Apple upgrades the MacBook Air with a bigger screen, but is it enough to beat the 14-inch MacBook Pro?
Our Verdict
The 15-inch MacBook Air is the perfect laptop for those who want a laptop with a large display, compact build and enough power for general day-to-day computing. If you want more power for things like video-editing and high-end gaming, then it’s the Pro all the way.
Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M2 Pro, 2023): 2299
The MacBook Air has traditionally been a svelte and compact device that is lightweight and easy to carry around. Apple has pushed the boundaries of this now with the introduction of the new 15-inch MacBook Air. With dimensions similar to that of the more powerful 14-inch MacBook Pro, which one offers the better deal and is the one you should buy?
For more help deciding which Mac laptop to buy read MacBook Air vs 13-inch MacBook Pro, and our Best MacBook guide.15-inch MacBook Air vs 14-inch Pro: Price
One of the most important parts of any buying decision is how much you want to spend. That’s why the 16-inch MacBook Pro has been left out of this comparison, as you could almost get two 15-inch MacBook Airs for the same money, which puts the Pro in a different league in terms of cost.
There is a 13-inch MacBook Pro, which has the same M2 chip as the new 15-inch Air, and comes in closer to the asking price, but if it’s a bigger display you’re after then we think this might be too small.
So, that leaves the 15-inch MacBook Air and 14-inch MacBook Pro to fight it out.
Here’s how the current models line up:
15-inch MacBook Air (M2, 8GB/256GB) – $1,299/£1,399/€1,599
15-inch MacBook Air (M2, 8GB/512GB) – $1,499/£1,599/€1,829
14-inch MacBook Pro (M2 Pro, 16GB/512GB) – $1,999/£2,149/€2,399
14-inch MacBook Pro (M2 Pro, 16GB/1TB) – $2,499/£2,699/€2,999
14-inch MacBook Pro (M2 Max, 32GB/1TB) – $3,099/£3,349/€3,699 Apple 14-inch MacBook Pro (M2 Pro, 2023)
As you can see, there’s still quite a disparity in the prices, but the Pro models do come with at least double the memory and storage as the respective Air, plus the M2 Pro chip rather than the standard, but still excellent, M2 chip you’ll find in the new 15-inch MacBook Air. Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M2, 2023)
Of course, you can upgrade components on the Apple site when buying, meaning you could configure the Air to match the memory and storage specs or even surpass those of the Pro, so long as you have the cash.
