MacBook Air 15" (M5)
M5 · 15.3″ Liquid Retina · 1.51 kg
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD · Black
M4 Max · 32GB · 2024
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD · Black takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Air 15" (M5) lands at 94 and MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD · Black at 96. That puts MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD · Black ahead by 2 points — a narrow margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
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 Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD · Black if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPerformance
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD · BlackCPU + GPU muscle for demanding work
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD · Black leads on cpu (96 vs 92).
Battery life
MacBook Air 15" (M5)Unplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Air 15" (M5) leads on battery (95 vs 86).
Portability
MacBook Air 15" (M5)Weight, size, and carry-everywhere comfort
MacBook Air 15" (M5) leads on portability (88 vs 79).
Display
MacBook Air 15" (M5)Panel quality for creative and media work
MacBook Air 15" (M5) leads on display (90 vs 86).
Value for money
MacBook Air 15" (M5)Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
MacBook Air 15" (M5) more score per dollar ($1,299 vs $3,499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MacBook Air 15" (M5) | MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD · Black |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | Apple M5 chip (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) | — |
| RAM | 16 GB unified (base) | ▲ 32GB |
| Storage | 512 GB / 1 / 2 / 4 TB SSD | 512GB SSD |
| Display | 15.3″ IPS LED, 2880×1864 at 224 ppi | — |
| Battery (video) | Up to 18 hours | — |
| Battery (web) | Up to 15 hours | — |
| Weight | 1.51 kg | — |
| Ports | MagSafe 3, 2× Thunderbolt 4, 3.5 mm | — |
| OS | macOS 16 | — |
| CPU | — | M4 Max |
| Release year | — | 2024 |
| Color | — | Black |
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 Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD · Black
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
FAQ: MacBook Air 15" (M5) vs MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD · Black
Which is better, MacBook Air 15" (M5) or MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD · Black? +
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD · Black scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 2. 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 Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD · Black worth the price? +
At $3,499, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD · Black delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in cpu.
Does MacBook Air 15" (M5) or MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD · Black 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" (M5) or MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD · Black? +
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD · Black — leads on cpu (96 vs 92). CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work.
Which is better for battery life, MacBook Air 15" (M5) or MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD · Black? +
MacBook Air 15" (M5) — leads on battery (95 vs 86). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.