Traveling is becoming more popular than ever, and many people are working remotely, whether they’re in Thailand, Europe, or simply another state. If you’re like me and need a laptop that can handle heavy workloads like video editing while on the go, the MacBook M1 Pro 16-Inch might be the perfect option. After backpacking through Europe for 30 days with this laptop, I’ve tested it in all sorts of environments — from tight plane seats to cramped trains. So, is the 16-inch MacBook M1 Pro the best travel laptop for 2024? Let’s dive in.
Portability: Is 16 Inches Too Big?
When you think of a travel laptop, you probably want something portable — perhaps a 14-inch or even a MacBook Air comes to mind. But here’s the deal: I was traveling to edit videos every single day, sometimes for hours. With that workload, I needed the extra power of the 16-inch model, and it didn’t disappoint. Surprisingly, the size wasn’t an issue. I expected the 16-inch to be bulky, but it’s actually only slightly larger than the 15-inch MacBook Pro I was used to.
Despite the larger screen, it fit easily in my backpack and was portable enough to use in tight spaces. Whether I was on a train, in bed at a hostel, or even in a coach seat on a plane, I had no problem using it comfortably. The bigger screen was a game-changer for video editing, giving me the real estate I needed to be productive.
Power and Performance on the Go
The 16-inch MacBook M1 Pro is an absolute beast when it comes to performance. For someone who’s editing videos while traveling, this is a huge advantage. The built-in SD card slot made it easy to transfer footage, and the USB-C ports helped me quickly transfer audio from my DJI mic setup. The whole editing experience was smooth and seamless, and the laptop never once struggled to keep up.
Even more impressive were the speakers. For a travel laptop, you usually don’t expect great sound, but the MacBook’s speakers blew me away. It felt like I was watching a movie with a high-quality sound system — not something you’d normally experience on a laptop, especially when traveling.
Does It Attract Too Much Attention?
One concern I had before traveling with this laptop was safety. The MacBook Pro is an expensive piece of tech, and I didn’t want to become a target for theft while exploring unfamiliar places. My solution was simple but effective: I used a wood-themed case that covered the Apple logo. With the case on, the laptop looked like any other device, and I felt much more comfortable carrying it around.
If you’re worried about safety while traveling, I highly recommend getting a case that conceals the laptop’s high-end appearance. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in how secure you feel carrying such a pricey item.
Does the Weight Matter?
Let’s talk about weight. At 4.7 pounds, the 16-inch MacBook M1 Pro is heavier than some alternatives like the MacBook Air. But here’s the thing: I used it every single day, so the weight was never an issue. In fact, the weight was worth it because of how much I used the laptop for work. I carried lighter items on my trip that I barely used, and those were the things I regretted packing — not the MacBook.
Whether I was hiking or walking through city streets, I never once thought the MacBook was too heavy. It’s all about how much you’re going to use it, and for me, it was more than worth the extra weight for the power and screen size.
Is There a Better Option?
Could another laptop have been a better choice? Maybe a smaller model or a newer MacBook M3? For the type of work I was doing — video editing with a need for performance and screen real estate — the answer is no. The 16-inch MacBook M1 Pro was perfect. The larger screen, powerful performance, incredible speakers, and solid build quality made it the ideal travel companion. For only a couple hundred dollars more than the 14-inch model, the 16-inch version provided more than twice the value for me.
Conclusion: The Best Travel Laptop for 2024?
For anyone who needs a laptop capable of handling demanding tasks like video editing while traveling, the MacBook M1 Pro 16-Inch is, without a doubt, the best option. The size, weight, and power make it perfect for creative professionals on the go, and I’d choose it over any smaller or less powerful laptop every time.
If you’re interested in checking out the MacBook M1 Pro 16-Inch, here’s the link to the version I use. If you prefer a different color, you might also want to look at the Space Gray version, which may even be cheaper depending on demand.
Note: The links provided are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Happy travels!
The TechWanderer 