Mar 25, 2020 Today Only: Macbook Pro, Gaming Monitor Get Steep Discounts At Best Buy The one-day-only sale features markdowns on Apple products, PC gaming gear, and more. From the MacBook Air to the new 16-inch MacBook Pro, these are the best MacBooks Apple has to offer. You also get a Touch ID sensor for unlocking your Mac with ease, a bright and sharp display.
BestMacBook for GamingiMore2020
Apple MacBooks have never been designed to perform solely as gaming laptops. Despite this, some models are better than others for this type of use. Our favorite current model, the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i7 processor, includes numerous features that make it a terrific device for casual gamers. There are other noteworthy models we've gathered to help you choose the one that fits your needs best.
Best Overall: 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i7 processor
For gamers, we're recommending the least expensive of the two 16-inch models, which includes a 9th-generation Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz. We're picking this one because it offers a nice mix of features at a price that's far more affordable than the premium offering we highlight below.
The base 16-inch MacBook Pro comes with 16GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory, 512GB SSD storage, and four Thunderbolt 3 ports. The model comes standard with an AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 4GB of GDDR6 graphics processor that you can upgrade to an AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 4GB of GDDR6 or an AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 8 GB of GDDR6 for better performance.
On the obvious downside, this is still an expensive laptop. Plus, you'll need to recharge this laptop more often than the MacBook Air. And like all MacBooks, it isn't usually on sale at a discount.
Pros:
- The least expensive 16-inch model
- Pay extra for a graphics boost
- Biggest MacBook Pro display to date
Cons:
- Still very expensive
- Not the most powerful MBP you can buy
- Up to 11 hours wireless web
Best Overall
16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i7 processor
Largest display for less
The entry-level 16-inch MacBook Pro is an excellent choice for the occasional computer gamer.
Source: iMore
Much lighter than the 13-inch MacBook Pro that has the same screen size, the 2019 MacBook Air weighs just 2.75 pounds, making it a great take-and-go laptop. Along with being less weighty, the MacBook Air provides an hour more of use between charges, although actual performance depends on the tasks.
We're sold on the entry-level MacBook Air, even for gaming, because of its price. Still, think casual gaming here only thanks to its slower processor and graphics card. There's also fewer Thunderbolt 3 ports on this model.
If you're purchasing a laptop solely for gaming, this isn't the one to buy. However, it will work well in a pinch when you need to take a break from your studies or work.
Pros:
- Same screen size as 13-inch MBP
- Up to 12 hours of wireless web between charges
- Excellent price
Cons:
- Only two Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) ports
- Not as powerful as MBP models
Best Value
MacBook Air (2019)
Save money and still game
Casual-casual gamers will enjoy using this MacBook Air model during the occasional break from work or school.
Source: iMore
When it comes to the 2019 13-inch MacBook Pro, $500 separates the base and most complete package. For even more, you can upgrade the machine's For the five memory, storage, and processor.
The smaller of the two MacBook Pro models is a great overall pick. At just over three pounds, the 13-inch MacBook Pro is only slightly heavier than the MacBook Air. For this, you get a better processor and graphics card, more storage availability, and a Touch Bar. You can upgrade the processor and storage. In doing so, however, you'll push the price just shy of $2,000. If that happens, you might want to consider our No. 1 pick instead.
Regardless, if a 13-inch display is what you want and you want the bells and whistles missing on the MacBook Air, this is the one to get. If you intend to spend more than one-fourth of your time gaming, it's even more vital for you to consider this model over the Air.
Pros:
- Better internals than MacBook Air
- Great mobility
- Much cheaper than the 16-inch model
Cons:
- You can't upgrade the graphics card
- Price can rise as you add components
- Is 13-inches enough?
Best Alternative
13-inch MacBook Pro (2019)
A step up
There's much to love about this model, which offers better internals than the MacBook Air.
Best Premium: 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i9 processor
If you're a hard-core Mac gamers, or want to be, the 16-inch MacBook Pro with an 8‑core 9th‑generation Intel Core i9 processor and Turbo Boost up to 4.8GHz is the one for you. Compared to the entry-level model, you'll get a graphics card boost and 1TB of storage. If this isn't enough, add more memory, an even better graphics card, and more storage. In doing so, the cost of this model can quickly exceed nearly $6,000, however.
Pros:
- Apple's best MacBook Pro to date
- Graphics boost, upgrades
- Up to 64GB of memory available
Best Premium
16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i9 processor
The best of the best
If you're okay with the price, no doubt this is the MacBook to get. Happy gaming!
Bottom line
In 2019, the MacBook lineup changed considerably as Apple discontinued the 12-inch MacBook and 15-inch model MacBook Pro. The change brings to four the number of Apple laptops we recommend for gaming purposes. Our favorite, the 16-inch MacBook Pro (2019) i7 processor, should give you enough power to play your favorite casual computer games. Still, it will cost you, especially if you add extras. It's still an expensive laptop, which no doubt is something to consider too.
The base model includes a 9th-generation Intel Core i7 processor with Turbo Boost up to 4.5GHz with 16GB 2666MHz DDR4 memory, 512GB SSD storage, and four Thunderbolt 3 ports. The model comes standard with an AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 4GB of GDDR6 graphics processor and can be upgraded to an AMD Radeon Pro 5500M with 4GB of GDDR6 or an AMD Radeon Pro 5300M with 8 GB of GDDR6 for better performance.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Bryan M. Wolfe is a dad who loves technology, especially anything new from Apple. Penn State (go Nittany Lions) graduate here, also a huge fan of the New England Patriots. Thanks for reading. @bryanmwolfe
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
💻 👁 🙌🏼Webcam hacking is real, but you can protect yourself with a privacy cover
Worried people might be looking in through your webcam on your MacBook? No worries! Here are some great privacy covers that will protect your privacy.
BestCooling Pads for MacBook ProiMore2020
Being tech bloggers, we travel everywhere with our laptops and know how hot they can get, especially when we're running programs with heavy processing use. We have tested many and found the perfect way to cool the heat from your MacBook Pro. Our tried-and-true favorite is the Thermaltake Massive TM.
Mac app store. Source: Thermaltake
The Massive TM by Thermaltake is a desktop-style cooling pad that's ideal for any size Mac laptop, from the 12-inch MacBook to the 15-inch MacBook Pro (and 17-inch notebooks, too), thanks to adjustable sizes that keep your device in place. It has two separate fans that draw cool air in from the bottom and push warm air out through the sides. You can set up automatic cooling with four separate heat sensors, or you can regulate the temperature manually, including giving it a turbo cooling boost. It also sports retractable feet, so you can adjust the angle of your laptop.
I've been using my Massive TM for a while now, and I've really been putting it through its paces. The one thing that makes it stand out from other cooling pads is its ability to track how warm my MacBook Pro is getting and then allow me to turbo boost the cooling process if things get out of hand.
Companies that makes games for mac free. Discover the best Mac-compatible Games in Best Sellers. Find the top 100 most popular items in Amazon Video Games Best Sellers. 91 rows Feb 01, 2020 The 100 Best Mac Games today. For a strategy game, Company of Heroes 2. Shop for mac games at Best Buy. Find low everyday prices and buy online for delivery or in-store pick-up.
The pad is large — maybe even a little too large. It's big enough to fit a 17-inch notebook, so my 13-inch MacBook Pro has plenty of space. The aluminum panel on top has four adjustable posts that you can slide around to fit your laptop. This keeps my MacBook Pro snugly in place without anchoring it on the cooling pad. The pegs are also spring-loaded, so if you accidentally set your notebook on top of one, it just flattens out instead of making your keyboard crooked.
When you set your laptop on the cooling pad, it senses the temperature. There are four sensor probes so that you can isolate any problem areas. When the fans are running, it'll cool your device by as much as 20 degrees. If you notice that, even with the regular fans running, your laptop isn't cooling down (like, if you're working extra hard with a particularly heavy processing program), you can hit the Turbo button. It will speed up the fans and send a burst of air upward.
Probably my favorite aspect of the Massive TM is the temperature display panel.
When the fans are running, they are relatively quiet as far as cooling fans go. I'm not saying they are whisper quiet, but you won't have to turn up the volume on your computer when they are running.
There are also retractable feet at the bottom of the pad, which allow you to adjust the angle that your laptop sits. The feet themselves have adjustable height, too. So, if you need a sharper angle, like to watch a movie, you can really get some tilt.
The fan is powered by a USB cable. It comes with a very short (I think it's about 8-inches) USB-to-USB cable. If you have the 2016 or later MacBook Pro, you'll need a USB A to USB C adapter, or at least a really long USB to USB cable so you can plug it into a power outlet.
Probably my favorite aspect of the Massive TM is the temperature display panel. You always know whether your laptop is running hot, thanks to the LED display. If you're in the middle of a game and notice that your MacBook Pro is running at about 85 degrees, you can turn on the fans and cool it down.
Pros:
- Adjustable typing positioning
- Fits almost all size laptops
- Targeted cooling for different areas
- Turbo boost cooling for extra hot spots
- Temperature sensor for auto on/off
Best Overall
Thermaltake Massive TM
The perfect cooling fan for most people
The Massive TM has lots of fantastic features, like a temperature gauge, adjustable feet, and a turbo boost so you can cool things down when you're working extra hard. It's also adjustable for better positioning while you type.
Source: Cooler Master Mac game robot dog.
This cooling pad may only have one fan, but it makes up for that with its low price. Its slim design makes it portable, and its height adjustment settings provide customizable typing angles. Cable grooves give you nice cable management. Up to a 17-inch laptop will fit on the Cooler Master NotePal X-Slim. It's perfect if you're on a budget.
Pros:
- Well-priced
- Slim and portable
- Adjustable height
Best Value
Cooler Master NotePal X-Slim
No frills
Fun Games For Macbook Pro
For its price, you really can't go wrong with the Cooler Master NotePal X-Slim.
Source: Havit
This is the perfect MacBook Pro cooling pad for traveling. It's got three quiet fans for wide-spread cooling and an ultra-slim profile. There are two holders behind the back, which allows two different height levels.
The Havit's minimalist design makes it ideal for travel with your MacBook Pro. It's ultra-slim but can still handle laptops up to 17 inches. It also comes equipped with additional USB ports so you can use it as a portable hub.
Pros:
Best Free Macbook Pro Games
- Ultra-slim and portable
- Perfect for travel
- Well-priced
- Adjustable height
Best for Travel
Havit RGB
Travel companion
Portable enough to slip into your laptop bag with plenty of cooling power.
Bottom line
With all of its convenient features, the Thermaltake Massive TM is easily the best cooler/cooling pad for your MacBook Pro. If you're in the market for one, the Massive TM should be your first consideration, since it's effective, ergonomic, quiet, and does its job well.
It has all of the features you'd want, including adjustable height, automatic or manual cooling, turbo boost cooling, and temperature sensing probes. Any laptop up to 17 inches will fit on the Thermaltake Massive TM. You even get an LED display to keep you apprised of your laptop's temperature.
Credits — The team that worked on this guide
Lory Gil works on her laptop about 50% of her day and knows just how hot the MacBook Pro can get. She's a big fan of keepin' things cool.
Luke Filipowicz is one of the coolest people around and knows a thing or two about how to stay that way, especially when it comes to laptops.
Karen S. Freeman spends way too much time burning up the internet. She knows you must keep things cool, though.
We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.
Best Games For Apple Mac Pro
Buyers GuideGood Games For Macbook Pro 13 Inch
Get 4K for your Mac with these great monitors
Free Games For Macbook Pro
To get the most out of your Mac, you need a beautiful display. A 4K monitor is a huge step in the right direction. Here are the best 4K monitors for your Mac.