MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series)
Shop MacBook
MacBook Air (M5 series)
Starting at
£1,885.24
MacBook Pro (M3 series)
Starting at
£1,395.68£1,868.90 newWhat's the difference between the MacBook Air (M5 series) and MacBook Pro (M3 series)?
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. Refurbished, the MacBook Pro (M3 series) starts at £1395.68, £489.56 less than the MacBook Air (M5 series). The MacBook Air (M5 series) is the newer model, released in 2026.
Refurbished from
RAM
Screen size
Screen type
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 14 inch.
- Screen type: Liquid Retina Display on the MacBook Air (M5 series), Liquid Retina XDR display on the MacBook Pro (M3 series).
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) specs
The MacBook Air (M5 series) and MacBook Pro (M3 series) offer distinct advantages depending on your needs. The MacBook Air has more RAM and larger SSD storage options in stock, making it well suited for multitasking and storing larger files. It also features a larger 15 inch screen with IPS technology for consistent colour viewing. The MacBook Pro offers a brighter Liquid Retina XDR display in a slightly smaller 14 inch size, which suits users who prioritise screen brightness and detail. It has a higher maximum SSD storage option available and an extra USB-C port. Your choice depends on whether you value more memory and screen size or a brighter, more detailed display and additional port flexibility.
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) price
Colour
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) battery life and software updates
This means both devices keep pace with the newest system improvements for daily use.
Release Year
The MacBook Air was released in 2026, while the MacBook Pro came out in 2023.
Maximum operating system supported
OS at launch
Year of release
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) performance
Performance differences revolve around memory capacity and storage options, which influence how smoothly you can run apps and store files. Both devices share Apple processors and a 10-core GPU, providing strong graphics and computing power.
RAM Capacity
The MacBook Air offers 16 GB of RAM, which is beneficial if you run multiple apps or work with memory-intensive tasks. The MacBook Pro comes with 8 GB of RAM, which suits everyday use and general multitasking.
Storage Options
The MacBook Air is stocked with 512 GB and 1 TB SSD options, matching the MacBook Pro's 512 GB and 1 TB choices. The MacBook Pro also offers a 2 TB option. This allows the MacBook Pro to handle larger file storage needs for those who require it.
Graphic card
Macbook architecture
Processor brand
Processor speed ghz
RAM
Storage type
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) screen
Screen quality varies notably between these models, affecting how images and videos appear. The MacBook Air features a larger screen with IPS technology for wide viewing angles, while the MacBook Pro offers higher brightness and a more advanced display type.
Screen Size and Type
The MacBook Air has a 15 inch Liquid Retina Display with IPS technology, providing a spacious viewing area and consistent colour from different angles. The MacBook Pro has a 14 inch Liquid Retina XDR display, offering a slightly smaller but highly detailed screen.
Brightness Levels
The MacBook Pro supports up to 1000 nits sustained brightness and 1600 nits peak brightness, making it suitable for bright environments and HDR content. The MacBook Air offers 500 nits brightness, which is adequate for typical indoor use.
Screen Resolution
The MacBook Air offers two resolution options: 2560 x 1664 and 2880 x 1864, providing clear and sharp images. The MacBook Pro has a higher resolution of 3024 x 1964, which delivers finer detail, useful for photo and video editing.
Ips
Resolution
Retina
Screen brightness
Screen size
Screen type
True tone
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) camera
Front camera definition
Speakers
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) size and design
Additional differences include connectivity and design features that affect everyday convenience and compatibility with accessories.
Bluetooth Version
The MacBook Air features Bluetooth 6.0, offering the latest in wireless connectivity improvements. The MacBook Pro uses Bluetooth 5.3, which still supports a wide range of devices reliably.
USB-C Ports
The MacBook Air has two USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports, while the MacBook Pro has three USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports. This extra port on the Pro can be helpful if you regularly connect multiple peripherals.
Weight
Both devices are close in weight, with the MacBook Air at 1510 g and the MacBook Pro at 1500 g, so portability is similar between them.
Charger Compatibility
Both models support charging via MagSafe 3 and USB Type-C, giving flexibility in power options.
Additional Features
Both have a 1080p front camera, True Tone display, Touch capability, and a headphone jack. The MacBook Air uses Wi-Fi 6 802.11ax as does the MacBook Pro.
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
Usbc port
Weight
Width
Wifi technology
MacBook Air (M5 series) or MacBook Pro (M3 series): which should you buy?
Buy the MacBook Air (M5 series) if
- you want more RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB)
- you want a bigger screen (15 inch vs 14 inch)
Buy the MacBook Pro (M3 series) if
- you want to spend less: it starts at £1395.68, £489.56 less than the MacBook Air (M5 series)
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) FAQs
MacBook Air (M5 series) vs MacBook Pro (M3 series) comes down to the RAM, screen size and screen type. 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 14 inch.
The MacBook Pro (M3 series) is cheaper refurbished, from £1395.68 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 14 inch). Refurbished, it costs £489.56 more (from £1885.24 vs £1395.68).
Refurbished, the MacBook Air (M5 series) comes in 512GB and 1TB, and the MacBook Pro (M3 series) in 512GB, 1TB and 2TB.
