They are closely matched: Apple MacBook Air 2020 scores 59/100 and Apple MacBook Air 2023 scores 58/100 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 2020 vs Apple MacBook Air 2023
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple MacBook Air 2023 leads Apple MacBook Air 2020 overall by 20 points (82 vs 62 out of 100).
- Apple MacBook Air 2023 stands out on Display Size: 15.3 in, Display Response time: 32.9 ms, Display Screen-to-body ratio: 85.3%.
Apple MacBook Air 2023 leads overall
Apple MacBook Air 2023
82
Apple MacBook Air 2020
62
Why it stands out
- Display Size: 15.3 in
- Display Response time: 32.9 ms
- Display Screen-to-body ratio: 85.3%
Head-to-head verdictAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Aug 2026.
Our site scores the Apple MacBook Air 2020 slightly higher at 58, while the Apple MacBook Air 2023 receives a score of 57. The 2020 model is powered by the M1 chip and features a compact 13.3-inch screen, making it a highly portable and budget-friendly choice for everyday tasks. Meanwhile, the 2023 model leads for users who want a larger workspace, as it introduces a 15.3-inch display alongside a higher-resolution webcam. Ultimately, the older version remains a sturdy, reliable option for lightweight on-the-go computing, while the 2023 edition is better suited for users who prioritize screen size and video call clarity.
- Display
- The 2023 MacBook Air wins this category by offering a larger 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display, whereas the 2020 version features a smaller 13.3-inch Retina screen.
- Webcam
- The 2023 edition has the advantage with its upgraded 1080p FaceTime camera, compared to the older 720p FaceTime camera found on the 2020 model.
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple MacBook Air 2020
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
Apple MacBook Air 2023
The 2023 Apple MacBook Air expands the lightweight laptop family by introducing a larger 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display while keeping a highly portable, fanless build. It is powered by the Apple M2 system-on-a-chip, designed to deliver efficient performance for everyday productivity. This model targets users who want a larger screen canvas without the premium price tag or physical bulk of the MacBook Pro series.
Best for all-day battery-powered productivity on the goBest for multitasking with side-by-side windows on a larger screenBest for silent computing in noise-sensitive environments
Pros
- Larger 15.3-inch display provides significantly more screen real estate than previous models
- Completely silent operation due to its fanless thermal design
- Highly efficient M2 silicon ensures long-lasting battery performance
- Sturdy yet impressively thin aluminum chassis
Cons
- Soldered solid-state drive and 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 2020
Apple MacBook Air 2023
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple MacBook Air 202015,000
Apple MacBook Air 202315,400
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 202049 Wh
Apple MacBook Air 202352 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 2020Apple MacBook Air 2023
Apple MacBook Air 2020 is 0.05 kg (4%) heavier than Apple MacBook Air 2023.
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 2020 vs Apple MacBook Air 2023 comparison
Apple MacBook Air 2020 and Apple MacBook Air 2023 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 59/100 for Apple MacBook Air 2020 and 58/100 for Apple MacBook Air 2023.
At launch, Apple MacBook Air 2020 was the more affordable option ($999) versus Apple MacBook Air 2023 ($1299). Weigh that against the overall scores (59/100 vs 58/100) and the value-for-money meter above to judge whether the higher-rated model justifies its price for your needs. Current retail prices vary — check the retailer.
It's close — Apple MacBook Air 2020 (59/100) and Apple MacBook Air 2023 (58/100) 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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