MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Air (M5 series)
Shop MacBook
MacBook Air (M2 series)
Starting at
£621.35£1,249.00 new
MacBook Air (M5 series)
Starting at
£1,885.24What's the difference between the MacBook Air (M2 series) and MacBook Air (M5 series)?
MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Air (M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M2 series) starts at £621.35, £1263.89 less than the MacBook Air (M5 series). The MacBook Air (M5 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Weight
- The MacBook Air (M5 series) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB.
- The MacBook Air (M5 series) has a bigger screen: 15 inch vs 13 inch.
- The MacBook Air (M2 series) has a lighter build: 1240 g vs 1510 g.
MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Air (M5 series) specs
The MacBook Air M2 series and M5 series each offer distinct features suited to different users. The M2 series provides a 13 inch screen and 8 GB of RAM, making it a good choice if you want a lighter laptop with enough memory for everyday tasks. The M5 series offers a larger 15 inch screen, a more powerful 10-core GPU, and 16 GB of RAM, which benefits users who need more processing power and a roomier display. Storage options are broader with the M5, including larger capacities. Your choice depends on whether you prioritise portability and simplicity or enhanced performance and screen space.
MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Air (M5 series) price
Colour
MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Air (M5 series) battery life and software updates
Both MacBook Air models run macOS and support the same maximum macOS version. This means both will keep up with current software updates and security patches equally well.
Operating System Support
This ensures you can use the most recent features and security improvements on either device. Users looking for consistent software compatibility will find both models suitable.
Maximum operating system supported
OS at launch
Year of release
MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Air (M5 series) performance
Performance differences come down to graphics power, RAM, and storage options. These factors affect how well each device handles multitasking, graphics-intensive tasks, and file storage.
Graphics Processing
The MacBook Air M2 series has an 8-core GPU, while the M5 series upgrades to a 10-core GPU. This means the M5 series offers stronger graphics performance, which benefits users working with visual content or graphics-heavy applications.
Memory Capacity
With 8 GB of RAM, the MacBook Air M2 series keeps everyday apps running smoothly. The M5 series doubles this to 16 GB, which is better for users who keep many apps open at once or work with more demanding software.
Storage Options
The MacBook Air M2 series is available in 256 GB, 512 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB SSD storage options, while the M5 series offers 512 GB and 1 TB SSDs. If you need a wider range of storage sizes, the M2 series provides more choices to match your needs.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Air (M5 series) screen
Screen quality affects how much space you have to work on and the clarity of what you see. Both models use Liquid Retina IPS displays with True Tone and Retina technology, but they differ in size and resolution options.
Screen Size and Resolution
The MacBook Air M2 series features a 13 inch screen with a resolution of 2560 by 1664 pixels. The M5 series offers a larger 15 inch screen, with options for both 2560 by 1664 and a higher 2880 by 1864 resolution. This larger, sharper screen suits users who want more room for multitasking or detailed visuals.
Screen Brightness and Technology
Both devices provide 500 nits of brightness and include Liquid Retina displays with True Tone. This means the screen colours and brightness adjust for comfortable viewing in different lighting, making either device a good choice for varied environments.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Air (M5 series) camera
Front camera definition
Speakers
MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Air (M5 series) size and design
The miscellaneous features cover connectivity, weight, and other aspects that affect daily use and convenience.
Bluetooth and Connectivity
The MacBook Air M2 series uses Bluetooth 5.0, while the M5 series upgrades to Bluetooth 6.0. Both have two USB Type-C ports with Thunderbolt 4 and support MagSafe 3 charging. This means both are well equipped for modern peripherals and charging options, with the M5 series offering the latest Bluetooth version.
Weight Differences
The MacBook Air M2 series weighs 1240 grams, making it lighter and potentially easier to carry around.
Other Features
Both models have a 1080p front camera, a headphone jack, QWERTY English keyboard, and support touch input without a Touch Bar. Both also use the same 16-core neural engine, supporting tasks like machine learning consistently.
Bluetooth
Bluetooth version
Card slot
Charger compatibility
Depth
Display
Hdmi output
Height
Jack plug
Keyboard language type
Microphone specifications
Neural engine
Promotion
Release date
Touch
Touch bar
Usb typec thunderbolt 4 ports
Usbc port
Webcam definition
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
MacBook Air (M2 series) or MacBook Air (M5 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Air (M2 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £621.35, £1263.89 less than the MacBook Air (M5 series)
- you want a lighter build (1240 g vs 1510 g)
Buy the MacBook Air (M5 series) if
- you want more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (15 inch vs 13 inch)
MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Air (M5 series) FAQs
MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Air (M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and weight. The MacBook Air (M5 series) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB. The MacBook Air (M5 series) has a bigger screen: 15 inch vs 13 inch.
The MacBook Air (M2 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £621.35 compared with £1885.24 for the MacBook Air (M5 series).
The MacBook Air (M5 series) adds more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB) and a bigger screen (15 inch vs 13 inch). Refurbished, it costs £1263.89 more (from £1885.24 vs £621.35).
Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M2 series) comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the MacBook Air (M5 series) in 512GB and 1TB.
