MacBook Air 15" (M5)
M5 · 15.3″ Liquid Retina · 1.51 kg
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
M5 · 13.6″ Liquid Retina · 1.23 kg
Dead heat — it comes down to priorities.
In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Air 15" (M5) lands at 94 and MacBook Air 13" (M5) at 94. With scores tied, the decision hinges on which sub-scores matter most to you.
Pick MacBook Air 15" (M5) if…
- ✓Larger 15.3″ panel at 2880×1864
- ✓10-core CPU + 10-core GPU standard
- ✓Up to 18 hours video playback
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
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPerformance
TieCPU + GPU muscle for demanding work
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Battery life
TieUnplugged endurance for travel and campus
Effectively tied — neither pulls a 2-point weighted lead.
Portability
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
MacBook Air 13" (M5) leads on portability (96 vs 88).
Display
MacBook Air 15" (M5)Panel quality for creative and media work
MacBook Air 15" (M5) leads on display (90 vs 88).
Value for money
MacBook Air 13" (M5)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
MacBook Air 13" (M5) more score per dollar ($1,099 vs $1,299).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MacBook Air 15" (M5) | MacBook Air 13" (M5) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) | Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU; 8 or 10-core GPU) |
| RAM | 16 GB unified (base) | 16 GB unified (base) |
| Storage | 512 GB / 1 / 2 / 4 TB SSD | 512 GB / 1 / 2 / 4 TB SSD |
| Display | ▲ 15.3″ IPS LED, 2880×1864 at 224 ppi | 13.6″ IPS LED, 2560×1664 at 224 ppi |
| Battery (video) | Up to 18 hours | Up to 18 hours |
| Battery (web) | Up to 15 hours | Up to 15 hours |
| Weight | 1.51 kg | ▲ 1.23 kg |
| Ports | MagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm | MagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm |
| OS | macOS 16 | macOS 16 |
MacBook Air 15" (M5)
- +Larger 15.3″ panel at 2880×1864
- +10-core CPU + 10-core GPU standard
- +Up to 18 hours video playback
- −Heavier at 1.51 kg
- −2× Thunderbolt 4 (not TB5)
- −No ProMotion
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
FAQ: MacBook Air 15" (M5) vs MacBook Air 13" (M5)
Which is better, MacBook Air 15" (M5) or MacBook Air 13" (M5)? +
Both score 94 on our weighted rubric — tied. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is MacBook Air 15" (M5) worth the price? +
At $1,299, MacBook Air 15" (M5) delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in battery.
Is MacBook Air 13" (M5) worth the price? +
At $1,099, MacBook Air 13" (M5) delivers a Specdex score of 94 — strongest in portability.
Does MacBook Air 15" (M5) or MacBook Air 13" (M5) 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 portability, MacBook Air 15" (M5) or MacBook Air 13" (M5)? +
MacBook Air 13" (M5) — leads on portability (96 vs 88). Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort.
Which is better for display, MacBook Air 15" (M5) or MacBook Air 13" (M5)? +
MacBook Air 15" (M5) — leads on display (90 vs 88). Panel quality for creative and media work.