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Looking for the best MacBook for Students? You have found the right page. Here, we list what we think are the best MacBooks for students based on how they will be used. Students love MacBooks because they are powerful and easy to carry around. Most students may not be able to afford the prices, but there’s always an older model around and you can find good deals on it.
Students getting ready to go back to school in the fall or starting college for the first time can benefit from having the right technology on hand. Between desktop Macs, MacBook Pro laptops, and even iPads, there are hundreds of different ways to set up the perfect device for school. How to choose the best Mac for college or university depends on what you’ll be studying and how much money you have.
Best MacBook for Students
Apple 2022 MacBook Air M2
Features
The MacBook Air (M2, 2022) is one of Apple’s newest laptops and a great choice for students no matter what they’re studying. The M2 chip in this 2022 device gives it more power than the 2020 model. This makes it a serious option for creative students who don’t want to pay for a MacBook Pro.
Even though the screen is bigger, it is lighter and smaller than the old MacBook Air. The laptop’s screen is 25% brighter, and it also works with MagSafe. We thought the battery life was great. This device is similar to the M2 MacBook Pro 13, which came out a few months before this one. This can make it hard to choose between the two.
Pros
- Same screen size as 13-inch MacBook Pro
- Up to 18 hours of wireless web battery between charges
- Relatively low price
- Apple M2!
Cons
- Only two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
- Lower display brightness than other models
Apple 2020 MacBook Air M1
Features
The MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is the best MacBook for students who care more about getting a good deal than having the most recent features. Yes, MacBook Pros and even the newer MacBook Air from 2022 have more power, but if you’re not taking a class that requires you to use software with a lot of graphics, the M1-chipped MacBook Air should be fine.
We still think that the 2020 MacBook Air is the best combination of price and performance. It’s the least expensive new MacBook you can buy, and since the new MacBook Air came out in July 2022, it’s often on sale. During our tests, we were impressed by how fast and smooth the laptop is, and a single battery charge let us use it for well over a full day.
Pros
- Often available at a reduced price
- Still offers fast performance
- Silent fanless running
Cons
- Newer MacBooks offer more power
Apple 2021 MacBook Pro 16.2-inch
Features
The 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M1 Pro or M1 Max processor is the best in its class. Even though this laptop is expensive, any student who buys it will be able to use it for years to come because its high-quality design and the fact that it will get software updates for years to come.
Artists and designers who need a little more power can easily find it here. With a native resolution of 3456 x 2234, the 16-inch screen has plenty of space for working in programmes like Photoshop and Final Cut Pro.
Pros
- Configurable up to 8TB of storage
- Myriad of expansion options
- Big, juicy display
- So much power
Cons
- More expensive
- May be overkill for most
Apple 2021 MacBook Pro 14-inch
Features
The new 14-inch MacBook Pro is the best choice all around, whether you commute to work, live in a dorm, or just want to be able to bring your MacBook Pro to class. It is small and easy to carry, and it has more than enough power for any project that most students are likely to work on.
The small size makes it easy to carry in most backpacks and laptop bags, and the 3024-by-1964 native resolution gives you plenty of room to work. This makes it perfect for writing papers or working in your college’s course management system, and the beautiful Liquid Retina XDR display is perfect for streaming your favourite Apple TV+ shows.
Pros
- Matches the performance of the larger 14in above
- More portable and the 16-inch device
- Fantastic compact build
Cons
- May be too small for some working with visuals
Apple 2022 MacBook Pro 13-inch
Features
The 13-inch MacBook Pro (M2, 2022) is an excellent compromise. It has an M2 processor, great graphics, more ports, and a battery that lasts a long time. When you compare the 13-inch MacBook Pro (M2, 2022) to the MacBook Air, three things stand out (M2, 2022). First, the Pro model has a Touch Bar, while the Air model only has a Touch ID.
Second, the first one gives you up to two more hours of battery life. The screen brightness on the Pro model is also brighter, and the speakers are better. You’ll have to pay at least $200 more for these extras, but depending on your needs, it may be worth it, as we point out in our review of the device.
Pros
- Comes with potential extras
- Great battery life
- Touch Bar included
- Slightly better display than MacBook Air
Cons
- Dated design
- Touch Bar might not be for you
FAQs
Which Mac is best for students?
If you need a powerful MacBook to run creative software but also value portability, the MacBook Pro 14-inch (2022) may be the best student MacBook for you. It’s smaller and lighter than the 16-inch device, but it has almost all of the same specs. The only difference is that the battery life is a little shorter.
Is MacBook Air or Pro better for students?
If you will mostly be writing papers, doing online homework, and doing research, then the MacBook Air will meet your needs. And if you want to edit movies, use Photoshop, or make designs, the MacBook Pro will help you do all of those things. There is no wrong choice because they are both great laptops.
Which MacBook is good for high school students?
We think the Apple MacBook Air M1 is the best laptop for high school students to use for schoolwork. It works well in everyday situations, has a long battery life, and is easy to carry.
Why is MacBook Pro best for students?
So, why is a MacBook one of the best laptops for students? Not only do the hardware and software work better together than on Windows machines, but macOS also comes with a powerful set of apps that you don’t have to buy separately.