(You can also buy a pricier 14-inch Pro with an M3 Pro or M3 Max processor.) We don’t recommend the cheapest M3 model, because most people can’t benefit from the extra features of the MacBook Pro, and most pros don’t want a relatively underpowered M3 chip. One of Apple’s newest MacBook Pros is an entry-level 14-inch model with an M3 chip. However, the chips are all objectively fast, and unless you’re in time-critical situations, you can save thousands knowing that you’re waiting only an extra few seconds to render and export a video scene. Each generation of chip-from the M1 to the M2 to the M3-has been 20% to 25% faster according to our testing, which is significant.

If you already own a MacBook with an M2 Pro or Max chip, you have little reason to upgrade to one with an M3 chip. We’ve found that Apple’s refurbished-items site reliably has M1 MacBooks at a discounted price. If the $500 you might save is more important to you than an extra few seconds waiting for a clip to export each day, that could be a worthwhile trade-off.

While that difference is significant, the overall time on either machine is still reasonable for exporting a short video. You do miss out on a bit of speed in comparison with the latest models, though: Initially, the M1 Pro–based model we first tested took 3 minutes 12 seconds to export our two-minute 4K test clip, but the M3 Max–based model took only 1 minute 45 seconds. In our tests, they exported 4K video about as quickly as many 13th-generation Intel-based Windows laptops did. MacBooks running on Apple’s older M1 Pro and M1 Max chips are still good investments. That isn’t an issue if the laptop allows you to take a professional workload on the go, but for everyone else, this kind of laptop isn’t worth the hassle and cost. The Pro models are pricier, heavier, bulkier, and more annoying to schlep around. That’s because these Pro laptops trade the best parts of the Air, such as a silent fanless design and a lighter weight, for more power. We recommend Apple’s 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros only to those who need the extra processing power, including professional media editors, coders who need to compile large projects, and 3D designers. Neither model is actually powerful enough for professionals, and both have a cooling fan that is irritating to listen to compared with the silent MacBook Air.

If you’re looking for a higher-powered MacBook Pro, we recommend that you skip the 13-inch version with an M1 or M2 chip, even if it seems like a great deal.

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