Apple MacBook Air 13 M5 vs Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4): which should you buy?
Apple MacBook Air 13 M5£1,09913-inch, 16GB memory and 512GB storage, price recorded 8 Aug 2026
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)£91916GB memory and 512GB storage, price recorded 1 Aug 2026
The short answer
Both suit everyday work equally well. Unless you need something only the M5 offers, let the price decide.
The differences that matter
Apple MacBook Air 13 M5Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)
Configuration, as reviewed13-inch M5; 16GB / 512GB13-inch M4; 16GB / 512GB
PortsTwo USB-C / Thunderbolt 4 plus MagSafe chargingTwo Thunderbolt 4 / USB-C; both on one side
UpgradesMemory and storage soldered inMemory and storage cannot be upgraded later
SoftwareSkip for essential Windows softwareSkip for essential Windows-only software
Price at our check£1,099 recorded 8 August 2026£919 recorded 1 August 2026
Which one fits you?
Choose the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)
It stays clearly cheaper with the same memory, storage and warranty.
Choose the Apple MacBook Air 13 M5
The M5 costs about the same.
Keep what you have
Your essential software requires Windows or you need internal upgrades later.
Apple MacBook Air 13 M5A strong fit for portable everyday work, if two USB-C ports and memory you cannot upgrade suit the way you use a laptop.
£1,09913-inch, 16GB memory and 512GB storage, price recorded 8 Aug 2026
Check price on Amazon UKRead the full reviewApple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)The easiest laptop to recommend for most Apple-friendly households, as long as you can live with two ports and do not need Windows-only software.
£91916GB memory and 512GB storage, price recorded 1 Aug 2026
Find it on Amazon UKRead the full reviewPrice buttons are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Prices are the ones recorded in each review; check the current price before buying.
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