MacBook Air 13" (M5)
M5 · 13.6″ Liquid Retina · 1.23 kg
MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB
M3 · 32GB · 2024
MacBook Air 13" (M5) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Air 13" (M5) lands at 94 and MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB at 90. That puts MacBook Air 13" (M5) ahead by 4 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick MacBook Air 13" (M5) if…
- ✓10-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU
- ✓16 GB unified memory baseline
- ✓Up to 18 hours video playback
Pick MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPerformance
TieCPU + GPU muscle for demanding work
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Battery life
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Unplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Air 13" (M5) leads on battery (95 vs 80).
Portability
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
MacBook Air 13" (M5) leads on portability (96 vs 85).
Display
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Panel quality for creative and media work
MacBook Air 13" (M5) leads on display (88 vs 86).
Value for money
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
MacBook Air 13" (M5) more score per dollar ($1,099 vs $1,599).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MacBook Air 13" (M5) | MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU; 8 or 10-core GPU) | — |
| RAM | 16 GB unified (base) | ▲ 32GB |
| Storage | 512 GB / 1 / 2 / 4 TB SSD | — |
| Display | 13.6″ IPS LED, 2560×1664 at 224 ppi | — |
| Battery (video) | Up to 18 hours | — |
| Battery (web) | Up to 15 hours | — |
| Weight | 1.23 kg | — |
| Ports | MagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm | — |
| OS | macOS 16 | — |
| CPU | — | M3 |
| Release year | — | 2024 |
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
- +10-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU
- +16 GB unified memory baseline
- +Up to 18 hours video playback
- −No ProMotion 120 Hz display
- −2× Thunderbolt 4 (not TB5)
- −Two ports total
MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
FAQ: MacBook Air 13" (M5) vs MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB
Which is better, MacBook Air 13" (M5) or MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB? +
MacBook Air 13" (M5) scores 94 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 4. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is MacBook Air 13" (M5) worth the price? +
At $1,099, MacBook Air 13" (M5) delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in portability.
Is MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB worth the price? +
At $1,599, MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB delivers a Specdex score of 90 — strongest in cpu.
Does MacBook Air 13" (M5) or MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB 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 battery life, MacBook Air 13" (M5) or MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB? +
MacBook Air 13" (M5) — leads on battery (95 vs 80). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.
Which is better for portability, MacBook Air 13" (M5) or MacBook Air 15 M3 · 32GB? +
MacBook Air 13" (M5) — leads on portability (96 vs 85). Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort.