Side by side
MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Air M5
MacBook Air M4
202 positive (87%) · 26 mixed (11%) · 5 negative (2%)
Trust + time weighted: +85%
AI summary — not a quote
The MacBook Air M4 is highly regarded for its exceptional single-core performance, silent fanless operation, and industry-leading battery life. Users transitioning from Intel-based models describe the jump as transformative, while those on earlier Apple Silicon (like the M1) note that while it is faster, the difference in everyday tasks can feel incremental. It is frequently cited as a top choice for productivity, light content creation, and students, provided the user is comfortable with macOS.
Pros
- Exceptional battery life, with some users reporting up to 18 hours of use.
- Silent and cool operation due to the fanless design.
- Strong single-core performance that excels in daily tasks and music production.
- Improved support for high-impedance headphones.
Cons
- Not recommended for gaming-centric use cases.
- Potential performance bottlenecks for specific developer workflows like Android programming or heavy VM usage.
- High cost for internal storage upgrades, leading some users to seek third-party shop modifications.
- Heavier than some ultra-light Windows competitors like the Lenovo Carbon X1.
Top excerpts
Unless you need software that is Windows-only, then get the MacBook. It’ll last you far longer, with better battery, performance, and just about anything else.
Just buy the macbook air m4. Long battery life about 1000€, perfect for your needs. It’s “last gen” but it’s still an amazing laptop.
I was going to say a MacBook Air M4 until you mentioned gaming
I recently upgraded to a new M4 Air from a 2015 intel MBP so I’m easily impressed. I feel like I upgraded to a rocket ship. It’s so fast! I didn’t even have to charge at all. My battery percentage barely budged! I love my new machine. 16/512, 13 inch.
I've got a beastly PC that I built for gaming and a MacBook Air M4 for podcast stuff, productivity, and everyday use. It's a good balance!
MacBook Air M5
53 positive (93%) · 3 mixed (5%) · 1 negative (2%)
Trust + time weighted: +88%
Top excerpts
I wouldn't buy anything below the Air M5 24GB/1TB. Ideally the 32GB/1TB version.
That’s a lot of money for the specs and a limited OS
If you need portability macbook air m5 is good. If possible get with 24GB ram
Get the macbook. ... windows laptops are really behind macbooks these days and the gap is growing with the ram crisis. As much as I love Zenbooks, you really can't justify the added cost over macbooks (with the latest models), given the many advantages of a macbook over a windows laptop.
Double the storage definitely is.