Now powered by Apple’s M1 CPU, the 13-inch MacBook Pro remains a workhorse for those who want a compact macOS laptop that's still powerful enough to perform processor-intensive workflows.

Long battery life; Speedy performance from Apple M1 chip; Brilliant Retina display; Excellent build quality; Comfortable keyboard and trackpad; Improved webcam

Only two USB-C ports; Stingy standard 256GB SSD; 8GB RAM; No touch screen

“Powered by the M1 chip, the new MacBook Pro 13-inch is the most exciting Mac in years.”

M1 is insanely fast; Beautiful display; as always; Fantastic battery life; Speakers sound brilliant; Top-notch keyboard and trackpad

Only two Thunderbolt ports; Touch Bar is still frustrating

We can keep the verdict about the new MacBook Pro 13 with the M1 processor pretty short: It builds on the strengths of the previous iterations and the new processor improves some aspects like the performance, the fan noise in everyday scenarios or longer battery runtime.

build quality and iconic design; speakers; performance of native apps; improved emissions; longer battery runtime

2x Thunderbolt w/ limitations; wide bezels; 720p webcam; stability of emulated apps via Rosetta; Wi-Fi 6 only with 80 MHz and therefore comparatively slow

The easiest, best way to think about the new entry-level MacBook Pro is that it is a MacBook Air with a fan.

Great performance; Excellent battery life; Great display

Only two USB ports; Can’t get more than 16GB of RAM; Miserable webcam; Touch Bar makes everything harder; not easier

This feels like the start of something impressive thanks to new Apple silicon in the M1 processor - which results in lots of power and impressive battery life. It will be fascinating to see not only where Apple goes next, but how the industry responds.

Fast and powerful - and paves the way for Apple silicon future; No obvious issues with multi-tiered app operation - it just works; Super battery life; Great screen

Design hasn't changed - and looks a little tired; No new features beyond the new processor; Only up to 16GB of RAM; Touch Bar still not a must-have; Just the two ports

With every iPhone or iPad release, Apple routinely points out how it controls the entire product, and in turn, how the overall experience benefits from that granular authority. From iOS or iPadOS, to the entire hardware experience, right down to the processor -- Apple owns it all.

Fast and powerful; Long battery life; All around app support; Improve camera; despite still 720p

Some iPad apps need an update; Same design will be tired for some; Can get pricey with upgrade options; Caps out at 16GB

We’d love two more Thunderbolt ports and a redesign, but colour us surprised the entry level MacBook Pro has this much to offer.

Speedy and responsive; Display remains first-class; Battery lasts for ages; Mostly whisper quiet

Design starting to age; Limited connectivity; Webcam isn’t that great; Dare we say it: no touchscreen

However, with all this impressive power, it would have been nice to get a new design, or at least a new color. Some other things that continue to grace our MacBook wishlist are slimmer bezels and more ports.

Stellar overall and gaming performance; Excellent battery life; Lightning-fast SSD; Great webcam; Comfortable keyboard; macOS Big Sur is a nice update

Not enough ports; Thick bezels

An almost unbelievably good laptop, the Apple Silicon M1 MacBook is here and nothing is ever going to be the same again

Fast and responsive (even under emulation); Reasonably priced; Astonishing battery life; Runs iOS apps

Compatibility issues with some software

If the MacBook Pro was the only new M1 device, the conclusion to this review would be easy: buy it. It’s much faster than its Windows 10, Intel-based rivals, it has astonishing battery life and it’s just as well made and slick as MacBooks have always been.

Outstanding battery life Staggering performance Great speakers and microphone

Little performance boost over the Air