MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series)
Shop MacBook
MacBook Air (M1 series)
Starting at
£426.31£999.00 new
MacBook Pro (M1 series)
Starting at
£506.35£1,299.00 newWhat's the difference between the MacBook Air (M1 series) and MacBook Pro (M1 series)?
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series) comes down to the RAM and weight. Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M1 series) starts at £426.31, £80.04 less than the MacBook Pro (M1 series).
Refurbished from
RAM
Weight
- The MacBook Pro (M1 series) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB.
- The MacBook Air (M1 series) has a lighter build: 1290 g vs 1400 g.
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series) specs
The MacBook Air (M1 series) and the MacBook Pro (M1 series) share the same release year and many core features, but they differ in performance and some extras. The MacBook Pro offers more RAM and a slightly stronger graphics setup, making it well suited for demanding tasks like video or photo editing with multiple apps open. The MacBook Air provides a lighter option with enough power for everyday use and general work. The Pro also has stereo speakers with high dynamic range and a Touch Bar, which may appeal to users who want enhanced audio and extra control options. Both have the same screen quality, operating system support, and similar size, so screen experience is consistent.
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series) price
Colour
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series) battery life and software updates
Durability covers the operating system support and release timing. Both models come from 2020 and support the same maximum macOS version, ensuring similar software longevity.
Operating System Support
Both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro support macOS Tahoe, meaning they can run the same latest compatible operating system. This ensures access to the same software features and security updates for each device.
Release Year
Both devices were released in 2020, so their hardware and software support are aligned in terms of age and maintenance.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series) performance
Performance differences focus on graphics capability, RAM, and storage options. These impact how well each device handles multitasking and demanding applications.
RAM Capacity
The MacBook Air comes with 8 GB of RAM, which keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The MacBook Pro has 16 GB of RAM, which suits users needing more memory for multitasking or heavier workloads.
Graphics Processor
The MacBook Air has a 7-core GPU while the MacBook Pro features an 8-core GPU. This makes the Pro better equipped for graphics-intensive tasks such as video editing or design work.
Storage Options
Both devices use SSD storage, but the MacBook Air offers up to 2TB in the options stocked, while the MacBook Pro extends up to 4TB. This range is useful for users needing large local storage, like photographers or video editors.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series) screen
Screen quality is identical across both MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, providing a consistent viewing experience for all users.
Display Features
Both have 13-inch Retina displays with IPS technology, a resolution of 2560 x 1600, 400 nits brightness, and True Tone. This means sharp, bright images with accurate colours suitable for both work and entertainment.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series) camera
Audiovisual differences relate to speaker quality and front camera, affecting media and video call experiences.
Speakers
The MacBook Air includes stereo speakers, while the MacBook Pro has stereo speakers with high dynamic range. The Pro's speakers provide richer sound, which benefits music listening and video playback.
Front Camera
Both devices have a 720p front camera, delivering the same quality for video calls and conferencing.
Front camera definition
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series) size and design
Miscellaneous differences include design details, input features, and weight. These affect portability and user interaction.
Weight and Size
The MacBook Air weighs 1290 g, making it lighter than the MacBook Pro, which weighs 1400 g. Both share the same width and depth, but the Air is slightly taller at 1.61 cm compared to the Pro's 1.56 cm. This makes the Air a more portable choice.
Touch Bar
The MacBook Pro has a Touch Bar, offering an extra control strip above the keyboard. The MacBook Air does not have this feature, which suits users who prefer traditional function keys.
Speakers and Audio Inputs
Both models include a headphone jack and USB-C charging ports. Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 technology are consistent across both devices, supporting modern wireless connectivity.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth version
Card slot
Charger compatibility
Depth
Display
Hdmi output
Height
Jack plug
Keyboard language type
Neural engine
Promotion
Release date
Touch
Touch bar
Usb typec thunderbolt 4 ports
Usba port
Usbc port
Webcam definition
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
MacBook Air (M1 series) or MacBook Pro (M1 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Air (M1 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £426.31, £80.04 less than the MacBook Pro (M1 series)
- you want a lighter build (1290 g vs 1400 g)
Buy the MacBook Pro (M1 series) if
- you want more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB)
What our customers say
Customers say the MacBook Air (M1 series) looks almost new with only minor marks on the aluminium body. It is praised for quick performance suitable for video editing hobbies, everyday work, and university tasks. Battery life is described as solid or just right for daily use, though some mention it runs down faster than expected in certain cases. The speaker volume on the Air is noted as a bit lower by one customer, but overall the device is reliable and responsive with good storage options.
Reviews for the MacBook Pro (M1 series) highlight its reliability and fast performance for work, video editing, and photo storage. Customers appreciate the larger storage capacities like 1TB and 2TB for handling large files and multiple apps smoothly. Battery life is consistently described as lasting through long days or all day, meeting the needs of users with demanding workloads. Some note visible marks on the case but find the device runs well and the screen is clear.
The MacBook Air suits users looking for a lighter device for everyday use, university work, or lighter creative projects. The MacBook Pro is better suited for users who want more memory, stronger graphics, and larger storage for professional or intensive multimedia tasks.
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series) FAQs
MacBook Air (M1 series) vs MacBook Pro (M1 series) comes down to the RAM and weight. The MacBook Pro (M1 series) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB. The MacBook Air (M1 series) has a lighter build: 1290 g vs 1400 g.
The MacBook Air (M1 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £426.31 compared with £506.35 for the MacBook Pro (M1 series).
Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M1 series) comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the MacBook Pro (M1 series) in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB and 4TB.
