10 Best Laptop Computers 2026 in the United States

The 2024 Apple MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip is a powerful laptop designed for users who need strong performance for demanding tasks like coding, video editing, or creative work. It features a 12-core CPU and an integrated 16-core GPU, providing smooth and fast operation for apps such as Microsoft 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud. With 24GB of unified memory, it handles multitasking well, and the 512GB SSD offers decent storage for files and programs, though heavier users might need more space or external storage.

The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is bright and sharp, great for detailed visuals and vibrant colors, making it ideal for creatives. Battery life is impressive, able to last throughout a full day without needing a charge, which is handy for working on the go. The laptop runs macOS, known for its user-friendly interface and strong security features, including privacy safeguards that protect your data. Its build is sleek and sturdy, weighing just over 3.5 pounds, which keeps it portable without compromising durability.

The backlit keyboard and fingerprint reader add convenience and security. This MacBook Pro suits professionals and creatives who want a balance of power, portability, and a premium display within a trusted operating system environment.

The 2024 Apple MacBook Pro with the M4 Max chip is designed for users needing high performance and seamless integration within the Apple ecosystem. Featuring a 14-core CPU and a powerful 32-core GPU, it is suitable for demanding tasks like 3D rendering and software development. The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display is stunning, offering up to 1600 nits peak brightness and excellent contrast, making it ideal for creative professionals who need accurate colors and high brightness levels.

With 36GB of unified memory and a 1TB SSD, this laptop provides ample multitasking capability and fast storage for large files. The battery life is impressive, maintaining consistent performance whether plugged in or running on battery, which is beneficial for those frequently on the move. Connectivity is robust with three Thunderbolt 5 ports, an HDMI port, an SDXC card slot, and a headphone jack, though the lack of legacy USB-A ports may require adapters for some users.

The build quality, typical of Apple, is premium and durable, with a sleek Space Black design. The integrated graphics are powerful, but may not match the performance of discrete GPUs found in some competing laptops for specialized gaming or high-end graphical tasks. The fingerprint reader and backlit keyboard enhance the user experience, and the advanced camera and audio features make it suitable for remote work and content creation. This MacBook Pro is best for users deeply integrated into the Apple ecosystem, like developers, designers, and creative professionals who appreciate the seamless interaction between their Apple devices.

The 2024 Apple MacBook Pro with the M4 Pro chip is a strong choice for users who want a high-performance laptop in a compact 14.2-inch size. It features a very sharp and bright Liquid Retina XDR display that makes images and videos look vibrant and clear, which is great for creative work or media consumption. The 24GB of unified memory and 1TB SSD storage provide plenty of space and speed for multitasking and storing files. Thanks to the powerful M4 Pro chip with a 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU, it handles demanding tasks like video editing, programming, and graphic-intensive work smoothly.

Battery life is impressive, offering all-day use on a single charge, which suits users who are often on the go. Its build quality is premium, with a sleek space black design and solid construction. Connectivity options are comprehensive, including three Thunderbolt 5 ports, HDMI, an SD card slot, and MagSafe charging, covering most external device needs. It runs macOS, which works seamlessly with other Apple devices like iPhones for added convenience.

This laptop uses integrated graphics rather than a dedicated GPU, which might limit performance in very graphics-heavy gaming or 3D rendering compared to specialized gaming laptops. Also, while 24GB RAM is ample for many users, those needing extreme multitasking or professional-grade applications might consider configurations with more memory. The premium design and features come with a higher price tag, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers. This MacBook Pro is aimed at creative professionals, developers, and Apple ecosystem users seeking a powerful, portable machine with excellent display and battery life, while it is less targeted at gamers or users needing a Windows environment.