MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series)
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MacBook Air (M2 series)
Starting at
£621.35£1,249.00 new
MacBook Pro (M5 series)
Starting at
£1,950.44What's the difference between the MacBook Air (M2 series) and MacBook Pro (M5 series)?
MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M2 series) starts at £621.35, £1329.09 less than the MacBook Pro (M5 series). The MacBook Pro (M5 series) is the newer model, released in 2025.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
Weight
- The MacBook Pro (M5 series) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB.
- The MacBook Pro (M5 series) has a bigger screen: 14 inch vs 13 inch.
- Screen type: Liquid Retina Display on the MacBook Air (M2 series), Liquid Retina XDR display on the MacBook Pro (M5 series).
MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) specs
The MacBook Air (M2 series) and MacBook Pro (M5 series) differ in several key areas that suit different users. The MacBook Air offers a lighter, smaller 13 inch screen with solid performance for everyday tasks and portability. In contrast, the MacBook Pro has a larger 14 inch screen with higher resolution and brightness, more RAM, and a more powerful graphics setup for users needing extra power and a richer display. The Pro also includes additional ports and features like an SDXC card slot and HDMI output, making it a better fit for creative professionals or those who connect multiple peripherals.
MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) price
Colour
MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) battery life and software updates
Durability matters when choosing a laptop you want to keep for years.
Operating System Support
This means both devices will receive the same software features and security improvements, making them equally suitable for long-term use in terms of software compatibility.
Repairability
This benefits users who want a device that can be maintained or repaired professionally without excessive difficulty or cost.
Maximum operating system supported
Year of release
MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) performance
Performance is a key factor depending on what you need your MacBook to handle. The MacBook Pro steps up with more memory and a stronger graphics card, while the MacBook Air provides enough power for everyday computing in a lighter package.
Graphics Power
The MacBook Air (M2 series) has an 8-core GPU, suitable for everyday graphics tasks and light creative work. The MacBook Pro (M5 series) features a 10-core GPU, which offers more graphics processing power. This makes the Pro a better choice for users working with more demanding visual content like video editing or 3D graphics.
Memory Capacity
MacBook Air comes with 8 GB of RAM, keeping everyday apps running smoothly. The MacBook Pro doubles that with 16 GB of RAM, which helps keep more applications open and improves multitasking performance. This is useful for professionals or users who run memory-intensive software.
Storage Options
Both models come with SSD storage starting at 512 GB, suitable for most users. The MacBook Air also offers 256 GB, 1 TB, and 2 TB options, giving more variety for different storage needs. The MacBook Pro starts at 512 GB and goes up to 2 TB, focusing on larger storage sizes for users needing more space for files and projects.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) screen
The screen quality influences how you view content and work on your MacBook. Both devices use IPS and Retina displays with True Tone, but the MacBook Pro offers a larger and brighter screen with a higher resolution and advanced display technology.
Screen Size and Resolution
MacBook Air features a 13 inch screen with a resolution of 2560 x 1664. This size is good for portability and everyday use. The MacBook Pro has a 14 inch screen with a higher resolution of 3024 x 1964, providing more screen space and sharper images. This suits users who want extra room for multitasking or detailed work.
Screen Brightness and Type
The MacBook Air has 500 nits brightness with a Liquid Retina Display, enough for indoor and moderate outdoor use. The MacBook Pro doubles that brightness to 1000 nits and uses a Liquid Retina XDR display, offering more vivid colours and better visibility in bright environments. This makes the Pro well suited for professionals who need precise colour and clarity.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) camera
Audio and video features affect your experience in calls, media consumption, and creative tasks. Both MacBooks have 1080p front cameras, but the MacBook Pro has a larger speaker system.
Front Camera Quality
Both MacBook Air and MacBook Pro have 1080p front cameras, which support clear video calls and streaming. This resolution suits users who frequently participate in video meetings or online chats.
Speaker System
MacBook Air includes a four-speaker sound system that delivers solid audio for music and calls. The MacBook Pro enhances this with six speakers, providing richer and more immersive sound. This benefits users who value high-quality audio for media or creative work.
Front camera definition
Speakers
Webcam
MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) size and design
Additional features such as ports, connectivity, and input options can impact how you use your MacBook daily. The MacBook Pro includes several extras that suit users with more complex setups or particular connectivity needs.
Ports and Expansion
The MacBook Air has two USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports and no card slot or HDMI output. The MacBook Pro increases this to three USB Type-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, includes an SDXC card slot, and supports HDMI output. These additions make the Pro a better fit for photographers, videographers, and users connecting multiple external devices.
Connectivity and Wireless
MacBook Air uses Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax. The MacBook Pro updates Bluetooth to version 5.3 while maintaining the same Wi-Fi 6 technology. The newer Bluetooth version may provide improved wireless device connections and energy efficiency.
Weight and Portability
Weighing 1240 g, the MacBook Air is lighter and easier to carry for daily commuting or travel. The MacBook Pro weighs 1550 g, reflecting its larger screen and additional features, which suits users prioritising performance over minimum weight.
Display Features and Input
Both MacBook Air and MacBook Pro support Touch input and have True Tone displays. The MacBook Pro supports promotion technology, which can provide smoother motion on screen, enhancing the experience for video and animations.
Webcam Detail
The MacBook Air specifies a 1080p front camera, which focuses on high-definition video calls.
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 Pro (M5 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Air (M2 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £621.35, £1329.09 less than the MacBook Pro (M5 series)
- you want a lighter build (1240 g vs 1550 g)
Buy the MacBook Pro (M5 series) if
- you want more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (14 inch vs 13 inch)
MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) FAQs
MacBook Air (M2 series) vs MacBook Pro (M5 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. The MacBook Pro (M5 series) has more RAM: 16 GB vs 8 GB. The MacBook Pro (M5 series) has a bigger screen: 14 inch vs 13 inch.
The MacBook Air (M2 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £621.35 compared with £1950.44 for the MacBook Pro (M5 series).
The MacBook Pro (M5 series) adds more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB) and a bigger screen (14 inch vs 13 inch). Refurbished, it costs £1329.09 more (from £1950.44 vs £621.35).
Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M2 series) comes in 256GB, 512GB, 1TB and 2TB, and the MacBook Pro (M5 series) in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
