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MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB — M3 · 32GB · 2024
Apple

MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB

M3 · 32GB · 2024

89
/ 100
From $1,399
VS
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD wins by 7
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD — M4 Max · 16GB · 2024 · 1TB SSD
Apple

MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD

M4 Max · 16GB · 2024 · 1TB SSD

96
/ 100
From $3,399
Specdex verdict

MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB lands at 89 and MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD at 96. That puts MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD ahead by 7 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB if…

  • ✓Current-gen silicon
  • ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
  • ✓Manufacturer warranty

Pick MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD if…

  • ✓Current-gen silicon
  • ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
  • ✓Manufacturer warranty
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Performance

MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD

CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work

MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD leads on cpu (96 vs 89).

Battery life

MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD

Unplugged endurance for travel and campus

MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD leads on battery (86 vs 79).

Portability

MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB

Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort

MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB leads on portability (86 vs 79).

Display

Tie

Panel quality for creative and media work

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Value for money

MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB more score per dollar ($1,399 vs $3,399).

MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB 89
vs
96 MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD

Score breakdown

MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB
89
cpu 89
gpu 84
display 86
battery 79
portability 86
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD
96
cpu 96
gpu 91
display 86
battery 86
portability 79

Specs side-by-side

MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB versus MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD — full spec comparison
Spec MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD
CPU
M3
▲ M4 Max
RAM
▲ 32GB
16GB
Release year
2024
2024
Storage
—
1TB SSD

MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB

Pros
  • +Current-gen silicon
  • +Competitive spec-for-dollar
  • +Manufacturer warranty
Cons
  • −Battery varies by config
  • −Some SKUs heavy
  • −RAM often soldered

MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD

Pros
  • +Current-gen silicon
  • +Competitive spec-for-dollar
  • +Manufacturer warranty
Cons
  • −Battery varies by config
  • −Some SKUs heavy
  • −RAM often soldered

FAQ: MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB vs MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD

Which is better, MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB or MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD? +

MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 7. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.

Is MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB worth the price? +

At $1,399, MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB delivers a Specdex score of 89 — strongest in cpu.

Is MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD worth the price? +

At $3,399, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in cpu.

Does MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB or MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD last longer? +

Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.

Which is better for performance, MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB or MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD? +

MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD — leads on cpu (96 vs 89). CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work.

Which is better for battery life, MacBook Air 13 M3 · 32GB or MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD? +

MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 16GB · 1TB SSD — leads on battery (86 vs 79). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.