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

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

The Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) and Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) are closely matched at 51 and 49/100. The Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) edges ahead on Storage and Display, while the Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) leads on Design & Weight — pick the one whose strengths match what you'll actually use.

  • 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

Key takeaways

  • Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) and Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) are closely matched overall (within 2 points).
  • Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) stands out on Memory Technology: Unified, Display resolution: 2880 × 1864 px, Sound Number of speakers: 6.
  • Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) counters with Weight: 1.23 kg (19% less).
Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) and Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) are closely matched
Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)
51
Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)
49
Where Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) stands out
  • Memory Technology: Unified
  • Display resolution: 2880 × 1864 px
  • Sound Number of speakers: 6
Where Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) stands out
  • Weight: 1.23 kg (19% less)

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 (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.

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 (M5)

The Apple MacBook Air M5 is a mid-tier subnotebook designed for everyday consumer and lightweight use, sitting between the entry-level MacBook Neo and the premium MacBook Pro. Powered by the Apple M5 system-on-a-chip, this model is offered in 13-inch and 15-inch screen sizes and features integrated Apple graphics.

Best for Everyday productivity and lightweight portable computingBest for Users prioritizing high-speed Wi-Fi 7 connectivity
Pros
  • Updated wireless capabilities featuring a Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6.0 card
  • Available in both 13.6-inch and 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display configurations
  • Configurable with up to 32 GB of unified memory and 2 TB of storage
Cons
  • Soldered storage and unified memory cannot be upgraded by the user after purchase

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)

Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)

Performance

Higher benchmark score = faster

Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)26,767
Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)26,857

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 (M5)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

1.51 kg1.23 kg
Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5)Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5)

Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) is 0.28 kg (23%) heavier than Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5).

Review Videos

Hand-picked expert reviews for each product

Detailed Specifications

The full spec sheet, side by side

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) vs Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) comparison

They are closely matched: Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) scores 51/100 and Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) scores 50/100 in our overall comparison — within 1 point. Neither is a clear winner overall, so the decision comes down to the specific features and price that matter most to you.
Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) and Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) 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 51/100 for Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) and 50/100 for Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5).
It's close — Apple MacBook Air 15 (M5) (51/100) and Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5) (50/100) score almost the same. Pick based on price and the individual specs that matter most to you; the comparison above shows where each one pulls ahead.

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