Best macbook air to buy in 2025

Struggling to figure out which MacBook Air to snag in 2025? It can feel like a maze with all the different models out there, but don’t worry, I’ve got your back. This year, Apple has truly upped its game, especially with the latest M4 chip, making the decision both exciting and a little overwhelming. We’re going to break down everything you need to know, from the brand-new M4 models to the incredibly budget-friendly M1, so you can confidently pick the perfect MacBook Air that fits your life and your wallet.

Honestly, the MacBook Air M4 is the top contender for most folks in 2025, hands down. It’s fresh off a March 2025 refresh, packing the latest M4 chip and a sweet new Sky Blue color option, making it the ideal time to buy since it’s at the start of its product cycle. You’ll find it in both a super portable 13-inch and a more spacious 15-inch size, both starting with a generous 16GB of unified memory as standard, which is a huge win for future-proofing your investment. Prices kick off at $999 for the 13-inch and $1,199 for the 15-inch, which is a fantastic deal considering the power you’re getting.

However, if you’re keeping a close eye on your spending, don’t sleep on the MacBook Air M3 from last year. It’s still a fantastic machine and you might find some really attractive discounts now that the M4 is out, especially if you can find one with 16GB RAM. And for those on a super tight budget, the MacBook Air M1 from 2020 remains an absolute champion, often available for as low as $599 at some retailers. It might be a few years old, but its performance and battery life are still incredibly impressive for everyday tasks.

Whether you’re a student, a creative, or just need a reliable everyday laptop, there’s a MacBook Air for you. We’ll explore each model, what makes them tick, and who they’re best suited for. So, let’s get into it and find your next Apple companion!

The New King: MacBook Air M4 2025

Alright, let’s talk about the star of the show for 2025: the MacBook Air M4. Apple officially refreshed these beauties in March 2025, and they’re looking pretty spectacular. If you’re wondering if it’s a good time to buy a MacBook Air, well, with the M4 just out, it’s arguably the best time. You’re getting the latest tech right at the beginning of its lifecycle, meaning it’ll be current for years to come.

You’ve got two main choices when it comes to size: the ultra-portable 13-inch MacBook Air M4 and the more expansive 15-inch MacBook Air M4. Both models sport the same sleek, flat-edged design that Apple introduced with the M2 Air in 2022, so no major external redesigns this year, but that’s perfectly fine because it’s a proven, premium look and feel. And for a bit of visual flair, there’s a cool new Sky Blue color option, alongside the classic Midnight, Starlight, and Silver.

Now, the real magic is inside with the M4 chip. This isn’t just a minor bump. the M4 chip offers a significant performance leap over its predecessors. According to some benchmarks, the M4 chip can be up to 25% faster in multi-core CPU performance and around 21% faster in GPU performance compared to the M3. What does that mean for you? Everything from zipping through your daily tasks to more demanding work like photo and video editing will feel incredibly smooth and responsive. Plus, these M4 models are specifically “built for Apple Intelligence,” which means you’re ready for all the advanced AI features Apple has in store.

A massive improvement this year, and one many of us have been hoping for, is that 16GB of unified memory RAM now comes standard on the base configurations for both the 13-inch and 15-inch M4 MacBook Airs. This is a must for multitasking and ensures your laptop stays snappy for a long time. Gone are the days of the base 8GB RAM causing concerns for future-proofing!

Another fantastic upgrade is the 12-megapixel Center Stage camera. This means your video calls on apps like FaceTime and Zoom will look much better, and the camera will even keep you centered in the frame as you move around. For those who connect external displays, you’ll be thrilled to know that the M4 MacBook Air now supports two external displays, even when the laptop lid is open – a big step up from previous Air models that only supported one. Connectivity is also top-notch, with Thunderbolt 4 ports rumored to be three in some leaks, but generally two and Wi-Fi 6E for faster wireless speeds. Best luxury bags to buy in 2025

Pricing starts at $999 for the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD and $1,199 for the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD. It’s worth noting that the 13-inch model’s starting price is $100 less than the M3 model it replaced, making it an even more attractive option.

Who is the M4 MacBook Air for? Honestly, it’s the best machine for most people. If you’re a student, a professional who juggles daily tasks, someone who enjoys media consumption, or even a light creative user, the M4 Air will serve you incredibly well. It strikes a fantastic balance between portability, performance, and price.

• You can check out the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M4 or the Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M4 on Amazon.

Still a Powerhouse: MacBook Air M3

Even with the shiny new M4 out, the MacBook Air M3, which launched in 2024, is still a seriously capable laptop that shouldn’t be overlooked. In fact, if you can find it at a discounted price, it could be one of the smartest buys of 2025. It quickly became a fan favorite last year, especially for students and travelers, and for good reason.

The M3 chip itself is built on a more advanced 3nm process, offering notable improvements over the M2 chip. We’re talking about roughly 17% faster single-core performance and 21% faster multi-core performance than the M2, with a 15% boost in GPU performance. This means the M3 Air can handle a wide range of tasks with ease. From your everyday web browsing and document editing to more intensive workloads like 4K video editing, photo manipulation in Adobe Lightroom, and even some hobby app development, the M3 chip keeps things running smoothly and quietly thanks to its fanless design. Best lego sets to buy in 2025

Battery life on the M3 is excellent, too. You can expect around 15 hours of wireless web use and up to 18 hours of video playback. That’s easily enough to get you through a full workday or a long study session without scrambling for a charger.

One key difference to remember when comparing it to the M4 is external display support. The M3 MacBook Air can officially only handle one external display, unlike the M4’s ability to drive two. This might be a deal-breaker for some multi-monitor setups. Also, while the initial M3 base models came with 8GB of RAM, Apple did increase the standard RAM to 16GB on M3 MacBook Airs later in 2024. So, if you’re looking at an M3, definitely aim for a 16GB configuration for better longevity. Crucially, Apple also addressed the slower SSD speeds that plagued the base 256GB M2 models, so the M3’s 256GB storage performs as expected.

Who is the M3 MacBook Air for? This model is still fantastic for almost anyone. If you need robust performance for productivity, content creation, and general daily computing but don’t absolutely need the very latest M4 chip or dual external monitors, the M3 Air is an excellent choice. It’s particularly appealing if you find it at a discounted price, offering superb value for money.

• Find great deals on the Apple MacBook Air M3 on Amazon.

The Value Pick: MacBook Air M2

The MacBook Air M2, released in 2022, is another solid option for 2025, especially if you come across a significant deal. While it’s been superseded by the M3 and M4 chips, the M2 still offers plenty of power for most users and sports the same modern, flat-edged design as the M3 and M4 models. Best stocks to buy in kenya 2025

Under the hood, the M2 chip provides a substantial upgrade over the older M1, with improved CPU and GPU performance, although the jump isn’t as dramatic as M1 to M2 was, or M3 to M4. It’s more than capable of handling everyday tasks like browsing, email, word processing, and even light photo editing and casual creative work. You’ll still get that excellent Apple Silicon efficiency, translating into impressive battery life – up to 18 hours of video playback and 15 hours of wireless web browsing.

However, there are a couple of crucial points to consider if you’re eyeing an M2. The biggest one is the base 256GB SSD storage configuration. When the M2 Air first launched, the 256GB model used a single NAND flash chip, which resulted in significantly slower read and write speeds compared to the 512GB models which used two chips and even the older M1 Air’s base model. This can impact performance during large file transfers or when working with very demanding applications. If you’re going for an M2, I’d strongly recommend trying to get a configuration with 512GB of storage or more to avoid this bottleneck.

Like the M3, the M2 MacBook Air also only supports one external display. If a dual-monitor setup is essential for your workflow, you’ll need to either step up to the M4 Air or look at a MacBook Pro model.

Who is the M2 MacBook Air for? The M2 Air is a great choice if you’re upgrading from an older Intel-based Mac or a Windows laptop and want a modern design with strong performance for general use. It’s particularly appealing if you find a refurbished model or a new one on a deep sale think 40-50% off the M4 price, especially if you can get the 512GB storage and 16GB RAM configuration. It’s a solid everyday laptop that prioritizes portability and efficiency.

• Explore options for the Apple MacBook Air M2 on Amazon.

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The Budget Champion: MacBook Air M1

You might be thinking, “The M1? Isn’t that from 2020?” And you’d be right! But here’s the kicker: in 2025, the MacBook Air M1 is still an absolute rockstar, especially if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck. Many experts, myself included, still consider it an “unmissable deal” at prices around $599, which you can sometimes find at retailers like Walmart.

When Apple introduced the M1 chip, it was a must, completely redefining what a thin and light laptop could do. Even five years later, that M1 chip delivers impressive performance for its age. Apps open instantly, multitasking feels smooth, and you won’t hear a fan because it doesn’t have one – all while being incredibly quiet. For typical office productivity tasks like working with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, browsing with multiple tabs, and video calls, the M1 Air handles it all without breaking a sweat. It can even manage more intensive tasks like 4K photo and video editing with surprising ease.

One of the M1’s legendary features is its battery life. Users consistently report getting 8-10 hours on a single charge, with Apple’s official ratings claiming up to 11 hours. This kind of endurance is simply unmatched by many other devices in its price range. The build quality, keyboard, and trackpad are still top-tier, making it a joy to use daily.

The main compromises with the M1 Air are its older design it has the classic tapered look, not the flat modern design of the M2/M3/M4 and its limitation to one external display. The base models typically came with 8GB of unified memory, which for most casual users is perfectly fine, but if you’re pushing demanding creative tasks, a 16GB M1 if you can find one would be better for longevity.

Who is the M1 MacBook Air for? This is the ultimate budget champion for students, everyday users, and anyone needing a reliable, long-lasting laptop for productivity and light creative work. If you’re trying to save money but still want a premium Apple experience, the M1 Air is an exceptional choice in 2025. It offers incredible value for the performance and longevity it provides. Best japanese cars to buy in 2025

• Check for deals on the Apple MacBook Air M1 on Amazon.

Navigating the Used & Refurbished Market in 2025

Beyond buying brand new, the used and refurbished market is a goldmine for getting a MacBook Air at a significantly lower price. This is especially true in 2025, with multiple generations of Apple Silicon Macs available. Many reputable vendors offer certified refurbished products, making it a safe and smart way to save some money.

Why consider used or refurbished?

• Cost Savings: You can often find M1, M2, and even M3 MacBook Airs for hundreds of dollars less than a new M4 model.
• Environmental Impact: Buying refurbished is a great way to reduce electronic waste and contribute to a more sustainable consumption cycle.
• Accessibility: It makes the premium Apple ecosystem more accessible to those on a tighter budget.

What to look for when buying used or refurbished:

• Certified Refurbished: Always prioritize “certified refurbished” products from reputable sellers like Apple’s own refurbished store, Back Market, or Mac of All Trades. These devices undergo rigorous testing, cleaning, and often come with a warranty, giving you peace of mind.
• Warranty & Return Policy: A good warranty e.g., 90 days to a year and a clear return policy are non-negotiable. This protects you in case of any unexpected issues.
• Battery Health: For used laptops, check the battery health. Apple’s macOS provides a battery health status in System Settings. Ideally, you want a battery with 80% or more of its original capacity.
• Condition Grading: Many refurbished sellers use grading systems e.g., “Excellent,” “Very Good,” “Good”. Understand what each grade means before you buy.
• Specifications: As discussed earlier, try to aim for 16GB RAM if possible, especially for M2 and M3 models, and at least 512GB storage to avoid slower speeds on some 256GB M2s.
• Software Support: Ensure the model you’re considering can run the latest macOS versions. Most M-series Macs will be supported for many years to come.

For a used M2 or M3 MacBook Air, aim for a significant discount – ideally 40-50% off the price of a brand-new M4, especially if it has 16GB of RAM. If you can find an M1 MacBook Air in excellent condition, it’s an absolute steal for its price. Best ipo to buy in 2025

• You can often find great deals on Refurbished MacBooks through various sellers on Amazon, but always verify the seller’s reputation and return policy.

Key Factors to Consider Before You Buy

Choosing the right MacBook Air isn’t just about the chip. it’s about matching the machine’s specs to your actual needs. Let’s break down some critical factors to help you make an informed decision.

RAM Unified Memory

This is one of the most important specs. Unified Memory is how Apple refers to RAM that’s shared between the CPU, GPU, and Neural Engine.

• 8GB RAM: For the M1 and some M2/M3 models, 8GB can still be sufficient for basic tasks like web browsing, email, word processing, and light media consumption. If your workload involves purely office tasks and casual use, 8GB might be fine, especially on an M1. However, it’s quickly becoming the minimum.
• 16GB RAM: This is the sweet spot and what I’d strongly recommend for most people in 2025. With the M4 Air making 16GB standard, it’s clear this is the way to go. It provides a much smoother experience for multitasking, keeping many apps open simultaneously, and gives your machine better longevity for future software updates.
• 24GB or 32GB RAM: While available on custom configurations, these are usually overkill for a MacBook Air. If you find yourself needing this much memory, you might be pushing into MacBook Pro territory, which is designed for more memory-intensive professional workloads like heavy video editing or complex 3D rendering.

Storage SSD

Storage is another vital consideration, and it’s not upgradable after purchase, so choose wisely.

• 256GB SSD: This is the base storage option for all MacBook Air models, including the new M4. It’s enough if most of your files are stored in the cloud like iCloud, Google Drive, or Dropbox and you don’t install many large applications or games. A word of caution: the base 256GB SSD on the M2 MacBook Air was slower than other configurations due to using a single NAND chip. This issue was addressed in the M3 and M4 models, so their 256GB SSDs perform normally.
• 512GB SSD: This is my general recommendation for most users. It provides a comfortable amount of space for your operating system, essential applications, and a decent library of documents, photos, and videos. It also helps future-proof your laptop as software and file sizes tend to grow over time.
• 1TB or 2TB SSD: If you’re a content creator, regularly work with large files e.g., 4K video, high-resolution photos, massive datasets, or have a large local game library, then upgrading to 1TB or 2TB might be necessary. Just remember, storage upgrades get pricey quickly with Apple.

Screen Size: 13-inch vs. 15-inch

This choice really comes down to your preference for portability versus screen real estate. Best japanese stocks to buy in 2025

• 13-inch MacBook Air: This is the classic, ultra-portable option, perfect if you’re constantly on the go, a student carrying it around campus, or someone with limited desk space. It’s lighter at 2.7 pounds 1.24 kg and more compact.
• 15-inch MacBook Air: Introduced with the M2, the 15-inch model offers a significantly larger display 15.3 inches vs. 13.6 inches without the added bulk and price tag of a MacBook Pro. If you frequently work with spreadsheets, multiple windows side-by-side, or simply prefer more visual space for media consumption, the 15-inch is a fantastic choice. It’s still very thin and light for its size, weighing 3.3 pounds 1.51 kg.

Connectivity and Features

Modern MacBook Airs are well-equipped, but it’s good to know what you’re getting.

• Ports: All recent MacBook Airs feature two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports for charging, data transfer, and external displays, along with a MagSafe 3 charging port. The M4 models specifically upgrade to Thunderbolt 4. There’s also a 3.5mm headphone jack. If you need more ports like USB-A, HDMI, or an SD card slot, you’ll need adapters or a USB-C hub.
• Webcam: The M4 Air boasts a 12-megapixel Center Stage camera for enhanced video calls. M2 and M3 models have a 1080p FaceTime HD camera, which is still good.
• Wi-Fi & Bluetooth: M4 and M3 models support Wi-Fi 6E for faster, more reliable wireless connections, while the M2 uses Wi-Fi 6. All have modern Bluetooth for accessories.
• Speakers: Both the 13-inch and 15-inch models offer excellent sound quality for thin laptops. The 15-inch model often has a six-speaker sound system with force-canceling woofers, which can be a bit more immersive than the 13-inch’s four-speaker setup.

MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro: When to Upgrade

For most people, the MacBook Air is truly the ideal laptop. It’s powerful enough for daily tasks, incredibly portable, and offers exceptional battery life. However, there are scenarios where a MacBook Pro makes more sense:

• Demanding Professional Workloads: If your work involves heavy-duty video editing especially high-resolution or complex projects, intense graphic design, 3D rendering, coding large applications, or advanced STEM tasks, the MacBook Pro with M4 Pro or M4 Max chips will offer significantly more power, better sustained performance thanks to active cooling fans, and more unified memory options up to 128GB.
• Display Quality: MacBook Pro models feature brighter, higher-resolution Liquid Retina XDR displays with ProMotion adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz, which is a noticeable upgrade for creatives and those who appreciate the absolute best visual experience.
• More Ports: MacBook Pros typically offer more built-in ports, including HDMI and an SD card slot, reducing the need for adapters.
• Higher Base Storage: The base 14-inch MacBook Pro even with the standard M4 chip starts with 512GB of storage, which is a $200 upgrade on the Air.

In 2025, the M4 MacBook Air is so capable that the line between “Air” and “Pro” for general users is blurred. Only truly demanding professionals will need a Pro.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best MacBook Air to buy right now in 2025?

Right now, the MacBook Air M4 2025 is the best overall choice for most people, especially the 13-inch model. It offers the latest M4 chip, 16GB of RAM as standard, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and support for two external displays, all starting at $999. It’s at the beginning of its product cycle, ensuring longevity and great value. Best ipad to buy in 2025

Is the MacBook Air M1 still worth buying in 2025?

Absolutely! The MacBook Air M1 2020 is still a fantastic option, especially if you’re on a budget. It offers impressive performance for everyday tasks, excellent battery life 8-10 hours, and incredible longevity for its price. You can often find it for around $599, making it an unbeatable value for students or general users.

Should I get the 13-inch or 15-inch MacBook Air?

This depends on your needs. The 13-inch MacBook Air is lighter and more portable, perfect for those constantly on the go. The 15-inch MacBook Air gives you significantly more screen real estate for multitasking, spreadsheets, or media consumption without the added bulk and cost of a MacBook Pro. It’s great if you prefer a larger display but still want Air’s portability.

How much RAM and storage do I need in a MacBook Air?

For RAM, 16GB is the recommended sweet spot in 2025, especially since it’s now standard on the M4 Air. While 8GB can be sufficient for light use, 16GB provides better multitasking and future-proofs your device. For storage, 512GB is generally recommended for most users to comfortably house your OS, apps, and files. While 256GB is the base, consider 512GB for better longevity, particularly if you’re looking at an M2 model to avoid slower SSD speeds on the base configuration.

What are the main differences between the M2, M3, and M4 MacBook Air models?

The main differences lie in their chips and a few features. The M4 is the fastest, offering significant CPU and GPU improvements over the M3, and importantly, supports two external displays and includes a 12MP Center Stage camera. The M3 is a strong performer, offering good gains over the M2, but only supports one external display. The M2 is still capable but has slower SSD speeds in its base 256GB configuration and also only supports one external display. The M1 is the oldest but still offers exceptional value for basic tasks.

Is it worth buying a used MacBook Air in 2025?

Yes, buying a used or refurbished MacBook Air in 2025 can be a smart move to save money. Look for certified refurbished models from reputable sellers that offer a warranty. An M1 or M2 MacBook Air, especially with 16GB RAM and 512GB storage, can be a fantastic deal if you find it at a significantly reduced price e.g., 40-50% off a new M4. Always check the battery health and the seller’s return policy. Best etf to buy in 2025

When is the next MacBook Air expected to be released after the M4 model?

Apple just refreshed the MacBook Air line with the M4 chip in March 2025. Based on typical Apple product cycles, a new model isn’t expected until 2026 at the earliest. So, the M4 MacBook Air is at the beginning of its product cycle, making now an excellent time to buy as it won’t be outdated by a newer model anytime soon.