Apple’s macOS Tahoe 26 public beta is finally available, and with it the same Liquid Glass design language that’s coming to the rest of Apple’s operating systems. It’s a simultaneously weird yet milquetoast update. I’ve been testing the developer beta on an M4 MacBook Air since WWDC in June, and after using it through to the latest dev beta release (which is similar to the public one), I’ve had some ups and downs. But, frankly, it’s mostly been a lot of “meh.”

My first 24 hours with the first Tahoe developer beta left me baffled by Liquid Glass (with Windows Vista comparisons abounding), but I conceded that the design might grow on me. Instead, I’ve grown to mostly ignore it. The translucency has been ever-so-slightly toned down to a frosted look (though Apple’s tweaks continue). I do think it’s slightly improved over the first dev beta, but not as good as the outgoing macOS Sequoia.

I bet most people, whether trying the public beta for Tahoe or waiting on the full release in the fall, will upgrade and think, “This is fine.” And they won’t be wrong. But Sequoia’s flatter, simpler design felt cleaner and more purposeful — and every time I see or use a Mac that’s not on the beta I want to go back. Liquid Glass feels desperate, like Apple was fishing for ways to freshen things up for the sake of doing something different. Hey, everybody, look at the shiny new UI! No, don’t pay attention to how underwhelming Apple Intelligence still feels, despite the endless overselling in TV ads.

The major advantage of a Mac is that here the Liquid Glass-ification feels less obtrusive since there’s so much more room to breathe. I’m relieved Apple made Control Center more opaque since the unparseable initial take on the Control Center in the first dev beta, especially on the iPhone or iPad, where it’s inescapable. But I don’t care what they do with Control Center on the Mac, because I never use it.

On a Mac, Control Center is just one of a few places you can access settings like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, screen brightness, and audio volume. That’s the beauty of a desktop operating system; you have tons of options for doing things, including Apple’s odd iOS-ification of macOS starting in Big Sur, and you can use them how you like. And that includes dedicated keyboard keys for functions like media playback and brightness settings.

But even though Apple is improving Liquid Glass a little, it’s still making choices I find odd or out of place. The Menu Bar remains invisible by default, as in the first dev beta, but it can once again be given a background like the old way (and without resorting to killing all transparencies in the accessibility settings). However, when you use Show Desktop and clear all your windows to the side (either with a four-finger trackpad swipe or by clicking the wallpaper), the Menu Bar has a shadow-like outline beneath it, even with the Menu Bar fully transparent. It’s functional, to show the borders of the desktop while your windows are temporarily hidden, but it’s weird for something invisible to look like it’s casting a shadow.

The popup in the top right corner showing when you adjust volume or brightness via the keyboard still feels too high up and disconnected from your physical input. It doesn’t look quite as ugly as it did on the first dev beta, but the old, center-aligned popup near the bottom of the screen always felt nicely anchored (it’s also how macOS worked for as far back as I remember using it).

I hope Apple continues to tweak and refine Liquid Glass, but for now I’m just letting its mediocrity wash over me. I barely pay attention to it now. It’s glass, after all; something in real life designed to be invisible and inoffensive — something to look beyond.

The parts of macOS Tahoe that I find most useful and important are the updates to Spotlight and the inclusion of a fully baked Phone app via your iPhone. The latter is quite simple: the dedicated Phone app allows you to take and make calls on your Mac without having to touch your phone. In the past you could field an incoming call on your Mac, but now you get a full app that works just like it does on iOS, complete with the ability to listen to voicemail and dial numbers via your keyboard if you’re inclined (and actually have phone numbers memorized). It’s helped me be slightly less procrastination-prone in calling doctors’ offices, contractors, and other businesses while not fully detaching myself from my work. Normally, I’d push those essential calls off, and then next thing you know it’s well past 5PM and they’re closed for the day.

The Spotlight updates are best for the Shortcuts sickos. And, candidly, that ain’t me. On a PC, I frequently use the Windows key to search and open apps, but on Macs I’ve never used Spotlight that much. But the new features in Tahoe are getting me to dabble. I appreciate the clipboard history most. I’m slowly building muscle memory for the Command + Space and Command + 4 sequence, which calls up the clipboard history. I’ve read that Raycast is more fully featured than Tahoe’s Spotlight; e.g., Spotlight’s clipboard history only shows things you copied in the last eight hours, where Raycast’s history can span up to three months or indefinitely if you pin them.

I know Raycast and other dedicated application launchers can do more detailed and intricate tasks, but the improved Spotlight and clipboard are good enough for me — for now, at least. I imagine Apple may slowly flesh out these features over time, and that might be a healthy on-ramp for the power user-curious. I’d like the clipboard history to get a touch more robust by the time of Tahoe’s full release in the fall. However, Apple is likely to not be as freewheeling as an app like Raycast, since one person’s expansive clipboard history is another person’s privacy nightmare — likely the reason for the eight-hour time limit.

Now that the public beta is out, many more people will be able to try out Tahoe and see what they think of Liquid Glass. Thankfully, outright performance seems normal now, after battery life took an initial nosedive in the first dev betas. But anyone interested in dabbling should be aware that there are bound to be bugs in a beta — especially with third-party apps. I’ve noticed Signal and some Adobe apps acting up when displaying lots of white, temporarily looking like washed-out gray (though it’s not visible in saved files or screenshots, and some Lightroom Classic tools like cropping and the auto white balance eyedropper work fine but don’t always get picked up by your cursor). 

If you rely on a single Mac for your everyday work, I’d wait until the full release in the fall to get your first taste of Liquid Glass. A fresh design for a major operating system can feel invigorating, but for Macs and Tahoe it’s a snoozefest for now.

We live in a golden age of controllers. The gamepads on the market now are of higher quality, more versatile, and more customizable than anything from even one console generation ago. If you play games on an Xbox Series X or Series S (or a Windows PC), you have the unenviable task of choosing between several high-quality controllers from Microsoft as well as a plethora of great options from the likes of 8BitDo, PowerA, Razer, Scuf, Nacon, and Turtle Beach. Some of them have drift-proof Hall effect or TMR-based joysticks for improved longevity, yet all of them are good for one reason or another. The days of the cheap “little sibling” controller that looked cool, but barely worked, are over.

We’ve spent a ton of time playing all kinds of games (first-person shooters, fighters, third-person action-adventure, racing, indie roguelikes, etc.) to test a wide swath of Xbox controllers, and it may not be a surprise that the standard, relatively inexpensive Xbox Wireless Controller is the best option for most folks. It makes for a great PC and Steam Deck controller, too. The default Xbox gamepad strikes the right balance of quality, comfort, versatility, and price, but there are several alternatives worth considering.

Featured in this article

Best overall: Xbox Wireless Controller

The official Xbox Wireless Controller has a dedicated share button for saving clips and screenshots and sharing them online, Bluetooth support, and a USB-C port for charging up Microsoft’s play-and-charge rechargeable battery.

Where to Buy:

• $64.99 $53.99 at Walmart
• $64.99 $54.49 at Amazon
• $64.99 $59.99 at GameStop

Best budget option: 8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller for Xbox

The new 8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller for Xbox includes Hall effect analog sticks and triggers, plus two rear buttons, customizable mapping and sensitivity, and compatibility with PC and mobile devices.

Where to Buy:

• $44.99 $29.99 at 8BitDo
• $44.99 $40.49 at Amazon (at checkout)
• $44.99 at Best Buy

The best Xbox controller for most people

Xbox Wireless Controller

Pros	Cons
Incredible value for Xbox Wireless support Great ergonomic design Satisfying buttons and triggers	Lacks customization Requires AA batteries (or an optional rechargeable cell)

Where to Buy:

• $64.99 $53.99 at Walmart
• $64.99 $54.99 at Amazon
• $64.99 at GameStop

Connectivity: Xbox wireless, Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: No / Software customization: No / Power: AA batteries or add-on rechargeable

Okay, I already know what you’re thinking. “The best controller for Xbox is the one that comes with the Xbox?” That may seem like a no-brainer, but this standard controller truly does earn this title as the best. It lacks some extras found on pricier options, but this controller is the distillation of all that has made the last 20 years of Xbox gamepads great, and it shows.

Thanks to Microsoft’s proprietary wireless protocol, this is the only affordable wireless Xbox controller out there. (Third-party wireless options have been trickling out in recent years, but they’re mostly at the high end.) While some hate the standard Xbox wireless controller for its use of AA batteries instead of a built-in rechargeable cell, that also means it’s flexible, allowing for rechargeable AAs or a battery pack. And user-replaceable batteries mean you’re not stuck with a controller that doesn’t hold its charge after years of use. It also works over a USB-C wired connection.

But the standard-issue Xbox pad isn’t just great because of its varied connectivity. The hardware itself is excellent for the controller’s $65 (and often less) asking price. The sticks, buttons, triggers, and the sunken dish-shaped D-pad all feel impeccably tight, with the latter having a satisfying clickiness to it. If you’re a hardcore fighting game fan, you’ll probably be best served by a dedicated fight stick or a controller geared toward that genre — one with a superb D-pad like Hori’s Horipad Pro — but the Xbox Wireless Controller is otherwise an extraordinary jack-of-all-trades.

The only things it really lacks compared to pricier options are extra, customizable buttons and software tuning for things like stick sensitivity (button remapping is available), though Microsoft does offer cosmetic customization through its Xbox Design Lab, which bumps the price from $69.99 to $109.93 depending on the configuration. There’s a lot to love about these controllers, whether you make your own or pick one from the many colors Microsoft offers.

The best cheap Xbox controller

8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller for Xbox

Pros	Cons
Inexpensive Lightweight and comfortable Satisfying buttons and Hall effect components Programmable back buttons are easy to press	Lacks trigger stops

Where to Buy:

• $44.99 $29.99 at 8BitDo
• $44.99 $40.49 at Amazon (at checkout)
• $44.99 at Best Buy

Connectivity: Wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Two / Software customization: Yes / Power: Wired

The 8BitDo Ultimate Wired Controller for Xbox is a fantastic budget model that typically retails for $44.99 but can often be found for as little as $29.99. The shape is reminiscent of Nintendo’s Switch Pro Controller, only a bit smaller, with hints of Xbox influence and a curvaceous design that feels great to hold.

On the hardware front, the Ultimate Wired Controller features Hall effect sticks with satisfying tension. It also uses Hall effect triggers with dedicated vibration motors, though it lacks trigger stops, unlike our previous budget pick, the PowerA Advantage Wired. Its D-pad, face buttons, and bumpers are nice and clicky, too, despite being smaller than we’d typically like. It has two rear paddles, remappable buttons, and the ability to save up to three profiles, which you can switch between on the fly using a dedicated button. There’s even a built-in mute switch for audio, which isn’t common on cheaper controllers. You can download the 8BitDo Ultimate Software X app on PC or Xbox to fully customize this controller.

The 8BitDo Ultimate Wired works as a wired controller with your PC, but if you prefer wireless connectivity, the company also makes a three-mode wireless version with support for both Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless (via a dongle). The wireless version is a bit more expensive, however, and it’s still limited to wired connectivity on Xbox consoles.

The best “pro” Xbox controller

Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2

Score: 8.5

Pros	Cons
Extensive modular customization Premium look and feel Rechargeable battery lasts an incredible 40 hours	Pricey Questionable quality control No Hall effect components

Where to Buy:

• $199.99 $159 at Amazon
• $199.99 $159 at Microsoft
• $199.99 at Best Buy

Connectivity: Xbox wireless, Bluetooth, wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Up to four / Software customization: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable

The Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is Microsoft’s fanciest controller, and it’s got a lot of nice extras, like better build quality, extra buttons, user-swappable sticks and D-pad, a built-in rechargeable battery, and loads of software customization. Where the standard Xbox controller is constructed entirely of unassuming plastic, the Elite mixes higher quality soft-touch plastic, rubberized grips, and metallic touches for a superior fit and finish. This makes it heftier than the stock controller, and as a result, it just feels nicer in your hands. It also comes with a charging dock and zip-up case with passthrough charging, completing a really nice package for $199.99 (or sometimes less, if it’s on sale).

There’s also the stripped-down Elite Series 2 “Core” version with an MSRP of $149.99, which ditches the add-ons but is equally customizable. You can buy them separately in a $59.99 accessories pack, but you’ll end up paying more that way, barring sales or discounts.

A pricey controller like an Xbox Elite is a bit of a splurge purchase. Most of us are not competing at e-sports levels that require its high-end features. Nevertheless, it’s fun to use something that feels nicer, offers ways to custom-tailor it to your liking, and maybe gives you a slight competitive edge thanks to features like hair triggers and removable rear paddles. In theory, you may be able to get shots off faster in an online shooter with the hair triggers, and you can map the paddles to functions like jump, crouch, reload, etc., while keeping your thumb on the right stick. You could teach yourself claw grip to accomplish the latter with even a cheap wired controller, sure, but it just won’t feel as cool or easy as when using an Elite.

While the Elite is still a great controller in 2025, you should keep in mind that it’s been around since 2019 and a Series 3 revision is feeling long overdue. The Series 2 also has a bit of a reputation for lackluster quality control — with horror stories from users about going through multiple replacements under warranty. Microsoft extended the controller’s warranty from 90 days to a year in late 2020 to help address concerns, but buying an Elite Series 2 may still feel like a slightly risky proposition. It also predates the current-gen implementation of a dedicated Share button, and its potentiometer-based sticks run the risk of stick drift after long-term use (something third parties are addressing with controllers that use drift-free Hall effect sticks, unlike all three big console manufacturers). 

Even so, the Elite 2 remains by far the most well-rounded option for a step-up Xbox controller — thanks in large part to its impressive build and expansive software experience. If all these caveats give you pause, though, there is another promising option.

Read our Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 review.

A formidable alternative to the Elite

Razer Wolverine V3 Pro

Pros	Cons
Supports Xbox Wireless protocol Hall effect sticks use replaceable tops Four rear buttons smartly positioned for comfort Two extra shoulder buttons add unique versatility Trigger stops and back buttons offer a satisfying mouse-like click	Expensive Requires a USB dongle Razer Synapse software needs work

Where to Buy:

• $199.99 $198.49 at Amazon
• $199.99 at Best Buy
• $199.99 at GameStop

Connectivity: Wireless USB dongle (Xbox / PC), wired / Connector type: USB-C / Mappable rear buttons: Four / Software customization: Yes / Power: Built-in rechargeable

At $199.99, Razer’s Wolverine V3 Pro controller is as expensive (or more, depending on available deals) than the Elite Series 2, but it’s worth the cost if you want a high-end controller with drift-free sticks. Not only is the V3 Pro Razer’s first foray into using Hall effect sticks, it’s the company’s first fully wireless Xbox gamepad. It also sports some of the best hair-trigger lockouts around, yielding a mouse-like click usually found on even pricier Scuf controllers (a previous high-ranking pick of ours).

Other than that, the V3 Pro is similar to the previous V2 Pro, with six remappable buttons — four rear paddles in new, angled orientations and two extra shoulder buttons — and some RGB lighting. The buttons and D-pad still have that satisfying micro-switch tactility and audible clickiness like the previous-gen V2 Pro, but the RGB lighting is more subtle this time around.

The Wolverine V3 Pro’s biggest shortcomings compared to Microsoft’s Elite Series 2 are its more basic software customization, its lack of Bluetooth, and the fact that it needs a USB dongle to work wirelessly. The V3 Pro is otherwise the better pick if you can justify its high price, which, unlike the Series 2, is rarely subjected to discounts. Luckily, if you can’t, there’s also the $99.99 Wolverine V3 Pro Tournament Edition that has a nearly identical set of features in a wired configuration.

Other Xbox controllers we tested

• The Scuf Valor Pro is the company’s first Xbox controller with Hall effect sticks, as well as its cheapest at $109.99. It’s wired but otherwise builds admirably on the foundation laid by the Scuf Instinct Pro, which retails for $229.99 and was once our top third-party pro-style controller. Scuf emulates Microsoft’s winning ergonomics while implementing redesigned remappable rear buttons (two are removable) and shoulder bumpers that are more comfortable to reach. It also has trigger stops that produce a satisfying click with next to no travel when pressed. The D-pad produces a similarly satisfying click, one we prefer over the softer tactile feel of the Instinct. The Valor Pro is not the most exciting controller on paper, but it’s a solid option for Scuf faithful or anyone who wants more durable analog sticks. Read our hands-on impressions.
• If you’re a fan of competitive shooters, Turtle Beach controllers like the Recon ($59.99) and React-R ($39.99) have several audio features that might come in handy. The company’s fanciest option, the Stealth Ultra, is a $219.99 wireless model with Hall effect sticks that’s an excellent choice overall. That being said, we still prefer the Razer Wolverine V3 Pro, as the built-in customization screen on the Stealth Ultra is clunky to use and the ergonomics don’t feel nearly as nice as that of the V3 Pro.
• Turtle Beach also offers the Stealth Pivot ($139.99), which lets you quickly swap the analog sticks for extra face buttons by swiveling the plates around. It’s neat but ultimately niche, as it’s primarily meant for fighting games and retro titles. That feature necessitates a chassis that’s noticeably bigger than most controllers, too, which may be a downer if you already struggle with wrapping your digits around standard-sized controllers.
• We recently tested PowerA’s newest pro-style Xbox controllers, including the Fusion Pro 4 Wired ($74.99) and PowerA Fusion Pro Wireless ($159.99). They’re standard fare for pro-style controllers these days, with height-adjustable Hall effect sticks, four remappable rear buttons, three-way trigger locks, and onboard volume controls. They’re similar, but the Pro Wireless has four trippy Lumectra lighting zones that respond to your button presses. Both controllers are satisfying to use and a clear step up from PowerA’s older products in terms of overall quality, but they ultimately don’t stand out much at these price points.
• Nacon’s Revolution X ($25.90) remains one of the most customizable wired controllers you can get (it even has removable weights in its handles), and its software is nearly as expansive as Microsoft’s first-party app.
• As mentioned above, the Horipad Pro ($49.99) has one of the best D-pads around. It also offers a lot of software customization at an affordable price, but its shoulder buttons are a bit stiff.
• If you’re the nostalgic type, the Hyperkin Duke ($89.99), DuchesS ($49.99), and Xenon ($49.99) are faithful wired recreations of Xbox gamepads from Microsoft’s first two console generations. They’re kind of dumb but endearing (especially the chunky Duke), but they’re unique collector pieces you can also use on modern games.
• The wired GameSir G7 SE is another budget pick with drift-resistant Hall effect sticks and USB-C connectivity, one that can typically be found for $44.99. Like 8BitDo’s controllers, it neglects trigger stops, but it’s one of the only options with dedicated switches for disabling the rear buttons. GameSir has also since introduced the $49.99 G7 HE, which features more durable buttons and a tactile switch D-pad.

What’s coming next?

• The race to perfect Xbox controllers hasn’t yet reached a conclusion. Manufacturers continue updating their lineup with newer, more durable analog sticks and triggers, while some experiment with gimmicks. Case in point: the upcoming Hyperkin Competitor, announced at CES in January and scheduled to arrive later in 2025. The wired gamepad’s design is unashamedly inspired by the PlayStation 5’s DualSense controllers, complete with glassy buttons and a non-contiguous D-pad.
• In April, Nacon released the Revolution X Unlimited, a $199.99 controller with Hall effect sticks and triggers, a replaceable D-pad and joysticks, and up to 10 hours of battery life. The gamepad connects to Xbox consoles using a 2.4GHz wireless frequency (via a dongle), but it also supports Bluetooth when connecting to Android devices. It also features a built-in display, allowing you to easily remap buttons and other functions, as well as the ability to connect to your console or Windows PC with a USB cable.

Update, July 23rd: Updated to reflect current pricing / availability and several new controllers, including GameSir’s G7 HE and the Nacon Revolution X Unlimited. Brandt Ranj also contributed to this post.

Apple currently sells MacBooks equipped with its own M-series chips in a wide range of sizes and price points. It discontinued the M1 MacBook Air to make room for newer models, but some retailers are still selling the last-gen laptop starting at $599 — a far cry from the $2,499 starting price of the latest 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro.

Purchasing a new MacBook can certainly be a pricey endeavor, but thankfully, finding a deal is actually not that difficult. Apple has recently shaken up the starting RAM for several models, creating more options than ever before and resulting in steeper discounts on older models.

Although Macs may not get perpetual discounts, it’s not uncommon to see various models discounted by as much as $400. Alternatively, purchasing refurbished options directly from Apple is another way to save money without waiting for the changing deal winds to blow your way. It’s also the only option to find certain SKUs of older models as Apple continues to move forward on newer releases. Apple’s refurbished store provides a one-year warranty on all products, and generally offers discounts of up to 15 to 20 percent off the price of a new unit.

But if you want to buy new and you’re looking to save whatever you can, here are the best MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, and Mac Mini deals available.

The best MacBook Air deals

M1 MacBook Air

The M1 MacBook Air was considered Apple’s entry-level laptop before the M3 model’s arrival prompted Apple to stop selling it directly in its online and in brick-and-mortar stores. But while the redesigned M2 version of the MacBook Air (which has been with us for a while as well) has taken over as the top value choice, the 2020 version with an M1 processor and fanless design remains available at some retailers as a solid budget option. It’s best suited for non-intensive productivity work, plus it has a comfortable keyboard, an excellent trackpad, and all-day battery life. For many people, the M1 Air still ticks the right boxes when it comes to performance and price, even if it’s long enough in the tooth to have been removed in our guide to the best laptops.

The base MacBook Air with the M1 chip comes with 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. It’s becoming harder to find in new condition, but Walmart has committed to keeping it around for the foreseeable future and is currently discounting it to $599 ($400 off), which its lowest price to date.

2020 MacBook Air with M1 (256GB)

The 2020 MacBook Air has been discontinued but remains a great value. It comes outfitted with the company’s original M1 chip in one of three different colors (silver, space gray, and gold).

Where to Buy:

• $649 $599 at Walmart

M2 MacBook Air

The M2 MacBook Air is a slim, lightweight laptop with a 1080p webcam and a handy magnetic charger that frees up one of its two USB-C ports. Although its M2 processor wasn’t as revolutionary as the M1 generation, it’s a better performer for any kind of user than the M1, including creators with demanding workloads.

It does have some slight downsides, though, including slower storage in the base 256GB configuration and a notch cutout in its otherwise excellent screen. But even so, Apple hasn’t offered a more travel-friendly laptop than this one since the days of the polarizing 12-inch MacBook, and this prior-gen model was once good enough to top our list of the best laptops.

The M2-powered MacBook Air from 2022 seems to be on its way out, with availability waning. However, you can get the 13.6-inch M2 model with 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and an eight-core GPU in select colors at Best Buy starting at $699 ($100 off).

It’s a bit harder to find discounts on the 15.3-inch MacBook Air M2, however. While it’s scantily in stock at some retailers for its original MSRP, you’d be better off going with a discounted M3 model.

13-inch MacBook Air with M2 (2022)

The 2022 MacBook Air is a thin, lightweight device powered by Apple’s M2 chip. The M2 model touts an improved 1080p webcam and a better display than its predecessor while retaining features like long battery life and MagSafe charging.

Where to Buy:

• $799 $699 at Best Buy (16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)

M3 MacBook Air

The M1 Air and its wedge had to perish for the M3 MacBook Air to exist. Apple’s updated entry-level laptops arrived in both 13.6- and 15.3-inch variants simultaneously, bringing with them slightly faster performance and a slate of minor upgrades. Apple added Wi-Fi 6E, for one, along with an additional Thunderbolt port that allows you to use two external displays when the lid is closed. They also continue to offer 18 hours of battery life and a MagSafe charging port. Apple discontinued the M3 MacBook Air with 8GB of RAM last year and now considers the 16GB / 256GB model as the starting configuration.

Right now, the 13-inch M3 MacBook Air is available in its entry-level configuration with an 8-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD is tough to find in stock. You can also find the 24GB RAM / 512GB SSD model with a 10-core GPU for $1,099 ($200 off) in select colors at Best Buy. Given the relatively small price difference between these two models, it’s great that you’re getting double the amount of internal storage and additional memory.

As for the M3-powered 15-inch MacBook Air, B&H Photo is selling the laptop for $949 ($400 off) with a 10-core GPU, 256GB of storage, and 16GB of RAM. You can also buy it with 512GB of storage, 16GB of RAM, and a 10-core GPU for $1,099 ($200 off) at Best Buy.

13-inch MacBook Air with M3 (2024)

The MacBook Air M3 is a jack-of-all-trades, with a balanced combination of performance and power efficiency. It also now supports dual displays with the lid closed, and the storage speed is noticeably faster. You don’t need to think about if this laptop will meet your needs — it just will.

Where to Buy:

• $1299 $939 at B&H Photo (16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)
• $1299 $1099 at Best Buy (24GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

M4 MacBook Air

Along with an updated Mac Studio, Apple released an updated MacBook Air, which comes in both a 13- and 15-inch configuration with a M4 processor. Interestingly, the new Air starts at a lower price than the prior model, yet it offers slightly faster performance and twice as much base RAM at 16GB. It can also connect to two external monitors with the lid open, comes in a new sky blue color, and features the 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam from the latest MacBook Pro. There’s a lot to like.

Both the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs are currently receiving some good discounts. You can pick up the 13-inch base model with a 10-core CPU, eight-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage on sale for $849 ($150 off) at Amazon and B&H Photo. If you prefer the larger 15-inch model, the entry-level configuration with a 10-core GPU, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage is on sale for $1,049 ($150 off) at Amazon and B&H Photo.

13-inch MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)

Powered by the new M4 chip, Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Air is faster than its predecessor and offers double the base RAM. It can also now connect to two external displays with the lid open and features an improved Center Stage webcam.

Where to Buy:

• $999 $799 at Amazon
• $999 $849 at B&H Photo

15-inch MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)

Apple’s 15-inch MacBook Air with the M4 chip is nearly identical to its 13-inch sibling. However, it includes a six-speaker sound system, not four, and your choice of a free 35W Dual USB‑C Port Compact Power Adapter or 70W USB‑C Power Adapter.

Where to Buy:

• $1199 $999 at Amazon
• $1199 $1049 at B&H Photo

The best MacBook Pro deals

During its “Scary Fast” event in 2023, Apple announced MacBook Pros that use M3 processors — including a 14-inch model that replaced the 13-inch M2 model. Apple followed the M3 models up with M4-based machines in October 2024, and we’re already starting to see the discounts on them. That being said, the last-gen M3 models are often the better bargain, as they’re still relatively easy to find and receive steeper discounts.

M3 and M3 Pro MacBook Pro

The entry point into the MacBook Pro world is a MagSafe-equipped MacBook Pro that uses the existing 14-inch design and slightly pares it down. The 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro has the same 3024 x 1964 resolution display and 120Hz refresh rate as its pricier siblings, and in addition to a MagSafe charging port, it has an SD card slot and HDMI port. However, it starts with just 8GB of RAM and lacks the third USB-C / Thunderbolt port found on the M3 Pro and M3 Max models (as well as Thunderbolt 4 speeds).

The M3 MacBook Pro may be a bit of an odd middle child in some ways, but it’s still a very good laptop — especially if you can find a deal that puts more price distance between the M3 model and the M3 Pro version. Availability for the base model with 8GB and 512GB of storage seems to be waning as Apple standardizes 16GB of RAM across its lineup.

We’re finding it challenging to spot the 16GB RAM / 512GB SSD model in stock. However, Best Buy is selling the 14-inch, M3-powered MacBook Pro with 8GB of RAM, a 1TB, 10-core GPU for $1,199 ($200 off).

14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 (2023)

Apple’s previous-gen 14-inch laptop powered by the M3 processor uses a similar design to the pricier 14-inch MacBook Pro with Apple’s Pro- / Max-series chips but is offered at a lower price with similar ports and less RAM.

Where to Buy:

• $1599 $1199 at Best Buy (8GB RAM, 1TB SSD)

M4 and M4 Pro MacBook Pro

Apple released the M4-series MacBook Pro in November 2024. Notably, the base 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro is the first to launch with 16GB of RAM — double the previous generation’s starting memory — and 512GB of storage for the same $1,599 starting price as the last-gen model. It also picks up a third Thunderbolt 4 port, which is positioned on the right side and supports dual external monitors while the lid is opened. Also new this year is an upgraded 12-megapixel webcam that supports Center Stage and a new Desk View feature, plus the option to add a nano-texture display for an extra $150. It’s also available in space black.

The 14- and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M4 Pro and M4 Max chips also received additional RAM, bringing them up to 24GB. They start with 512GB of storage, too, and retail for $1,999 and $2,499, respectively. While the total port selection hasn’t changed compared to their respective M3 Pro and M3 Max counterparts, you’ll get faster Thunderbolt 5 ports on these more substantial models. That’s in addition to the SD slot, dedicated full-sized HDMI port, and 3.5mm jack. They also have the upgraded 12-megapixel Center Stage webcam with Desk View and the optional nano-texture display option.

Deals for the M4 MacBook Pro have already started to roll in. Right now, for example, the base 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD starts at $1,429 ($170 off) at B&H Photo and $1,417 ($182 off) at Amazon. Meanwhile, the 24GB / 512GB variant with an M4 Pro chip (12-core CPU / 16-core GPU) is down to $1,799 ($200 off) at Best Buy and B&H Photo.

The base 16-inch MacBook Pro is also on sale with an M4 Pro chip, 24GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage for around $2,232 ($267 off) at Amazon, B&H Photo, and Best Buy.

Apple MacBook Pro 14 (2024, M4)

The entry-level MacBook Pro with M4 starts with 16GB of RAM — double that of its predecessor — and a 512GB SSD for the same starting price of $1,599. It also gets a third USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 port and comes in a new space black option.

Where to Buy:

• $1599 $1299 at Amazon (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
• $1599 $1299 at Best Buy (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

14-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro

The 14-inch MacBook Pro with a 12-core / 16-core M4 Pro chip starts with 24GB of RAM — a 6GB increase over the prior generation. It also has a 512GB SSD, three Thunderbolt 5 USB-C ports, an optional nano-texture display, and a 12-megapixel webcam.

Where to Buy:

• $2499 $1785.5 at Amazon (24GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
• $2499 $1799 at B&H Photo (24GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
• $1999 $1799 at Best Buy (24GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (2024, M4 Pro)

The 16-inch MacBook Pro with M4 Pro starts with 24GB of RAM and offers more computing cores (14 for the CPU and 20 for the GPU) compared to the 14-inch model. It also picks up Thunderbolt 5 ports and a new 12-megapixel Center Stage camera.

Where to Buy:

• $2499 $2234.5 at Amazon (24GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
• $2499 $2249 at Best Buy (24GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
• $2499 $2249 at Best Buy (24GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

The best Mac Mini deals

The newest Mac Mini in town are the M4-based models arrived late last year. Apple reduced the horizontal footprint on its desktop and paired it with its new M4 chipset and 16GB of RAM, which is double that of the previous generation and brings it in line with other base model Macs from 2024. That makes Apple’s newest desktop computer a tremendous value.

M4 and M4 Pro Mac Mini

Deals on the newest Mac Mini are a bit easier to come by now than they were at launch, which is good since the outgoing M2 model is becoming more difficult to find. The M4 Mac Mini starts with an M4 processor, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage for $599. That’s an incredible value for a tiny desktop computer that can rival the Mac Studio and Mac Pro when it comes to certain tasks, including light gaming, 4K video editing, and 3D modeling. Vertically, the M4 Mac Mini is a fair bit thicker than the last-gen M2 model at 2 inches tall, yet it measures a mere 5 inches wide and 5 inches deep.

In addition to the odd decision to place the power button on its underside, Apple moved the 3.5mm headphone jack and two of its five USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 ports to the front. The rear features an additional three thunderbolt ports, HDMI-out, and a gigabit ethernet port. You can also get the Mac Mini with an M4 Pro chipset starting at $1,399, which comes with faster Thunderbolt 5 storage and the option to upgrade to 10-gigabit ethernet for another $100.

Right now, you can get the base Mac Mini at Amazon and B&H Photo with an M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD for $539 ($61 off). If you need more storage, you can step up to the version with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD for around $728 ($71 off) at Amazon and B&H Photo.

Meanwhile, the base M4 Pro model with 24GB of RAM and 512GB of storage is on sale at Amazon starting at $1,261 ($138 off).

Apple Mac Mini (M4)

The latest Mac Mini features Apple’s upgraded M4 chips and a smaller build than the prior model. Each configuration now starts with 16GB of RAM and includes five total Thunderbolt ports, gigabit ethernet, HDMI, and a 3.5mm jack. Read our review.

Where to Buy:

• $599 $539 at Amazon (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)
• $598 $539 at B&H Photo (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)
• $799 $729 at Amazon (M4 Pro, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)

Razer is announcing a new gaming mouse, the $169.99 DeathAdder V4 Pro. This fresh version of its popular wireless mouse promises to be faster, lighter, and yet more power efficient than its V3 Pro predecessor. 

The V4 Pro now uses optical sensors for its left- and right-click buttons that are rated for 100 million clicks. It’s also Razer’s first model to use a scroll wheel with an optical sensor rather than being mechanical. Razer claims the optical scroll wheel sensor is more precise, offering “triple the durability and consistent, tactile control even under intense gameplay.”

The new DeathAdder Pro supports up to 8,000Hz polling rate in both wireless and wired modes, thanks to its HyperSpeed Wireless Gen 2 connectivity. However, to get Razer’s claim of up to 150 hours of battery life you’ll have to use the mouse at a much slower 1,000Hz polling (which is, to be fair, still pretty quick).

Since this mouse is designed for fast-action use in twitchy esports matches, its 45K optical sensor supports up to 45,000 DPI tracking. And the black version of the new DeathAdder weighs just 56 grams, while the model in white weighs one gram more. 

The promised specs are impressive. But on the downside, the DeathAdder remains an asymmetrical design for right-handed users. And with its slightly oversized shape, the mouse caters to users with larger hands that can grip it without discomfort. The DeathAdder V4 Pro is up for preorder now on Razer’s site, estimated to ship July 24th.