Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) vs Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)

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

For most buyers the Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) is the better pick — it scores 53/100 to the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)'s 47, leading on Processor and Integrated Graphics. Choose the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) 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 Air 15 (M5) leads overall

Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)

Why it stands out

Storage capacity: 512 GB (100% more)
Processor model: Apple M5
Integrated graphics model: Apple M5 GPU

Watch-outs

Compromises to know before you buy

Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)

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.

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)

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 Air 15 (M5) vs Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)
Category	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)	Winner
Processor	60	55	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Integrated Graphics	40	37	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Discrete Graphics	0	0	Tie
Memory	50	50	Tie
Storage	56	25	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Display	52	46	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Sound	67	56	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Webcam	50	50	Tie
Battery	58	42	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Connectivity	87	72	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
Input	85	85	Tie
Ports	49	49	Tie
Design & Weight	41	59	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)
Security	50	50	Tie
Performance	40	33	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)

In-depth analysisAI

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

Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)

The Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) is a mid-range macOS laptop built around Apple's M-series silicon and a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display. Designed for everyday consumer use and light productivity, it operates completely silently using a fanless chassis. System configurations offer 16 GB to 32 GB of unified memory along with internal soldered storage ranging from 256 GB to 2 TB.

Best for Everyday consumer workflows benefiting from a larger screenBest for Noise-sensitive workspaces that require silent computing

Pros

Silent operation courtesy of a fanless design
Large 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display for enhanced workspace area
Unified memory support up to 32 GB for smooth daily multitasking

Cons

Soldered solid-state drive prevents user-initiated storage upgrades
Limited port selection restricts direct peripheral connections

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)

The Apple MacBook Air M4 13 is a highly portable, fanless subnotebook designed for everyday consumer use and lightweight productivity. It is powered by the Apple M4 system on a chip and features a 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display. Running macOS, this model offers a silent computing experience with hardware improvements over its predecessors.

Best for Users seeking a silent and highly portable laptop for remote work or studyBest for Buyers wanting modern macOS performance at a more accessible entry price

Pros

Completely silent operation due to its fanless thermal design
Sturdy yet lightweight aluminum chassis that is highly portable
Improved overall value with a lower introductory price point
Sharp and vibrant 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display

Cons

Soldered storage and unified memory prevent any post-purchase hardware upgrades
Highly limited physical port selection

Source

MacBook Air (Apple silicon) - WikipediaProvides structural details, display specifications, fanless design characteristics, and upgrade limitations of the Apple silicon MacBook Air line.

Video — reviews used (2)

Highlights that the M4 model offers better performance alongside a reduction in retail price.

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 Air 15 (M5)

Check Price on Amazon

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)

Check Price on Amazon

Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)26,767

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)23,566

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 Air 15 (M5)66.5 Wh

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)53.8 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 Air 15 (M5)Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)

Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) is 0.27 kg (22%) heavier than Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4).

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Processor

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)
Processor model

Integrated Graphics

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)
Integrated graphics model

Memory

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)
Memory capacity	16 GB	16 GB
Technology
Memory upgradeable	No	No

Storage

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)
Storage capacity	512 GB100% more	256 GB
Socket type
PCIe version	N/A	N/A
Storage upgradeable	No	No

Display

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)
Size	15.3 in13% more	13.6 in
Display resolution	2880 × 1864 px	2560 × 1664 px
Aspect ratio	16:10	16:10
Refresh rate	60 Hz	60 Hz
Response time	N/A	N/A
Display type
Brightness	500 nits	500 nits
Has pen support	No	No
Has touch support	No	No
Screen-to-body ratio	85%	83%

Sound

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)
Number of speakers	6	4
Power	N/A	N/A
Has Dolby Atmos	Yes	Yes
Number of microphones	3	3

Webcam

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)
Webcam resolution	1920 × 1080 px	1920 × 1080 px

Battery

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)
Battery capacity	66.5 Wh24% more	53.8 Wh
Maximum charge power	70 W	70 W

Connectivity

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)
Wi-Fi technology
Bluetooth technology

Input

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)
Has a backlit keyboard	Yes	Yes
Has a numpad	No	No

Ports

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)
USB Type A	0	0
USB Type C	2	2
Thunderbolt technology
Has an HDMI port	No	No
Has a card reader	No	No
Has a headphone jack	Yes	Yes

Design & Weight

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)
Color
Dimensions	34.04 × 23.76 × 1.15 cm	30.41 × 21.5 × 1.13 cm
Weight	1.51 kg	1.24 kg18% less

Security

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)
Has a fingerprint scanner	Yes	Yes
Has infrared face recognition support	No	No

Performance

Feature	Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)	Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4)
PassMark CPU Mark	26,76714% more	23,566
Active cooling	No	No
Release Date	March 11, 2026	March 12, 2025

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 Air 15 (M5) vs Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) comparison

Based on our overall comparison score, Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) rates higher at 47/100 versus 43/100 for Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) — a 4-point lead. Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) 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 Air 15 (M5) and Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) 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 47/100 for Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) and 43/100 for Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4).

If you want the higher-rated laptops option overall, Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) (47/100) edges out Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) (43/100). But if Apple MacBook Air 13 (M4) 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.