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You’re probably wondering whether you could get the best apple laptop for gaming. Maybe your doubt comes from the fact that Apple laptops are rarely considered as being suitable for gaming. This isn’t entirely correct and from our findings, the ✅new Apple Macbook Pro is packed with so much power to be considered as the best apple laptop for gaming today.
Comparison Table For The Best Apple Laptop For Gaming
Here’s a quick view of all the unique features for our top picks for the best apple laptop for gaming.
| S/N | Product | Image | Specifications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Apple MacBook Pro, 16" (16GB, 512GB) |   | Processor: Intel Core i7 Display size: 16" RAM: 16GB Storage: 512GB Weight: 8.23lbs Battery life: Up to 11hrs |
| 2 | New Apple MacBook Pro, 16" (16GB, 1TB) |   | Processor: Intel Core i9 Display size: 16" RAM: 16GB Storage: 1TB Weight: 8.33lbs Battery life: Up to 11hrs |
| 3 | Apple MacBook Pro, 13" (16GB, 1TB) |   | Processor: Intel Core i5 Display size: 11.6" RAM: 16GB Storage: 1TB Weight: 6.05lbs Battery life: Up to 10hrs |
| 4 | MacBook Pro, 13" (16GB, 512GB) |   | Processor: Intel Core i5 Display size: 13" RAM: 16GB Storage: 512GB Weight: 5.99bs Battery life: Up to 10hrs |
| 5 | MacBook Pro, 13" (8GB, 256GB) |   | Processor: Apple M1 Chip Display size: 13" RAM: 8GB Storage: 256GB Weight: 6.09lbs Battery life: Up to 20hrs |
| 6 | MacBook Air, 13" (8GB, 512GB) |   | Processor: Apple M1 Chip Display size: 13" RAM: 8GB Storage: 512GB Weight: 5.35bs Battery life: Up to 11hrs |
| 7 | MacBook Air, 13" (16GB, 256GB) |   | Processor: Intel Core i5 Display size: 13" RAM: 16GB Storage: 256GB SSD . Weight: 4.95lbs Battery life: Up to 11hrs |
Best Apple Laptop For Gaming
Before now, the general assumption is that Macs are not built for gaming but rather for computing, coding, etc.
We also thought so until Apple stepped up their Mac-game.
Pun intended.
Seriously, most Macs now feature the same Intel processors found in your well-loved, rugged Windows PCs.
We can confidently tell you that you can really enjoy a wide array of games on Macbooks, just like Windows PCs.
However, Macbooks still don’t have as wide a game library as Windows because most games naturally arrive on Windows first.
But it’s common knowledge that you can bypass this and enjoy the best of both worlds. Literarily.
However, the question remains as to which is the best Apple laptop for gaming.
To answer this, you need to understand or remember that the power demands on a laptop for gaming is massive.
So, if you want to enjoy all your favourite graphics-intensive games on a MacBook, you’d need to read the next couple of lines carefully.
CPUs / GPUs
Some games use simple 2D graphics which naturally demand less graphical power.
Nearly every Macbook can handle such games effortlessly.
However, more recent 3D high-level, high-speed, graphics-intensive games would make an enormous demand on your laptop.
Therefore, you need a really fast CPU such as Intel i5 or i7 with a good clock speed.
In addition to this, you’d need a pretty good GPU, preferably discrete.
An integrated GPU is fixed on your Mac’s CPU and shares your Mac’s memory.
On the other hand, a discrete GPU is independent and has its own memory to enhance the performance of your graphics.
Naturally, a discrete GPU is better as it doesn’t share from your Mac’s main memory and CPU.
Fast RAM, and HDD/SSD.
Fast storage and memory would greatly improve your gaming experience.
We previously pointed out the benefits of having a laptop with SSD instead of HDD in this post.
Hard drives are slower and considering that gaming depends on speed, the better option is to go with a Macbook with SSD.
Therefore, we recommend an apple laptop with at least 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD.
Display
To enjoy your gaming, you need a high-resolution laptop.
Fortunately, every Macbook comes with high-resolution retina displays which have True Tone technology.
They’re absolutely beautiful for gaming.
Now that you know what a good laptop for gaming should look like, let’s consider our top picks for the best apple laptop for gaming.
Our choices are based on what research and various customer reviews revealed.
1. MacBook Pro, 16″ -Best Apple Laptop for Gaming
Although MacBook Pros are generally more expensive, especially a 16inch Macbook.
We pick this beautiful Macbook Pro over every other gaming laptops because of the fantastic features for gaming.
It was released in 2019 and is our ultimate choice as the best apple laptop for gaming.
Design
The MacBook Pro is premium personified.
With its trademark all-metallic chassis, this space-grey MacBook Pro is premium in design and price.
It’s slim and very sleek.
Considering that it’s MacBook, anything less than that would have been totally unimaginable and unacceptable.
Also in performance, it’s the most powerful notebook Apple ever made.
Screen
It comes with a gorgeous 16inch 3072 x 1920 IPS retina display, offering you really big space for your gaming.
The brightness is simply on another level at 500nit.
Also, it features spectacular highlights, bright whites and deep blacks which provide a brilliant colour clarity.
Furthermore, the display supports True Tone Technology and P3 wide colour gamut which allows brilliant true-to-life videos.
This enables you to see your videos and games in the best light possible while you play.
Keyboard
Furthermore, it features the very much talked about magic keyboard which is really magical in performance.
It’s smooth, fast, quiet, comfortable, responsive, and has 1mm key travel distance.
You’ll find the Touch ID for fast authentication and easy stress-free access to the MacBook Pro.
There’s a dedicated escape key which allows you to quickly shift between views and modes.
Software / Hardware / Connectivity
The MacBook Pro runs on the powerful 9th generation Intel Core i7 processor which has up to 8 cores and 16 threads.
This sustains higher gaming performance for a longer time period.
Also, it’s supported by the discrete AMD Radeon Pro 5300M discrete graphics card with 4GB GDDR6 memory.
To make things better, you can upgrade this to 5500M with 8GB memory if you need even better gaming experience and performance.
As a matter of fact, it’s best for graphics-intensive AAA games which were a chore on Apple laptops before now.
Also, it has 16GB RAM combined with 512GB SSD.
The memory is 2666MHz DDR4 which is superfast and upgradeable to 64GB.
Going further, it has the most versatile and powerful port ever with 4 x Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports, 1 x Audio port and a touch bar.
The 6-speaker system with force-cancelling woofers provides a rich, room-filling audio experience.
Weight
The only not-so-fantastic feature of the beautiful MacBook is the weight.
It comes in really hefty at 8.23lbs.
Battery
The battery life is up to 11hrs.
PROS
- Stunning 16″ retina display
- Very powerful CPU and GPU
- Super-fast upgradeable memory
- Massive storage
CONS
- Heavy.
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2. MacBook Pro (Core i9, 16GB, 1TB)
Our choice as the 2nd best apple laptop for gaming is also the new ‘upper-level’ 16inch MacBook Pro.
It has nearly the same specification as the first MacBook Pro featured here except for a few differences such as an improved storage space, processor, and price.
Design
This comes in silver colour and also sleek and smooth to the touch.
Screen
Similarly, you get a stunning 16inch retina display with massive screen space and brilliant colour clarity for an immersive gaming experience.
Keyboard
It also features an absolutely fantastic keyboard with 1mm key travel distance which is a great improvement on previous models.
Also, there’s great tactile feedback, resulting in springy keys.
Software / Hardware / Connectivity
The main difference between this and the best apple laptop for gaming occupying the first position on this list is the storage space and processor.
This comes with 16GB RAM and a large 1TB SSD.
Also, it is powered by Intel Core i9 quad-core processor.
In addition to that, AMD Radeon Pro 5000M series provides great graphics power which is more than 2 times faster than the previous generation Macbooks.
The bandwidth memory for the graphics card alone is 8GB.
Hence, your games open and load super-fast with this combination.
Also, it has a resounding six-speaker sound system which provides very clear and powerful stereo sound.
This enhances your gaming experience immeasurably.
Also, there’s a great reduction in vibration and this provides a cleaner, clearer and more natural sound.
Weight
This also weighs 8.33lbs, relatively heavy.
Battery
The battery lasts for up to 11hours.
PROS
- Massive storage
- Powerful CPU and GPU
- Beautiful screen
- Fantastic keyboard
CONS
- Heavy
- More expensive
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3. MacBook Pro 13″ 16GB 1TB
Our next best apple laptop for gaming is the MacBook Pro 13inch laptop.
Although this is slightly heavier than the MacBook Air (featured further below), it’s a better choice if you don’t mind shelling a few hundreds more.
Especially if you intend to do serious gaming on your MacBook.
Design
This model is very portable, light and slim.
The thickness measures 15.6mm.
Also, it is smooth and sleek.
Unlike the heavier 16inch models, you can literarily take this anywhere and everywhere with you to enjoy good gaming on the go.
Screen
You have a 13.3inch diagonal LED-backlit retina display with IPS technology.
With and aspect ratio of 16:10, 2560 x 1900 resolution, and 227 pixels per inch, there’s support for millions of colours.
Keyboard
This also has the magic keyboard which features a refined scissor mechanism and 1mm key travel distance.
It is also very soft and responsive.
Software / Hardware / Connectivity
Furthermore, it has the fast 10th generation Intel Core i5 processor, Turbo Boost up to 3.8GHz, driving its performance.
Besides being fast, the discrete Intel Iris Plus graphics card gives the laptop an extra room for processing graphics.
Compared with other laptops, it’s up to 80% faster in graphics performance.
Naturally, this improves your gaming experience because your games run more efficiently and look better.
Furthermore, it comes with 16GB main memory and 1TB storage space which can be upgraded up to 4TB.
Typical of MacBooks, it comes with the superfast Thunderbolt 3 with up to 40Gb/s for fast charging, data transfer or output video.
Also, it supports up to 2 x 4K displays.
Hence, you can use this if you need to hook up with a monitor to enjoy better immersive gaming on your MacBook.
Weight
At 6.05lbs, you can still take this anywhere and everywhere with you.
Battery
The battery life is up to 10hrs of wireless web use.
PROS
- Good screen resolution
- Cheaper than MacBook Pro
- Great storage space
- Efficient CPU & GPU
CONS
- Graphics card isn’t upgradeable
- Small screen
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4. MacBook Pro, 13inch (16GB, 512GB)
With the same design but with a slightly downgraded storage, this model of 13inch MacBook Pro is still great for gaming.
Design
Very easy on the eyes and smooth to the touch, the design is exactly like the 13.3inch model featured above.
Screen
If you wouldn’t mind a smaller screen, the 13inch high resolution gives life to your gaming.
However, there’s the option of hooking up to an external monitor for a more immersive gaming experience.
Keyboard
The magic keyboard works well with the trackpad.
Software / Hardware / Connectivity
This is also powered by the 10th generation quad-core Intel Core i5 processor which is 2x the speed of other laptop models.
Supporting this is a discrete Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645.
Also, the graphics card performs up to 80% faster, boosting your gaming experience.
Hence, your games run faster with less freezing or stuttering for even the most graphics-intensive frames.
The major difference between this and the 13.3inch Pro above is the storage space.
This model comes with 16GB RAM and 512GB ultrafast SSD.
Weight
It also weighs 5.99lbs, relatively lightweight.
Battery
You get to enjoy your gaming for up to 10hrs, depending on your settings and the number of programs you have running at the same time.
PROS
- Beautiful screen with True Tone Technology
- Backlit Magic keyboard
- Fast Thunderbolt ports
- Touch Bar and Touch ID
CONS
- USB Type-C ports can be limiting
- Screen size also might not provide as much gaming satisfaction as desired
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5. MacBook Pro, 13″ 8GB 256GB
With a lower memory and storage capacity, this MacBook Pro model would still handle your basic gaming requirements with enough grace.
Hence, its inclusion as one of the best apple laptops for gaming.
Design
As is the case with most MacBooks, this model comes in silver colour with its dimensions the same as the previously featured MacBook Pros.
It’s small, compact, slim and portable.
Screen
It features a 13inch Retina LED-display which provides crystal clear images and graphics.
Typically, it also comes with the True Tone technology, P3 colour gamut and 500nits of brightness.
They all combine to give you an immersive experience for your gaming.
Keyboard
The innovative magic backlit-keyboard offers a tactile, efficient, faster and generally comfortable typing experience.
There’s also the touch bar which provides quick access to the commands you require, when and where you need them.
Hence, you get some time savings as well as fewer keystrokes.
Software / Hardware / Connectivity
This model comes with Apple-designed M1 chip which takes the CPU and GPU game a notch higher in performance.
The highly efficient M1 chip is designed specifically by Apple and it combines the 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, Neural Engine, etc on a single tiny chip.
This arrangement makes it very fast, energy-efficient and more powerful than previous generations of MacBooks.
The 8-core processor can deliver up to 2.8 times faster than similar laptops.
Likewise, the GPU is the most advanced graphics processor from Apple, to date.
Also, it comes with lightning-fast integrated graphics and delivers up to 5 times boost in graphics horsepower.
For gaming, this means that you get more frames for every second of gameplay.
It features a superfast 256GB SSD which launches your gaming apps and open files in an instant.
Furthermore, it comes with 2 Thunderbolts Type-C ports and a very efficient cooling system.
Weight
It weighs 6.09lbs.
Battery
The battery life is absolutely incredible at up to 20hrs.
That’s a full day of gaming on a single charge.
PROS
- Beautiful screen
- Magic backlit keyboard
- Fast processor and GPU
CONS
- Lower RAM capacity
- Additional investment in adapter for the Thunderbolt ports
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6. MacBook Air 13.3″ 8GB 512GB
Much lighter than the MacBook Pro of the same screen size, this MacBook Air model could also work for you as one of the best apple laptops for gaming.
Although it isn’t primarily designed for heavy gaming activities, it would still work excellently if you need to run a few games in-between other activities.
Design
In design, its gold chassis is finished in premium aluminium, all through.
Also, it’s incredibly thin and light, you can literarily take it everywhere with you.
Although it’s not as sturdy as the MacBook Pro, it’s still durable and would withstand your gaming activities.
Screen
It features a 13.3inch high-resolution Retina display with the innovative True Tone technology.
Keyboard
The keys are springy and tactile to make typing pretty enjoyable.
Software / Hardware / Connectivity
It features the latest Apple-designed M1 chip.
The powerful M1 chip is designed specifically by Apple and is super-fast and more powerful than previous generations of MacBooks.
In the same vein, the GPU is the most advanced graphics processor from Apple, to date.
It comes with very fast integrated graphics which provides up to 5 times boost in graphics performance.
Of course, this translates to a smooth, stutter-free gaming experience for you.
Furthermore, it comes with 2 x Thunderbolt USB Type-C ports for easy connectivity to external devices.
Weight
It’s super-light at 5.35lbs.
Battery
You get a whole day of gaming at up to 12hrs wireless web battery life.
PROS
- Relatively inexpensive
- Gorgeous screen
- Magic keyboard
- Large storage space
CONS
- Isn’t as powerful as other MacBook Pro models
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7. MacBook Air, 13.3″ 16GB 256GB
Released in April 2020, this model shares similarities with the previously featured MacBook Air.
As such, it’s also one of the best apple laptops for gaming available.
Design
The sleek wedge-shaped all-aluminium design is very easy on the eyes.
In space grey colour, it’s also slim, portable and relatively light.
Screen
The 13.3inch retina backlit LED diagonal 2560 x 1600 display also features the True Tone technology.
Hence, the images are super bright, sharp and clear.
Keyboard
The keys are responsive, smooth and springy for a comfortable typing experience.
Likewise, the Touch Bar and Touch ID come in handy for a better user experience.
Software / Hardware / Connectivity
A significant difference between this and the previous model is the memory size, storage capacity and price.
This model features 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage space.
While the storage space might be large enough, you can supplement this by storing your files on iCloud.
Nonetheless, the 16GB memory, 10th generation Intel Core i5 CPU and GPU are sufficient for an immersive gaming experience.
Also, it has 2 Thunderbolt Type-C ports for connectivity.
Weight
It weighs 4.95lbs.
Battery
You get to enjoy up to 10hrs battery life.
PROS
- Bright and beautiful screen
- Comfortable backlit keyboard
- Efficient processor and GPU
CONS
- Smaller screen
- Limited ports
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Conclusion On The Best Apple Laptop For Gaming
Although Apple laptops are largely not considered as gaming laptops, any of the 7 MacBooks featured here would provide you with a good gaming experience.
However, to enjoy the full range of your AAA gaming, the best apple laptop for gaming that can do the job effectively is the ✅new Apple Macbook Pro
Get yours now.
