The Mac has always been a coveted device, but recent years have seen a surge in its popularity. Its sleek design, powerful performance, and user-friendly interface have made it a favorite among creatives, professionals, and students alike. And let’s not forget the seamless integration with other Apple devices, making the Mac experience truly unique. But for many, a key consideration when choosing a Mac is battery life. After all, who wants to be tethered to an outlet, especially when on the go?
That's where we come in. We put five of the latest MacBooks through rigorous testing, pushing their limits to see which one boasts the best battery endurance. We measured their performance on various tasks, from browsing the web and streaming videos to editing photos and running demanding software. We also looked at other important factors like screen brightness, keyboard responsiveness, and overall usability. Read on to discover which MacBook emerged as the battery champ.
MacBook Air (2023, M2 chip)
The MacBook Air is a crowd-pleaser, offering a perfect balance of portability, performance, and affordability. It’s a great choice for students, writers, and anyone looking for a reliable daily driver. And the 2023 model, powered by the M2 chip, is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering even better performance and battery life. We found that the MacBook Air consistently delivered impressive battery life, making it one of the longest-lasting MacBooks on the market.
We put it through the paces with a mix of web browsing, streaming videos, and word processing. The results were remarkable. We were able to get a full day’s worth of use, and even stretch it into a second day with lighter workloads. This was particularly impressive given the Air's compact design, which is smaller and lighter than the MacBook Pro.
Here’s a breakdown of our key findings:
- Battery life: Up to 18 hours of video playback
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
- Screen: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display
- Storage: 256GB to 2TB SSD
- RAM: 8GB to 24GB unified memory
- Price: Starting at $1,199
What we loved:
- Lightweight and portable: The MacBook Air is incredibly light and thin, making it easy to slip into your bag and take with you anywhere.
- Long battery life: We were consistently impressed with the Air’s battery life, which easily lasts a full day and beyond.
- Stunning display: The Liquid Retina display is bright, crisp, and colorful.
- Quiet operation: The M2 chip is incredibly efficient, resulting in quiet operation even under heavy workloads.
What could be improved:
- Limited port selection: Only two Thunderbolt ports, which can be a limitation for some users.
- No MagSafe charging: While the Air does offer fast USB-C charging, the lack of MagSafe can be a drawback for some users.
MacBook Pro (14-inch, 2023, M2 Pro chip)
The MacBook Pro 14-inch is a powerhouse, aimed at professionals who demand the highest performance and features. Its larger screen, more powerful processor, and longer battery life make it a compelling option for graphic designers, video editors, and other creative professionals. This model is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, featuring the new M2 Pro chip, which offers a noticeable performance boost.
The 14-inch MacBook Pro boasts impressive battery life, allowing you to work for hours on end without worrying about plugging in. We tested it out by editing 4K video in Final Cut Pro, which is a very demanding task. We were able to edit for hours before the battery dropped to 20%. This is impressive, especially considering the high-performance demands of the Pro model.
Here’s a breakdown of our key findings:
- Battery life: Up to 17 hours of video playback
- Weight: 3.5 pounds
- Screen: 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
- Storage: 512GB to 8TB SSD
- RAM: 16GB to 96GB unified memory
- Price: Starting at $1,999
What we loved:
- Powerful performance: The M2 Pro chip offers exceptional performance for demanding tasks like video editing and 3D rendering.
- Amazing display: The Liquid Retina XDR display is stunning, offering vibrant colors, deep blacks, and incredible detail.
- Long battery life: Despite the powerful performance, the 14-inch Pro still delivers excellent battery life.
What could be improved:
- Price: The 14-inch Pro is the most expensive MacBook on our list, which may be a deterrent for some users.
- Large footprint: While the design is slim, the 14-inch screen makes it larger than the Air.
MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2023, M2 Pro chip)
The MacBook Pro 16-inch is the ultimate Mac for professionals who need the very best performance and features. It boasts a larger, more immersive display, powerful processing power, and even better battery life than its 14-inch counterpart. The 2023 model features the new M2 Pro or M2 Max chips, which deliver groundbreaking performance for demanding applications.
The 16-inch Pro is a workhorse, capable of handling even the most demanding tasks with ease. We tested it by editing 8K video, which is notoriously taxing on even the most powerful computers. To our surprise, the 16-inch Pro handled it with aplomb, and with impressive battery life. We were able to edit video for several hours before the battery dipped below 20%.
Here’s a breakdown of our key findings:
- Battery life: Up to 22 hours of video playback
- Weight: 4.7 pounds
- Screen: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display
- Storage: 512GB to 8TB SSD
- RAM: 16GB to 96GB unified memory
- Price: Starting at $2,499
What we loved:
- Exceptional performance: The M2 Pro or M2 Max chip offers the most powerful performance of any MacBook.
- Immersive display: The Liquid Retina XDR display is larger and even more impressive than the 14-inch Pro, offering a truly immersive viewing experience.
- Long battery life: The 16-inch Pro delivers excellent battery life, easily lasting a full day and beyond even with demanding workloads.
What could be improved:
- Price: The 16-inch Pro is the priciest option, so it may be out of reach for some users.
- Heavier: The 16-inch Pro is the heaviest MacBook on our list, making it less portable than the Air and 14-inch Pro.
MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2022, M2 chip)
The MacBook Pro 13-inch is a popular choice for students, professionals, and anyone who needs a balance of portability, performance, and affordability. It’s a smaller and more portable option than the 14-inch and 16-inch Pro models, making it an ideal choice for those who are always on the move. The 2022 model features the M2 chip, which provides significant performance improvements over its predecessor.
We tested the 13-inch Pro by running a mix of productivity apps, browsing the web, and editing photos in Adobe Lightroom. We found that the 13-inch Pro delivered solid battery life, easily lasting a full day’s worth of use. This was particularly impressive considering the 13-inch Pro is smaller and more compact than the larger Pro models.
Here’s a breakdown of our key findings:
- Battery life: Up to 17 hours of video playback
- Weight: 3 pounds
- Screen: 13.3-inch Retina display
- Storage: 256GB to 2TB SSD
- RAM: 8GB to 24GB unified memory
- Price: Starting at $1,299
What we loved:
- Compact and portable: The 13-inch Pro is the most compact and portable of all the MacBooks on our list, making it perfect for travel.
- Solid battery life: The 13-inch Pro delivers excellent battery life, lasting a full day and beyond.
- Powerful performance: The M2 chip delivers impressive performance, making the 13-inch Pro a capable machine for demanding tasks.
What could be improved:
- Limited display options: The 13-inch Pro only offers a Retina display, not the Liquid Retina XDR display found on the larger Pro models.
- Older design: The 13-inch Pro retains the older design with a Touch Bar and Touch ID, while the 14-inch and 16-inch Pro models have a newer design with a notch and a dedicated function row.
MacBook Air (2022, M2 chip)
The 2022 MacBook Air, featuring the M2 chip, is an impressive machine that delivers great performance, long battery life, and a beautiful design. However, its performance and battery life are slightly less impressive than the 2023 model. It still offers excellent value for the price and remains a compelling option for users who need a portable and powerful Mac for everyday tasks.
We tested the 2022 MacBook Air by browsing the web, streaming videos, and editing photos in Photoshop. We found that the Air delivered solid battery life, lasting a full day of use with moderate workloads. However, we noticed that the 2023 Air was able to consistently outperform the 2022 Air.
Here’s a breakdown of our key findings:
- Battery life: Up to 15 hours of video playback
- Weight: 2.7 pounds
- Screen: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display
- Storage: 256GB to 2TB SSD
- RAM: 8GB to 24GB unified memory
- Price: Starting at $1,099
What we loved:
- Lightweight and portable: The 2022 Air is incredibly light and thin, making it easy to slip into your bag and take with you anywhere.
- Beautiful design: The Air features a sleek and modern design with a colorful range of color options.
- Solid battery life: The Air delivers excellent battery life, lasting a full day with moderate workloads.
What could be improved:
- Performance: While the 2022 Air offers solid performance, it’s less impressive than the 2023 Air with the M2 chip.
- Limited port selection: The Air only offers two Thunderbolt ports, which can be a limitation for some users.
So Which MacBook Has the Best Battery Life?
Based on our rigorous testing, the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023, M2 Pro/Max chip) emerges as the clear winner in terms of battery life. It consistently delivered the longest battery life across all our test scenarios, offering up to 22 hours of video playback. This makes it an ideal choice for users who need to work for extended periods without needing to worry about finding a power outlet.
However, the MacBook Air (2023, M2 chip) comes in a close second. It offers impressive battery life, lasting up to 18 hours of video playback, and a more affordable price point than the 16-inch Pro. The Air is an excellent choice for users who prioritize portability and affordability without sacrificing battery life.
Ultimately, the best MacBook for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you need the absolute best battery life and don't mind the higher price tag, the 16-inch Pro is the way to go. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and are willing to sacrifice a little bit of battery life, the 2023 MacBook Air is a fantastic option.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is battery life and how is it measured? Battery life refers to the amount of time a device can operate on a single charge. It’s typically measured in hours of video playback, web browsing, or mixed use.
2. How does the new M2 chip affect battery life? The M2 chip is Apple's latest processor, designed for increased performance and efficiency. It is designed to be more power-efficient than its predecessor, the M1 chip, which can result in longer battery life.
3. What are the most important factors to consider when choosing a MacBook for battery life?
- Processor: A more powerful processor can drain battery faster, so a more efficient processor like the M2 chip can help improve battery life.
- Screen brightness: A brighter screen consumes more power, so reducing screen brightness can help extend battery life.
- Background processes: Running multiple apps in the background can drain battery life.
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth: Turning off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use can help conserve battery life.
4. Is it better to use the Apple power adapter or a third-party adapter for charging? Apple's power adapters are designed specifically for their devices, so they offer the fastest charging speeds and optimal power delivery. However, you can use a third-party adapter as long as it meets the required specifications.
5. How can I get the most out of my MacBook’s battery life? Here are some tips to maximize your MacBook’s battery life:
- Reduce screen brightness: A brighter screen uses more power.
- Close unnecessary apps: Background apps can drain battery life.
- Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not in use: These features use power even when they are not actively being used.
- Disable location services: Location services can drain battery life, especially if they are constantly running in the background.
- Reduce the number of notifications: Notifications can also drain battery life.
6. What are the best ways to conserve battery life when traveling?
- Use Airplane mode: This disables Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and cellular data, which can significantly extend battery life.
- Lower screen brightness: A brighter screen uses more power, so lower the brightness to a comfortable level.
- Close unnecessary apps: Background apps can drain battery life, so close the ones you're not using.
- Use Low Power Mode: This feature reduces the amount of power consumed by your MacBook.
7. How often should I calibrate my MacBook’s battery?
Battery calibration involves fully discharging and then fully recharging the battery to help improve its performance and accuracy. Apple recommends calibrating your MacBook's battery every few months.
8. Can I replace the battery in my MacBook?
Yes, you can replace the battery in your MacBook. Apple offers battery replacement services, and there are also third-party repair shops that can do it.
9. What are the signs that my MacBook’s battery needs to be replaced?
- Short battery life: If you notice a significant decrease in battery life, it may be a sign that the battery needs to be replaced.
- Slow performance: A failing battery can also cause your MacBook to run slower.
- Swelling: If you notice any swelling or bulging in the battery, it’s important to replace it immediately.
10. How can I make my MacBook battery last longer?
- Avoid extreme temperatures: Heat and cold can damage your battery, so try to keep your MacBook in a moderate temperature range.
- Don't fully discharge the battery: Avoid letting your battery completely drain before charging it.
- Avoid leaving your MacBook plugged in all the time: While it's okay to keep your MacBook plugged in while you're using it, try to unplug it when you're not using it.
Conclusion
Choosing the right MacBook can be a daunting task, especially when considering factors like battery life. Our comprehensive testing has highlighted the MacBook Pro 16-inch (2023, M2 Pro/Max chip) and the MacBook Air (2023, M2 chip) as the top contenders for battery life.
The 16-inch Pro offers the most impressive battery life, lasting up to 22 hours of video playback, making it perfect for demanding users who need to work for extended periods without needing to worry about finding a power outlet. However, if you're on a tighter budget and prioritize portability, the Air offers a more affordable option with still impressive battery life.
Ultimately, the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. By understanding the different MacBook models and their battery life capabilities, you can make an informed decision and choose the perfect MacBook for your work or creative pursuits.
Remember, whether you choose the 16-inch Pro or the Air, taking care of your MacBook's battery can help extend its lifespan. Follow our tips for conserving battery life and you'll enjoy your MacBook for years to come.