The best MacBook for programming in 2024 meets each programmer’s unique needs and interests. You can personalize your choice of the ideal MacBook for your programming needs. We have over 10 years of experience in examining MacBooks. We’ve gained deep insights into what makes a MacBook the best laptop for coding. The good news is that most programmers can be well-served by almost any modern Apple laptop. However, it’s crucial to consider a few key factors that will help you get the MacBook that best fits your needs.
Apple’s laptops have many features that meet the needs of programmers. So, programmers don’t need to buy the pricier and more advanced 2023 M3 Pro or Max MacBook Pros. Making decisions involves weighing many factors. These include size, portability, cost, and other features you want in your gadget. We explore these factors to help you decide. We base our suggestions on expert evaluations. Also, they come from the vast experience of our contributors. They use MacBooks as their main work devices. We’ve examined many models and did this to find which MacBooks are best for programming. We considered many needs and budgets.
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KEY CONSIDERATIONS IN CHOOSING A MACBOOK FOR PROGRAMMING
Performance Needs: Any current MacBook can handle standard programming tasks. But, your workload might need more power. Consider the complexity of your projects. Will you enjoy the new models’ advanced features?
Size and Portability: Do you often code on the go, or do you prefer a stationary setup? The MacBook Air is very portable. The MacBook Pro has a big screen and good performance. So, it’s suitable for intense coding.
Budget Constraints: Balancing cost and functionality is crucial. You don’t need the top model. Mid-range MacBooks often offer a good mix of performance and value.
Additional uses: If your MacBook is for more than programming, but also for graphic design, video editing, or other hard tasks, get a model with a better processor and graphics.
THE BEST OVERALL MACBOOK for PROGRAMMING
MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3, 2023)
The MacBook Pro 14-inch (M3, 2023) is the best for programming. It has the perfect mix of power, price, and portability. This model launched in November 2023 is a big milestone. It is the first 14-inch MacBook Pro with the standard M chip, the M3. Before, they used the more advanced Pro or Max models. By making this choice, Apple has made the 14-inch MacBook Pro cheaper than its older versions. But, it has not lost any of the power needed for tough programming jobs.
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: M3 processor (M3 Pro / Max)
RAM: Starts with 8GB (upgradable) up to 128GB for higher models.
Graphics: Consolidated 10-core GPU -40-core GPU
Storage: Starts with 512GB SSD (upgradable) Up to 8TB.
Screen: 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
Battery Life: The M3 Pro model has an impressive battery life, lasting up to 30 hours.
REASONS TO BUY
- It has a significantly long battery life
- offers a strong performance capabilities
- Among the newest MacBook models
- fairly priced
REASONS TO AVOID
- The RAM base model’s 8GB is considered too low for a Pro model
- Some programmers may prefer a touchscreen
- it’s a bit heavy for portability
Our thorough testing has validated this device’s impressive capabilities. Its display is incredibly bright, reaching 1,500 nits. This is a notable feature, a blessing for programmers who stare at their screens for a long time. The glossy screen has possible downsides. But, this high brightness level counters them. It ensures clear visibility in many lighting situations. The 14-inch screen size strikes the ideal balance. It provides enough room for working without straining the eyes. It’s also small enough to fit in a bag for easy portability.
We examined the 16-inch MacBook Pro M3. The 16-inch model is worth considering for people who need a larger workspace. Also, the latest MacBook Pro series offers many customization choices for people with particular needs. With these machines, you can do almost any task. But, only if your burden goes beyond programming. You need more processor, memory, or storage. You may increase the RAM to 128GB to meet tough computing needs. Do this by upgrading to the M3 Pro or M3 Max CPUs.
THE BEST LAPTOP MACBOOK FOR PROGRAMMING ON THE MOVE
MacBook Air (M2, 2022)
When looking for a device that combines portability and power, the MacBook Air (M2, 2022) is a great option. This model is somewhat lighter and cheaper than its contemporary. Its contemporary is the 13-inch MacBook Pro. But, it still has many of the same performance features. It beats the last MacBook Air in size and portability. It has a 13.6-inch screen and a more powerful processor. The screen is a main improvement. It is 25% brighter than the last one and greatly improves the visual experience. Also, the addition of MagSafe support is a good touch. It makes connecting and disconnecting the power cable easier. This improves convenience and safety.
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Apple M2 chip
RAM: Starts with 8GB (Compatible to 24GB)
Graphics: 8-core GPU- 10-core GPU
Storage: Starts with 256GB (Compatible to 2TB).
Screen: 13.6-inch screen
Battery Life: 8 to 10 hours of practical use.
REASONS TO BUY
- Thinner for easier portability
- Offers a strong M2 processor for performance capabilities
- Brighter and comfortable screen
- Battery life remains strong
REASONS TO AVOID
- Higher starting price than the previous model
- Only two ports, both on one side
- The screen is not as much as big
- Warms up under intense workloads
During testing, we found that the device had an amazing battery life. It allowed for over 16 hours of video playback. The M2 is the main chip in this model. It is a favorite among developers. It can easily handle tasks like compiling code. The extra screen looks good and boosts productivity. This is especially true for coding. The new MacBook Air is a good alternative for those who think the 14-inch MacBook Pro is too costly or powerful. It is a great choice for many users. It balances cost, portability, and functionality well.
THE BEST MACBOOK FOR PROGRAMMING WITH A BIGGER SCREEN
MacBook Air 15 (M2, 2023)
When it comes to coding, having a big screen can be good, but it’s important to find the right balance. The 13 and 14-inch laptops are great choices for a few reasons. The M3 MacBook Pro is powerful and has a nice screen, while the M2 MacBook Air is easy to carry around. But if you want a bigger screen to see more code at once or need things to look bigger, the 2023 MacBook Air 15 is a great option.
The newest MacBook Air has a 15-inch screen. This was a bit unexpected because it’s bigger than what we usually see in an Air model. But this laptop is still very light and easy to carry, like the smaller 13-inch version. It’s not much cheaper than the new MacBook Pro M3, but you can often find good deals on it.
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Apple M2 chip
RAM: 8GB (configurable up to16GB, 24GB)
Graphics: 10-core GPU
Storage: 512 GB SSD
Screen: 15.3-inch screen
Battery Life: Up to 18 hours
REASONS TO BUY
- Large Screen for a better viewing experience
- Strong M2 processor for performance capabilities
- Cheaper than MacBook Pros
- Long-lasting battery
REASONS TO AVOID
- Hardware upgrades are limited
- Size may not fit everyone
- Limited Ports
- Gets Warm during intensive tasks.
THE BEST CHEAP MACBOOK FOR PROGRAMMING
MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
The MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is great for coders on a tight budget. They don’t need the extensive capabilities of the higher-end MacBooks. This model is usually found at discounted prices. It is still the cheapest new MacBook and has a great mix of performance and affordability. The tests highlighted the laptop’s remarkable speed and seamless functioning. It regularly provides over a day’s battery life on a single charge.
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Apple M1 chip
RAM: 8 upto16GB
Graphics: 8-core GPU
Storage: 256GB (configurable up to 1TB-2TB)
Screen: 13.3-inch 2560 x 1600 screen
Battery Life: 15-18 hours
REASONS TO BUY
- Fairly priced
- Fanless design ensures quiet operation.
- Performance is relatively great
- Excellent Battery Life
REASONS TO AVOID
- Lack of a fan may hinder performance during heavy workloads
- The absence of a touchscreen may be a disadvantageous to some people
The M1 MacBook Air has a fanless design. This design ensures silent operation which is a notable feature. The M2 chip has replaced the M1. But, the M1 is still powerful, especially for code compilation. The M1 MacBook Air is good for programming and routine tasks. But, it might not be the best for intense video or image editing.
In conclusion, if you care about your budget and mainly need a computer for coding and general use then MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is a great option. It’s dependable and won’t disappoint you.
THE BEST MACBOOK FOR PROGRAMMING AND MORE
MacBook Pro 16-inch (M2 Pro, 2022)
If you’re looking for a powerful MacBook that can perform much more than programming and with a big screen, the 16-inch MacBook Pro from 2022 is a great choice. It’s a lot like the smaller 14-inch version, but it has a bigger screen and a longer-lasting battery.
This MacBook is perfect for people who like to code on a big screen. It has the longest battery life of any MacBook. Apple says the battery should last for 14 hours of web browsing. But, it can last up to 22 hours for simple online tasks. You can also choose to have up to 64GB of memory and up to 8TB of storage, which makes it a very strong computer. It’s more than what most programmers need, but it’s great for heavy tasks like video editing.
SPECIFICATIONS
CPU: Apple M2 Max chip 12-core
RAM: Up to 96GB
Graphics: 19 – 38-core GPU
Storage: Up to 8TB
Screen: 16.2-inch screen with 3456 x 2234 resolution
Battery Life: Up to 22 hours
REASONS TO BUY
- Delivers outstanding audio quality
- Large screen for coding
- Incredible Performance
- Excellent Battery Life
REASONS TO AVOID
- Limited hardware upgrades
- Costly especially in higher configurations
Even though Apple released the newer M3 model in October 2023, the MacBook Pro from January 2023 is still a great choice for programming. Plus, it’s being sold at a lower price right now.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST MACBOOK FOR PROGRAMMING IN 2024
Are MacBooks good for programming?
Yes, they are. MacBooks have clear and bright screens that make it easy to read code. They are powerful and have long battery life, which is great if you’re coding while traveling. You can choose from different sizes of MacBooks. There are smaller and more affordable ones, like the 13-inch MacBook Pro and Air. And, there are bigger, stronger ones, like the 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pros. There’s even a 15-inch MacBook Air now, so you have a lot of options
Which is better for programming, a MacBook Pro or a MacBook Air?
In the past, we would have said the MacBook Pro is better. It has a bigger and clearer display and it is good for reading small programming fonts.
But recently, the difference between the MacBook Pro and Air isn’t as big. Now, MacBook Airs also have clear displays and powerful Apple chips (either M1 or M2). There’s even a 15-inch MacBook Air for those who like bigger screens.
So, we’d suggest getting a MacBook Pro only if you need it for tasks that need more graphics power. An example is video editing. A MacBook Air is enough and suitable for programming alone. You don’t need the extra power of the M1 Pro chips unless you’re doing other demanding tasks.
