Apple
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
M5 · 13.6″ Liquid Retina · 1.23 kg
94
/ 100
From $1,099
VS
Apple
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro · 16GB
M4 Pro · 16GB · 2024
94
/ 100
From $1,999
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Air 13" (M5) lands at 94 and MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro · 16GB at 94. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
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 Pro 14 M4 Pro · 16GB if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
MacBook Air 13" (M5) 94
vs 94 MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro · 16GB
Score breakdown
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
94 cpu 92
gpu 86
display 88
battery 95
portability 96
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro · 16GB
94 cpu 94
gpu 89
display 86
battery 84
portability 81
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MacBook Air 13" (M5) | MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro · 16GB |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU; 8 or 10-core GPU) | — |
| RAM | 16 GB unified (base) | 16GB |
| 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 | — | M4 Pro |
| Release year | — | 2024 |
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 Pro 14 M4 Pro · 16GB
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" (M5) vs MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro · 16GB
Which is better, MacBook Air 13" (M5) or MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro · 16GB? +
Both score 94 on our weighted rubric — tied. 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 Pro 14 M4 Pro · 16GB worth the price? +
At $1,999, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro · 16GB delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in cpu.
Does MacBook Air 13" (M5) or MacBook Pro 14 M4 Pro · 16GB 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.