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- Best overall: Apple iMac 24-inch with M4 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU
- Best budget: Apple Mac mini with M4 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU
- Best premium: Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max chip, 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU
- Best for travel: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU
- Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max chip is the portable pick for demanding creative work, with up to a 40-core GPU.
- Apple iMac 24-inch with M4 chip is a tidy all-in-one desktop with a 4.5K display and a 10-core CPU.
- Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 chip is the lightest laptop pick for everyday work and travel.
- Apple Mac mini with M4 chip is a compact desktop choice for shoppers who already own a display, keyboard and mouse.
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max chip is the stronger choice for mobile creative workloads, while the Apple iMac 24-inch with M4 chip is the simpler all-in-one desktop for home and office use. Both suit different routines: one pairs a large high-performance laptop display with portability, and the other includes a 4.5K screen, speakers and camera in one desk-ready system.
For this Black Friday 2026 guide, I researched and compared specs, reviews and owner feedback across seven Apple computers. The short version: choose the MacBook Pro for demanding graphics work away from a desk, the iMac for a clean shared workstation, and a MacBook Air or Mac mini when everyday value matters more than top-tier power. My pick for most people is the iMac for a fixed desk, or the 13-inch Air for a mobile setup.
How We Picked
- Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max chip and Apple iMac 24-inch with M4 chip anchor the comparison because their portability and all-in-one designs serve different needs.
- We compared chip cores, display size and resolution, memory options, battery life where applicable, and the role of each computer in a typical setup.
- We reviewed owner feedback and product specifications, prioritizing useful performance, setup simplicity and practical longevity over headline features alone.
- Each pick has a specific buyer in mind, including travelers, creative professionals, shared-workspace users and shoppers building a desktop system.
Comparison Table
| Product | Best for | Chip configuration | Display | Memory |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max chip, 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU | Mobile creative professionals | M3 Max, 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU | 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR | Up to 128GB unified memory |
| Apple iMac 24-inch with M4 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU | Home offices and shared desks | M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU | 24-inch 4.5K Retina | 16GB unified memory |
| Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch with M4 Pro chip, 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU | Portable professional workloads | M4 Pro, 14-core CPU, 20-core GPU | 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR | 24GB unified memory |
| Apple MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU | Everyday users who want a larger laptop screen | M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU | 15.3-inch Liquid Retina | 16GB unified memory |
| Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU | Travel and everyday schoolwork | M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina | 16GB unified memory |
| Apple Mac mini with M4 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU | Compact desktop setups with existing accessories | M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU | External display required | 16GB unified memory |
| Apple Mac Studio with M2 Max chip, 12-core CPU and 30-core GPU | Fixed creative workstations | M2 Max, 12-core CPU, 30-core GPU | External display required | 32GB unified memory |
Best Picks Reviewed
#1
Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max chip, 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max chip, 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU is the best high-performance laptop for creative professionals; its 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU target demanding graphics and video workloads.
Best for: Mobile video editors, 3D artists and power users
- Chip
- M3 Max, 16-core CPU, 40-core GPU
- Display
- 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR
- Memory
- Up to 128GB unified memory
- Battery
- Up to 22 hours of video playback
- High-end graphics capability for demanding creative projects.
- Large 16.2-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate.
- Portable workstation design with long battery life.
- More computing power than most everyday users need.
- The large chassis is less convenient for compact bags.
Is the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max chip worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max chip is a strong Black Friday 2026 choice for professionals who need mobile graphics power, a 16.2-inch display and up to 128GB of unified memory.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#2 · Top pick
Apple iMac 24-inch with M4 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU
The Apple iMac 24-inch with M4 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU is the best all-in-one desktop for households and home offices; its 4.5K display gives a 10-core system a clear, ready-to-use workspace.
Best for: Home offices, shared desks and everyday computing
- Chip
- M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU
- Display
- 24-inch 4.5K Retina
- Memory
- 16GB unified memory
- Storage
- 256GB SSD in the base configuration
- Screen, computer, camera and speakers share one compact setup.
- Sharp 4.5K display suits documents, photos and streaming.
- M4 performance handles common work and family tasks smoothly.
- The built-in display and computer are not portable.
- Base storage is modest for large media libraries.
Is the Apple iMac 24-inch with M4 chip worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Apple iMac 24-inch with M4 chip is a convenient Black Friday 2026 desktop for home and office use, combining a 4.5K display with a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU in one system.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#3
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch with M4 Pro chip, 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU
The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch with M4 Pro chip, 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU is the best balanced pro laptop for frequent travelers; its 14-core CPU and 20-core GPU offer substantial power in a smaller format.
Best for: Professionals who want performance in a more portable size
- Chip
- M4 Pro, 14-core CPU, 20-core GPU
- Display
- 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR
- Memory
- 24GB unified memory
- Display refresh
- Up to 120Hz
- Strong performance for software development and creative apps.
- XDR display offers high brightness and smooth motion.
- More travel-friendly than the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
- The smaller screen gives less room for editing timelines.
- Pro-level capabilities are unnecessary for basic browsing.
Is the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch with M4 Pro chip worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch with M4 Pro chip suits professionals who need a portable workstation, with a 14-core CPU, 20-core GPU and 14.2-inch XDR display for work on the move.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#4
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU
The Apple MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU is the best large-screen everyday laptop for students and home users; its 15.3-inch display gives everyday tasks more room.
Best for: Students and everyday users who prefer a larger screen
- Chip
- M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU
- Display
- 15.3-inch Liquid Retina
- Memory
- 16GB unified memory
- Battery
- Up to 18 hours of video playback
- Larger workspace without the weight of a Pro model.
- Fanless design runs quietly during everyday tasks.
- Suitable for coursework, video calls and general productivity.
- Not intended for sustained high-end graphics workloads.
- Larger footprint than the 13-inch Air.
Is the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 chip worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Apple MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 chip is a practical Black Friday 2026 laptop for students and home users who want a roomy 15.3-inch screen, a 10-core processor and up to 18 hours of video playback.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#5
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU is the best lightweight laptop for commuters and students; its 13.6-inch display balances a useful workspace with easy portability.
Best for: Travel, commuting and everyday schoolwork
- Chip
- M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU
- Display
- 13.6-inch Liquid Retina
- Memory
- 16GB unified memory
- Battery
- Up to 18 hours of video playback
- Light, compact design is easy to carry throughout the day.
- Strong everyday performance for work, school and streaming.
- Long battery life supports mobile routines.
- Smaller display is less comfortable for complex multitasking.
- Fanless cooling is not built for sustained heavy workloads.
Is the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 chip worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 chip is a well-rounded Black Friday 2026 pick for everyday mobile use, with a 13.6-inch display, a 10-core CPU and up to 18 hours of video playback.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#6
Apple Mac mini with M4 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU
The Apple Mac mini with M4 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU is the best compact desktop for shoppers with existing accessories; its 10-core M4 system fits into a five-by-five-inch enclosure.
Best for: A compact desktop setup using an existing monitor
- Chip
- M4, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU
- Memory
- 16GB unified memory
- Storage
- 256GB SSD in the base configuration
- Dimensions
- 5 inches by 5 inches
- Very small desktop that fits easily on a crowded desk.
- M4 handles routine work and common creative applications.
- Reuse a compatible monitor, keyboard and mouse.
- A display, keyboard and mouse are separate purchases.
- Base storage is limited for large local files.
Is the Apple Mac mini with M4 chip worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Apple Mac mini with M4 chip is a strong Black Friday 2026 desktop pick for anyone with a monitor and accessories already, bringing a 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU to a five-by-five-inch computer.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
#7
Apple Mac Studio with M2 Max chip, 12-core CPU and 30-core GPU
The Apple Mac Studio with M2 Max chip, 12-core CPU and 30-core GPU is the best desktop workstation for demanding creative teams; its 30-core GPU supports graphics-heavy production without a laptop form factor.
Best for: Creative studios and demanding fixed-desk workflows
- Chip
- M2 Max, 12-core CPU, 30-core GPU
- Memory
- 32GB unified memory
- Storage
- 512GB SSD in the listed configuration
- Ports
- Front and rear connectivity for desk setups
- 30-core GPU targets demanding graphics and media work.
- Desktop design suits a dedicated production space.
- Connects to external displays and a range of peripherals.
- Requires a separate display and accessories.
- Less suitable than a laptop for work away from a desk.
Is the Apple Mac Studio with M2 Max chip worth buying on Black Friday 2026?
Yes. The Apple Mac Studio with M2 Max chip makes sense for a fixed creative workstation that needs a 30-core GPU, 32GB of unified memory and connections for external displays and desk accessories.
See today’s Black Friday price on Amazon
Which is better, the MacBook Pro 16 M3 Max or iMac 24 M4?
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max chip suits portable high-performance work, with a 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU. The Apple iMac 24-inch with M4 chip is a fixed-desk all-in-one with a 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU and 4.5K display.
Choose the MacBook Pro for demanding creative work across locations. Choose the iMac for everyday tasks and a simple home workstation.
Which Apple computer is the best Black Friday 2026 value?
The Apple Mac mini with M4 chip is a strong desktop value if you already own accessories. The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 chip is a practical portable choice for everyday work.
Compare complete setups: the iMac includes a display, while the Mac mini needs one. Match memory and storage to your workload, and compare 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air models for portability and screen space.
Is the MacBook Pro 16 M3 Max overkill for everyday use?
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max chip exceeds the needs of email, documents, calls and streaming. Its 16-core CPU and 40-core GPU are better suited to demanding video, 3D and graphics work.
For everyday use, choose a MacBook Air. The 14-inch MacBook Pro fits users who need a professional display and stronger sustained performance in a smaller laptop.
Does the iMac 24 M4 replace a MacBook Pro?
The Apple iMac 24-inch with M4 chip can replace a laptop for buyers who work at one desk. Its built-in 4.5K display makes setup simple, while the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max chip suits work across locations.
Choose a laptop for travel and remote work; choose the iMac for a permanent workstation or shared home use.
Which Mac should you choose for creative work?
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max chip is a portable creative workstation with a 40-core GPU and 16.2-inch XDR display. The Apple Mac Studio with M2 Max chip suits a fixed studio and has a 30-core GPU.
Choose the MacBook Pro for work away from a desk and the Mac Studio for a setup with an external monitor. The MacBook Air handles lighter editing and creative tasks. Check software requirements before selecting memory and storage.
Buying Guide
Choose laptop or desktop first
Choose the Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max chip for portable workstation performance or the Apple iMac 24-inch with M4 chip for a fixed desk. The MacBook Air suits everyday mobile work; the Mac mini and Mac Studio suit desks with external displays.
Match performance to your workload
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max chip handles demanding creative work. For browsing, documents and classes, choose a MacBook Air or iMac. Reserve Pro and Max configurations for software that benefits from extra processing and graphics power.
Pick a screen size that fits your routine
The Apple iMac 24-inch with M4 chip has a fixed 4.5K display. The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 chip prioritizes portability, while the 15.3-inch MacBook Air offers more workspace. Add a monitor to a Mac mini or Mac Studio for a larger desktop view.
Check memory and storage before checkout
The listed Apple Mac Studio with M2 Max chip configuration has 32GB of unified memory; the base Apple iMac 24-inch with M4 chip has 16GB. Check the exact configuration, and plan storage for project files and media libraries.
Compare the full setup, not just the computer
The Apple Mac mini with M4 chip requires a display, keyboard and mouse. The Apple iMac 24-inch with M4 chip includes a display and speakers. Include needed accessories, external storage and any monitor in your comparison.
FAQ
MacBook Pro 16 M3 Max vs iMac 24 M4: which is better for video editing?
The Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch with M3 Max chip is better for video editing that needs portable graphics performance, thanks to its 40-core GPU. The Apple iMac 24-inch with M4 chip suits lighter editing at a fixed desk and provides a built-in 4.5K display.
Is the iMac 24 M4 good for home office use?
Yes. The Apple iMac 24-inch with M4 chip is a strong home-office computer, combining a 10-core CPU with a 24-inch 4.5K display, camera and speakers. The all-in-one format keeps a desk tidy and supports everyday productivity, calls and entertainment.
Which MacBook is best for travel in Black Friday 2026?
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch with M4 chip is the best travel pick in this guide, with a 13.6-inch display, 10-core CPU and up to 18 hours of video playback. Choose the 14-inch MacBook Pro instead when professional performance matters more than a light everyday setup.
Is the Mac mini M4 a good Black Friday desktop buy?
Yes. The Apple Mac mini with M4 chip is a good compact desktop for buyers who already have a display and accessories. Its 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU support everyday computing in a five-by-five-inch enclosure, though the full setup requires separate peripherals.
Should I buy a MacBook Pro or iMac for a family computer?
The Apple iMac 24-inch with M4 chip is the better family computer for a shared desk, with its 24-inch 4.5K display and integrated design. Choose the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch with M4 chip if different family members need to carry the computer between rooms or locations.