Best Mac Games For Macbook Air
- Best Mac Games For Macbook Air 2018
- Best Games For The Macbook Air
- Best Mac Games For Macbook Air 2019
Mar 18, 2020 Every new MacBook Air comes with macOS Catalina, the latest version of the world’s most advanced desktop operating system. MacOS has always been at the core of the Mac experience, and with apps like Safari, Mail, Photos, Pages, Numbers and Keynote, customers have powerful tools to do amazing things. MacOS also makes MacBook Air the perfect. Mar 10, 2017 Here are the Top 15 Best MacBook Games! Join the Mac Gaming Community on Discord: Next episode - Top 10 MacBook Games of 2018: htt.
By William Gallagher
Friday, March 06, 2020, 08:53 am PT (11:53 am ET)
You're half-expecting and fully hoping that the great 13-inch MacBook Pro will shortly become the even greater 14.1-inch MacBook Pro with a new keyboard. It looks likely to happen some time, it doesn't look likely that we'll have to wait very long, and it might well be worth waiting for.
Or as it does look pretty certain that Apple will move from Intel to ARM processors in its Macs, perhaps the predictions that it will start with the MacBook Air are true. If so, that would surely make a new MacBook Pro a superb buy.
Only, even if neither of these machines were rumored now, there would be a better MacBook Pro, and a better MacBook Air, coming some day. The machine you buy now will be beaten on specifications quite soon, and it may even be beaten on price.
That's true now, it's true tomorrow, it was true back in the PowerBook days too.
What's also invariably true, though, is that you need to pick the right notebook for your needs. You can spend too little, or you can spend too much, and still not have what you really require.
And part of deciding on what your needs are includes knowing when you have to have a new Mac. If you can wait a few days, weeks or months, of course you are likely to get a better MacBook.
Some potential future MacBook, though, is no use to you today. You've got to make the decision some time, and when that sometime is today, here's not only the current specific models you should consider, but how to always choose between any of Apple's offerings.
| MacBook Air | 13-inch MacBook Pro | 16-inch MacBook Pro | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price ($) | 1099 | 1299 | 2399 |
| Retina screen size (in) | 13.3 | 13.3 | 16 |
| Screen brightness (nits) | 400 | 500 | 500 |
| Dimensions (in) | 0.16 to 0.61 height, 11.97 width, 8.36 depth | 0.59 height, 11.97 width, 8.36 depth | 0.64 height, 14.09 width, 9.68 depth |
| Weight (pounds) | 2.75 | 3.02 | 4.3 |
| Max processor | 2-core Intel Core i5 | 4-core Intel Core i7 | 8-core Intel Core i9 |
| Max RAM (GB) | 16 | 16 | 64 |
| Max SSD (TB) | 1 | 2 | 8 |
| Battery life (hours) | 12 | 10 | 11 |
Where and when
We've said you should look at the type of work you need to do on your Mac, but that includes where you will do it. If you will never, or even just rarely, leave your office, then buy a desktop Mac. Invariably, a desktop Mac is cheaper and more powerful than any comparable laptop.
When you do have to work on the move, though, your choice now is between the MacBook Air, the 13-inch MacBook Pro —in two versions —and the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Choosing between MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
The MacBook Air is the cheaper option, starting at $1,099. That is a very good price for a very good machine, but for $200 more, you get a much better buy with the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
For a time in 2019, the 13-inch MacBook Pro was the go-to notebook if anyone ever asked you which MacBook to buy. If they didn't already know that they needed more power, and they hadn't already told you that their budget was limited, you recommended the 13-inch MacBook Pro in safety.
Then the 16-inch MacBook Pro came out and that has changed everything. There's a $1,300 difference between that 16-inch model and the MacBook Air, so it's not as if that new machine competes with the cheaper one.
It's that this new machine makes us expect another new one. Specifically, that rumored 14.1-inch MacBook Pro replacement for the 13-inch model. Not only would this mean a bigger screen in practically the same chassis, it would come with a new keyboard, in just the same way that the old 15-inch MacBook Pro was updated.
The previous type of keyboard, which is still in the MacBook Air and the 13-inch MacBook Pro, has a reputation for failing. That may or may not be deserved, and it's too soon yet to really know if the revised one in the 16-inch MacBook is genuinely more reliable. Yet if a new keyboard is coming to the 13-inch MacBook Pro soon, that is a reason to hesitate over buying.
Just don't hesitate for long. See if there is an Apple release in March, and then see if it includes a revised MacBook Pro. It may come in a March event, but we don't know if it will —or even if there is going to be a event then.
So even as you hesitate, look at the 13-inch MacBook Pro that's on sale and compare it to everything else that's available, not to some potential new version.
If the current 13-inch MacBook Pro used to be the sweet spot in the range, it still is. For most people, the MacBook Pro 13-inch model is the best you can buy. It's almost as light as the MacBook Air, and while it costs at least $200 more, what you get for that money is significant.
AppleInsider advice: wait until after the possible March event or release if you can, otherwise buy the current MacBook Pro 13-inch model. If you are certain that you just do quite light work, or if you know your budget can't stretch that $200 more, the MacBook Air is a fine machine.
Choosing between the two 13-inch MacBook Pro models
At least this choice is quick. If Apple does update the 13-inch MacBook Pro, it will probably update both versions of it. And even if it doesn't, there's still a fast way to decide between the current versions.
The most obvious physical difference between them is in the number of Thunderbolt 3 ports they have. The base 13-inch MacBook Pro, starting at $1,299, comes with two such ports. There's a model with four Thunderbolt 3 ports, and that starts at $1,799.
There are other differences between the two, specifically in terms of which processor they the have. The two-Thunderbolt 3 model starts with a 1.4GHZ quad-core Intel Core i5 and goes up to a 1.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i7. The four-port model starts with a 2.4GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 and tops out with a 2.8GHz quad-core Intel Core i7.
In practical, real-world, daily use, you'll see more difference from the number of Thunderbolt 3 ports than you will from the processors.
AppleInsider advice: If you need a lot of peripherals, go for the four Thunderbolt 3 port model, but for the giant majority of people, the two-port one is the better buy for price/performance.
Choosing between the 13-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro
Just to prove that Apple never stands still, and that your machine will always be superseded soon, there are already rumors that the new 16-inch MacBook Pro will be revamped later in 2020.
What's rumored is that the screen will be replaced by one utilizing mini LED for a high-quality display.
The current model has an excellent display already, though. Right now the 16-inch MacBook Pro is still new and for its $2,399 starting price (although currently on sale), you're getting a tremendous screen, and a new keyboard, in a powerful Mac.
It is heavier than the 13-inch MacBook Pro, and its chassis is bigger than that too. When you're considering a MacBook Air or a 13-inch MacBook Pro, the weight and size can be an issue, but not a very big one.
The MacBook Air weighs 2.75 pounds compared to 3.02 for the 13-inch MacBook Pro. But the 16-inch MacBook Pro is 4.3 pounds.
It's also 14.09 inches wide, and 9.68 inches deep, compared to the 11.97 inches, and 8.36 inches of both these other machines.
So it's hefty as MacBook Pro models go, but you can configure it with up to 8 cores, twice that of the 13-inch MacBook Pro. You can get it with a maximum of 64GB of RAM, as compared to the 16GB total you can fit in the 13-inch model. And it can come with up to 8TB SSD storage compared to the maximum 2TB of the smaller model.
All of this comes at a price, and if you maxed out the processor, the storage, and the RAM, you'd be paying around $6,099.
It's down to your needs and your budget whether that's worthwhile to you, but it is the fastest and the best MacBook Pro ever made.
AppleInsider advice: If you can afford it, and you need it, nothing beats the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
Choosing what to buy when
That issue over the cost and your type of work is ultimately more important than the specifications between machines.
If you bought a top of the range 16-inch MacBook Pro today, and tomorrow Apple brought out a 20-inch model for half the price, you'd still have a superb machine. We're not saying you'd be happy about it, but nothing Apple does in the future should affect your buying decision that you need to make today.
If only we knew for sure when we're getting an updated 13-inch MacBook Pro.
How to save on your MacBook purchase
The values quoted above are Apple retail prices, but Apple resellers regularly have MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models on sale, with many exclusive coupon discounts available for AppleInsider readers in our Apple Price Guides.
We suggest bookmarking the following Mac Price Guides for easy price comparison shopping, including the latest deals and up-to-date prices.
Current models
- 2019 MacBook Air Price Guide
- 2019 13-inch MacBook Pro Price Guide
Closeout savings
- 2017 13-inch MacBook Pro Price Guide
- 2018 13-inch MacBook Pro Price Guide
- 2018 15-inch MacBook Pro Price Guide
Looking for a desktop Mac? Check out our Apple Buyer's Guide - Desktop Edition to find which Mac mini, iMac or Mac Pro is right for you.
Keep up with AppleInsider by downloading the AppleInsider app for iOS, and follow us on YouTube, Twitter @appleinsider and Facebook for live, late-breaking coverage. You can also check out our official Instagram account for exclusive photos.
BestMacBook for GamingiMore2020
Apple MacBooks have never been designed to perform solely as gaming laptops. Despite this, some models are better than others for this type of use. Our favorite current model, the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i7 processor, includes numerous features that make it a terrific device for casual gamers. There are other noteworthy models we've gathered to help you choose the one that fits your needs best.
Best Overall: 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i7 processor
For gamers, we're recommending the least expensive of the two 16-inch models, which includes a 9th-generation Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz. We're picking this one because it offers a nice mix of features at a price that's far more affordable than the premium offering we highlight below.
Best Mac Games For Macbook Air 2018
The base 16-inch MacBook Pro comes with 16GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory, 512GB SSD storage, and four Thunderbolt 3 ports. The model comes standard with an AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 4GB of GDDR6 graphics processor that you can upgrade to an AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 4GB of GDDR6 or an AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 8 GB of GDDR6 for better performance.
Also For Amiga, Amstrad CPC, Android, Arcade, Atari ST, Commodore 64, Genesis, iPad, iPhone, Linux, Macintosh, PlayStation 3, SEGA Master System, TurboGrafx CD, Wii, Windows, WonderSwan Color, Xbox 360, ZX Spectrum Developed by Team Shinobi Published by SEGA of America, Inc. 90's mac game wizard hair. Favorite favorite favorite favorite ( 5 reviews ).
On the obvious downside, this is still an expensive laptop. Plus, you'll need to recharge this laptop more often than the MacBook Air. And like all MacBooks, it isn't usually on sale at a discount.
Pros:
- The least expensive 16-inch model
- Pay extra for a graphics boost
- Biggest MacBook Pro display to date
Cons:
- Still very expensive
- Not the most powerful MBP you can buy
- Up to 11 hours wireless web
Best Overall
16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i7 processor
Largest display for less
The entry-level 16-inch MacBook Pro is an excellent choice for the occasional computer gamer.
Source: iMore
Much lighter than the 13-inch MacBook Pro that has the same screen size, the 2019 MacBook Air weighs just 2.75 pounds, making it a great take-and-go laptop. Along with being less weighty, the MacBook Air provides an hour more of use between charges, although actual performance depends on the tasks.
We're sold on the entry-level MacBook Air, even for gaming, because of its price. Still, think casual gaming here only thanks to its slower processor and graphics card. There's also fewer Thunderbolt 3 ports on this model.
If you're purchasing a laptop solely for gaming, this isn't the one to buy. However, it will work well in a pinch when you need to take a break from your studies or work.
Pros:
- Same screen size as 13-inch MBP
- Up to 12 hours of wireless web between charges
- Excellent price
Cons:
- Only two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
- Not as powerful as MBP models
Best Value
MacBook Air (2019)
Save money and still game
Casual-casual gamers will enjoy using this MacBook Air model during the occasional break from work or school.
Source: iMore
When it comes to the 2019 13-inch MacBook Pro, $500 separates the base and most complete package. For even more, you can upgrade the machine's For the five memory, storage, and processor. How to uninstall games on mac steam.
The smaller of the two MacBook Pro models is a great overall pick. At just over three pounds, the 13-inch MacBook Pro is only slightly heavier than the MacBook Air. For this, you get a better processor and graphics card, more storage availability, and a Touch Bar. You can upgrade the processor and storage. In doing so, however, you'll push the price just shy of $2,000. If that happens, you might want to consider our No. 1 pick instead.
Regardless, if a 13-inch display is what you want and you want the bells and whistles missing on the MacBook Air, this is the one to get. If you intend to spend more than one-fourth of your time gaming, it's even more vital for you to consider this model over the Air.
Pros:
- Better internals than MacBook Air
- Great mobility
- Much cheaper than the 16-inch model
Cons:
- You can't upgrade the graphics card
- Price can rise as you add components
- Is 13-inches enough?
Best Alternative
13-inch MacBook Pro (2019)
A step up
There's much to love about this model, which offers better internals than the MacBook Air.
Best Premium: 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i9 processor
If you're a hard-core Mac gamers, or want to be, the 16-inch MacBook Pro with an 8‑core 9th‑generation Intel Core i9 processor and Turbo Boost up to 4.8GHz is the one for you. Compared to the entry-level model, you'll get a graphics card boost and 1TB of storage. If this isn't enough, add more memory, an even better graphics card, and more storage. In doing so, the cost of this model can quickly exceed nearly $6,000, however.
Pros:
- Apple's best MacBook Pro to date
- Graphics boost, upgrades
- Up to 64GB of memory available
Best Premium
16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i9 processor
The best of the best
If you're okay with the price, no doubt this is the MacBook to get. Happy gaming!
Bottom line
In 2019, the MacBook lineup changed considerably as Apple discontinued the 12-inch MacBook and 15-inch model MacBook Pro. The change brings to four the number of Apple laptops we recommend for gaming purposes. Our favorite, the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i7 processor, should give you enough power to play your favorite casual computer games. Still, it will cost you, especially if you add extras. It's still an expensive laptop, which no doubt is something to consider too.
The base model includes a 9th-generation Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz with 16GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory, 512GB SSD storage, and four Thunderbolt 3 ports. The model comes standard with an AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 4GB of GDDR6 graphics processor and can be upgraded to an AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 4GB of GDDR6 or an AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 8 GB of GDDR6 for better performance.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Bryan M. Wolfe is a dad who loves technology, especially anything new from Apple. Penn State (go Nittany Lions) graduate here, also a huge fan of the New England Patriots. Thanks for reading. @bryanmwolfe
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Best Games For The Macbook Air
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Best Mac Games For Macbook Air 2019
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