Discover which MacBook models are perfect for gamers on any budget.
Contrary to popular belief, Apple MacBook computers are fully capable of delivering great gaming performance. You just need to choose the right model and know which specifications are important for gaming. Our review below will help you find the best MacBook for gaming, regardless of your budget. If you or your friends are also considering other gaming machines, read our latest piece Best MSI Gaming Laptops: Which One Is The Right For You?
What Specifications to Look For
Gone are the days when a smooth and comfortable gaming experience could only be achieved on a desktop PC. Now, you can indulge in your favorite computer games on any device, as long as it has the minimum gaming specifications. Here’s what to watch for when choosing the best MacBook for gaming.
GPU
Avid gamers know that most games require an advanced graphics card for the ultimate experience. Simply having a fast processor won’t be sufficient. A few Apple MacBook models have advanced state-of-the-art graphics and can be further configured for the best visual performance.
CPU
Modern high-end games also call for a powerful processor. An Intel Core i5 with 2.0GHz or more is the minimum requirement, though an i7 is preferred.
RAM
The average amount of memory needed to run most games without any lags or delays is 8GB of RAM. In this case, the more, the merrier, so upgrading to 16GB would be even better. Most current Apple MacBooks come with at least 8GB of RAM, so finding the best MacBook for gaming won’t be an issue.
Display
The latest MacBook models are famous for their brilliant Retina displays with True Tone technology, which are ideal for gaming. They offer an impressive high-resolution display for an immersive gaming experience.
Best MacBook for Gaming: MacBook Pro 16”
This device has various notable features, making it a great option for casual gamers. The base MacBook Pro 16” model costs $2,399 and comes with an LED-backlit Retina display with IPS technology (3072‑by‑1920 native resolution at 226 pixels per inch), 2.6GHz 6‑core Intel Core i7 processor (configurable to 2.4GHz 8‑core Intel Core i9), 16GB of 2666MHz DDR4 onboard memory, and Intel UHD Graphics 630.
The laptop also features four Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports, a backlit Magic keyboard, a six‑speaker audio system with force‑cancelling woofers and support for Dolby Atmos playback, and an impressive battery life. Despite a hefty price tag, this laptop offers a nice mix of premium features for an optimal gaming experience and any other tasks you might need to work on.
Best MacBook for Gaming: MacBook Pro 13” with M1 Chip
If you don’t mind a smaller screen (bonus: smaller price tag, too!), then the MacBook Pro 13” with M1 chip could be a great choice for gaming. The base model is listed at $1,299 and features a 13.3-inch LED-backlit Retina display with IPS technology, 8GB unified memory, a backlit Magic keyboard, 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking, and stereo speakers with high dynamic range. You can also easily upgrade the device’s storage and memory.
One of the most notable features of this laptop is Apple’s very own M1 chip that delivers incredible power, speed, and graphics. Apple says the 8-core GPU in M1 drives up to 5x faster graphics performance. To top it all off, the MacBook Pro 13” boasts all-day battery life and thermal efficiency due to active cooling. This laptop will give you enough power and efficiency to breeze through your favorite casual computer games.
Conclusion
Even though Apple MacBooks are not typically considered gaming laptops, some of the latest models, including MacBook Pro 16” and MacBook Pro 13” with M1 chip, are powerful enough to handle most modern games. Making sure that the device has proper specifications for gaming is crucial when choosing the best MacBook for gaming. If you want to do a MacBook trade in for cash before buying a new one, you can do so with Gadget Salvation.
