Differences Between MacBook Air and MacBook Pro
Disclaimer: This information is accurate as of August 9, 2024. Product specifications, prices, and availability may change in the future. Please check Appleβs official website for the most up-to-date information.
Screen Sizes
MacBook Air
- 13.6-inch display
- 15.3-inch display +
MacBook Pro
- 14.2-inch display
- 16.2-inch display +
Display Technology
MacBook Air
- LCD Liquid Retina display
- 60Hz refresh rate
MacBook Pro
- Mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display
- ProMotion technology with refresh rates up to 120Hz
Performance
MacBook Air
- Available with M2 or M3 chip
- Suitable for everyday tasks, light to moderate professional work
MacBook Pro
- Available with M3, M3 Pro, or M3 Max chips
- Designed for heavy professional workloads, including video editing , software development , and other resource-intensive tasks
Portability
MacBook Air
- Lighter and thinner, making it more portable
- Weighs around 1.24 kg (13-inch model)
MacBook Pro
- Heavier and thicker due to more powerful hardware
- Weighs around 1.6 kg (14-inch model) and 2.1 kg (16-inch model) +
Battery Life
MacBook Air
- Generally longer battery life due to less power-hungry components
MacBook Pro
- Slightly shorter battery life due to more powerful hardware, but still excellent for its class
Price
MacBook Air
- Starts at $1,099 for the 13-inch model
- Starts at $1,299 for the 15-inch model +
MacBook Pro
- Starts at $1,599 for the 14-inch model
- Starts at $2,499 for the 16-inch model +
Which is Better?
Choose MacBook Air if:
- You need a lightweight, portable laptop for everyday use, web browsing , office tasks , and light creative work .
- You prefer a more budget-friendly option .
Choose MacBook Pro if:
- You need a powerful machine for professional-grade tasks like video editing , software development , or 3D rendering .
- You require a superior display with higher refresh rates and better color accuracy .
Summary
The MacBook Air is ideal for general use and portability , while the MacBook Pro is better suited for demanding professional applications .