Best Macs to Buy Right Now (October 2026)
Apple's latest desktop Macs are available to buy: Mac mini with M6 or M5 Pro, and Mac Studio with M5 Max or M5 Ultra. MacBook Air and MacBook Pro remain on the M5 family. The best choice depends on whether you need a portable computer, an all-in-one display, or a desktop whose power you will actually use.
Whether you are a student, designer, or video professional, there is a Mac with your name on it.
| Model | Chip | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Neo | A18 Pro | $699 | Budget / students |
| MacBook Air 13" M5 | M5 | $1,299 | Students |
| MacBook Air 15" M5 | M5 | $1,499 | Bigger screen |
| MacBook Air M4 | M4 | Refurbished; listing-specific | Value |
| MacBook Pro 14" M5 | M5 | $1,999 | Pro users |
| MacBook Pro 14" M5 Pro | M5 Pro | $2,499 | Developers |
| MacBook Pro 16" M5 Pro | M5 Pro | $2,999 | Pro workflows |
| MacBook Pro 14" M5 Max | M5 Max | $4,099+ | Extreme |
| Mac mini M6 | M6 | $899 | Desktop |
| Mac mini M5 Pro | M5 Pro | $1,699 | Pro desktop |
| iMac M4 | M4 | $1,499 | Families |
| Mac Studio | M5 Max / M5 Ultra | $2,499+ | Creators |
Best Mac for Most People: MacBook Air M5
The MacBook Air M5 is the one to buy if you are not sure which Mac you need. The updated Air arrives with the new M5 chip, with a 10-core CPU and configurable 8-core or 10-core GPU. Choose the exact configuration rather than assuming every 13-inch Air has the same GPU.
After Apple's June 2026 price reset, the 13-inch and 15-inch Air sit at higher Apple list prices than they did at launch, which makes live retailer discounts more important. Both support up to 32GB of unified memory, Wi-Fi 7, and offer up to 18 hours of battery life in Apple’s testing (actual use varies). The Air remains completely fanless, running silently under virtually all everyday workloads.
Apple price data by TheresMac · updated periodically
When to Consider Other Macs
MacBook Neo
At $699 (up from its $599 launch price after the June 2026 reset), the MacBook Neo is Apple's cheapest laptop in years. It runs A18 Pro rather than an M-series chip. Its limited memory and ports make it our pick for browsing, school and everyday work, rather than large professional projects; it can still run compatible Mac apps. The best first Mac for students and anyone on a budget.
MacBook Pro M5 Series
For professionals who need the latest chips, ProMotion displays and higher-performance integrated GPUs. Current Apple list prices moved higher in June 2026, so check the live product pages before treating any Pro configuration as a fixed-price buy.
Mac mini M6
The Mac mini M6 starts at $899 from Apple and is a compact desktop for anyone who already has a monitor. An M4 mini may be cheaper refurbished; compare the same memory and storage and read the seller's condition and warranty terms. Our M6 versus refurbished M4 guide shows when the savings matter.
iMac M4
At $1,499, the iMac M4 is a great choice for families and home offices that want an all-in-one solution with a beautiful 4.5K Retina display.
Mac Studio
The current Mac Studio with M5 Max starts at $2,499 from Apple; M5 Ultra starts at $5,499. These machines suit video, audio and development workloads that can use their extra GPU, memory and ports. Compare older Studio generations as refurbished options.
Compare the latest checked Mac offers from Apple, Amazon, Best Buy, and other retailers on TheresMac.
A note on Mac Pro
We removed an incorrect M3 Ultra Mac Pro entry. Apple’s documented 2023 Mac Pro uses M2 Ultra, and it is not shown in Apple’s current new-Mac lineup checked October 7. It is a specialist older-system decision, not our general new-desktop recommendation. Sources: Apple Mac Pro (2023) specs and current Mac lineup.