Forget the MacBook Air — here’s why the MacBook Pro is the better value option this week

• May 12, 2026

The latest MacBook Pro 14 is a stunning laptop that’s perfect for both casual and professional use. The only issue? It usually comes with a hefty outlay versus the cheaper Air and Neo models.

Right now, however, several retailers have the latest model listed for record-low prices on various configurations, making the Pro model a much more tempting buy.

For example, you can currently get the 24GB/512GB variant of the 14-inch MacBook Pro for $1,499 (was $1,799) at B&H Photo this week. According to my own price checking, this is a record-low price and one that actually makes this mid-range configuration cheaper than the entry-level 16GB/512GB version.

Another great MacBook Pro 14 deal today is the 32GB/1TB configuration for $1,799 (was $2,099) at Amazon. Again, this one looks to be a record-low price on a model that’s particularly popular this week — and it’s also a particularly good option if you’re looking for a reliable machine for professional work.

Today’s best MacBook Pro 14 deals

Is the latest MacBook Pro worth it?

Arguably, yes. Although it does depend on your use case. For most people, we usually recommend the MacBook Air for basic tasks like browsing, streaming, and light editing work, for example. The MacBook Pro is arguably overkill if you’re just looking to cover the basics with a lightweight and stylish machine.

If you’re a ‘power user’, however, which I would define as either a professional or an enthusiast, then the MacBook Pro is a fantastic choice. The Pro model features a better display, more ports, and overall much better performance. Even though some models share the same chipset, the Pro model’s cooling fans allow it to properly tackle heavy workloads without any slowdowns.

If you’re interested in reading more about the latest Pro model, then I’d recommend checking out our full MacBook Pro 14 (M5) review, which assesses the machine in much more detail.

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The latest MacBook Pro 14 is a stunning laptop that’s perfect for both casual and professional use. The only issue? It usually comes with a hefty outlay versus the cheaper Air and Neo models. Right now, however, several retailers have the latest model listed for record-low prices on various configurations,…