The best MacBook for programming: Don't waste your time and money on the wrong MacBook

Our three favourite MacBooks for programming, all in a nice row.
(Image credit: Future)

The best MacBook for programming will handle all manner of coding tasks, thanks to the power of Apple silicon chips, not to mention superb displays.

But with so many models and configuration options available, choosing can be tricky. So I've put this guide together to help, based on my experience of testing and reviewing these machines.

A headshot of tech journalist Matt Hanson.
Matt Hanson

As TechRadar's Managing Editor, and before that its Computing Editor, I've seen, used and written about practically every MacBook that Apple has released over the past decade. I specialise in helping users of all types find the right computers for their needs, and here I'm looking at which MacBooks excel specifically for programmers.

Our expert says
Erlingur Einarsson headshot
Our expert says
Erlingur Einarsson

"The MacBook Pro, as the name suggests, is a premium laptop for people with, well, premium needs. And benchmark testing reveals that in most respects, that the $1,599 starting price is well-earned."

Our expert says
Ian Evenden profile shot
Our expert says
Ian Evenden

"The combination of Apple’s thin and light laptop and the M4 processor leads to a machine that’s only just behind the low-end MacBook Pro, and which has had a price-drop too."

Our expert says
Ian Evenden profile shot
Our expert says
Ian Evenden

"The Air is an excellent laptop... It’s highly portable, yet also immensely capable, and should do sterling work for anyone."

Our expert says
Rob Redman author bio
Our expert says
Rob Redman

"The 2024 MacBook Pro M4 Pro 16" is a powerful laptop for any use case. This particular model strikes the balance of cost vs performance just right, and could even replace a desktop workstation for many users."

TOPICS
Matt Hanson
Managing editor, computing and entertainment, TechRadar

Matt has been a technology journalist for over 15 years, writing for publications such as T3, MacFormat and Creative Bloq. He's a managing editor of TechRadar, Creative Bloq's sister site, where he can be found writing about and reviewing laptops, computers, monitors and more. He often writes for Creative Bloq, helping creatives find their perfect laptop or PC.

With contributions from