MacBook Air 13" (M5)
94/100 editorial
US launch / reference: $1,099
Manufacturer source ↗MacBook Air 13" (M5) vs MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max) leads by 2 editorial points. Your priorities and current prices can change the better choice.
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
96/100 editorial
US launch / reference: $3,899
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 Pro 16" (M5 Max) for
- 18-core CPU + 40-core GPU (M5 Max top config)
- Up to 22 hours video playback
- Three Thunderbolt 5 ports
Tradeoff: Heavy at 2.15 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
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
leads on cpu (98 vs 92)
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 86)
Based on available shared editorial ratings.
Display
MacBook Pro 16" (M5 Max)
leads on display (98 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 Pro 16" (M5 Max) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU; 8 or 10-core GPU) | Apple M5 Max chip (18-core CPU, 32-core GPU base, configurable to 40-core GPU) |
| RAM | 16 GB unified (base) | Up to 128 GB unified |
| Storage | 512 GB / 1 / 2 / 4 TB SSD | 2 / 4 / 8 TB SSD |
| Display | 13.6″ IPS LED, 2560×1664 at 224 ppi | 16.2″ Liquid Retina XDR, 3456×2234 at 254 ppi |
| Battery (video) | Up to 18 hours | Up to 22 hours |
| Battery (web) | Up to 15 hours | Up to 16 hours |
| Weight | ↑ 1.23 kg | 2.15 kg |
| Ports | MagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm | 3× Thunderbolt 5, MagSafe 3, SDXC, HDMI, 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 / 98
- gpu
- 86 / 92
- display
- 88 / 98
- battery
- 95 / 96
- portability
- 96 / 86
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 Pro 16" (M5 Max)
Prices & availability
US launch / reference: $3,899. 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.