They are closely matched: Apple MacBook Air 2020 scores 59/100 and Apple MacBook Air M4 13 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 M4 13
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple MacBook Air M4 13 leads Apple MacBook Air 2020 overall by 27 points (78 vs 51 out of 100).
- Apple MacBook Air M4 13 stands out on Integrated graphics model: Apple M4 GPU, Memory capacity: 16 GB, Storage Socket type: Soldered.
Apple MacBook Air M4 13 leads overall
Apple MacBook Air M4 13
78
Apple MacBook Air 2020
51
Why it stands out
- Integrated graphics model: Apple M4 GPU
- Memory capacity: 16 GB
- Storage Socket type: Soldered
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 M4 13
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
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 M4 13
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple MacBook Air 202015,000
Apple MacBook Air M4 1322,000
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 M4 1352 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 M4 13
Apple MacBook Air 2020 is 0.05 kg (4%) heavier than Apple MacBook Air M4 13.
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 M4 13 comparison
Apple MacBook Air 2020 and Apple MacBook Air M4 13 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 M4 13.
At launch, Apple MacBook Air 2020 was the more affordable option ($999) versus Apple MacBook Air M4 13 ($999). 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 M4 13 (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.