Cyber Monday laptop deals are designed to tempt you. If you’re shopping for a new MacBook, the latest M5 MacBook Pro might seem like the obvious choice. But despite the discounts, most buyers should skip the Pro and stick with the MacBook Air.
The Misleading Allure of “Pro”
Apple recently released the M5 chip, initially exclusive to the base 14-inch MacBook Pro. This model offers a slight GPU performance boost over the previous M4, but its position in the lineup is odd. The base Pro doesn’t deliver enough extra value to justify its higher price for typical users. Apple seems to be strategically pushing this less popular model, possibly to increase sales in a niche category.
The reality is, the MacBook Air, powered by the M4 chip, provides nearly identical battery life and performance for everyday tasks. The M5 MacBook Pro’s benefits are marginal: a brighter screen, more ports. These are quality-of-life upgrades, not game-changing performance leaps.
Why the Air Wins for Most Users
The MacBook Air is the sweet spot for most consumers. The M4 version delivers exceptional value, often selling for as low as $738 during sales. The larger 15-inch model is also a compelling option at $949, offering a bigger display and better speakers without sacrificing sharpness.
If you need serious power for professional creative workflows, the M4 Pro or M4 Max MacBook Pros are the real upgrades. But for general use, the Air is more than enough—and it costs less.
The M5 Pro is a Niche Choice
The M5 MacBook Pro isn’t a bad machine, but it’s not the best value. The M4 Pro remains a significant performance jump over the M5, and the price difference is often minimal during Cyber Monday. Paying an extra $200 for the M5 Pro over the 15-inch Air yields only minor improvements.
The number of people who truly need the M5 Pro’s niche features—like an SD card slot—is shrinking, especially with the Air’s improved external display support.
Don’t Be Fooled by Branding
The “Pro” label creates a false sense of superiority. The MacBook Air remains the smartest buy for Cyber Monday. It’s the best laptop for the price, and most users won’t notice any meaningful difference between it and the more expensive Pro model.
Accessory Deals to Enhance Your MacBook
To complete your setup, consider these discounted accessories:
- Branch Adjustable Laptop Stand: $55 (Save $10)
- Nomad 65W Slim Adapter: $41 (Save $14)
- Baggu Puffy Laptop Sleeve: $24 (Save $8)
- Satechi 8-in-1 USB-C Hub: $70 (Save $30)
- Logitech Casa Pop-Up Desk: $150 (Save $30)
The MacBook Air continues to be the best value for the vast majority of consumers. Don’t fall for the Cyber Monday hype—the Air delivers everything most people need, at a price that can’t be beat.
