Apple
MacBook Air 15" (M5)
M5 · 15.3″ Liquid Retina · 1.51 kg
94
/ 100
From $1,299
VS
Apple
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
M5 · 13.6″ Liquid Retina · 1.23 kg
94
/ 100
From $1,099
Specdex verdict
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
MacBook Air 15" (M5) 94
vs 94 MacBook Air 13" (M5)
Score breakdown
MacBook Air 15" (M5)
94 cpu 92
gpu 88
display 90
battery 95
portability 88
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
94 cpu 92
gpu 86
display 88
battery 95
portability 96
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)
Pros
- +Larger 15.3″ panel at 2880×1864
- +10-core CPU + 10-core GPU standard
- +Up to 18 hours video playback
Cons
- −Heavier at 1.51 kg
- −2× Thunderbolt 4 (not TB5)
- −No ProMotion
MacBook Air 13" (M5)
Pros
- +10-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU
- +16 GB unified memory baseline
- +Up to 18 hours video playback
Cons
- −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.