Whether you're still in high school or 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 (M2, 2022) 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 (M2, 2022)
In mid-2020, Cupertino announced Apple silicon, starting with impressive M1 processor. Now, the 2022 MacBook Air, which we got a first look at, is the first to house the second-gen M2 processor. The 2022 MacBook Air is the best MacBook for student, along with our favorite Mac for all users, because it 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 2.7 pounds, the MacBook Air is the lightest Mac 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, including Apple's all-new M2 SoC. The laptop also features 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 two hours less battery life between charges than the 13-inch MacBook Pro (M2, 2022). None of the disadvantages should stop you from buying it, however.
Best for power users: 16-inch MacBook Pro (2021)
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. This model comes in both 14-inch and 16-inch configurations, and our team reviewed the 14-inch MacBook Pro in 2021, finding it to be the best MacBook on the market at the time... if you want to spend a ton of money, that is.
Even at its base configuration, a ten-core M1 Max with 32GB of RAM, 1TB of storage, and a 32-core GPU, the 16-inch model will 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.
Best alternative: 13-inch MacBook Pro (M2, 2022)
The 13-inch MacBook Pro (M2, 2022) is a great middle-ground. It packs an M2 processor, excellent graphics, more ports, and a long battery life. In some ways, it's not quite as impressive as its big brothers, the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models that came out in 2021, but it does pack the newer M2 processor.
When comparing the 13-inch MacBook Pro (M2, 2022) with the MacBook Air (M2, 2022), three factors stand out. First, the Pro model offers a Touch Bar while the Air only has Touch ID. Second, the former offers up to two more battery life hours. The Pro model also offers more screen brightness and better speakers. For these extras, you'll pay at least $200 extra.
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 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?
Bryan M. Wolfe has written about technology for over a decade on various websites, including TechRadar, AppAdvice, and many more. Before this, he worked in the technology field across different industries, including healthcare and education. He’s currently iMore’s lead on all things Mac and macOS, although he also loves covering iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Bryan enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, traveling, and driving around his teenage daughter to her latest stage show, audition, or school event in his spare time. He also keeps busy walking his black and white cocker spaniel, Izzy, and trying new coffees and liquid grapes.
