Apple Silicon MacBook Air Pros and Cons: EveryMac.com

Apple Silicon MacBook Air Q&A

Update Published April 16, 2026

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What are the "pros and cons" of the Apple Silicon MacBook Air? Is it for me?

To help you determine whether or not any of the Apple Silicon MacBook Air models -- whether used or new -- is the best Mac notebook for you, a quick to read -- and objective -- "pros and cons" can be ideal.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. (Original Apple Silicon MacBook Air)

For those who prefer a more in-depth evaluation, EveryMac.com also provides detailed comparisons of the discontinued "2020 M1" , "2022 M2", "2022 and 2023 13-Inch and 15-Inch M2", "2024 13-Inch and 15-Inch M3" and "2025 13-Inch and 15-Inch M4" Apple Silicon MacBook Air models.

EveryMac.com provides a detailed comparison of the current "2026 13-Inch and 15-Inch M5" Apple Silicon MacBook Air models, too.

However, for those interested just in the highlights, this fast rundown will be best:

Pros:

Impressively fast, commonly just as fast as more expensive MacBook Pro models released at the same time.
Impressive battery life.
Beautiful, high-resolution displays (M2 and later models are best).
Sleek, lightweight aluminum cases.
Attractive color options.
Replaceable batteries.
Clever, versatile "Force Touch" trackpad.
Touch ID authentication.
Likely reliable "Scissor Switch" keyboard.

Cons:

Processor cannot be upgraded at all.
RAM and storage cannot be upgraded after purchase which will limit the useful life of the notebook.
Relatively low quality 720p FaceTime HD camera on original M1 model (M2 and M3 models have better 1080p FaceTime HD cameras; M4 and M5 have the highest quality 1080p HD 12 megapixel "Center Stage" webcam).
13" M1 and M2 models have lower quality speakers and mic than the 13" Apple Silicon MacBook Pro.
Two Thunderbolt 3 or 4-capable (Thunderbolt / USB 4) ports may be a limitation for some users.
No Touch Bar (for those who like the Touch Bar).
Original M1 model lacks the "MagSafe" power connector.
Relatively expensive compared to many Windows notebooks and considerably more expensive than the MacBook Neo, as well.

So, is the Apple Silicon MacBook Air right for my needs?

When EveryMac.com first answered this question, the site concluded probably. When the Apple Silicon MacBook Air was the least expensive new Mac notebook, it was an easy choice for the majority of users. All models are lightweight, provide excellent performance for their respective years, pop out impressive battery life, and pack sufficient connectivity for most users, too.

As of 2026, though, with the introduction of the much cheaper MacBook Neo line, this decision becomes a bit more complicated. The MacBook Neo is inferior to the MacBook Air in every way -- it is slower and lower quality and also has less battery life, fewer features, and reduced connectivity -- but it starts at a whopping US$500 discount to the MacBook Air.

Nevertheless, if you can afford a new MacBook Air, EveryMac.com still would suggest that it is the best new Mac notebook for most users, primarily because the MacBook Air M5 has at least twice as much RAM and this likely will mean it will end up being usable for longer and cheaper on a annual basis for someone who takes good care of their hardware.

If you have the budget, EveryMac.com likewise would suggest investing in additional RAM for the MacBook Air at the time of initial system purchase because it cannot be upgraded later.

With as much RAM as you can afford, it almost certainly will extend the useful life of the notebook. 8 GB of RAM was pretty weak when the Apple Silicon MacBook Air models first were introduced in 2020, it definitely was weak in 2024 when Apple finally bumped the base RAM of the MacBook Air up to 16 GB, and it absolutely is weak in 2026 for the MacBook Neo.

MacBook Air "M4" models and later models -- including the current MacBook Air "M5" -- can be custom configured with as much as 32 GB of RAM; definitely an improvement compared to earlier ones.

If a new MacBook Air is out of your budget, the MacBook Neo might be fine for you, but it likewise would be wise to consider any number of used MacBook Air models, many of which are better than the MacBook Neo and more competitive on price than a new MacBook Air M5.

In the US, site sponsor Other World Computing sells used and refurb MacBook Air models at bargain prices with free shipping.

Need to sell a MacBook Air or another old Mac for cash? A+ BBB-rated site sponsors Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr buy MacBook Air models and many other Mac notebooks with an instant quote and fast payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs sells used MacBook Air models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK.

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