If you can’t decide between the 24-inch iMac and the 13-inch MacBook Pro, you’re not alone. Both computers run on Apple’s M1 processor and both cost about $1,299. The choice comes down to features and form factors. Do you want a big screen that’s comfortable to use for hours on end and easy to share with the whole family? Or do you want a laptop that you can move around the house, airport, or coffee shop without a hitch?
We’ll highlight exactly what sets the 24-inch iMac apart from the 13 MacBook Pro so you can make your decision.
Buy the MacBook Pro 13 for $1,299 on Amazon
Buy the 24-inch iMac for $1,299 on Amazon
Performance and speed
Since the MacBook Pro 13 and the iMac share the same M1 processor, their performance is virtually identical. Compared to most laptops running on mid-range AMD and Intel processors, the Macs have better performance and battery life than the competition. If you need a Mac for intensive productivity and lightweight 3D applications, such as Adobe Creative Cloud software, you should have no problem with either Mac desktop.
There is one caveat, however. The base 24-inch iMac has fewer graphics processing cores than the MacBook Pro 13 (seven cores instead of eight). In real-world applications, that missing core doesn’t make much of a difference - you get an average of three fewer frames per second in World of WarCraft at average settings, for example - but it could affect your workflow if you use your computer a lot for graphics-intensive applications. Conversely, you can always upgrade the MacBook Pro 13 to the MacBook Pro 14 or MacBook Pro 16 if you need more power, as both the 14- and 16-inch models offer the M1 Pro and M1 Max processors.
Portability and sharing
Unsurprisingly, the biggest differences between the iMac and MacBook Pro come from their form factors. The iMac is an all-in-one desktop computer: It still needs to be connected to a power outlet, but in return you get a 24-inch display and powerful speakers. If you want a PC, you can share with the family, the larger screen and plugged-in slot make more sense.
As for the MacBook Pro 13, it’s a laptop with a 13-inch display. There’s nothing to stop you from sharing the MacBook Pro with others, but you might misplace the laptop or take it out of the house with you when the other person needs it. That’s also the advantage of a laptop: you’re not tied to a desk, which means you can work from your favorite coffee shop or your bed if necessary.
The MacBook Pro 13 is particularly well-suited to portability, as it’s thin, light, and has a 13-hour battery life. Even if you need to use Adobe Premiere all day, you’ll be able to use the laptop for a full day before needing to recharge it. This is one of the longest lasting laptops on the market today.
Ports and features
Even though the iMac and MacBook Pro are intended for original uses, their feature sets are similar. The base model of the iMac and MacBook Pro only has two Thunderbolt 3 ports and a headphone jack. For wireless connectivity, they support Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6. Since they use the same processor, they also share the same display support. Each computer can run a 6K resolution display at 60 Hz and a 4K display at 60 Hz simultaneously. From there, things diverge a bit, starting with port selection.
However, if you don’t mind spending a little more money on an upgraded model, the $1,499 iMac adds two Thunderbolt 3 ports and an Ethernet port. You won’t miss your MacBook’s keyboard and mouse, either: the iMac comes with the Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad. The upgraded Magic Keyboard has TouchID, while the Magic Mouse and Trackpad have the same swipe functions as the MacBook track pads. The only feature you won’t find on an iMac is the Touch Bar, which remains exclusive to the MacBook Pro 13.
The webcam is one feature that the iMac improves on the slightly older MacBook Pro 13.
The MacBook Pro 13 has the same old 720p webcam as the last generation MacBook Pro 13.
The iMac has an improved 1080p webcam and better artificial intelligence than ever before, resulting in crisp, vivid video on your calls. Both the iMac and MacBook Pro 13 have Retina displays, but the iMac’s are brighter and larger, making it the better choice for still content creators.
Price
Both the 24-inch iMac and the MacBook Pro 13 retail for $1,299, but you’ll have an easier time finding a discount on the MacBook. We’ve seen it go as low as $1,099. We haven’t seen discounts that deep on the iMac yet, but the upside is that the iMac comes with many more color options than the MacBook Pro 13 (both the MacBook and iMac come with the same hardware options).
And the winner is...
It’s impossible to declare a winner here.
The MacBook Pro 13 and the 24-inch iMac are identical in performance, and they offer all the features you’d expect from them.
The MacBook Pro 13 is a perfect travel companion, as it’s thin, light, and its battery lasts practically forever.
The iMac is a great desktop PC: its larger screen, powerful speakers and comfortable mouse and keyboard make it a pleasure to use at home. Plus, they’re both priced the same.
The choice comes down to whether you want a laptop or a desktop. If you need a PC that you can carry around, prefer smaller screens for working, or hate desktops, then the MacBook Pro 13 is perfect for you. If you plan to share your PC, want a big screen for playing videos and images, or like to work from your desk, then the iMac will offer a better experience.
Buy the MacBook Pro 13 for $1,299 on Amazon
Buy the 24-inch iMac for $1,299 on Amazon
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