MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: What’s the difference and how to save the most

Is the MacBook Air or Pro better?

Short answer is, it depends. There are a few variables to consider and deciding between the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro can be difficult, but let’s see if we can simplify the process. There are plenty of pros and cons for each, but here’s a quick side-by-side comparison for two popular MacBook models from each series: the MacBook Air M1 (2020) and the MacBook Pro M1 (2020). Both are surprisingly similar, but here are a few specs that you should consider and decide for yourself which is better.

*Prices as of September 2023 (subject to change)

Almost all other specs and features between these two MacBook models are identical. But let’s dive into a few key areas to really understand how these two models stack up.

First impressions: design, screen and keyboard

Both MacBooks feature Apple’s iconic slim design with an aluminum shell and a lip at the front of the base, so you can easily open the screen. The minimalistic design pairs well with the space gray and silver color for a sleek looking laptop. 

⚫ How does the MacBook Air and Pro 2020 displays compare?

Both models have a 13.3-inch Retina display with the same resolution, so you might not notice much of a difference in screen performance, but there is one difference that, while small, might matter to some. The MacBook Air's screen uses relatively high color accuracy, although it's not as bright as the Pro. This M1 MacBook Air improved the previous model's 291 nits to 400 nits. Still, it's less than the 500-nit screen on the MacBook Pro. This is advantageous, particularly if you intend to use your laptop for design or photography.

 ⚫ Which keyboard is available on the MacBook Air and Pro 2020?

As for the keyboard, both models come with Apple’s Backlit Magic Keyboard, but the Pro utilizes fewer keys because it replaces the function keys found on the Air with the Apple Touch Bar. The Touch Bar feature is honestly somewhat forgettable and has since been replaced on more recent MacBook Pro models with the traditional functional keys. Since there’s no real advantage to having the digital touch bar feature, the Air offers a better keyboard experience for the price overall.

At the end of the day, you’re essentially getting the same laptop, but the Pro offers slightly more multitasking computational power with an additional GPU core, a brighter screen, 2 hours more of estimated battery life, a touch bar feature and a small improvement to audio quality. For most average users, these upgrades on the Pro won’t make a difference and they probably won’t notice them on a day-to-day basis.

Is there a simple way to answer the question, “which is better, the MacBook Air or the MacBook Pro?” In our opinion, the upgrades on the 2020 Pro are relatively negligible for typical users and you’ll be happy to save more money without sacrificing too much performance on the MacBook Air M1. However, the MacBook Pro M1 might be the better option if you value increased GPU performance for gaming, a brighter screen and vibrant display for design work, or need the audio quality upgrade for something like recording podcasts or posting social media videos.

This is a quick and easy assessment for just two MacBook models from 2020, but what about other models? How should you decide between the Air and the Pro in general?

Pros and cons between buying the MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro?

The key considerations when it comes to comparing the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro usually comes down to weight, processing power, display performance, storage availability and battery life. You’ll need to pick which of these are most important to you based on how you intend to use your MacBook. For example, if you’re a college student pursuing a degree that requires heavy research and writing, then you’ll likely be okay with a MacBook Air, which tends to have less processing power and display performance, but will be easier to carry around and last longer without a charge. On the other hand, if you expect to use your laptop for heavy gaming or video/photo editing, then spending a little extra on better performance from the MacBook Pro might be your best option.

Of course, there are many other reasons why someone would be shopping for a MacBook. Here are a few pros and cons comparing different Air and Pro base models from the same year that any potential buyer will need to consider.*

*Side note, we left out comparisons for the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro M1 2020 models, which were analyzed previously in this article. We also left off comparisons for Apple’s 2021 models because Apple didn’t introduce a new MacBook Air model in 2021 since they provided the M1 upgrade in late 2020. The MacBook Pro was upgraded in 2021 with a “M1 Pro” chipset.

MacBook Air series:

MacBook Pro series:

Here’s a popular video giving a more detailed breakdown of the most recent MacBook Air and MacBook Pro M2 models from 2022:

As you can tell from the two tables above, the pros and cons for the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro can differ from year to year. Since 2017, however, you can pick out a few common patterns:

1. MacBook Air models tend to have less processing power and computational speeds than their MacBook Pro counterparts.

2. While the MacBook Pro used to consistently offer more RAM than the Air, the recent base models have mostly been equal in RAM capacity.

3. The MacBook Air display specs have actually been fairly comparable to the MacBook Pro, but the Pro usually has an upgraded graphics card and most users give the Pro an overall advantage in display performance.

4. Disregarding the more recent M1 and M2 MacBook models, the Air has surprisingly had the better usable battery life by 1–2 hours.

5. The MacBook Air is almost always lighter and less expensive than the MacBook Pro, but the gap varies between different model years.

6. The MacBook Pro has normally had more options for users that need laptops with more storage capabilities than the MacBook Air.

The bottom line when it comes to deciding between the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro

Both of these Apple MacBook models are impressive machines that can handle the average person’s everyday use. While you might get to enjoy a few upgrades here and there with the MacBook Pro, we don’t think the upgrade is necessary in most cases. Of course, there are exceptions for people who need the extra processing speed, storage or enhanced display graphics on the Pro, but in general, the MacBook Air can handle just as much as the Pro at a lighter weight and a cheaper cost. You’ll also likely find better useable battery life on the MacBook Air (besides on the recent M1 and M2 models).

If you need to get the most out of your laptop, then the MacBook Pro is the right choice, but make sure to take a look at how these models have been upgraded over the years. If you just need a capable, portable computer for non-technical tasks, then the MacBook Air is the better option that’s going to save you money at the same time.

How to save the most on a MacBook Air or Pro

If you’re like most people, then price is probably going to sway your laptop purchase decision. When it comes to MacBook, prices can get intimidating pretty quickly, as is the case with most Apple products. Buying a brand new MacBook off of Apple’s site is going to set you back at least $1,000 in most cases (even if you buy from their refurbished marketplace). Luckily, there’s a great way to shop for reliable MacBooks while spending way less.

Try shopping for a refurbished MacBook Air or refurbished MacBook Pro from a reliable marketplace like Back Market, where you can save on average 30-70% compared to the price of new. If you’re a student, you can even land a $20 student discount on laptops when you spend $250 or more in addition to the listed discounted price. The refurbished tech sold on Back Market are previously used products that have been ‘reborn.’ This means that these refurbished MacBooks have been repaired, cleaned, inspected and tested to a like-new working standard. For added peace of mind, Back Market also offers free standard shipping, a 1-year warranty and 30 days to change your mind. The best part is, you’ll also be doing your part to help reduce electronic waste and keep our planet in better condition.

So, whichever MacBook model you decide on, make sure to consider buying refurbished. Both your wallet and the planet will thank you.