You can pick between the 14-inch, 16-inch and 13-inch versions depending on which screen size you want (though we did call the 14-inch the 'King of laptops' in our MacBook Pro 14-inch (M2 2023) review), and you can upgrade to the Max chip if you need supercharged power.

The M2 MacBook Pro is the best option for Mac-compatible CAD (remember, the Mac version of AutoCAD is not quite the same as the Windows iteration, though the 2024 version is very close it still lacks some features that might be key for you – see more at the bottom of the page). If you're looking for a laptop for other uses, check out our guide to the best laptop for graphic design and the best laptop for animation. If you need AutoCAD, you can buy it from the Autodesk website. Not sure what you're looking for? Scroll to the bottom of the guide for tips on how to choose the best laptop for AutoCAD and CAD. Our reviewers have put them through their paces, considering the all-important display, power, portability and speed whilst assessing whether their specs for the demands of CAD software (see our how we test laptops guide for more). (Note: only the AutoCAD 2024 version works natively on Apple silicon, and it still has some missing features that could be key for your workflow – see the FAQs at the bottom for more). Plus, not all software is Mac-compatible so you'll need to check you have a Mac version before buying an Apple device. With some software needing more power than others, it's worth doing the research before you buy. We've spent hours with every laptop on this list, using our knowledge of exactly how creatives need to use laptops for CAD to inform which ones are capable of handling the varied load of this kind of work. Architects, engineers or students need to pick with care to avoid choosing a device that is incompatible with their specific workflow. Choosing the best laptop for CAD is a crucial step if you're using computer-based design software for your project.

Rhino for mac renderer