Apple
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5)
Best for: Light everyday laptop
Maker's list price $1,299 (16GB, 512GB) · source
Check price at Amazon 3 more stores belowfirst productApple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) vs Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)Laptops compared: specs, who each suits, and where to buy
Updated 15 October 2026 · Specs from Apple's official pages
Pick the MacBook Pro 14-inch if you want the brighter 120Hz XDR display, more ports and 24-hour battery rating; pick the MacBook Air 13-inch if you want a lighter, thinner M5 laptop for $700 less.
Apple
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)
Best for: Display, ports and battery
Maker's list price $1,999 (16GB, 1TB) · source
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Specs side by side
Only the specs that matter for this decision, read from each manufacturer's spec page.
SpecApple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5)Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)
ChipM5, 10-core CPU, 8-core GPUM5, 10-core CPU, 10-core GPU
Memory (base)16GB16GB
Storage (base)512GB SSD1TB SSD
Display13.6" Liquid Retina (IPS), 500 nits14.2" Liquid Retina XDR, ProMotion 120Hz
Brightness500 nits1000 nits SDR (outdoor), 1600 nits HDR peak
BatteryUp to 18 hrs video, 15 hrs webUp to 24 hrs video, 16 hrs web
Weight2.7 lb (1.23 kg)3.4 lb (1.55 kg)
Thickness0.44 in (1.13 cm)0.61 in (1.55 cm)
Ports2x Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe 3, headphone jack3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3, headphone jack
WirelessWi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3
Sources: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) · Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)
Where to buy
Stores that sell each one. Prices move daily, so each button opens the store's own page.
StoreMacBook Air 13-inch (M5)MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)
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Strengths and trade-offs
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5)
- 2.7 pounds and 0.44 inch thick
- Same M5 10-core CPU as the base 14-inch Pro
- Wi-Fi 7 via Apple's N1 wireless chip
- 13.6-inch IPS display at 500 nits, no ProMotion listed
- Two Thunderbolt 4 ports only; no HDMI or SD card slot
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)
- 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR with ProMotion up to 120Hz, 1600-nit HDR peak
- Three Thunderbolt 4 ports plus HDMI and SDXC slot
- Up to 24 hours video streaming; 1TB base storage
- $700 more than the base 13-inch Air
- Heavier (3.4 pounds) and thicker (0.61 inch); base M5 model lists Wi-Fi 6E
How to choose
The questions that decide it, in the order most people should ask them.
Portability
The 13-inch Air weighs 2.7 pounds and is 0.44 inch thick; the 14-inch Pro is 3.4 pounds and 0.61 inch. If the laptop travels daily, the Air is easier to carry.
Display
The Pro's XDR panel adds ProMotion up to 120Hz and far higher HDR brightness. Photo and video work, or working outdoors, benefits most.
Ports
The Pro adds a third Thunderbolt port, HDMI and an SD card slot. If you use dongles every day with the Air, that friction is worth pricing in.
Storage and price
The Pro starts with 1TB versus 512GB on the Air. Compare the Air upgraded to your storage needs against the Pro before deciding on the $700 gap.
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) vs Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5) — common questions
Do the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro use the same chip?
The base models both use Apple's M5 with a 10-core CPU. The 13-inch Air base has an 8-core GPU and the 14-inch Pro has a 10-core GPU; the Pro is also offered with M5 Pro and M5 Max.
Which has longer battery life?
Apple rates the 14-inch Pro (M5) at up to 24 hours of video streaming and the 13-inch Air at up to 18 hours. Wireless web ratings are 16 and 15 hours.
Does the MacBook Air have a 120Hz display?
Apple's MacBook Air spec page does not list ProMotion or a refresh rate. The 14-inch MacBook Pro lists ProMotion with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz.
What are the starting prices?
On apple.com, the 13-inch MacBook Air (M5, 16GB, 512GB) is $1,299 and the 14-inch MacBook Pro (M5, 16GB, 1TB) is $1,999.