Which MacBook is better, the 13-inch or the 15-inch MacBook Air?

So, fifteen years after the release of the original Air, what possibilities are available to those wishing to purchase one?

There are three MacBook Air models available right now. One is an earlier MacBook Air with an M1 processor that debuted in 2020. Additionally, there are two MacBook Air variants with M2 processors, one with a 15-inch display and the other with a 13-inch display. We are comparing these models in this instance. Learn which one you ought to purchase. Are you interested in the M3 MacBook Air?

In 2022, Apple updated its Air series, abandoning the wedge form that has characterized the design for years. The new Air is still thin and light, but the chassis now sports a more conventional rectangular design. This should allow for larger batteries and other internal components, but it still feels like a MacBook, albeit perhaps more like a squished Pro than your standard Air.

There are four color options for both M2 MacBook Air models: Midnight (black), Starlight (gold), Space Gray, and Silver. (Only Silver, Gold, and Space Gray are available for the earlier M1 model.

You may also unlock the smartphone or confirm online payments thanks to a special Touch ID sensor that is integrated inside a key of its own.

The functionality of the Force Touch trackpads is the same as well, enabling the multi-touch motions that macOS has so expertly engineered. The bigger pad on the 15-inch model does make use of its extra bulk, but both are equally precise and responsive.

Speakers, microphones, and cameras on the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs

The audio stakes are one area of construction where the two versions differ. While the quad-speaker arrangement on the 13-inch MacBook Air with M2 supports broad stereo, spatial audio, and Dolby Atmos, the 15-inch MacBook Air outperforms it with a six-speaker system that includes force-canceling woofers for even more immersive sound.

When you reach the microphones, parity is once more restored since Apple outfits each with a three-mic array with directional beamforming to capture your voice.

A similar 1080p FaceTime camera is also included into the screen’s top notch. This camera is far better than the 720p FaceTime camera included in the previous MacBook Air, however it lacks Face ID capabilities despite being concealed in the iPhone-like notch.

Ports and connections on the 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Airs

The latest models of the MacBook Air include matching twin Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, a 3.5mm headphone jack, and a MagSafe charging connector.The number of ports on the MacBook Air has never been excessive. (This is an improvement over the previous M1 MacBook Air, which only has two Thunderbolt / USB 4 connections, limiting your options for charging to one spare). It’s still a small selection, so if you’re looking for more, check out the MacBook Pros or buy a docking station for your Mac.

Once more, Apple keeps the wireless communication between MacBook Airs easy. Both include Bluetooth 5.3, which is a recent upgrade for both models, and Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax). The more recent WiFi 6E is only available on the 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro, Mac Studio, and Mac mini.

If you wish to boost either memory or storage, there are similar build-to-order choices for each model and two standard combinations.

Which MacBook Air model between 13 and 15 inches should you buy?

The decision between the two current versions is rather simple thanks to Apple. Both are almost identical, with the exception of a somewhat improved GPU and two more speakers in the 15-inch Air. Therefore, the choice essentially comes down to whether you like the smaller, more portable frame and display of the 13-inch Air or the larger screen and added bulk of the 15-inch model. In any case, you’ll receive a superb laptop, maintaining the MacBook Air’s stellar reputation for many more years to come.

Have you made a choice? For rates on the other models, check out our roundup of the greatest MacBook Air offers, which includes the best prices available right now.