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Apple announced the iPhone 16 with the usual fanfare during a live event in Cupertino last September. But the latest MacBooks arrived with little more than press releases. The headline feature for both Apple laptops is the M4 chip which, you may remember, first arrived in the iPad Pro M4 last May, months before going in the MacBook Pro. Now that the MacBook Air (as well as the Mac mini and iMac) are equipped with variants of the M4 chip, the transition is complete.
But you may find yourself wondering what the difference is between Apple’s MacBook Air and MacBook Pro and which configurations make the most sense. We’ve reviewed every MacBook, new and old, and have distilled our experience into this guide to help you find the best MacBook for your MacOS computing needs.
Factors to consider when buying a MacBook
Compared to PCs, Apple computers tend to have more streamlined specifications. The company has long been known for this simplicity, and the M-series “system-on-a-chip” condenses things even further. It started with the M1 chip, followed by the M2 and M3 generations — all of which have since been phased out in Apple’s laptop lineup. Currently, Apple only sells MacBooks equipped with M4-series chips. You’ll find the standard processor in the Air and the base-model Pro and the upgraded M4 Max and M4 Pro chips as options for the MacBook Pro. All M-series chips combine, among other technologies, the CPU, graphics card and unified memory (RAM). Apple’s Neural Engine is included too, which is a specialized group of processor cores that handles machine learning tasks such as image analysis and voice recognition.
While a unified chip means you have fewer decisions to make when picking a MacBook, there are still a few factors to consider, including specs like the number of CPU cores, amount of RAM, storage capacity, screen size, and, obviously, price. The finish color may be a minor consideration, but it’s worth pointing out that the Pro comes in just two colors (Silver or Space Black) but the Air comes in four hues (Midnight, Starlight, Sky Blue and Silver).
CPU cores
Currently the lowest-specced chip in a MacBook is the M4, which comes in all models of the MacBook Air and the base model, 14-inch MacBook Pro. That chip houses a 10-core CPU and either an 8- or 10-core GPU. The burliest chip, the M4 Max is built with either a 14- or 16-core CPU and a 32- or 40-core GPU. Cores are, in essence, smaller processing units that can handle different tasks simultaneously. Having more of them translates to the computer being able to run multiple programs and applications at once, while also smoothly processing demanding tasks like video editing and high-level gaming. In short, more cores allow for more advanced computing and better performance. But if your processing power needs fall below professional-level gaming and cinematic video and audio editing, getting the highest number of cores is likely overkill — and after all, more cores equals higher cost and more power usage.
RAM
Your options for RAM, or in Apple’s terminology, unified memory, varies, but with the switch to the M4 chip in all laptops, the lowest amount of RAM you can get is now 16GB. That’s a necessary spec-bump to accommodate the tech world’s favorite feature of the moment: AI or, in this case, Apple Intelligence (still AI, but Cupertino’s version). The M4 Pro chip has 24 or 48GB memory options, while the M4 Max chip supports 48, 64 or a whopping 128GB of RAM.
You’ve likely heard the analogy comparing memory to the amount of workspace available on a literal desktop surface, whereas storage is the amount of drawers you have to store projects to work on later. The larger the worktop surface, the more projects you can work on at once. The bigger the drawers, the more you can save for later.
In addition to supporting Apple Intelligence, more RAM is ideal for people who plan to work in multiple apps at once. And the more demanding each program is, the more RAM will be required. Extra memory can also come in handy if you’re the type who likes to have infinite numbers of tabs open on your browser. If your daily workflow doesn’t involve simultaneously using a vast number of memory-intensive programs, you can save yourself money and buy the RAM configuration that you’re most likely to actually use.
For a long time, Apple continued to offer MacBooks with just 8GB of RAM, and we recommended upgrading to at least 16GB of RAM. With this being the standard today, grabbing a base model should be fine for most non-pro-level users. One thing to note is that, unlike most PCs, the RAM in a MacBook is not user-upgradable since it’s tied into the system-on-a-chip. If you think you might end up needing more memory, you should go for the spec upgrade up front
Storage capacity (SSD)
Storage options range from 256GB of SSD for the base-model MacBook Air and 8TB of storage for the MacBook Pros with the M4 Max chip. If you want to rotate between a long roster of game titles or keep lots of high-res videos on hand, you’ll want more storage. If you’re mostly working with browser- and cloud-based applications, you can get away with a smaller-capacity configuration. That said, we recommend springing for 512GB of storage or more, if it’s within your budget. You’ll quickly feel the limits of a 256GB machine as it ages since the operating system alone takes up a good portion of that space. Having 1TB will feel even roomier and allow for more data storage over the life of your laptop.
When Apple announced the iPhone 15, the company also announced new iCloud+ storage storage plans, with subscriptions that allow up to 12TB of storage. You could also transfer files to an external storage device. But if you don’t want to pay for a monthly subscription and prefer the convenience of having immediate access to your files, it’s best to get the highest amount of storage space your budget allows for at the outset.
Screen size
The MacBook Air comes in 13- or 15-inch sizes. Pro models have either 14- or 16-inch screens. A two-inch delta may not seem like much but, as Engadget’s Nathan Ingraham noted when he reviewed the then-new 15-inch M2-powered MacBook Air, a larger screen “makes a surprising difference.” That’s especially true if you plan to use your laptop as an all-day productivity machine and won’t be using an external monitor. More space means you can more clearly view side-by-side windows and have a more immersive experience when watching shows or gaming.
But screen size is one of the main factors influencing weight. The 13-inch MacBook Air M4 weighs 2.7 pounds, whereas the top-end 16-inch MacBook Pro with the Max chip weighs 4.7 pounds. If you plan to travel a lot or swap your work locations regularly, a smaller screen will make life easier in the long run.
All MacBooks feature IPS LCD panels (in-plane switching, liquid crystal display), which Apple markets as Retina displays. The MacBook Air M4 has a Liquid Retina display and the Pro models have Liquid Retina XDR displays. “Liquid” refers to the way the lighted portion of the display “flows” within the contours of the screen, filling the rounded corners and curving around the camera notch. “XDR” is what Apple calls HDR (high dynamic range).
You also get the option of a standard or nano-texture display on the MacBook Pro. The glass, which reduces glare and is also available on the Studio Display, iMac and iPad Pro, comes with a $150 price increase, but if you really don’t like reflections on your screen, it could be worth it.
Compared to most other laptops, MacBook displays are notably bright, sharp and lush. But one feature worth pointing out is another Apple marketing term: ProMotion. It’s the company’s term to describe a screen with a higher, 120Hz refresh rate, which results in smoother scrolling and more fluid-looking graphics. Only MacBook Pros offer ProMotion; the Air maxes out at 60Hz, which is perfectly fine for everyday browsing and typical workdays. But if you want buttery-smooth motion from your display, you’ll have to shell out more money for an upgrade.
Price
When Apple announced the MacBook Air M4, it also delivered a bit of refreshing news: The latest model would start $100 cheaper than the previous generation. So now, the least expensive MacBook is the 13-inch, M4-powered Air with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $999. Alternatively, you can spend up to $7,349 for the 16-inch MacBook Pro M4 Max with the nano-texture glass, 128GB of RAM and 8TB of storage. Chip type, screen size, memory and storage capacity all influence the final price, which is why guides like this can help you determine just what you need (and what you don’t) so you can get the most cost-effective machine for you.
We recommend the MacBook Air M4 for most people, the MacBook Air M3 for students and those on a budget, and the 14- or 16-inch MacBook Pros for professionals. If you have extra money to spare once you’ve picked your machine, we recommend upgrading to at least 512GB of storage to make your machine as future-proof as possible.
Best MacBooks
Devindra Hardawar for Engadget
Screen size: 13” | Processor: M4 chip, 10-core CPU, 10-core or 8-coreGPU, 16-core Neural Engine | Storage capacity (SSD): 256GB | Memory: 16GB | Battery life: Up to 18 hours | Ports: MagSafe 3 charging, 3.5 mm jack, 2 x Thunderbolt 4/USB4 | Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Read our full Apple MacBook Air (M4, 2025) review
Since we first put this guide together, a MacBook Air has consistently held the top spot as our recommendation for most people. The most recent model, the 2025 MacBook Air with the M4 chip, was in no way a surprising upgrade — but it did arrive with a welcome $100 price cut from the prior model. There hasn’t been a major design shakeup since the M2 version, but Engadget’s Devindra Hardawar still called the latest MacBook Air “a nearly flawless ultraportable” in his review.
It’s got everything most users could want: A bright screen, long battery life, one of the best trackpads around and a zippy processor that’s “eager to get to work.” All this is housed in a remarkably thin and lightweight unibody aluminum case that’s a joy to hold. While Devindra didn’t notice a huge difference in performance from the upgraded chip, the M4 chip did perform around 20 percent faster than the M3 in CPU benchmark tests, while the GPU gained a more modest increase in performance.
The screen is roomy, even on the 13-inch model, and supports the P3 wide color gamut (an upgraded organizational system for displaying color that produces more accurate and vibrant tones). It can reach up to 500 nits of brightness so you should be able to clearly see your screen even while outside on a sunny day. If you’re planning on using the laptop with additional displays at your desk, you now have more screen space. The M4 MacBook Air supports two external displays with the computer’s lid open, whereas the M3 MacBook Air only supported two displays with the lid closed. There’s also an upgraded 12MP camera as well, so your video calls should look better. We tested over 18 hours of battery life on both the 13- and 15- inch models. That should get you through a full day of work and then some.
One of our few complaints about the MacBook Air is the lower, 60Hz refresh rate. To get up to 120Hz refresh rate (like many ultraportable PCs ship with) you’ll need to upgrade to a Pro model. We’d also like to see an additional port on the right side. Instead, you get two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C connectors and a MagSafe power port on the left, and just a 3.5mm jack on the right. An additional port on the starboard side would give you more options for charging and using accessories.
As for which configuration to get, we think most people would be happy with the base model 13-inch MacBook Air with 256GB of storage and 8-core GPU. But if you want to play more games or do media work, you may want to opt for the 15-inch model with 512GB of storage and a 10-core GPU. That configuration starts at $1,399. One thing we don’t recommend is going too big on the RAM. If you think you’ll need 32GB of memory, you should probably go for a MacBook Pro.
- Lightweight but sturdy design
- Fast performance from the M4 chip
- Bright and clear screen
- Great battery life
- Still limited to a 60Hz refresh rate
- No USB-C on the right side
Devindra Hardawar for Engadget
Screen size: 13” | Processor: M3 chip, 8-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine | Storage capacity (SSD): 256GB | Memory: 8GB | Battery life: Up to 18 hours | Ports: MagSafe 3 charging, 3.5 mm jack, 2 x Thunderbolt/USB4 | Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
With the arrival of the M4 MacBook Air, Apple’s M3 MacBook Air is no longer part of the official laptop lineup. That’s a departure from what the company has done in the past, which is to keep the previous model as an unofficial budget option. But it looks as though Apple is going all-in on the M4 chip for its desktop and laptop computers, likely as a way to fully support Apple Intelligence on its more powerful machines.
While you can’t get the M3 MacBook Air directly from Apple, plenty of third-party retailers like Amazon and B&H Photo have the older machine, and often at a significant discount. Which is why we recommend this model for students or anyone looking for a great ultraportable on a budget.
Like the current M4 MacBook air, the M3-enabled MacBook Air wasn’t a huge change from its predecessor — and that’s a good thing. In Devindra’s March 2024 review of the M3 model, he confirmed that it built on everything the M2 got right: a great screen and full sound in a thin and lightweight aluminum unibody that feels premium.
The M3 chip makes the performance impressive and, as expected, measured higher in our benchmark testing. The model added support for Wi-Fi 6E and it can handle two external displays with the laptop lid closed. You’ll connect the extra screen via one of the two USB-C Thunderbolt/USB4 ports. (Only the Pro models have an HDMI port.)
Apple claims the same 18-hour battery life for the older model as the it does on the latest Air, and our tests confirm you’ll get significantly more than a single workday before you need to grab your charger. In Devindra’s tests, the machine dropped to 40 percent after ten straight hours playing fullscreen 4K video at full brightness.
Apple released both the M3-powered 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Air simultaneously. We think the 13-inch model has the best combination of portability and performance. It weighs just 2.7 pounds and easily slips into a bag to take on the road. However, the 15-inch version may be worth it for those who constantly have dozens of windows open at once or dabble in media editing — though editing pros should probably opt for a MacBook Pro. The 15-inch model is also ideal for anyone dealing with visual impairment and would like an easier-to-read screen.
As for the screen itself, the 13-inch option has a Liquid Retina display with 2,560 x 1,664 resolution at 224 pixels per inch. That’s exactly the same as the M2 Air — but again, Apple didn’t mess with a good thing, sticking with a great-looking display that’s bright enough to use outside in sunlight. It doesn’t have ProMotion, which means the refresh rate is limited to 60Hz. If you need that silky-smooth scrolling, you’ll have to bump up to a MacBook Pro.
To get the most out of the M3 chip, we recommend upgrading to 16GB of RAM. The new MacBook Air M4 starts out at 16GB of memory, but the older M3 model will let you go with just 8GB. That’s not quite enough for more intense productivity and really doesn’t work well for playing games. With the spec bump to 16GB, Devindra was able to play both Lies of P in 1080p+ and the director’s cut of Death Stranding with smooth graphics at good resolutions — though he did note that you can’t crank up the graphics settings too high.
The speakers are best-in-class and the webcam is great for video conferencing — particularly with Apple’s background blurring and brightness adjustments. Finally, the responsive keyboard and smooth trackpad are the ideal interface for what adds up to be not just a great budget computer, but a great laptop in itself.
- Lightweight yet sturdy design
- Fast performance from the M3 chip
- Excellent speakers, keyboard and trackpac
- Bright and clear screen
- No USB-C on the right side
- Limited to 60Hz refresh rate
Photo by Devindra Hardawar / Engadget
Processor: M4 chip | Storage capacity (SSD): Up to 8TB | Memory: Up to 128GB | Battery life: Up to 24 hours | Ports: HDMI, 3.5mm headphone jack, MagSafe 3, 3x Thunderbolt 5, SDXC card slo | Connectivity: Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Read our 14-inch and 16-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M4, 2024) review
Apple’s latest 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pros may not look any different, but under the hood they’re entirely new beasts thanks to Apple’s M4 chips. The $1,599 14-inch model is a far better deal than before too, since it now includes 16GB of RAM standard and it has three USB-C connections instead of just two. While the M4 chip is a decent step up from the M3, the M4 Pro wowed us with Geekbench and Cinebench scores that we’ve never seen before. The Pro model’s multithreaded performance is practically the same as two competing Windows laptops put together! (We didn’t test the M4 Max, but it’s most likely another stunner.)
Beyond the new chips, the MacBook Pros sport slightly brighter screens for SDR content (helpful for working in sunlight), as well as a big webcam upgrade to 12MP, instead of just 1080p. So, for the first time, the MacBook Pros can use Apple’s Center Stage to keep you in frame during video chats, as well as Desk View.
These MacBook Pros also deliver the same excellent keyboard and super smooth trackpad that we’ve loved over the last few years. They also have all the ports you need, including three USB-C, HDMI, 3.5mm jack and an SD card reader. The M4 Pro and M4 Max chips also bring along Thunderbolt 5 for faster connections to external accessories. As for battery life, both systems lasted over 30 hours in our video rundown test, and they could easily run for multiple workdays without a recharge. — Devindra Hardawar, Senior Reporter
- Fast M4 chips
- Brighter display
- Sharp 12MP Center Stage webcam
- Thunderbolt 5 with M4 Pro/Max
- Long battery life
MacBook FAQs
What’s the difference between MacBook Air and Pro?
Both the MacBook Air and Pro models come with the M4 chip. MacBook Pro models have the option of more powerful M4 Pro or M4 Max chips. The Pro has a higher resolution screen with a higher peak brightness that supports up to 120Hz adaptive refresh rates and XDR (extreme dynamic range). The battery life on most Pro models is longer than on the Air models as well. Pro models also have more ports and more speakers. In short, the MacBook Air is aimed at everyday users looking for good productivity and entertainment capabilities, while Pro models are aimed at professionals who need a high-performance computer.
What’s the difference between macOS and Windows?
MacOS is the operating system developed by Apple and used in all of its desktop and laptop computers. It can only be found in hardware made by Apple including MacBooks and iMacs. Microsoft’s Windows operating system can be found in the company’s own Surface laptops as well as computers made by a wide array of manufacturers, like Acer, Asus, Dell and Razer.