MacBook Air 13" (M5)
M5 · 13.6″ Liquid Retina · 1.23 kg
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)
M4 Max · 16.2″ XDR · Up to 128 GB unified
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Air 13" (M5) lands at 94 and MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) at 96. That puts MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) ahead by 2 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 Pro 16" (M4 Max) if…
- ✓Outstanding battery under load
- ✓XDR mini-LED display
- ✓Silent sustained performance
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MacBook Air 13" (M5) | MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU; 8 or 10-core GPU) | Apple M4 Max (16C CPU / 40C GPU) |
| RAM | 16 GB unified (base) | ▲ Up to 128 GB unified |
| Storage | ▲ 512 GB / 1 / 2 / 4 TB SSD | Up to 8 TB SSD |
| Display | 13.6″ IPS LED, 2560×1664 at 224 ppi | ▲ 16.2″ Liquid Retina XDR, 120Hz |
| Battery (video) | Up to 18 hours | — |
| Battery (web) | Up to 15 hours | — |
| Weight | ▲ 1.23 kg | 2.14 kg |
| Ports | MagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm | 3× TB5, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3 |
| OS | macOS 16 | macOS 15 |
| Battery | — | 100 Wh |
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 Pro 16" (M4 Max)
- +Outstanding battery under load
- +XDR mini-LED display
- +Silent sustained performance
- −Premium pricing
- −Limited gaming library
- −Ports starboard-heavy
FAQ: MacBook Air 13" (M5) vs MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)
Which is better, MacBook Air 13" (M5) or MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)? +
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. 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 16" (M4 Max) worth the price? +
At $3,499, MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in display.
Does MacBook Air 13" (M5) or MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) 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.