Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M2, 2023) review: still the king of laptops

The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M2, 2023) gets a chip upgrade – and it's hard to beat.

A MacBook Pro 14-inch (M2, 2023) closed on a wooden desk
(Image: © Future)

Our Verdict

Once again, Apple's new MacBook Pro offers unrivalled performance and build quality. But it comes at a price. A very steep price. Question is, do you really need it? Unless you're - as the name suggests - a creative pro, probably not. But if you are one, this is still your go-to machine.

For

  • Outstanding performance
  • Highly portable
  • Beautiful screen
  • Good connectivity

Against

  • Microphone isn't the best
  • Cheaper options available

Why you can trust Creative Bloq Our expert reviewers spend hours testing and comparing products and services so you can choose the best for you. Find out more about how we test.

With the launch of Apple's M2 chip last year, it was only a matter of time before it hit the tech giant's laptop line-up. The MacBook Pro 14-inch (M2, 2023) isn't the game-changer its predecessor (in 2021) was in terms of its design, but it builds on its performance capabilities to firmly secure this model's position as Apple's most impressive portable laptop for creatives. 

There's no doubt this laptop will take the top spot in our pick of the best laptops for graphic design. But the question you really need to ask yourself is, do you really need it? What is driving your purchasing decisions? Is it just that it's Apple shiny new device, or do you actually need its, frankly, mind-boggling power? Will this enhance your workflow enough to justify the price tag? Let's take a closer look at what it can do to help you make an informed decision. I received a review unit and gave it a thorough test for Creative Bloq's Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M2, 2023) review, living and working with it for a number of weeks.

Thank you for reading 5 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access

Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription

Join now for unlimited access

Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1

The Verdict
9

out of 10

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch M2 (2023)

Once again, Apple's new MacBook Pro offers unrivalled performance and build quality. But it comes at a price. A very steep price. Question is, do you really need it? Unless you're - as the name suggests - a creative pro, probably not. But if you are one, this is still your go-to machine.