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MacBook Air 13" (M5) — M5 · 13.6″ Liquid Retina · 1.23 kg
Apple

MacBook Air 13" (M5)

M5 · 13.6″ Liquid Retina · 1.23 kg

94
/ 100
From $1,099
VS
MacBook Air 13" (M5) wins by 1
MacBook Air 15" (M4) — M4 · 15.3″ · Fanless · $1,199
Apple

MacBook Air 15" (M4)

M4 · 15.3″ · Fanless · $1,199

93
/ 100
From $1,199
Specdex verdict

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" (M4) at 93. That puts MacBook Air 13" (M5) ahead by 1 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" (M4) if…

  • ✓Silent fanless M4
  • ✓Excellent battery
  • ✓Huge bright display
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Winner by scenario

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

Performance

Tie

CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work

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

Battery life

Tie

Unplugged endurance for travel and campus

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

Portability

MacBook Air 13" (M5)

Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort

MacBook Air 13" (M5) leads on portability (96 vs 94).

Display

Tie

Panel quality for creative and media work

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

Value for money

Tie

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

Effectively tied — similar score-per-dollar at MSRP.

MacBook Air 13" (M5) 94
vs
93 MacBook Air 15" (M4)

Score breakdown

MacBook Air 13" (M5)
94
cpu 92
gpu 86
display 88
battery 95
portability 96
MacBook Air 15" (M4)
93
cpu 92
gpu 84
display 88
battery 96
portability 94

Specs side-by-side

MacBook Air 13" (M5) versus MacBook Air 15" (M4) — full spec comparison
Spec MacBook Air 13" (M5) MacBook Air 15" (M4)
Chip
Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU; 8 or 10-core GPU)
Apple M4 (10C CPU / 10C GPU)
RAM
16 GB unified (base)
16/24/32 GB
Storage
▲ 512 GB / 1 / 2 / 4 TB SSD
256 GB – 2 TB
Display
13.6″ IPS LED, 2560×1664 at 224 ppi
▲ 15.3″ Liquid Retina 2880×1864
Battery (video)
Up to 18 hours
—
Battery (web)
Up to 15 hours
—
Weight
▲ 1.23 kg
1.51 kg
Ports
MagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm
—
OS
macOS 16
—

MacBook Air 13" (M5)

Pros
  • +10-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU
  • +16 GB unified memory baseline
  • +Up to 18 hours video playback
Cons
  • −No ProMotion 120 Hz display
  • −2× Thunderbolt 4 (not TB5)
  • −Two ports total

MacBook Air 15" (M4)

Pros
  • +Silent fanless M4
  • +Excellent battery
  • +Huge bright display
Cons
  • −Only 2 TB3 ports
  • −Single external display (M4 base)
  • −No ProMotion

FAQ: MacBook Air 13" (M5) vs MacBook Air 15" (M4)

Which is better, MacBook Air 13" (M5) or MacBook Air 15" (M4)? +

MacBook Air 13" (M5) scores 94 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 1. 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" (M4) worth the price? +

At $1,199, MacBook Air 15" (M4) delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in battery.

Does MacBook Air 13" (M5) or MacBook Air 15" (M4) 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 portability, MacBook Air 13" (M5) or MacBook Air 15" (M4)? +

MacBook Air 13" (M5) — leads on portability (96 vs 94). Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort.