Apple
MacBook Air 15" (M4)
M4 · 15.3″ · Fanless · $1,199
93
/ 100
From $1,199
VS
Apple
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 32GB
M3 Max · 32GB · 2023
93
/ 100
From $3,499
Specdex verdict
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Air 15" (M4) lands at 93 and MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 32GB at 93. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick MacBook Air 15" (M4) if…
- ✓Silent fanless M4
- ✓Excellent battery
- ✓Huge bright display
Pick MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 32GB if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
MacBook Air 15" (M4) 93
vs 93 MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 32GB
Score breakdown
MacBook Air 15" (M4)
93 cpu 92
gpu 84
display 88
battery 96
portability 94
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 32GB
93 cpu 93
gpu 88
display 86
battery 83
portability 82
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MacBook Air 15" (M4) | MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 32GB |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M4 (10C CPU / 10C GPU) | — |
| RAM | 16/24/32 GB | ▲ 32GB |
| Storage | 256 GB – 2 TB | — |
| Display | 15.3″ Liquid Retina 2880×1864 | — |
| Weight | 1.51 kg | — |
| CPU | — | M3 Max |
| Release year | — | 2023 |
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
MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 32GB
Pros
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
Cons
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
FAQ: MacBook Air 15" (M4) vs MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 32GB
Which is better, MacBook Air 15" (M4) or MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 32GB? +
Both score 93 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is MacBook Air 15" (M4) worth the price? +
At $1,199, MacBook Air 15" (M4) delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in battery.
Is MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 32GB worth the price? +
At $3,499, MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 32GB delivers a Specdex score of 93 — strongest in cpu.
Does MacBook Air 15" (M4) or MacBook Pro 14 M3 Max · 32GB 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.