For a MacBook Pro for software development, I’d choose the 16-inch M5 Pro with 64GB RAM as the best overall option for demanding builds, containers, and multitasking. The 14-inch M5 with 24GB RAM is a more portable value-focused choice, while the 2026 16.2-inch M5 Pro balances a large workspace with a newer platform. The main tradeoff is between memory and sustained performance for heavy workloads, portability for daily travel, and the lower upfront commitment of older renewed models. The 2019 Intel and 13-inch 8GB options are better suited to narrow or legacy needs than to most new development setups. Read on for the full breakdown and guidance on which configuration fits your work.
Complete the kit
Key Takeaways
- The 16-inch M5 Pro with 64GB RAM leads for demanding work: its memory headroom makes it the clearest fit for large projects, multiple containers, and several development tools running together.
- Memory separates the strongest everyday options: the 14-inch M5 with 24GB RAM offers more room for multitasking than the 16GB M5 configuration, even though both use the M5 family.
- The 2026 16.2-inch M5 Pro is the balanced large-screen pick: its 24GB RAM and 1TB SSD suit developers who want a spacious display and current Pro-class hardware without the 64GB configuration.
- Renewed Intel models involve real compromises: the 2019 16-inch has 32GB RAM and 1TB storage, but its older Intel platform makes it a specialized option rather than the default for new development work.
- The renewed 13-inch model is the narrowest fit: 8GB RAM and 256GB storage limit room for modern toolchains, local services, and project files, so its appeal is mainly basic or legacy workloads.
| Apple 16-Inch MacBook Pro (Late 2019) with 2.3GHz Intel Core i9, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD – Space Gray (Renewed) |  | Best for Intel-Based Development | Model year: Late 2019 | Processor: 2.3GHz Intel Core i9 | Memory: 32GB RAM | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple 2025 MacBook Pro 14-inch with M5 Chip (10-Core CPU/GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Space Black) |  | Best Compact M5 Entry | Model: MacBook Pro 14-inch (2025) | Processor: Apple M5 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU | Memory: 16GB unified memory | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro chip, 64GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Space Black |  | Best for Memory-Heavy Workloads | Processor: M5 Pro, 18-core CPU | GPU: 20-core GPU | Memory: 64GB | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple 2026 MacBook Pro Laptop with M5 Pro Chip, 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Space Black |  | Best Overall for Professional Development | Processor: Apple M5 Pro chip with 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU | Display: 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR | Memory: 24GB unified memory | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple 2025 MacBook Pro Laptop with M5 Chip (14.2-inch, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Silver) |  | Best Compact Upgrade for Multitasking | Model: MacBook Pro 14-inch (2025) | Processor: Apple M5 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU | Memory: 24GB unified memory | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (Renewed, 8GB RAM, 256GB Storage) – Space Gray |  | Best Compact Pick for Lightweight Development | Processor: 8th-generation Intel Core i5, quad-core | Display: 13-inch Retina with True Tone | Memory: 8GB RAM | VIEW ON AMAZON | See Our Full Breakdown |
| macbook pro for software development | Processor | Memory | Storage | Display |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apple 16-Inch MacBook Pro | 2.3GHz Intel Core i9 | 32GB RAM | 1TB SSD | 16 inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Apple 2025 MacBook Pro 14-inch | Apple M5 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU | 16GB unified memory | 1TB SSD | 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, up to 1600 nits peak brightness |
| Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro with | M5 Pro, 18-core CPU | 64GB | 1TB SSD | 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR |
| Apple 2026 MacBook Pro Laptop | Apple M5 Pro chip with 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU | 24GB unified memory | 1TB SSD | 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR |
| Apple 2025 MacBook Pro Laptop | Apple M5 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU | 24GB unified memory | 1TB SSD | 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, up to 1600 nits peak brightness |
| Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch | 8th-generation Intel Core i5, quad-core | 8GB RAM | 256GB SSD | 13-inch Retina with True Tone |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Apple 16-Inch MacBook Pro (Late 2019) with 2.3GHz Intel Core i9, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD – Space Gray (Renewed)
The Late 2019 16-inch MacBook Pro suits developers who need an Intel Mac for legacy tools, virtual machines, or testing software against older macOS environments. Its 32GB of RAM and 1TB SSD give a multi-project setup more breathing room than the 16GB M5 MacBook Pro, while the Core i9 can handle demanding builds. That older Intel platform is also the main compromise: compared with the newer M5 models, it is a less compelling choice for battery-conscious work and long-term performance headroom. The listing describes a renewed unit, so condition can differ from a new machine, and its stated 1920 x 1080 display resolution is modest for a 16-inch development workspace. At four pounds, it is also the least convenient choice here to carry daily.
Pros:- 32GB RAM supports larger projects and heavier multitasking than the 16GB M5 configuration.
- 1TB SSD provides space for source trees, development tools, and local project files.
- Intel Core i9 can suit workflows that depend on Intel-compatible software or environments.
- Renewed and inspected under the Amazon Renewed program, according to the listing.
Cons:- Older Intel architecture is less attractive than the M5 models for a new, long-term development purchase.
- The listed 1920 x 1080 resolution offers less workspace detail than the newer Liquid Retina XDR displays.
- At four pounds, it is heavier than the 14-inch alternatives and less convenient for daily commuting.
Best for: Developers who specifically need Intel compatibility for legacy apps, x86 virtual machines, or testing older Mac software and want 32GB of memory.
Not ideal for: Developers prioritizing portability, a high-resolution screen, or a newer Apple silicon platform for sustained builds and battery-friendly coding.
- Model year:Late 2019
- Processor:2.3GHz Intel Core i9
- Memory:32GB RAM
- Storage:1TB SSD
- Display:16 inches, 1920 x 1080 pixels
- Graphics:Intel UHD Graphics 630
- Weight:4 pounds
- Operating system:macOS
Our verdict“Choose this renewed model if Intel compatibility and 32GB of RAM matter more than a newer platform, a sharper display, or easy portability.”
Apple 2025 MacBook Pro 14-inch with M5 Chip (10-Core CPU/GPU, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Space Black)
This 14-inch M5 MacBook Pro is the most compact current-generation option in this group, with a strong display, broad port selection, and a 1TB SSD for development tools and project files. The 10-core M5 chip is a more current foundation than the Core i9 in the renewed 2019 model, while its smaller body is easier to carry than either 16-inch M5 Pro machine. The main limit is its 16GB of unified memory: it can suit web development and moderate coding workloads, but large builds, containers, and multiple virtual environments can put that capacity under more pressure than the 24GB silver M5 or 64GB M5 Pro. I’d choose it for portability and everyday coding, not for memory-heavy professional workloads.
Pros:- Compact 14.2-inch design is easier to carry than the 16-inch M5 Pro models.
- M5 chip provides a newer platform than the Intel Core i9 in the renewed 2019 MacBook Pro.
- 1TB SSD accommodates development software and local project files.
- Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC, and MagSafe 3 provide useful connection options without relying solely on adapters.
Cons:- 16GB unified memory gives less headroom than the 24GB M5 and 64GB M5 Pro configurations.
- The 14-inch display provides less room for code, documentation, and side-by-side windows than the 16-inch models.
- Not the strongest fit for sustained, memory-heavy builds or multiple virtual environments.
Best for: Developers who travel regularly, work mainly on web or app projects, and prefer a compact laptop with current-generation Apple silicon.
Not ideal for: Developers who routinely run several containers or virtual machines, or keep large projects and memory-intensive tools open together.
- Model:MacBook Pro 14-inch (2025)
- Processor:Apple M5 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU
- Memory:16GB unified memory
- Storage:1TB SSD
- Display:14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, up to 1600 nits peak brightness
- Ports:3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3, headphone jack
- Camera:12MP Center Stage
- Audio:Six speakers with Spatial Audio and three studio-quality microphones
Our verdict“Pick this model for portable everyday development if 16GB of memory fits your workload better than the extra headroom in the 24GB M5 version.”
Apple 16-inch MacBook Pro with M5 Pro chip, 64GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Space Black
For developers whose daily bottleneck is memory, this 16-inch M5 Pro MacBook Pro is the most capable configuration in the group: its 64GB of RAM gives large codebases, containers, and several demanding tools room to coexist. Compared with the 24GB M5 Pro model, it offers much more memory headroom, and its 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU are specified for demanding professional work. That capacity makes less difference to a developer whose projects fit comfortably in 24GB, so the 2026 16-inch M5 Pro may be the more balanced fit for that buyer. This configuration also shares the 16-inch size tradeoff: it takes up more space and is less convenient to carry than either 14-inch M5 option. Its 1TB SSD may still call for external storage on large local datasets.
Pros:- 64GB memory offers the greatest headroom in this roundup for concurrent, memory-intensive tasks.
- 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU are specified for demanding professional workloads.
- 16-inch Liquid Retina XDR display provides more working area than the 14-inch M5 models.
- 1TB SSD supplies substantial built-in space for tools and active project files.
Cons:- The 16-inch form factor is less portable than the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pros.
- The 64GB configuration may be unnecessary for developers whose projects fit within 24GB.
- The listed 1TB SSD may limit developers who keep extensive datasets or many large project archives locally.
Best for: Developers running several virtual machines or containers, working with large codebases, or keeping memory-intensive development and creative tools active together.
Not ideal for: Mobile developers with moderate workloads, or buyers who do not need more than 24GB of memory and would prefer a smaller laptop.
- Processor:M5 Pro, 18-core CPU
- GPU:20-core GPU
- Memory:64GB
- Storage:1TB SSD
- Display:16-inch Liquid Retina XDR
- Color:Space Black
Our verdict“Choose this configuration when 64GB of memory solves a real workload need; otherwise, the 24GB 16-inch M5 Pro is the more restrained choice.”
Apple 2026 MacBook Pro Laptop with M5 Pro Chip, 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR Display, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Space Black
This 16-inch M5 Pro is my best overall pick for professional development because it combines an 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU with 24GB of memory, a 1TB SSD, and a large XDR display. That balance gives developers more room for code, documentation, and debugging tools than the 14-inch M5 models, without requiring the 64GB configuration of the other 16-inch M5 Pro. Compared with that 64GB model, this one is a more measured fit for typical professional workloads; developers handling unusually large virtual-machine setups may still benefit from the extra memory. The listing also specifies Thunderbolt 5, HDMI, SDXC, and MagSafe 3, giving a desk setup flexible connections. The tradeoff is its large chassis, and the listing does not give a specific battery runtime.
Pros:- M5 Pro with an 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU is suited to demanding development and creative workloads.
- 24GB unified memory offers more headroom than the 16GB 14-inch M5 model.
- 16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display provides more workspace than the 14-inch options.
- Thunderbolt 5, HDMI, SDXC, and MagSafe 3 support a flexible workstation setup.
Cons:- The large 16.2-inch chassis is less convenient to carry than the 14-inch M5 MacBook Pros.
- 24GB may fall short of the 64GB model for developers running unusually large concurrent workloads.
- The supplied product data does not specify battery runtime in hours.
Best for: Professional developers who want a large workspace, M5 Pro performance, and enough memory for demanding daily projects without a 64GB configuration.
Not ideal for: Developers who prioritize a light travel setup, need 64GB for multiple intensive virtual machines, or require a clearly stated battery runtime before buying.
- Processor:Apple M5 Pro chip with 18-core CPU and 20-core GPU
- Display:16.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR
- Memory:24GB unified memory
- Storage:1TB SSD
- Battery life:Described as all-day; specific duration not provided
- Connectivity:Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, Thunderbolt 5, HDMI, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3
- Camera:12MP Center Stage
- Speakers:Six speakers with Spatial Audio and Dolby Atmos
Our verdict“Choose this 16-inch M5 Pro for a powerful, well-balanced development workstation, unless you need 64GB of memory or a more portable machine.”
Apple 2025 MacBook Pro Laptop with M5 Chip (14.2-inch, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Silver)
This silver 14-inch M5 is the more flexible compact choice for development than the 16GB M5 model: both have the 10-core M5 chip and 1TB SSD, but this configuration raises memory to 24GB unified memory. That extra capacity can give a developer more room for an IDE, browser tabs, local services, and communication tools running together. It still cannot match the CPU and GPU configuration of either 16-inch M5 Pro, so I would not pick it for the heaviest build or graphics workloads. Its smaller display also gives less room for code and documentation side by side, but makes it a more mobile workstation than the 16-inch alternatives. This is the strongest fit here for developers who want a compact MacBook Pro without the 16GB model’s tighter memory ceiling.
Pros:- 24GB unified memory provides more multitasking headroom than the 16GB M5 configuration.
- 14.2-inch form factor is more portable than the two 16-inch M5 Pro options.
- 1TB SSD provides room for development tools and local projects.
- Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC, and MagSafe 3 support common desk and travel setups.
Cons:- M5 chip is a less powerful fit for demanding workloads than the M5 Pro configurations.
- The 14.2-inch screen offers less space for code and documentation than either 16-inch model.
- 24GB is below the 64GB available in the memory-focused 16-inch M5 Pro.
Best for: Developers who want a portable 14-inch MacBook Pro for multitasking across an IDE, browser, local services, and everyday development tools.
Not ideal for: Developers who run intensive builds, large virtual-machine setups, or GPU-heavy workloads and would benefit more from a 16-inch M5 Pro.
- Model:MacBook Pro 14-inch (2025)
- Processor:Apple M5 chip, 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU
- Memory:24GB unified memory
- Storage:1TB SSD
- Display:14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR, up to 1600 nits peak brightness
- Ports:3x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe 3, SDXC, HDMI, headphone jack
- Camera:12MP Center Stage
- Audio:Six speakers with Spatial Audio and three studio-quality microphones
Our verdict“Choose this 14-inch M5 when portability and 24GB of memory matter more than the larger screen and stronger M5 Pro configurations.”
Apple MacBook Pro 13-inch (Renewed, 8GB RAM, 256GB Storage) – Space Gray
This renewed 13-inch MacBook Pro is the roundup’s compact, lower-spec option for developers whose work stays light: basic coding, web projects, and remote development rather than large local builds. Its quad-core 8th-generation Intel Core i5 and SSD can handle everyday editor and browser use, while the Retina display with True Tone keeps text clear in a portable format. Compared with the newer 14-inch MacBook Pro with M5 and 16GB of RAM, this model has less memory, older processing hardware, and only 256GB of storage, so it offers less room for containers, simulators, and concurrent tools. The 8GB RAM ceiling is the main limitation for development workloads that grow beyond the basics. Renewed condition can also mean cosmetic wear; choose it for compactness and modest tasks, not long-term headroom.
Pros:- 13-inch Retina display with True Tone in a compact size
- Quad-core Intel Core i5 is suited to everyday coding and light multitasking
- 256GB SSD offers responsive app and file access
- Touch ID supports convenient sign-in
Cons:- 8GB RAM limits multitasking and demanding development tools
- 256GB storage leaves limited space for projects, simulators, and development environments
- Renewed condition may include cosmetic imperfections, and Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645 is not suited to demanding graphics workloads
Best for: Students or developers who prioritize a compact MacBook Pro for editing code, learning programming, and modest web projects, especially when heavier work runs remotely.
Not ideal for: Developers running virtual machines, multiple containers, large builds, or local iOS simulators; 8GB RAM and 256GB storage can constrain those workflows.
- Processor:8th-generation Intel Core i5, quad-core
- Display:13-inch Retina with True Tone
- Memory:8GB RAM
- Storage:256GB SSD
- Graphics:Intel Iris Plus Graphics 645
- Features:Touch Bar and Touch ID
- Condition:Renewed
- Color:Space Gray
Our verdict“Choose this renewed 13-inch model for portable, light coding and remote workflows, but pick a newer MacBook Pro with more memory for sustained local development.”
How We Picked
I ranked these MacBook Pro configurations around the demands that shape a development laptop: compile and multitasking headroom, memory capacity, storage space, screen size, portability, and platform age. For software work, RAM affects how comfortably an IDE, browser, local services, and containers can coexist; storage matters once source trees, simulators, dependencies, and build artifacts accumulate. I also treated the chip generation as a practical factor, since newer platforms are a better starting point for buyers planning to keep a machine through several years of tool updates.
The order favors configurations that suit a broad range of current development workloads, then gives specialized choices a place where their tradeoffs may make sense. That puts the 16-inch M5 Pro with 64GB first for its stronger memory ceiling, followed by the newer M5 options and the 24GB M5 Pro model according to their balance of portability, screen space, and headroom. The renewed Intel and 8GB models rank lower because age or limited memory narrows their usefulness, even where their listed storage or display size may appeal.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Macbook Pro For Software Development
MacBook Pro configurations can look similar while behaving very differently once a project grows. I’d choose around the tools and workload you expect to run together, not just the chip name or screen size. These factors help separate a machine that fits today from one that leaves room for your next development setup.
Match Memory to the Work You Run at Once
Think about the whole working session: IDE, browser tabs, local databases, emulators, and containers may all be active together. More memory provides breathing room when those tools compete, while a fast chip cannot fully compensate for a configuration that runs short on RAM. A common mistake is buying for a single editor window rather than the busiest realistic workday. If you mainly write lightweight code and use remote development environments, a moderate memory configuration may be enough. If you regularly run several services locally or work with large projects, prioritize memory before paying extra for features that do not change your workflow.
Choose Chip Class for Your Build Pattern
Not every developer benefits equally from a Pro-class chip. Frequent local builds, parallel tasks, and demanding creative or data workloads can make higher performance tiers more useful, while web development or remote builds may leave that extra capability idle. Look at repeated workload, not occasional peaks: a rare long compile is a weaker reason to pay for more chip than daily sustained work. Check that the software and dependencies you rely on support Apple silicon, especially if your workflow includes older tools or specialized hardware. For compatibility-sensitive work, verify the exact development stack before selecting a newer generation.
Treat Storage as Workspace, Not Just File Space
Source code itself may be small, but SDKs, simulator runtimes, package caches, virtual machines, and build outputs can consume storage quickly. A cramped internal drive adds friction through cleanup or reliance on external storage, which can be inconvenient when switching locations. Estimate your installed toolchain and leave room for project growth rather than filling the drive on day one. External SSDs can help with archives and less frequently used assets, but they are not a perfect substitute for convenient local workspace. Developers working with multiple platforms should give storage capacity more weight than someone using a compact, cloud-centered setup.
Decide Whether Screen Space or Mobility Wins
A larger display can make side-by-side code, documentation, and terminal windows easier to manage, reducing the need to constantly rearrange a workspace. The tradeoff is a laptop that takes up more room in a bag and feels less convenient for frequent travel. Choose around your normal desk routine: if you work mostly at one location, display area may matter more than compactness. If you move between offices or pair the laptop with an external monitor, a smaller model can be easier to carry without giving up a useful desktop setup. Avoid paying for a large screen solely because it sounds more capable; it does not replace memory or a suitable chip.
Be Careful with Renewed and Older Intel Models
A renewed MacBook Pro can make sense when a specific requirement matters more than having the newest platform, such as compatibility with an Intel-only tool or a limited secondary-machine role. Yet age affects more than performance: battery condition, remaining software support, parts availability, and the seller’s return and warranty terms all deserve attention. Check the exact configuration and condition policy rather than assuming that a renewed label guarantees a particular battery state. Older Intel hardware may also bring different thermal behavior and power use than newer Apple silicon systems. For a primary machine expected to serve through future tool updates, compare those risks with the appeal of a lower-cost used configuration before deciding.
Pay for Headroom Only When Your Workflow Uses It
Upgrading to more RAM or a higher chip tier is most valuable when it prevents slowdowns or keeps work local that would otherwise move to another machine or cloud service. For a beginner learning to code, building small projects, or relying on hosted development tools, a premium configuration may add little practical benefit. Prioritize the bottleneck you actually face: memory for crowded sessions, storage for large local environments, or chip performance for repeated builds. Also account for how long you intend to keep the laptop, since longer ownership can make extra headroom more worthwhile. Avoid treating the most powerful model as automatically best for every development path.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 16GB of memory enough for software development on a MacBook Pro?
It can be enough for lighter coding, browser-based tools, and projects where builds or services run remotely. The pinch point is usually running several demanding applications together, such as an IDE, containers, simulators, and many browser tabs. In this lineup, the 24GB M5 configuration gives more multitasking room than the 16GB M5 model. If you already know your work involves multiple local environments or large projects, selecting more memory at purchase can be preferable to managing limits later. Base the decision on your full toolchain, not only the editor.
Should I choose the 16-inch M5 Pro with 64GB RAM or the 2026 16.2-inch M5 Pro with 24GB?
Choose the 64GB configuration when your workload regularly keeps many tools, containers, or large datasets active at once. The 2026 model’s 24GB can be a sensible fit for developers who want a current M5 Pro platform and a large display but do not need as much memory headroom. This is a memory-versus-configuration-fit decision, not simply a choice between screen sizes. Consider whether your projects are likely to grow or whether you can move demanding work to remote machines. If local multitasking is central to your job, the larger memory allowance is the more meaningful difference.
Does a software developer need a 1TB SSD?
Not every developer needs 1TB, but local toolchains can occupy more space than source code suggests. Simulators, SDKs, virtual machines, dependencies, and build caches can steadily reduce available capacity. A smaller drive may still suit a focused workflow with external storage or remote environments, but it requires more active file management. For work across several platforms or with large assets, additional internal space can make day-to-day setup simpler. Check the footprint of your current tools before choosing a capacity.
Is the renewed 2019 Intel MacBook Pro a good choice for a development machine?
It can fit a buyer who specifically needs Intel compatibility or wants a separate machine for a constrained task. Its 32GB RAM and 1TB SSD are more generous than the renewed 13-inch option, but the older Intel platform makes it a less straightforward choice for a new primary laptop. Before buying, check required software support, battery and condition details, and the seller’s warranty and return terms. Also compare the value of those specifications with the longer-term platform fit of the M5 models. For general new development, I would favor a newer Apple silicon option unless Intel is a clear requirement.
Which MacBook Pro in this lineup makes the most sense for a beginner?
For a beginner working on typical coursework, small applications, or web projects, the 14-inch M5 with 24GB RAM is a strong balance of portability and room to grow. The 16GB M5 option may suit lighter tasks, but the extra memory in the 24GB model offers more comfort as tools and project complexity increase. Beginners do not need to buy the highest tier just to learn, especially if builds are small or run in the cloud. I would avoid the renewed 8GB model as a long-term development purchase because limited memory can narrow its usefulness as workflows expand. Choose the larger 16-inch system only if screen space is a priority or your workload already calls for it.
Conclusion
For the best overall fit, I’d pick the 16-inch M5 Pro with 64GB RAM: it offers the most headroom here for demanding local development and heavy multitasking. The best value for many developers is the 14-inch M5 with 24GB RAM, while the 2026 16.2-inch M5 Pro is my best premium large-screen balance for buyers who want current Pro-class hardware without the 64GB configuration. Beginners should start with the 24GB 14-inch M5 rather than paying for power they may not use. For Intel-specific compatibility, the renewed 2019 model is the more relevant specialist; I’d reserve the renewed 13-inch 8GB model for basic or legacy tasks. Pick based on the workload you run locally, the memory it needs, and whether portability or screen space shapes your day.
