Apple
MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB · i7 / 32GB
i7 / 32GB
92
/ 100
From $1,199
VS
MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 64GB wins by 6
Apple
MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 64GB
M5 Max · 64GB
98
/ 100
From $4,299
Specdex verdict
MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 64GB takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB · i7 / 32GB lands at 92 and MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 64GB at 98. That puts MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 64GB ahead by 6 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB · i7 / 32GB if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Pick MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 64GB if…
- ✓M5 generation perf-per-watt leader
- ✓Larger unified memory ceiling
- ✓Improved ray-tracing iGPU
MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB · i7 / 32GB 92
vs 98 MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 64GB
Score breakdown
MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB · i7 / 32GB
92 cpu 92
gpu 87
display 86
battery 82
portability 83
MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 64GB
98 cpu 98
gpu 96
display 92
battery 96
portability 90
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB · i7 / 32GB | MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 64GB |
|---|---|---|
| CPU | M4 | — |
| RAM | 16GB | ▲ 64GB |
| Release year | 2025 | 2025 |
| Chip | — | M5 Max |
| OS | — | macOS 16 |
MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB · i7 / 32GB
Pros
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
Cons
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 64GB
Pros
- +M5 generation perf-per-watt leader
- +Larger unified memory ceiling
- +Improved ray-tracing iGPU
Cons
- −macOS-only
- −Memory non-upgradable
- −High-end configs expensive
FAQ: MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB · i7 / 32GB vs MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 64GB
Which is better, MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB · i7 / 32GB or MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 64GB? +
MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 64GB scores 98 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 6. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB · i7 / 32GB worth the price? +
At $1,199, MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB · i7 / 32GB delivers a Specdex score of 92 — strongest in cpu.
Is MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 64GB worth the price? +
At $4,299, MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 64GB delivers a Specdex score of 98 — strongest in cpu.
Does MacBook Air 13 M4 · 16GB · i7 / 32GB or MacBook Pro 16 M5 Max · 64GB 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.