operating System: macOS Big Sur
  • Ports: 2 USB-A, 2 USB-C, Gigabit Ethernet, 3.5 mm audio
  • Display (Size, Resolution): 3840x2160 as tested, 4K, 5K, 6K
Pros
  • Modern wireless equipment, with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.0
  • 8GB of RAM as standard, configurable up to 16GB
  • An affordable entry point for macOS
Cons
  • Only available in Silver
  • Expensive for a mini computer
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Apple Mac Mini M1

FAQ

Q: Should You Buy an Intel-based Mac in 2021?

The availability of Intel-based MacBook Pro laptops and iMac desktops is only a short-term measure to provide some time for developers and organizations to make their setups compatible with the new M1 chip. Unless you use software or services that are specifically not supported yet, it's advisable to opt for an M1 edition if possible.

This is the most future-proof choice as Apple has previously noted that they intended to have transitioned entirely to M1 devices by early 2022. As a result, any Intel-based MacBooks will decrease in value and, ultimately, become unsupported.

Q: Is the Apple MacBook Air or MacBook Pro Better?

If you're looking for a macOS-based laptop, you have two choices; the Apple MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. The MacBook Air is an entry-level device, and for most uses, will be an ideal choice, particularly if you don't game or run intense software for photo or video editing. The MacBook Pro is more expensive but has higher specifications, including longer battery life.

As of late 2020, both laptops are available with Apple's custom-designed M1 chip, although the MacBook Pro is currently only available as a 13-inch laptop with the M1, whereas the 16-inch edition still uses an Intel CPU.

Q: Are Apple Computers Repairable?

Generally, some Apple computers are repairable, but only through authorized businesses. The company's devices are not designed to be repaired by users, as the components are densely packed, often glued onto the motherboard or PCB, and there are no ways to open the computer up quickly.

Apple has been widely criticized for this approach, with many claiming that the company uses this to generate income through repairs and extended warranties. However, despite this, it is sometimes possible to repair MacBook laptops and iMac desktops.

The repair website iFixit has several guides to typical repairs and the parts that you'll need. That said, if you aren't confident with repairing your devices or don't have the time to, then your best option is to visit an authorized business or book a repair with Apple directly.