Macworld

Apple has launched an M6 MacBook Pro alongside a new touchscreen MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips. If you’re buying your first MacBook Pro or replacing an older model, now is a good time to consider your options – although we recommend reading independent reviews before committing.

If you already own an M4 or M5 MacBook Pro that meets your needs, there’s little reason to upgrade unless the touchscreen model’s combination of OLED, touch and lower weight appeals to you.

Apple increased MacBook Pro prices by $300 to $500 in June 2026, so discounts and refurbished models remain worth considering. For the best value, compare the non-touch M5 Pro and M5 Max models and any remaining discounted M5 stock with the new models. If your purchase isn’t urgent, it may also be worth holding out for Black Friday deals at the end of November.

The MacBook Pro is best suited to creative professionals, software developers, engineers and other power users who need sustained performance, a premium display, plenty of ports and high memory configurations. If your workload consists mainly of web browsing, office work, studying or light creative tasks, the MacBook Air is likely to offer better value at a much lower price.

In this guide, we’ll help you decide which MacBook Pro is right for you, explain the best times of year to buy, highlight today’s best deals, and consider whether a refurbished model or MacBook Air would be a better choice.

Should you buy a MacBook Pro now?

Now that Apple has announced its latest MacBook Pros, there’s no need to wait for the launch to see your options. The M6 and touchscreen models arrive on November 6. If you’re considering either, we recommend waiting for independent reviews. If you need a laptop immediately, an existing non-touch M5 Pro or M5 Max model could still be a sensible purchase.

Buy a MacBook Pro now if:

  • You’re upgrading from an Intel Mac: Apple is ending support for Intel Macs, so if you haven’t yet switched to Apple Silicon, now is a good time to do so. As Intel Macs reach the end of support, they’ll stop receiving security updates, leaving them vulnerable to newly discovered security flaws.
  • You need a new laptop: If your current Mac is broken, unreliable or slowing you down, there’s little reason to wait.
  • You edit video or create content: Whether you’re editing 4K video, working in Photoshop or Lightroom, producing music or creating 3D graphics, the MacBook Pro delivers the sustained performance creative professionals need.
  • You’re a software developer, engineer or AI professional: Compiling code, running virtual machines, working with AI models or processing large datasets is much faster on the MacBook Pro, particularly the M5 Pro and M5 Max models.
  • You need sustained performance: Unlike the fanless MacBook Air, the MacBook Pro uses active cooling to maintain peak performance during long exports, renders and other demanding workloads.
  • You need professional features: The MacBook Pro offers a Liquid Retina XDR or PROLED XDR display with ProMotion, HDMI, an SDXC card slot, MagSafe charging and higher memory and storage options than the MacBook Air.
  • You find an excellent deal: A discounted MacBook Pro can be a good buy if it meets your needs. Compare its memory, storage, display and processor with the new models before deciding whether the saving is worthwhile.
When shouldn’t you buy a MacBook Pro?

The MacBook Pro is an excellent laptop, but it isn’t the right choice for everyone. If you don’t need its extra performance or professional features, you’ll save money – and probably be just as happy – with a MacBook Air. There are also a few situations where it’s worth waiting rather than buying today.

Don’t buy a MacBook Pro now if:

  • You want a processor upgrade over M5 Pro or M5 Max: The touchscreen models retain the same chip options as their non-touch equivalents. The M6 Pro or M6 Max aren’t expected until 2027.
  • You’re looking for the best price: With new MacBook Pro M6 models now here, discounts on the discontinued MacBook Pro M5 could be more attractive. Black Friday may bring further savings.
  • You mainly use your laptop for everyday tasks: If your workload consists of web browsing, Microsoft Office, streaming, email, video calls or light photo editing, a MacBook Air offers excellent performance for much less money.
  • You’re a student with basic computing needs: If your coursework mainly involves writing essays, researching online or creating presentations, a MacBook Air is likely to be the better value.
  • Portability is your priority: The MacBook Air is thinner, lighter and completely silent thanks to its fanless design, although the touchscreen MacBook Pro is lighter than its non-touchscreen counterpart.
  • You’re on a budget: The MacBook Air delivers outstanding performance for most users while costing significantly less than the MacBook Pro.

For most people, the MacBook Air is the better buy. The MacBook Pro only comes into its own if you regularly run demanding professional workloads that benefit from its active cooling, more powerful chips, superior display, additional ports and higher memory options.

Should I buy a MacBook Pro: At a glance Your situationOur recommendationIntel Mac or an older Mac that struggles with workConsider upgrading; choose the configuration around the workloadM1, M2 or M3 MacBook ProUpgrade if performance, memory, battery or display is limiting youM4/M5 model working wellKeep it unless the new screen and design solve a specific needWant OLED and touchCompare PROLED XDR models; read reviews before committingNeed Pro/Max performance without touchCompare the non-touch rangeWant the lowest priceCompare clearance, refurbished and Black Friday offersMainly everyday computingConsider Air or Neo before paying for a Pro MacBook Pro: Current line up

Apple’s MacBook Pro range now offers three main choices: the entry-level 14-inch M6, the non-touchscreen M5 Pro and M5 Max models, and the new M5 Pro and M5 Max models with PROLED XDR touchscreen displays. Retailers may also have remaining stock of the previous entry-level M5 MacBook Pro.

MacBook Pro M6

Introduced in October 2026, the 14-inch M6 is the entry-level MacBook Pro. It starts with a 12-core CPU, 12-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory and 1TB of storage. It retains the previous model’s design and non-touch Liquid Retina XDR display, while adding the M6 processor, Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Choose it if you want the Pro’s display, ports and active cooling without paying for an M5 Pro or M5 Max configuration. From $1,999/£1,999.

We recommend: Apple MacBook Pro (M6, 2026)

MacBook Pro M5 Pro & M5 Max

Launched in March 2026, these models introduced Apple’s Fusion Architecture, combining two 3nm dies into a single system-on-chip. They offer:

  • M5 Pro: up to 18-core CPU (6 super cores, 12 performance cores).
  • M5 Max: up to 40-core GPU, up to 128GB RAM, and up to 8TB storage.
  • Thunderbolt 5, Wi-Fi 7, and Bluetooth 6 via Apple’s N1 wireless chip.
  • Battery life: 22 hours (14-inch M5 Pro), 24 hours (16-inch models).

We recommend: Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 2026)

We recommend: Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 2026)

We recommend: Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max, 2026)

We recommend: Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro (M5 Max, 2026)

MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display

The touchscreen MacBook Pro costs $400/£400 more than an equivalent non-touch M5 Pro or M5 Max model. That premium buys a tandem OLED display, touchscreen input, Dynamic Island and a thinner, lighter enclosure.

It doesn’t buy a newer processor generation. Equivalent models retain the same M5 Pro or M5 Max chip options and Apple’s advertised battery-life ratings. Think of this primarily as a display and portability upgrade.

The extra cost may be worthwhile if you spend much of your working day using the built-in screen, particularly for visual work, or regularly carry your laptop between locations. If your MacBook spends most of its time connected to an external monitor, the non-touch version is likely to offer better value.

Before paying the premium, read reviews that assess display quality, reflections, fingerprints, touch controls and app support.

We recommend: Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro PROLED XDR (M5 Pro, 2026)

We recommend: Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro PROLED XDR (M5 Pro, 2026)

We recommend: Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro PROLED XDR (M5 Max, 2026)

We recommend: Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro PROLED XDR (M5 Max, 2026)

Previous generation models

The MacBook Pro (M5, 14-inch) was introduced in October 2025. It featured a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU, 16GB of unified memory, 1TB of storage, Thunderbolt 4 ports, and up to 24 hours of battery life.

The previous 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro is worth considering if you find a substantial discount compared with an equivalent M6 configuration. Compare memory and storage carefully: at the same price, the newer M6 is the more sensible starting point.

We recommend: Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5, 16GB, 1TB, 2025)

Is the touchscreen MacBook Pro worth $400/£400 more?
  • The premium buys OLED, touch and reduced weight, and other design improvements.
  • Retain the same M5 Pro/Max chip options and advertised battery endurance.
  • If you work mainly on an external monitor there is less reason to pay extra.
  • Buyers working directly on photographs, video or other visual content may value the package more.
  • Read reviews that include testing of touch ergonomics, reflections, fingerprints and app support before buying.
What’s the best MacBook Pro price right now?

Get a MacBook Pro for less.


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Apple rarely discounts Macs itself. In fact, in June 2026, Apple increased MacBook Pro prices by $300 to $500, making it more important than ever to shop around for a deal.

The price rise came in the middle of Amazon’s Prime Day sale, when the M5 MacBook Pro briefly hit record-low prices. Discounts brought the entry-level model down to $1,499/£1,529, making it one of the best MacBook Pro deals we’ve ever tracked. Prices that low are unlikely to return until a major sales event such as Prime Day or Black Friday.

For the latest prices across all configurations, see our live MacBook Pro deals table below.

Best U.S MacBook Pro deals

These are the best deals we saw during Prime Day in October 2026 and the lowest price we saw prior to Apple increasing prices.

MacBook ProDealNew MSRPOld MSRPLowest14-inch, M5, 1TB, 16GB$1,839 Get the deal at Amazon $160 off$1,999$1,699$1,499 14-inch, M5, 1TB, 24GB$2,039 Get the deal at Amazon $160 off$2,199$1,899$1,69914-inch, M5 Pro, 1TB$2,345 Get the deal at Amazon $155 off$2,499$2,199$1,983.9414-inch, M5 Max, 2TB$3,499 Get the deal at Amazon $600 off$4,099$3,599$3,299.9916-inch, M5 Pro, 1TB$2,749 Get the deal at Amazon $250 off$2,999$2,699$2,44916-inch, M5 Max, 2TB$3,899 Get the deal at Amazon $500 off$4,399$3,899$3,649

Best U.K. MacBook Pro deals

MacBook ProDealNew RRPOld RRPLowest14-inch, M5, 1TBOut of stock£1,999£1,699£1,528.9714-inch, M5 Pro, 1TB, 24GB£2,249.97 Get the deal at Amazon £249 off£2,499£2,199£1,978.9714-inch, M5 Max, 2TB£3,799 Get the deal at Amazon £300 off£4,099£3,599£3,238.9716-inch, M5 Pro, 1TB£2,699.97 Get the deal at Amazon £299 off£2,999£2,699£2,428.9716-inch, M5 Max, 2TB£4,399 at Amazon£4,399£3,899£3,508.97


Also see our Best MacBook Pro deals for more.

When is the best time to buy a MacBook Pro?

Foundry

If you’re looking for the lowest price on a MacBook Pro, the best times to buy are during major sales events such as Amazon Prime Day in June/July or October and Black Friday.

Black Friday is typically the strongest shopping period for MacBook Pro deals, although the lowest prices are often reserved for older or clearance models, and popular configurations can sell out quickly. We expect the Black Friday 2026 deals to start towards the beginning of November.

Another time to look for deals is shortly after Apple launches a new model, as retailers often discount the previous generation to clear remaining stock, making it possible to save hundreds if you don’t need the latest chip.

If you’re a student, you can save all year. Students, teachers, and education staff can typically save $100 to $200 on a new MacBook Pro through Apple’s Education Store. However, the best time to buy is usually during Apple’s annual Back to School promotion in the summer, when qualifying customers can often claim a free pair of AirPods or another bonus gift alongside the education discount. See How to use Apple’s Education Store to get a bargain.

TimingWhy it’s a good timeTypical savingAmazon Prime Day (June/July/October)Deep discounts from Amazon.$150 – $800+ off MSRPBlack Friday / Cyber Monday (November/December)The biggest sales event of the year for electronics.$200 – $500+ off MSRPAfter a New Model Launch (March/October)Retailers discount the previous generation to clear inventory.Varies; often $200–$400 offApple Refurbished Store (Year-Round)“Like-new” condition with full warranty; pre-hike prices.15%–30% off original MSRPApple Education Store (Year-Round)Direct discount for students and educators.$100 – $200 off MSRP Is buying a refurbished MacBook Pro a good idea?

Foundry

Buying a refurbished MacBook Pro can be a great way to save money – particularly if you buy directly from Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store.

Apple Certified Refurbished Macs are typically around 15% cheaper than brand-new models and come with the same one-year warranty, 90 days of complimentary technical support, and the option to purchase AppleCare+. Every Mac undergoes extensive testing, is cleaned and inspected, and receives genuine Apple replacement parts where necessary.

The main downside is availability. Stock changes daily, so you may need to wait for the exact model, storage capacity, memory configuration, or colour you want. Newer MacBook Pro models also usually don’t appear in the refurbished store until several months after launch.

Third-party retailers, including Amazon, also sell refurbished Macs, but quality standards vary considerably. We generally recommend avoiding Macs that are more than five years old, as they may receive fewer years of macOS and security updates. In some cases, retailers also offer larger discounts on new, previous-generation MacBook Pro models during major sales events, so it’s always worth comparing prices before you buy.

For most buyers, Apple’s Certified Refurbished Store remains the safest and best-value way to buy a refurbished MacBook Pro.

Best refurbished MacBook Pro deal right now

Apple is selling the M5 MacBook Pro on its Certified Refurbished store in the U.S. for around $300 off the full price.

Get the MacBook Pro on Apple’s Refurbished Store.

Apple is selling the M5 MacBook Pro on its Certified Refurbished store in the U.K. We’ve seen up to £450 off the M5 Pro MacBook Pro and £750 off a 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Max chip.

Get the MacBook Pro on Apple’s Refurbished Store.

Which MacBook Pro to choose

Choose the M6 MacBook Pro if you want Pro features such as the better display, extra ports and active cooling, but don’t need the power of the M5 Pro or M5 Max.

Choose the M5 Pro MacBook Pro if you’re a professional who regularly edits 4K video, compiles large software projects, works with RAW photos, produces music or runs multiple demanding applications at once. For most creative professionals and developers, the M5 Pro offers the best balance of performance and price.

Choose the M5 Max MacBook Pro if your work pushes a laptop to its limits. The M5 Max is designed for users editing multiple streams of 8K video, creating complex 3D animations, running large AI or machine learning workloads, or handling visual effects and other GPU-intensive tasks. Unless you regularly perform these types of work, the M5 Pro is likely to offer better value.

Choose an M5 Pro or M5 Max MacBook Pro with PROLED XDR Display if its OLED touchscreen and lighter design justify the extra $400/£400. Choose between Pro and Max according to your workload; you don’t need the Max chip to get the new display.

What about the MacBook Air?