You’ve decided to buy a MacBook but stuck with the MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro comparison? Well, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro might look similar, but they are very different machines. They are both great options but come in different sizes and excel at different tasks. The MacBook Air is the lightest and most portable laptop lineu p by Apple. Whereas, the MacBook Pro is Apple’s beefiest laptop lineup that packs Pro-use level power.
Also, these two Apple Silicon machines vary significantly in price and computing power, so you must have an idea about what you want from your MacBook. This will save you from making the wrong choices. If you’re unsure what you need, you’ve landed at the right place. Our guide will help you understand the difference between MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, so you can decide which MacBook is best for you. Let’s begin!
MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: Available Models
Apple currently sells MacBooks in these configurations:
- 13-inch MacBook Air with M2/M3
- 15-inch MacBook Air with M3
- 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3/M3 Pro/M3 Max Max
- 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro/M3 Max
The giant has discontinued the 13-inch MacBook Pro M2 after releasing the 14-inch option. Also, it has discontinued the 14-inch & 16-inch MacBook Pros with M2 Pro and M2 Max configurations. The much-popular M1 MacBook Air has also been discontinued by Apple.
You can’t buy these models brand new from Apple. However, if you still want to go for them, you can buy them refurbished from Apple or get them at a discounted price from third-party retailers.
MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: Design
| Model | Dimensions | Weight |
|---|---|---|
| 13-inch MacBook Air | 11.97 x 8.46 x 0.44 inches | 2.7 pounds |
| 15-inch MacBook Air | 13.40 x 9.35 x 0.45 inches | 3.3 pounds |
| 14-inch MacBook Pro | 12.31 x 8.71 x 0.61 inches | 3.4 to 3.6 pounds |
| 16-inch MacBook Pro | 14.01 x 9.77 x 0.66 inches | 4.7 to 4.8 pounds |
The MacBook Air and MacBook Pro share the same basic design with machined aluminum shells, a flat top, and rounded edges on the bottom. That said, they both have minor details that differ. Both the Macs have displays with a “notch” to house the built-in webcam, but the MacBook Pros have noticeably slimmer bezels. Until the M1 model, the MacBook Air had a tapered-wedge design. It’s now replaced with a more modern and uniform design, which brings the Air closer to the Pro.
The M2/M3 MacBook Air and M3 MacBook Pro are available in Silver and Space Gray, but the MacBook Air comes in two more color options– Starlight and Midnight. So, if you’re looking for a MacBook with one of these finishes, you may want to consider the MacBook Air. Also, the M3 Pro/M3 Max MacBook Pro comes in an exclusive Space Black finish.
Apart from slight design differences and color options, MacBook Air and MacBook Pro also have different dimensions. The 16-inch MacBook Pro is larger and heavier than the 15-inch MacBook Air. Also, the 14-inch MacBook Pro might have a larger display than the MacBook Air, but it’s also noticeably thicker and heavier. On the flip side, the 13-inch MacBook Air weighs a mere 2.7 pounds and is the most portable option available. Also, the 15-inch model brings a nice balance of portability and larger display. Therefore, if you prefer to travel light and need the most portable MacBook, it’s worth buying a MacBook Air.
Also, we can’t understate the power and additional capabilities the M3 Pro & M3 Max machines offer. So, if you need added performance capabilities along with portability, the size and weight should not hold you back from considering the 14-inch MacBook Pro.
Display Size
| Model | Display Size |
|---|---|
| 13-inch MacBook Air | 13.6-inch (2560 x 1664) |
| 15-inch MacBook Air | 15.3-inch (2880 x 1864) |
| 14-inch MacBook Pro | 14.2-inch (3024 x 1964) |
| 16-inch MacBook Pro | 16.2-inch (3456 x 2234) |
The smaller MacBook Air packs a 13.6-inch display, which is slightly smaller than the 14.2-inch MacBook Pro. Apple’s 13-inch MacBook Air makes a great option for most users with casual or moderate processing demands. Whereas, the 14-inch MacBook Pro remains a top choice for users who need slightly more real estate and better processing capabilities.
The 15-inch MacBook Air and 16-inch MacBook Pro make a solid desktop machine replacement. They are made for people who need an additional display area to work with multiple windows and professional applications.
MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: Display Technology
| Model | Display Technology |
|---|---|
| 13-inch MacBook Air | LED-backlit display with IPS |
| 15-inch MacBook Air | LED-backlit display with IPS |
| 14-inch MacBook Pro | Liquid Retina XDR display |
| 16-inch MacBook Pro | Liquid Retina XDR display |
A major difference between MacBook Air and MacBook Pro is the display technology. The MacBook Air has an LCD panel with slim bezels and rounded edges, which Apple calls a Liquid Retina display. These displays are sharp, colorful, and sufficient for most users. On the other hand, the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro takes the display quality to a whole new level with Apple’s more advanced mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR technology for superior colors, improved contrast, and better dynamic range.
Also, if there’s one reason to go for the MacBook Pro, it has to be the brightness levels. The XDR display on the MacBook Pro offers peak brightness levels of 1,600 nits when showing HDR content. Plus, you get a 120Hz ProMotion display for a smoother performance. Unfortunately, you won’t get a display with a variable refresh rate on MacBook Air.
To sum up, the MacBook Air is a nice option and not all users may notice a drastic difference. On the flip side, if you crave a MacBook with the best display experience, it’s worth buying the MacBook Pro. They are perfect for viewing and editing HDR content, watching high-framerate videos, and performing other color-accurate tasks.
Ports & Connectivity
| Model | Ports |
|---|---|
| 13-inch MacBook Air | MagSafe 3 charging port 3.5mm headphone jack 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports |
| 15-inch MacBook Air | MagSafe 3 3.5mm headphone jack 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports |
| 14-inch MacBook Pro | MagSafe 3 port SDXC card slot HDMI port 3.5mm headphone jack 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports (M3 chip) 3x Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports (M3 Pro/M3 Max chip) |
| 16-inch MacBook Pro | MagSafe 3 port SDXC card slot HDMI port 3.5mm headphone jack 3x Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports |
Another major difference between the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro is the selection of ports and connectivity options. The 13-inch & 15-inch MacBook Air offer just two Thunderbolt ports, along with a 3.5mm headphone jack and a MagSafe charging port. The M3 MacBook Pro adds an HDMI 2.1 port and SDXC card slot to the mix.
Whereas, the M3 Pro and M3 Max configurations of the MacBook Pro offer top-notch connectivity with a total of three Thunderbolt ports, an HDMI port, an SDXC card slot, and a 3.5mm jack with support for high-impedance headphones.
Therefore, you need plenty of ports to connect external peripherals, the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro are much more versatile.
MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: Processor
| Processor | CPU | GPU |
|---|---|---|
| Apple M2 | 8-core CPU 4 performance cores 4 efficiency cores | 8-core/10-core GPU |
| Apple M3 | 8-core CPU 4 performance cores 4 efficiency cores | 8-core/10-core GPU |
| Apple M3 Pro | 11-core or 12-core CPU 5 or 6 performance cores 6 efficiency cores | up to 30-core GPU |
| Apple M3 Max | 14-core CPU 10 performance cores 4 efficiency cores | up to 40-core GPU |
The MacBook Air is powered by the M2 or M3 chip. If you’re planning to go for a MacBook Pro, you get to choose between the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips. Talking about M2 vs M3, the M2 processor is only slightly less powerful than the M3 chipset. Particularly speaking, the M3 processor delivers up to 20% faster CPU performance than the M2 chip. Both M2 and M3 are consumer-oriented chips that deliver a solid performance and impressive battery life. If you need a MacBook for light to moderate workflows, even the M2 MacBook Air is a great option.
On the other hand, the M3 Pro and M3 Max are scaled-up versions of the M3 chip with more transistors, and additional CPU and GPU cores. Therefore, the M3 Pro and M3 Max are exclusively designed for demanding workflows and CPU-intensive tasks. Be it 4K video editing, 3D rendering, or playing heavy games, the M3 Pro and M3 Max processors are ready for everything you throw at them.
Moving on, the MacBook Air doesn’t have a fan, so it may get hot during peak performance. The high-end MacBook Pro features fans that enhance performance by pushing the chips harder and maintaining a cool system.
Talking about the external display support, you can connect a single external display with the M2 MacBook Air. M3 machines extend support for up to two external displays when the lid is closed. The M3 Pro processor also supports up to two external displays, while the M3 Max MacBook Pro allows you to work with up to four external displays simultaneously.
Memory & Storage
| Processor | RAM | Storage options |
|---|---|---|
| Apple M2 | 8GB to 24GB | up to 2 TB |
| Apple M3 | 8GB to 24GB | up to 2 TB |
| Apple M3 Pro | up to 36GB | up to 4 TB |
| Apple M3 Max | up to 96GB | up to 8 TB |
You must also consider RAM and storage options while buying a MacBook. It’s worth knowing that the M2/M3 MacBook Air and M3 MacBook Pro can be configured with up to 24GB of RAM and up to 2TB of storage. Well, this should be more than enough for most users, including the ones with professional needs.
However, if your demanding workflow requires even more memory and storage, you can go for the MacBook Pro with M3 Pro or M3 Max configurations. The M3 Pro MacBook Pro can be configured with up to 36GB of RAM and 4TB of storage. Whereas, the top-spec M3 Max MacBook Pro goes all the way up to 98GB of RAM and 8TB of storage.
Speakers & Microphone
The 13-inch MacBook Air comes with a four-speaker sound system, with two woofers and two tweeters for a balanced sound experience. They are good enough for watching videos and other everyday needs. The 15-inch MacBook Air and all MacBook Pro models have an advanced six-speaker sound system, with four force-cancelling woofers and two tweeters for dramatically superior audio with a nice bass. Therefore, these models are more suitable for professionals in audio production or people who prefer loud music.
Coming to microphones, the MacBook Air has a three-mic array that captures clean audio, making it perfect for video calls. Whereas, the MacBook Pro models have a studio-quality three-mic array that minimises background sound so your voice comes loud and clear. This makes the MacBook Pro a better option for podcasting and other professions.
MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: Battery Life
| Model | Battery Life |
|---|---|
| M2 MacBook Air | up to 18 hours |
| M3 MacBook Air | up to 18 hours |
| 14-inch MacBook Pro (M3) | up to 22 hours |
| 14-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Pro/ M3 Max) | up to 18 hours |
| 16-inch MacBook Pro (M3 Pro/M3 Max) | up to 22 hours |
While we’re comparing MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro, it’s important to factor in the battery life offered by the two machines. You get an 18-hour battery life on the M2/M3 MacBook Air and 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro/M3 Max processor. Whereas, the 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 and 16-inch MacBook Pros offers the best battery life of up to 22 hours.
The MacBook Air has an 18-hour battery life, offering the same battery life as the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 Pro or M3 Max chips, and four hours less than the 14-inch MacBook Pro with the M3 chip and the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: Price
| Model | Starting Price |
|---|---|
| 13-inch MacBook Air | $999 |
| 15-inch MacBook Air | $1299 |
| 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 | $1599 |
| 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro | $1999 |
| 14-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max | $3199 |
| 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Pro | $2499 |
| 16-inch MacBook Pro with M3 Max | $3499 |
When it comes to price and value, the 13-inch MacBook Air M2 remains the leader with a starting price of $999. If you’re looking for the best MacBook for students, the 13-inch MacBook Air makes a top choice. By contrast, the starting price of the 14-inch MacBook Pro is $1599. Now, that’s a hefty outlay. That said, for the extra price you pay, you’ll get to enjoy to more capable processor, a stunning 14-inch mini-LED display with a 120Hz refresh rate, a better webcam, and more ports to work with. If you have a demanding workload, these add-ons are invaluable.
Staring at $2499, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is the best Apple laptop for people who need the biggest display, most I/O ports, the best battery life, and an insanely capable processor.
Should you buy a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro?
Now, coming to the most important question- which is better between a MacBook Air and a MacBook Pro? Well, this depends on your requirements and how you plan to use your machine. Thankfully, there’s a MacBook for everyone.
The M2 MacBook Air is the best option for everyday consumers, be they students or working professionals with ordinary demands. It delivers a solid performance in a portable and lightweight design. With a starting price of $999, the MacBook Air is more affordable than the MacBook Pro, and with Apple Student Discount, you can save an additional $100, which is a superb deal. The 13-inch MacBook Air is the best budget MacBook you can buy. If you can spare some extra cash, the 15-inch MacBook Air model is also a worth-considering option, thanks to its portability and bigger screen size.
If you’re willing to splurge on a machine with a more color-accurate display, more RAM, more storage, and unmatched horsepower, you must go for a 14-inch or 16-inch MacBook Pro. The high-end M3 Pro & M3 Max Macs are designed for creatives and professionals who can make the most of the powerful processing capabilities and advanced features these machines offer. Particularly, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is the best Apple laptop for users who need a solid desktop replacement machine. Also, it is the most advanced MacBook you can buy right now. Remember, the M3 Pro & M3 Max can be an overkill for casual users.
That’s all of it! We hope you found this guide helpful in choosing the best MacBook for your workflow. Before making your purchase, be sure to consider all the factors so you can buy the most suitable MacBook for yourself. Which MacBook are you planning to buy? Don’t forget to share your views in the comments below.
