Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central
Best
MacBook for students
iMore
2021
Whether you’re still in high school or in the middle of college, a laptop is an essential piece of equipment for every student. Apple makes some of the best laptops in the world with its MacBook lineup. Whether it’s the powerful MacBook Pro or hyper-portable MacBook Air, Apple’s laptops will power you through any task you’ll meet. The MacBook Air (M1,2020) is the best MacBook for students. It has enough power to face almost any academic challenge you come up against. Depending on your situation, there are other MacBooks to consider, as you can see below.
Best overall: MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
Source: Daniel Bader / Android Central
In mid-2020, Cupertino announced Apple silicon. Six months later, the first non-Intel-based MacBooks in over a decade arrived, starting with the MacBook Air (M1, 2020). The best MacBook for students this year, the latest MacBook Air packs a punch for anyone on a smaller budget, starting with its battery life — up to 18 hours between charges, depending on what you’re doing.
At 2.8 pounds, the MacBook Air is the lightest Apple tablet on the market despite having the same screen size as the smallest MacBook Pro model. Along with being less weighty, the MacBook Air also contains the same essential internals — Apple’s all-new M1 SoC. The laptop also includes a backlit Magic Keyboard and a Touch ID sensor.
No doubt, the MacBook Air is appealing. However, it comes with drawbacks, including fewer Thunderbolt 3 ports, less display brightness, and more inferior speakers than most MacBook Pro models. It also offers 2 hours less battery life between charges than the 13-inch MacBook Pro (M1, 2020). None of the disadvantages should stop you from buying it, however.
The MacBook Air (M1, 2020) is also our favorite Mac for all users this year.
Pros:
- Same screen size as 13-inch MBP
- Up to 18 hours of wireless web between charges
- Price
- Apple M1!
Cons:
- Only two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
- Maximum storage is 2TB
Best overall
MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
Great price, super internals
The MacBook Air is a great-looking device and a practical choice for most students. Plus, there’s no denying the sweet price.
Best for power users: 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021)
Source: iMore
The 16-inch MacBook Pro is the computer to get if you need the most power possible. You can configure it with several options, whether you need that M1 Max processor, 64GB Unified Memory, or 8TB of storage.
But even at its base configuration, a ten-core M1 Max with 32GB GB Unified Memory, 1TB of storage, and a 32-core GPU, it’ll still handle any task a student can set to it besides the most computationally intense workflows. If you want a no-doubt-about-it machine, get this MacBook Pro.
Pros:
- Configurable up to 8TB of storage
- Myriad of expansion options
- Bigger display
Cons:
- More expensive
- May be overkill for most
Best for power users
16-inch MacBook Pro (2021)
For those who need the most
The 16-inch MacBook Pro will perform great at any task you set it and should last you well after your academic career is over.
Best alternative: 13-inch MacBook Pro (M1, 2020)
Source: iMore
The 13-inch MacBook Pro is a great middle-ground. It still packs an M1 processor, excellent graphics, more ports, and a long battery life. It’s just not quite as impressive as its newer big brothers, the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models that came out in 2021.
Three factors stand out when comparing the 13-inch MacBook Pro (M1, 2020) with the MacBook Air (M1, 2020). First, the Pro model offers Touch Bar versus only Touch ID on the Air. Second, the former offers up to two more battery life hours. The Pro model also offers slightly more screen brightest and better speakers. For these extras, you’ll pay at least $300 extra.
Pros:
- Better options than MacBook Air version
- Touch Bar included
- Slightly better display
Cons:
- Do you need the extras?
- Price can rise quickly as you add components
Best alternative
13-inch MacBook Pro (M1, 2020)
A step up
There’s much to love about this model, which offers ever-so-slightly better internals than the MacBook Air.
Bottom line
Whether you need a computer for high school or college, the most recent MacBook Air is the best MacBook for students this year. Whether you’re writing papers, putting together a Powerpoint or Keynote presentation, or even editing some images for a photography class, the MacBook Air will be a reliable performer in your academic pursuits.
The Retina display on the MacBook Air is beautiful and vibrant. The built-in Touch ID sensor makes everything from authorizing operating system tasks to paying for things online with Apple Pay more convenient and secure.
With the addition of Apple silicon, the MacBook Air is even better by offering much more power and battery life than before. Did we mention the great price?
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Joseph Keller is the managing editor at iMore. An Apple user for more than a decade and a half, he spends his time learning the ins and outs of iOS and macOS, always finding ways of getting the most out of his iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Bryan M. Wolfe is a dad who loves technology, especially anything new from Apple. Penn State (go Nittany Lions) graduate here, also a huge fan of the New England Patriots. Thanks for reading. @bryanmwolfe
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