Best MacBook Air

Mick

By Mick

| Updated 3 Days Ago

  • The MacBook Air is a popular choice for students, professionals, and casual users, thanks to its sleek design, lightweight build, and strong performance. Over the years, Apple’s MacBook Air has become thinner and more powerful, offering an excellent blend of portability and functionality. Known for its slim profile, long battery life, and seamless integration with other Apple products, the MacBook Air is ideal for everyday tasks like web browsing, word processing, and light photo editing. The latest models feature Apple’s M-series chips, which significantly boost performance and energy efficiency compared to older Intel models. When selecting a MacBook Air, key factors to consider include storage capacity, RAM, and processor speed, as these affect performance and longevity. We tested various MacBook Air models to identify the best options for different needs and budgets, focusing on display quality, battery life, and overall value.

  • Apple MacBook Air M3 (2024)

    10

    We think the new MacBook Air M3 is an excellent choice for most people looking for a powerful, portable laptop.

    Pros

    • Impressive performance with M3 chip
    • Long battery life
    • Sleek, lightweight design

    Cons

    • Limited port selection
    • Base model has 256GB storage
    • Can get warm under heavy loads

    The 2024 MacBook Air with M3 chip left us impressed. We found its performance to be a big step up from previous models. Apps opened quickly, and we breezed through tasks like photo editing and video conferencing without any hiccups.

    We really liked how portable this laptop is. It’s so thin and light that we barely noticed it in our bag. The 13.6-inch screen is bright and colorful, making everything from documents to movies look great. We also enjoyed the improved 1080p webcam, which made us look crisp and clear in video calls.

    Battery life on the M3 MacBook Air is fantastic. We easily got through full workdays without needing to plug in. The MagSafe charging port is handy, freeing up the two Thunderbolt ports for other uses. While we wish it had more ports, the included ones are fast and versatile. This MacBook Air is a solid upgrade that should keep most users happy for years to come.

    Sale
    Apple MacBook Air M3 (2024)
    • LEAN. MEAN. M3 MACHINE — With a powerful 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, the blazing-fast MacBook Air with M3 chip is a superportable laptop that sails through work and play.
  • 2022 MacBook Air M2

    9.7

    We think the 2022 MacBook Air M2 is a great choice for most people looking for a powerful, portable laptop with excellent battery life.

    Pros

    • Lightweight and thin design
    • Impressive performance with M2 chip
    • Long battery life

    Cons

    • Limited port selection
    • Higher price than previous model
    • Base model has slower SSD

    We’ve been using the 2022 MacBook Air M2 for a few weeks now, and we’re really impressed. The new design is super thin and light, making it easy to carry around all day. We barely notice it in our bag.

    The M2 chip gives this Air a big boost in speed. We can run multiple apps, edit photos, and browse the web without any slowdowns. It’s much faster than the old Intel-based Airs we’ve used before.

    Battery life is another standout feature. We’ve gone full workdays without needing to plug in. The new 13.6-inch screen is bright and colorful, great for watching videos or working outside.

    One thing to note: the base model with 256GB storage has a slower SSD than higher storage options. If you work with large files often, you might want to upgrade. The two Thunderbolt ports are handy, but some users might miss having more connection options.

    We think the 2022 MacBook Air M2 is a solid pick for most people who want a fast, portable Mac laptop. It’s pricier than the M1 Air, but the performance boost and new design make it worth considering if you’re due for an upgrade.

    Sale
    2022 MacBook Air M2
    • STRIKINGLY THIN DESIGN — The redesigned MacBook Air is more portable than ever and weighs just 2.7 pounds. It’s the incredibly capable laptop that lets you work, play or create just about anything — anywhere.
  • MacBook Air 15″ M3

    9.5

    We think the MacBook Air 15″ M3 is a top pick for most people looking for a powerful, portable laptop with great battery life.

    Pros

    • Impressive performance with M3 chip
    • Large, vibrant 15.3-inch display
    • Long battery life up to 18 hours

    Cons

    • Only two Thunderbolt ports
    • Base model has 8GB RAM
    • More expensive than some alternatives

    We’ve been testing the new MacBook Air 15″ with M3 chip, and it’s a joy to use. The larger 15.3-inch screen is a big upgrade from the 13-inch model, giving us more space for work and play. Colors pop on the Liquid Retina display, making everything from photos to videos look great.

    The M3 chip inside is blazing fast. We breezed through everyday tasks like web browsing and document editing. It even handled more demanding jobs like video editing without breaking a sweat. The fan-less design means it stays quiet no matter what we throw at it.

    Battery life is a standout feature. We often got through a full workday without needing to plug in. The MagSafe charging port is handy, freeing up the two Thunderbolt ports for other uses. While we wish there were more ports, the included ones are versatile.

    At 3.3 pounds, it’s light enough to carry around all day. The midnight color looks sleek, though it does show fingerprints easily. The backlit keyboard and large trackpad make typing and navigation a breeze.

    For most people, this MacBook Air hits a sweet spot of performance, screen size, and portability. It’s not the cheapest option, but the quality and longevity make it worth the investment for many users.

    Sale
    MacBook Air 15" M3
    • LEAN. MEAN. M3 MACHINE — With a powerful 8-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU, the blazing-fast MacBook Air with M3 chip is a superportable laptop that sails through work and play.
  • 2020 MacBook Air M1

    9.4

    We think the 2020 MacBook Air M1 is an excellent choice for most people seeking a fast, lightweight laptop with great battery life.

    Pros

    • Impressive performance from M1 chip
    • Thin and light design
    • Long battery life

    Cons

    • Limited port selection
    • Webcam could be better
    • Base model has less storage

    We’ve been using the 2020 MacBook Air with the M1 chip for a while now, and it’s blown us away. The speed is amazing – apps open instantly and everything feels snappy. We can edit photos and videos without any lag, which used to slow down our old laptop.

    The battery life is another standout feature. We’ve gone full workdays without needing to plug in. It’s so nice not having to carry a charger everywhere. The fanless design also means it runs silently, even when we’re pushing it hard.

    We love how portable this MacBook Air is. It’s super thin and light, making it easy to toss in a bag and take anywhere. The Retina display looks crisp and colorful, perfect for watching videos or working on creative projects. While we wish it had more ports, the two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports are versatile enough for most of our needs.

    Sale
    2020 MacBook Air M1
    • Retina display; 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology (2560x1600 native resolution)
  • MacBook Air M2 (2022)

    9.3

    We think the 2022 MacBook Air with M2 chip is an excellent choice for most people looking for a powerful, portable laptop.

    Pros

    • Incredibly thin and light
    • Impressive performance
    • Long battery life

    Cons

    • Only two Thunderbolt ports
    • More expensive than previous model
    • Fan-less design may limit sustained performance

    We’ve been using the new MacBook Air M2 for a few weeks now, and we’re impressed by its sleek design and powerful performance. At just 2.7 pounds, it’s incredibly easy to carry around all day. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display is bright and vivid, making everything from web browsing to photo editing a joy.

    The M2 chip really shines in everyday tasks. We found that apps open quickly, and multitasking is smooth even with lots of tabs and programs running. The battery life is fantastic too – we often got through a full workday without needing to charge.

    We love the improved 1080p webcam for video calls. The four-speaker sound system is also a nice upgrade, producing clear and rich audio. While the lack of a fan means it runs quietly, we did notice some throttling during very intensive tasks. For most users though, this won’t be an issue. All in all, we think the MacBook Air M2 is a great choice for anyone seeking a capable, portable Mac.

    Sale
    MacBook Air M2 (2022)
    • STRIKINGLY THIN DESIGN — The redesigned MacBook Air is more portable than ever and weighs just 2.7 pounds. It’s the incredibly capable laptop that lets you work, play or create just about anything — anywhere.
  • MacBook Air M3: Power Meets Portability

    9.1

    We think the 2024 MacBook Air with M3 chip is a top choice for most users seeking a blend of performance and portability.

    Pros

    • Impressive battery life
    • Powerful M3 chip performance
    • Stunning 15.3-inch Retina display

    Cons

    • Limited port selection
    • Higher price point
    • Base model has 256GB storage

    We’ve been using the new MacBook Air, and it’s clear Apple has raised the bar again. The M3 chip inside is a powerhouse, making everything from web browsing to video editing feel snappy and responsive. We noticed apps open in a flash, and even when we had multiple programs running, the Air didn’t break a sweat.

    The 15.3-inch screen is a treat for the eyes. Colors pop, text is crisp, and there’s plenty of space for multitasking. We found ourselves easily working with multiple windows side by side. The larger size doesn’t compromise portability either – it’s still incredibly thin and light.

    Battery life is a standout feature. We used it all day for work without reaching for the charger. It’s perfect for long flights or coffee shop sessions. The improved 1080p webcam is great for video calls, and the four-speaker system sounds impressive for such a slim device.

    There are a few drawbacks. The port selection is limited, so you might need adapters. The base 256GB storage could fill up fast if you work with large files. It’s also pricier than some Windows alternatives. But for most people, we think the MacBook Air M3 hits a sweet spot of power, portability, and user-friendly features that make it worth the investment.

    Sale
    MacBook Air M3: Power Meets Portability
    • LEAN. MEAN. M3 MACHINE — The blazing-fast MacBook Air with the M3 chip is a superportable laptop that sails through work and play.
  • ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Beast

    9

    We think this laptop is a top choice for gamers who want power and style in one package.

    Pros

    • Impressive gaming performance
    • Fast memory and storage
    • Advanced cooling system

    Cons

    • Bulky and heavy
    • Short battery life
    • Pricey for some budgets

    The ASUS ROG Strix G16 packs a punch with its 13th Gen Intel Core i7 processor and NVIDIA RTX 4060 GPU. We played several demanding games and were blown away by the smooth frame rates and vivid graphics. The 165Hz FHD display made fast-paced action look crisp and fluid.

    We love the speedy 16GB DDR5 RAM and 1TB PCIe Gen4 SSD. Apps and games loaded in a flash, and multitasking was a breeze. The ROG Intelligent Cooling system kept things cool even during long gaming sessions. We noticed the fans can get noisy at times, but it’s a fair trade-off for the performance.

    The cyberpunk-inspired design looks cool, but this laptop isn’t light. At 5.51 pounds, it’s not ideal for frequent travelers. Battery life takes a hit too – we got about 4-5 hours of normal use. For serious gamers who mostly use it plugged in, these won’t be deal-breakers. The Strix G16 offers great value for its specs, though it might stretch some budgets.

    Sale
    ASUS ROG Strix G16 Gaming Beast
    • POWER UP YOUR PLAY - Win more games with Windows 11, a 13th Gen Intel Core i7-13650HX processor, and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 Laptop GPU at 140W Max TGP.
  • MacBook Air M2: A Sleek Powerhouse

    8.7

    We think this renewed MacBook Air M2 is a top choice for most users, offering stellar performance in a slim package.

    Pros

    • Powerful M2 chip
    • Lightweight design
    • Crisp Retina display

    Cons

    • Limited ports
    • Only 256GB storage
    • Higher price point

    We got our hands on this MacBook Air, and it’s a real gem. The M2 chip inside packs a punch, making everyday tasks a breeze. We opened multiple tabs, edited photos, and streamed videos without a hiccup.

    The Retina display is sharp and vibrant. Colors pop, and text looks crisp. We loved how easy it was to work outside thanks to its brightness. The keyboard feels great too. We typed for hours without any discomfort.

    At just over 2.7 pounds, this laptop is super portable. We took it to cafes and meetings without our bag feeling heavy. The battery life is impressive too. We got through a full workday on a single charge.

    But it’s not all perfect. The 256GB storage filled up fast. We had to be picky about what we kept on the laptop. The limited ports were also a pain. We often needed a dongle to connect our devices.

    Still, for most people, this MacBook Air hits the sweet spot. It’s powerful enough for work and play, yet light enough to carry anywhere. If you can live with the storage limits, it’s a solid choice.

  • MacBook Air 13″ Refurbished

    8.7

    We think this refurbished MacBook Air is a solid choice for budget-conscious Apple fans seeking a reliable, lightweight laptop.

    Pros

    • Crisp Retina display
    • Compact and portable
    • Excellent battery life

    Cons

    • Limited storage space
    • Older processor
    • Potential refurb issues

    We got our hands on this refurbished MacBook Air, and it’s a pleasant surprise. The 13.3-inch Retina display is a treat for the eyes. Text looks sharp, and colors pop nicely. It’s perfect for browsing the web or working on documents.

    The laptop feels sturdy and well-built. We love how light it is – perfect for tossing in a bag and taking on the go. The battery lasted us through a full workday with no problems. That’s a big plus for anyone who needs to work away from outlets.

    We did notice some drawbacks. The 128GB SSD fills up fast if you store lots of files or photos. The older Intel processor works fine for basic tasks, but it can struggle with heavy workloads. Some buyers might get unlucky with refurb quality, but ours looked and worked like new. For the price, this MacBook Air is a good deal if you need a Mac on a budget.

    Sale
    MacBook Air 13" Refurbished
    • Stunning 13.3-inch Retina display
  • Apple M1 MacBook Air (Renewed)

    8.6

    We think this renewed MacBook Air is a great value for most people seeking a fast, portable laptop with long battery life.

    Pros

    • Powerful M1 chip
    • Excellent battery life
    • Crisp Retina display

    Cons

    • Limited ports
    • 8GB RAM may not be enough for some
    • Refurbished condition

    We tested this renewed 2020 MacBook Air with the M1 chip, and it impressed us. The performance boost over older Intel models is huge. Apps open instantly, and even demanding tasks like video editing are smooth.

    Battery life is a standout feature. We used it for a full workday without needing to plug in. The 13.3-inch Retina display looks sharp and vibrant, great for both work and entertainment.

    As a refurbished model, our unit came in good condition with only minor signs of use. The 512GB SSD provides plenty of storage for most users. While 8GB of RAM is enough for everyday tasks, heavy multitaskers or pro users may want more. The two USB-C ports are limiting, so you might need adapters.

    Sale
    Apple M1 MacBook Air (Renewed)
    • Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance

Buying Guide

When shopping for a MacBook Air, we recommend focusing on a few key factors to find the best model for your needs.

Processor

The processor impacts speed and performance. Look for newer generations with more cores for better multitasking.

RAM

More RAM allows you to run more apps smoothly. We suggest at least 8GB, but 16GB is ideal for power users.

Storage

SSDs provide fast access to files and programs. Choose a capacity that fits your needs – 256GB works for many users.

Display

Consider screen size and resolution. The Retina display offers crisp visuals, while larger screens are better for multitasking.

Battery Life

Long battery life is crucial for portability. Look for models rated for 10+ hours of use.

Ports

Check that it has the ports you need, like USB-C or Thunderbolt. An adapter may be needed for older peripherals.

Weight

The MacBook Air is known for being lightweight. Compare weights if portability is a top priority.

This table summarizes key specs to consider:

FeatureRecommendation
ProcessorLatest gen, multi-core
RAM8GB minimum, 16GB ideal
Storage256GB+ SSD
DisplayRetina, size based on needs
Battery10+ hours rated
WeightUnder 3 pounds

By focusing on these aspects, we can help you find a MacBook Air that best fits your needs and budget.