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MacBook Air 15" (M4) — M4 · 15.3″ · Fanless · $1,199
Apple

MacBook Air 15" (M4)

M4 · 15.3″ · Fanless · $1,199

93
/ 100
From $1,199
VS
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) wins by 3
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) — M4 Max · 16.2″ XDR · Up to 128 GB unified
Apple

MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)

M4 Max · 16.2″ XDR · Up to 128 GB unified

96
/ 100
From $3,499
Specdex verdict

MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) takes it — here’s why.

In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Air 15" (M4) lands at 93 and MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) at 96. That puts MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) ahead by 3 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.

Pick MacBook Air 15" (M4) if…

  • ✓Silent fanless M4
  • ✓Excellent battery
  • ✓Huge bright display

Pick MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) if…

  • ✓Outstanding battery under load
  • ✓XDR mini-LED display
  • ✓Silent sustained performance
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Winner by scenario

Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate test

Performance

MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)

CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work

MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) leads on gpu (90 vs 84).

Battery life

Tie

Unplugged endurance for travel and campus

Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.

Portability

MacBook Air 15" (M4)

Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort

MacBook Air 15" (M4) leads on portability (94 vs 88).

Display

MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)

Panel quality for creative and media work

MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) leads on display (98 vs 88).

Value for money

MacBook Air 15" (M4)

Specdex score per dollar at MSRP

MacBook Air 15" (M4) more score per dollar ($1,199 vs $3,499).

MacBook Air 15" (M4) 93
vs
96 MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)

Score breakdown

MacBook Air 15" (M4)
93
cpu 92
gpu 84
display 88
battery 96
portability 94
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)
96
cpu 97
gpu 90
display 98
battery 96
portability 88

Specs side-by-side

MacBook Air 15" (M4) versus MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) — full spec comparison
Spec MacBook Air 15" (M4) MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)
Chip
Apple M4 (10C CPU / 10C GPU)
Apple M4 Max (16C CPU / 40C GPU)
RAM
16/24/32 GB
▲ Up to 128 GB unified
Storage
▲ 256 GB – 2 TB
Up to 8 TB SSD
Display
15.3″ Liquid Retina 2880×1864
▲ 16.2″ Liquid Retina XDR, 120Hz
Weight
▲ 1.51 kg
2.14 kg
Battery
—
100 Wh
Ports
—
3× TB5, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3
OS
—
macOS 15

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 16" (M4 Max)

Pros
  • +Outstanding battery under load
  • +XDR mini-LED display
  • +Silent sustained performance
Cons
  • −Premium pricing
  • −Limited gaming library
  • −Ports starboard-heavy

FAQ: MacBook Air 15" (M4) vs MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)

Which is better, MacBook Air 15" (M4) or MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)? +

MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 3. 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 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 15" (M4) 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.

Which is better for performance, MacBook Air 15" (M4) or MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)? +

MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) — leads on gpu (90 vs 84). CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work.

Which is better for portability, MacBook Air 15" (M4) or MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)? +

MacBook Air 15" (M4) — leads on portability (94 vs 88). Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort.