MacBook Air 13" (M5)
94/100 editorial
US launch / reference: $1,099
Manufacturer source ↗MacBook Air 13" (M5) vs MacBook Air 15" (M5)
The overall editorial ratings are effectively tied. Your priorities and current prices can change the better choice.
MacBook Air 15" (M5)
94/100 editorial
US launch / reference: $1,299
Manufacturer source ↗Start with the tradeoffs
Consider MacBook Air 13" (M5) for
- 10-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU
- 16 GB unified memory baseline
- Up to 18 hours video playback
Tradeoff: No ProMotion 120 Hz display
Consider MacBook Air 15" (M5) for
- Larger 15.3″ panel at 2880×1864
- 10-core CPU + 10-core GPU standard
- Up to 18 hours video playback
Tradeoff: Heavier at 1.51 kg
Scores and judgments are editorial. Specdex does not run an in-house benchmark lab. Manufacturer claims and independent measurements may use different test conditions.
Editorial fit by scenario
Performance
Effectively tied
neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead
Based on available shared editorial ratings.
Battery life
Effectively tied
neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead
Based on available shared editorial ratings.
Portability
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
leads on portability (96 vs 88)
Based on available shared editorial ratings.
Display
MacBook Air 15" (M5)
leads on display (90 vs 88)
Based on available shared editorial ratings.
Specifications side by side
Arrows indicate a higher capacity, higher power rating, or lower weight/time for comparable simple quantities. They do not establish overall product quality. Unknown values remain unavailable.
| Specification | MacBook Air 13" (M5) | MacBook Air 15" (M5) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU; 8 or 10-core GPU) | Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) |
| RAM | 16 GB unified (base) | 16 GB unified (base) |
| Storage | 512 GB / 1 / 2 / 4 TB SSD | 512 GB / 1 / 2 / 4 TB SSD |
| Display | 13.6″ IPS LED, 2560×1664 at 224 ppi | 15.3″ IPS LED, 2880×1864 at 224 ppi |
| Battery (video) | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Battery (web) | Up to 15 hours | Up to 15 hours |
| Weight | ↑ 1.23 kg | 1.51 kg |
| Ports | MagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm | MagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm |
| OS | macOS Tahoe (26) | macOS Tahoe (26) |
Inspect the shared editorial ratings
Missing criteria are excluded from pairwise scenarios. A difference below two points is treated as a tie. These are not raw benchmarks.
- cpu
- 92 / 92
- gpu
- 86 / 88
- display
- 88 / 90
- battery
- 95 / 95
- portability
- 96 / 88
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
Prices & availability
US launch / reference: $1,099. This is not a current retailer offer.
Checking current offers…
Price history
History appears when an approved retailer provides observations.
Prices apply to the listed configuration and condition. Tax and shipping are not included unless the retailer states otherwise.
MacBook Air 15" (M5)
Prices & availability
US launch / reference: $1,299. This is not a current retailer offer.
Checking current offers…
Price history
History appears when an approved retailer provides observations.
Prices apply to the listed configuration and condition. Tax and shipping are not included unless the retailer states otherwise.