If you are in the market for a new MacBook this year, then understanding the differences between the Air and Pro can go a long way to making sure the right Apple notebook is purchased in 2021. Generally speaking, buyers of either MacBook should be fine considering the very similar design, specs and experience, but power users may want to carefully consider whether the Air is right before checking out and buying.
The MacBook has long been the go-to option for many of those more heavily invested in Apple’s ecosystem. However, with the introduction of the newer M1-powered MacBook models, more consumers might be considering giving macOS a try for the first time. In fact, with a newer version of macOS also on the horizon, there’s never been a better time to invest in a Mac.
Apple’s MacBook comes in two distinct flavors, Air and Pro. While there are some major differences between them, portability is not one of them. The Pro can be purchased in a larger 16-inch variant for those that want more screen real estate, but both the MacBook Air and Pro can be picked up in 13-inch models, for those in need of a smaller MacBook in general. As to be expected, price is probably the main point to consider when choosing between these two MacBook lines, as while the Air starts at $999, the Pro models start at $1,299.
Should You MacBook Air Or Pro?
For most people, the MacBook Air is likely to be more than sufficient for purpose, making it the better option considering the lower price. Not to mention, like the Pro, the MacBook Air can be picked up with an M1 chip inside. However, for those in need of additional power than the Pro is likely to be the better choice overall. One of the main reasons for this is that, although they mirror each other on RAM, storage and processor, the Air comes with a fanless design. Essentially, the Pro’s fan will assist cooling and help to ensure the laptop runs better and more efficiently when using more-demanding apps. It is not so much that the Pro is more powerful in itself, but that it can handle more powerful tasks easier, and especially over longer periods.
Another difference that might matter to some is the MacBook Pro includes a Touch Bar while the MacBook Air doesn’t, making the Pro a better option for those who want the additional controls or to set up a Touch Bar pet. In addition, battery life may also prove to be a point worth considering, although this mainly only applies to size. For example, at just 11 hours, the larger and more expensive MacBook Pro model comes with the worst battery life of the three. In contrast, the 13-inch MacBook Air boosts the expected battery usage to 18 hours while the 13-inch Pro model pushes the expectation up to 20 hours. Similarly, the larger MacBook Pro model is also 1.3 lbs heavier than the smaller MacBook Pro and 1.5 lbs heavier than the MacBook Air.
Overall, and if portability matters the most, then the battery life and weight should automatically rule out the larger 16-inch MacBook Pro. When it then comes down to the two 13-inch MacBooks, the decision mostly depends on the needs of the buyer. If in need of a more powerful experience, go with the MacBook Pro, otherwise Apple’s MacBook Air should prove to be a great fit.
