MacBook Air vs. MacBook Pro: The Key Differences
1. Performance
MacBook Air: Ideal for light to moderate use such as web browsing, word processing, and light photo editing. It features less powerful processors like the Apple M1 and M2, without active cooling.
MacBook Pro: Designed for heavy-duty professional tasks like video editing, music production, and 3D modeling. Powerful processors (including M1 Pro, M1 Max, M2 Pro, M2 Max) and active cooling enable sustained heavy workloads.
2. Design and Weight
MacBook Air: Ultra-thin and light (approximately 1.24 kg). Perfect for on the go and everyday mobility.
MacBook Pro: Heavier and more robust (1.4-2.2 kg), with more connectivity options such as HDMI and SD card slots (since 2021).
3. Battery life
MacBook Air: Up to 18 hours of battery life on M1 and M2 models, perfect for extended use between charges.
MacBook Pro: Up to 22 hours of battery life on M1 and M2 models, with high performance for demanding tasks.
4. Screen
MacBook Air: Retina or Liquid Retina display with a brightness of up to 400 nits. Less suitable for color-critical work.
MacBook Pro: Liquid Retina XDR display (14- and 16-inch models) with ProMotion (120Hz) and up to 1,600 nits of brightness. Ideal for HDR content and pro graphics work.
5. Ports and Connectivity
MacBook Air: Limited ports (typically two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and a headphone jack).
MacBook Pro: More connectivity options, including HDMI, SD card slot, MagSafe, and additional Thunderbolt ports. Suitable for intensive workflows.
6. Eligibility
MacBook Air: Ideal for students, travelers and everyday use. Affordable and lightweight.
MacBook Pro: Designed for creative professionals and power users who perform demanding tasks.
7. Price
MacBook Air: More affordable, with starting prices around €1,200 for new models and refurbished options starting at €599.
MacBook Pro: More expensive, with new prices starting at €1,500 for 13-inch models to €4,000+ for high-end 16-inch configurations. On refurbished models you can easily save around 20% to 60%
Comparison table
Feature |
MacBook Air |
MacBook Pro |
Performance |
Light to medium use |
Heavy professional use |
Weight |
Lighter (approx. 1.24 kg) |
Heavier (1.4-2.2 kg) |
Screen |
Retina/Liquid Retina |
Liquid Retina XDR with ProMotion |
Battery life |
Until 6pm |
Until 10pm |
Gates |
Fewer ports |
More ports (HDMI, SD, MagSafe) |
Price |
More affordable (€800-€1,500) |
More expensive (€1,500-€4,000+) |
Target audience |
Students, daily use |
Creative professionals, power users |
Conclusion
Choose a MacBook Air if you value portability, battery life, and price. Go for a MacBook Pro if you need more power, connectivity, and advanced features for professional use.
Which choice is best?
If you’re looking for maximum value, Intel models offer an affordable entry-level option, while Apple Silicon models are future-proof and excel in speed and efficiency. By choosing refurbished, you get high-quality MacBooks at attractive prices.
Check out our extensive range of refurbished MacBooks and choose the perfect match for your needs!