What size storage should you get for the MacBook Pro?

What to consider

When selecting new mobile devices, such as iPhone and iPad, I've always followed the practice of not selecting the one with the least amount of storage, nor the one with the most. That decision has served me well over the years. My thinking on computer storage is similar with some added context.

A Mac, unlike a mobile device, is going to spend many years in your possession. As such, you're likely going to accumulate many software titles and files throughout the computer's lifecycle. Therefore, you must have enough storage as your needs inevitably grow. Couple this with how Apple makes it nearly impossible to swap out flash storage on MacBooks post-purchase, your choice of storage is a permanent one that you'll have to live with for a long time.

The choice

When looking for a Macbook Pro and deciding which storage size you should get, there are a few things to consider.

In late 2020, Apple introduced the first Apple silicon-based Macs. One of these is the MacBook Pro (13-inch, M1, 2020). The storage available on this model differs from the Intel-based models that remain on the market.

With this in mind, Apple currently offers the 13-inch M1 model with 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, and 2TB, while the four-port Intel model comes with 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, and 4TB. The 16-inch MacBook Pro models comes with 512GB, 1TB, 2TB, 4TB, or 8TB.

I don't believe 256GB is nearly enough for most users and that the minimal amount of storage should be avoided.

Sticking with my thoughts about not buying the least expensive model, I would suggest going with at least 512GB (or 1TB) for the 13-inch model and 1TB for the 16-inch model. If money is less of a factor, consider bumping that up to 2TB on either version.

Are you creative?

If you are a creative or photographer, who needs to store lots of files on your MacBook Pro, by all means, bump up your storage even further. If you can afford it, make a choice. However, if you must decide on more storage or better memory, but not both, go with more memory.