Apple M1 to M4 Laptops Compared in 2025: Which MacBook Should You Buy?

Apple M1 to M4 Laptops Compared in 2025, Which MacBook Should You Buy?

Read Reels
Best Macbook Buying Guide in 2025

Apple’s MacBook lineup now spans four generations of Silicon chips (M1 to M4), offering options for casual users, professionals, and tech enthusiasts. With models like the M1 MacBook Air still available at a discount and the Pro’s with M4 chip, here’s a breakdown of every MacBook sold today, plus what’s coming next.

Current Apple Laptop Lineup in 2025: From M1 to M4

MacBook Air Models (M1 to M4)

  1. MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
  • Price: $999 (base)
    • Specs: 13.3″ Retina, 8-core CPU / 7-core GPU, 8GB RAM (up to 16GB), 256GB–2TB storage.
    • Best For: Students, budget buyers, and casual users needing basic tasks (browsing, Office apps).
    • Why Buy? Cheapest MacBook with legendary 15-hour battery life. Still sold new by Apple!

2. MacBook Air (M2, 2022)

  • Price: $1,099 (base)
    • Specs: 13.6″ Liquid Retina, 8-core CPU / 8-core or 10-core GPU, 8GB RAM (up to 24GB), 256GB–2TB storage.
    • Best For: Professionals and students wanting better performance, display, and design.
    • Why Buy? Thinner, lighter, and faster than M1. Better speakers, webcam, and MagSafe charging.

3. MacBook Air (M3, 2024)

  • Price: $1,099 (base)
    • Specs: 13.6″ / 15.3″ Liquid Retina, 8-core CPU / 10-core GPU, 16GB RAM (up to 24GB), 256GB–2TB storage.
    • Best For: Power users needing AI/ML tasks, content creation, and a future-proof MacBook.
    • Why Buy? Faster CPU & GPU, improved efficiency, Wi-Fi 6E, and supports dual external displays.

4. MacBook Air (M4, 2025 – Upcoming)

  • Price: TBD (~$1,199 expected)
    • Specs (Expected): 13.6″ / 15.3″ OLED, 10-core CPU / 12-core GPU, 16GB RAM (up to 32GB), 512GB–4TB storage.
    • Best For: High-end users looking for a major upgrade in display, power, and battery life.
    • Why Buy? Rumored OLED screen, better battery, and next-gen AI processing.

 

MacBook Pro Models (M1 to M4)

1. MacBook Pro (M1, 2020)

  • Price: $1,299 (base)
    • Specs: 13.3″ Retina, 8-core CPU / 8-core GPU, 8GB RAM (up to 16GB), 256GB–2TB storage.
    • Best For: Students and professionals needing extra power and a fan-cooled design for sustained performance.
    • Why Buy? Silent but powerful with a 20-hour battery life, better cooling, and a Touch Bar.

2. MacBook Pro (M1 Pro/M1 Max, 2021)

  • Price: $1,999 (base)
    • Specs: 14.2″ / 16.2″ Liquid Retina XDR, M1 Pro (8/10-core CPU, 14/16-core GPU) or M1 Max (10-core CPU, 24/32-core GPU), 16GB RAM (up to 64GB), 512GB–8TB storage.
    • Best For: Video editors, 3D designers, and power users needing extreme performance.
    • Why Buy? Mini-LED display, HDMI, SD card slot, MagSafe, and top-tier battery life.

3. MacBook Pro (M2, 2023)

  • Price: $1,299 (base)
    • Specs: 13.3″ Retina, 8-core CPU / 10-core GPU, 8GB RAM (up to 24GB), 256GB–2TB storage.
    • Best For: Users wanting a simple, compact MacBook Pro with a Touch Bar and improved speed.
    • Why Buy? Longer battery life, slightly better performance than M1, and still has the Touch Bar.

4. MacBook Pro (M2 Pro/M2 Max, 2023)

  • Price: $1,999 (base)
    • Specs: 14.2″ / 16.2″ Liquid Retina XDR, M2 Pro (10/12-core CPU, 16/19-core GPU) or M2 Max (12-core CPU, 30/38-core GPU), 16GB RAM (up to 96GB), 512GB–8TB storage.
    • Best For: High-end creative professionals, developers, and those needing maxed-out performance.
    • Why Buy? Faster, better GPU, and longer battery life than the M1 models.

5. MacBook Pro (M3, 2024)

  • Price: $1,599 (base)
    • Specs: 14.2″ / 16.2″ Liquid Retina XDR, M3 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU), M3 Pro (12-core CPU, 18-core GPU), or M3 Max (16-core CPU, 40-core GPU), 8GB RAM (up to 128GB), 512GB–8TB storage.
    • Best For: AI, machine learning, gaming, and video editing with extreme power needs.
    • Why Buy? Huge GPU improvements, AI-focused performance, and up to 22 hours of battery life.

6. MacBook Pro (M4, 2025)

  • Price: $1,599 (base)
    • Specs (Expected): 14.2″ / 16.2″ OLED, M4 (12-core CPU, 20-core GPU), M4 Pro (14-core CPU, 28-core GPU), M4 Max (18-core CPU, 48-core GPU), 16GB RAM (up to 128GB), 1TB–8TB storage.
    • Best For: Extreme professionals and future-proof buyers looking for the latest tech.
    • Why Buy? improved cooling, and next-gen AI enhancements.

MacBook Air Series Comparison

Model Release Year Chip Display Size Key Features Buy on Amazon
MacBook Air (M1, 2020) 2020 M1 13-inch First Apple Silicon, 18h battery life View on Amazon
MacBook Air (M2, 2022) 2022 M2 13.6-inch Redesigned, MagSafe, 20% faster GPU View on Amazon
MacBook Air (M2, 15-inch) 2023 M2 15-inch Larger screen, 6-speaker system View on Amazon
MacBook Air (M3, 2024) 2024 M3 13.6-inch 20% faster CPU, Wi-Fi 6E, 2x SSD speeds View on Amazon
MacBook Air (M3, 15-inch) 2024 M3 15-inch Same as M3 Air but with bigger display View on Amazon
MacBook Air (M4, 2025) 2025* M4 TBA Upcoming (Check Apple Store for pre-orders) N/A

MacBook Pro Series Comparison

Model Release Year Chip Display Size Key Features Buy on Amazon
MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1) 2020 M1 13-inch Entry-level Pro, Touch Bar View on Best Buy
MacBook Pro (14-inch, M1 Pro) 2021 M1 Pro/Max 14-inch Mini-LED XDR display, 120Hz ProMotion View on Amazon
MacBook Pro (14-inch, M2 Pro) 2023 M2 Pro/Max 14-inch 30% faster GPU, HDMI 2.1 View on Amazon
MacBook Pro (16-inch, M2 Pro) 2023 M2 Pro/Max 16-inch Enhanced speakers, 8K output support View on Amazon
MacBook Pro (14-inch, M3) 2023 M3/Pro/Max 14-inch Ray tracing, AV1 decoding View on Amazon
MacBook Pro (16-inch, M3 Pro) 2023 M3 Pro/Max 16-inch 40% faster neural engine View on Amazon
MacBook Pro (14-inch, M4) 2024 M4/Pro/Max 14-inch 3nm architecture, AI acceleration View on Amazon
MacBook Pro (16-inch, M4 Pro) 2024 M4 Pro/Max 16-inch Max 128GB RAM, 8TB SSD options View on Amazon
 

Which MacBook is Right for You?

User Profile Recommended Model(s) Why?
Students MacBook Air (M1/M2/M3) Lightweight, affordable, all-day battery life
Freelancers MacBook Air (M3) or 14-inch M4 Pro Balance of portability and power for multitasking
Creative Professionals 14/16-inch M4 Max or M4 Pro/Max Handles 4K/8K editing, 3D rendering, and intensive workflows
Casual Users MacBook Air (M1/M2) Perfect for browsing, streaming, and light productivity
Developers MacBook Pro (M4 Pro/Max)/ Air M3 High RAM/SSD options, sustained performance for coding
Business Users MacBook Air (M3 13/15-inch) Lightweight and small size to carry/Large screen for spreadsheets, reliable performance for meetings

 

Key Takeaways

  1. MacBook AirPortability & Value
    • Best for students, travelers, and everyday use.
    • Avoid if you need sustained heavy workloads (e.g., video editing).
  2. MacBook ProPower & Performance
    • Ideal for creators, developers, and professionals.
    • Overkill for casual users due to higher cost.
  3. Chip Hierarchy: M4 > M3 > M2 > M1.
    • M3/M4 chips bring ray tracing and AI enhancements.
  4. Display Matters: Pro models offer ProMotion (120Hz)and XDR brightness, while Airs focus on slim designs.

Final Verdict

The M3 MacBook Air is the best all-rounder for most users, while the M4 Max MacBook Pro dominates professional workloads. Budget shoppers can’t go wrong with the M1 MacBook Air, which remains Apple’s most affordable laptop(Discontinued by Apple)

Whether you choose the MacBook Air or Pro depends on your budget, workflow, and needs. Bookmark this guide to stay updated as Apple releases new models in 2025!

Notes for Buyers

  1. Check Availability: Newer models (e.g., M4 series) may have limited stock. Use the links above or visit Apple’s official storefor direct purchases.
  2. Affiliate Disclaimer: Links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices fluctuate frequently—confirm before purchasing.
  3. Older Models: Refurbished M1/M2 MacBooks offer great value. Check Amazon’s Renewed Store.
Share This Article
1 Comment