Based on our Testing, Which is Better for you: MacBook Air or MacBook Pro?
MacBook computers are known for their superior performance, design, and construction. Apple’s portfolio consists of the light MacBook Air and the powerful MacBook Pro.
MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro
Design
The M1 MacBook Air and Pro both have machined aluminium shells available in silver or Space Gray. They all include a little lip on the front of the base that allows you to expose the screen effortlessly. The Air has always had a tapered-wedge shape.
Portability
The 2.8-pound MacBook Air remains the lightest in terms of portability, backed by the 3-pound 13-inch MacBook Pro. However, at 3.5 pounds, the 14-inch MacBook Pro is still portable. The 16-inch version weighs 4.7 pounds.
Ports
The MacBook Air isn’t the ideal pick if you need a lot of ports. The new MacBook Pros include the most connectors, including an HDMI port and a slot for an SD card. Merely two Thunderbolt 3 ports are available.
Display
Whilst Retina displays on the MacBook Air, and 13-inch MacBook Pro are both brilliant and vibrant, there’s one reason to choose the Pro: brightness.
However, they are more similar in terms of colour output. Featuring their Liquid Retina XDR panels, the new MacBook Pros raise display quality to the subsequent level.
Keyboard
All MacBooks come with Apple’s Magic Keyboard, which provides excellent tactile performance and comfort.
Performance
The MacBook Air is the most cost-effective option, while the new MacBook Pros are the most powerful.
Battery life
The M1 MacBook Air lasted 14 hours and 41 minutes on our battery test, while the M1 Pro lasted even longer. In both cases, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is left in the dust.
Audio
While both the MacBook Air and the 13-inch MacBook Pro have excellent stereo sound (the latter has a higher dynamic range), the new MacBook Pros are just on another level entirely.
Value and price
With a starting price of $999, the MacBook Air remains the best bargain. The 14-inch MacBook Pro is more expensive than the 13-inch, but you’ll get a lot for your $1,999.