Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) vs Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)

Updated Nov 2026 · Scored by the Let’s Compare Data Engine · How we score

For most buyers the Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is the better pick — it scores 70/100 to the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)'s 34, leading on Processor and Integrated Graphics. Choose the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1) instead if design & weight matters most to you, where it comes out ahead.

Performance is scored from the laptop's CPU and GPU; few laptops have a published whole-system benchmark.

Verdict

Our overall take, at a glance

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) leads overall

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)

Why it stands out

Memory capacity: 36 GB (350% more)
Storage capacity: 2,048 GB (700% more)
Display Refresh rate: 120 Hz (100% more)

Watch-outs

Compromises to know before you buy

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)

RAM is soldered — you can't upgrade it later, so buy enough now.
Storage isn't user-upgradeable.
No USB-A ports — older accessories need an adapter.

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)

RAM is soldered — you can't upgrade it later, so buy enough now.
Storage isn't user-upgradeable.
60 Hz panel — less smooth than 120 Hz+ rivals.
No HDMI — you'll need a dongle for projectors/TVs.

Winner by category for Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) vs Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Category	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)	Winner
Processor	79	36	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Integrated Graphics	44	35	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Discrete Graphics	0	0	Tie
Memory	68	32	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Storage	63	14	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Display	68	30	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Sound	74	50	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Webcam	80	20	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Battery	78	22	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Connectivity	90	60	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Input	85	85	Tie
Ports	82	41	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)
Design & Weight	31	69	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Security	50	50	Tie
Performance	90	10	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)

In-depth analysisAI

AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Nov 2026.

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)

The Apple MacBook Pro 16 with the M5 Max chip is a high-performance workstation laptop designed for intensive professional workloads. Built around Apple's custom silicon architecture, it pairs an expansive 16-inch display (available as a Liquid Retina XDR or PROLED XDR panel) with support for up to 128 GB of unified memory. It includes a dedicated array of physical connectivity, such as an SDXC card slot, HDMI port, and MagSafe charging.

Best for High-end video production, 3D rendering, and heavy software development needing Best for On-location visual media workflows relying on built-in SDXC card reading and hig

Pros

High-performance M5 Max chip architecture with up to 128 GB of unified memory
Large 16-inch high-dynamic-range screen options with advanced color and contrast performance
Versatile physical port selection including MagSafe charging, HDMI, and a full-size SDXC card slot
Large 99.6 Wh battery capacity supported by a 140 W power adapter

Cons

Soldered internal solid-state storage prevents post-purchase memory or drive upgrades

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)

The 2020 Apple MacBook Air is a thin-and-light 13.3-inch laptop designed primarily for everyday productivity and general consumer use. This model year represents a major transition point, featuring an early-year release with 10th Gen Intel processors and a late-year version powered by Apple's custom fanless M1 system-on-a-chip. Key features include a high-resolution Retina display, a robust physical construction, and a silent internal design.

Best for working in quiet environments like libraries or officesBest for all-day battery life at moderate display brightness settingsBest for lightweight travel and everyday multi-tasking

Pros

Completely silent operation thanks to a fanless thermal design
Highly responsive system performance driven by the custom M1 chip
High-quality display featuring a wide P3 color gamut and True Tone technology
Comfortable typing experience with the updated keyboard design

Cons

Restricted physical connectivity with only two USB-C ports
Limited external display support, allowing only one external monitor
Lower-resolution 720p FaceTime webcam
Permanently soldered storage and memory that cannot be upgraded by the user

Source

MacBook Air (Apple silicon) - WikipediaProvides detailed technical specifications, display capabilities, performance limitations, and hardware reception for the M1 model.

Video — reviews used (2)

Provides historical context on the early 2020 Intel-based release, noting the upgraded keyboard and storage configurations.

Generated Jun 30, 2026

Value for Money

Which is the better deal for the price

Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)

Check Price on Amazon

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)

Check Price on Amazon

Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)57,655

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)14,121

See the raw benchmark values →

Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.

Battery capacity

Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)99.6 Wh

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)49.9 Wh

Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.

Physical Comparison

Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is 0.86 kg (67%) heavier than Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1).

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Processor

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Processor model

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Integrated graphics model

Memory

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Memory capacity	36 GB350% more	8 GB
Technology
Memory upgradeable	No	No

Storage

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Storage capacity	2,048 GB700% more	256 GB
Socket type		N/A
PCIe version	N/A	N/A
Storage upgradeable	No	No

Display

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Size	16.2 in22% more	13.3 in
Display resolution	3456 × 2234 px	2560 × 1600 px
Aspect ratio	16:10	16:10
Refresh rate	120 Hz100% more	60 Hz
Response time	N/A	N/A
Display type
Brightness	1,600 nits300% more	400 nits
Has pen support	No	No
Has touch support	No	No
Screen-to-body ratio	87%	79%

Sound

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Number of speakers	6	2
Power	N/A	N/A
Has Dolby Atmos	Yes	Yes
Number of microphones	3	3

Webcam

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Webcam resolution	1920 × 1080 px	1280 × 720 px

Battery

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Battery capacity	99.6 Wh100% more	49.9 Wh
Maximum charge power	140 W367% more	30 W

Connectivity

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Wi-Fi technology
Bluetooth technology

Input

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Has a backlit keyboard	Yes	Yes
Has a numpad	No	No

Ports

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
USB Type A	0	0
USB Type C	3	2
Thunderbolt technology
Has an HDMI port	Yes	No
Has a card reader	Yes	No
Has a headphone jack	Yes	Yes

Design & Weight

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Color
Dimensions	35.57 × 24.81 × 1.68 cm	30.41 × 21.24 × 1.61 cm
Weight	2.15 kg	1.29 kg40% less

Security

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
Has a fingerprint scanner	Yes	Yes
Has infrared face recognition support	No	No

Performance

Feature	Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1)
PassMark CPU Mark	57,655308% more	14,121
Active cooling	Yes	No
Release Date	March 11, 2026	November 17, 2020

Specification Note

Specifications are compiled from official manufacturer data and other reliable internet sources. Some features may vary by region or model configuration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) vs Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1) comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) rates higher at 75/100 versus 30/100 for Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1) — a 45-point lead. Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) is the stronger overall pick, though the right choice still depends on which specs matter most to you; the full spec table above breaks down every difference.

Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) and Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1) are compared side by side above across every spec in the laptops category — including performance, features and design — each scored 0–100 so you can see exactly where one leads the other. Our overall scores are 75/100 for Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) and 30/100 for Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1).

If you want the higher-rated laptops option overall, Apple MacBook Pro 16 (M5 Max) (75/100) edges out Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1) (30/100). But if Apple MacBook Air 13 (M1) is cheaper or stronger on the specific specs you care about, it can still be the better buy — use the spec table and strengths profile above to decide.