When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Heres how it works.

While you cant go wrong with either, MacBooks have some notable differences.

As its Air moniker suggests, the MacBook Air is Apples thinnest and lightest laptop thats tailor-made for travel.

MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Pro M4

MacBook Air 15-inch M4

Then we have the MacBook Pro, which offers superior performance and battery life.

Generally, the MacBook Air is for everyday work while the MacBook Pro is for more demanding workloads.

That said, there is some crossover between the two.

Apple 2025 MacBook Air…

MacBook Air 15-inch M4

So, which laptop suits you better, theMacBook Air M4or theMacBook Pro M4?

Ill break down the key differences to help you decide.

This laptop has four color options: Silver, Starlight, Midnight, and the new Sky Blue.

Prime

Then theres the MacBook Pro, which starts at $1,599 for the entry-level 14-inch model.

Color options include Space Black and Silver.

There are higher-end configurations that can bump the price up for each.

Apple 13" MacBook Air (M4,…

That said, the MacBook Air M4 is still generally the more affordable option.

If budget is a concern, youll want the base $999 MacBook Air.

You get sharp and colorful Liquid Retina displays with both laptops.

Apple MacBook Air (2025) 13.6…

However, the Pro has several advantages over the Air.

But theres more to consider than just screen size.

This is effectively double the 500 nits the Airs LED-backlit displays can deliver.

P.C. Richard & Son

Sure, the latter looks smooth enough, but 120Hz gives you smoother scrolling and better performance when gaming.

Lastly, the MacBook Pro has a nano-texture display option that can reduce glares and reflections.

When it comes to the best display possible on a MacBook, the MacBook Pro is the clear winner.

MacBook Air 15-inch M4

MacBook Air 15-inch M4

However, the MacBook Pro has an edge in this department.

Both Pro models have a six-speaker system featuring two tweeters and four force-cancelling woofers.

This provides deeper bass and an overall richer sound profile.

MacBook Pro 14-inch (2024, M4) shown open on a table

MacBook Pro 14-inch M4

The Pro laptops also supportDolby Atmosthrough their speakers instead of just headphones.

In short, the MacBook Pro delivers a superior audio experience over the MacBook Air.

In fact, it might be hard to distinguish between the Air and Pro at a glance.

MacBook Pro 14-inch (2024, M4) shown open on a table

The MacBook Pro has a six-speaker sound system that kicks out better sound quality than any Air.

However, there are differences.

MacBook Air laptops sport a thinner profile than their Pro counterparts.

Conversely, MacBook Pros have speakers flanking their respective keyboard decks.

MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro, 2024)

Resident Evil 4 runs phenomenally on the 16-inch MacBook Pro M4 Pro.

The MacBook Air has two Thunderbolt/USB-C ports and a headphone jack.

While MacBook Pros have more ports, MacBook Airs have more color options.

It offers excellent tactile response and is very comfortable.

MacBook Air 15-inch M4

The MacBook Air 15-inch M4 is not big on ports—you get a headphone jack on the right side, two Thunderbolt 4 ports on the left and that’s it.

These laptops also have larger keys.

By far, the 16-inch MacBook Pro is one of thebest laptops for battery lifeIve reviewed.

Youll look good during video calls no matter which laptop youre using.

MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro, 2024)

Both the MacBook Air and Pro M4 have great webcams that will help you look your best.

Both MacBooks support Center Stage and Desk View.

While Desk View can be useful, its angle can be too narrow or awkward.

MacBook Pro 16-inch (M4 Pro, 2024)

Center Stage is great since it intelligently adjusts your camera to keep you centered on-screen as you move around.

MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Pro M4: Which one to buy?

I hope Ive given you an idea of which MacBook is for you.

MacBook Pro 14-inch (2024, M4) shown open on a table

The 14-inch MacBook Pro looks awfully similar to the 15-inch MacBook Air M4 at this point.

But if youre still unsure, heres a quick breakdown.

The MacBook Air is arguably the best MacBook for most people.

Not only are these relatively affordable MacBooks, but theyre also the most portable.

MacBook Pro 14-inch (2024, M4) shown open on a table

These laptops are also excellent for basic tasks web surfing and watching videos.

They are expensive, but they’re also the most powerful and longest-lasting laptops that Apple makes.

MacBook Pro M4 Pro vs MacBook Pro M1 Pro

MacBook Pro 14-inch M4 camera in action(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)

MacBook Air 15-inch M4 camera

MacBook Air 15-inch M4 camera in action(Image credit: Tom’s Guide)

Apple 2024 MacBook Pro Laptop…

Macbook pro

Apple 14" Macbook Pro (m4,…

MacBook Air vs Pro

MacBook Air M4

MacBook Air M4

MacBook Air 15-inch M4

iPad Air M3

MacBook Pro 2021 (16-inch) on a patio table

MacBook Pro 2021

Foldable MacBook concept

MacBook Air M3 15-inch in hand with Tom�s Guide Lowest Price badge

The LG C5 (on left) faces off against the Samsung S95F (on right).

HDMI input

A split image featuring the Nectar Classic Memory Foam Mattress on the left and the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid on the right, leading into the DreamCloud Luxury Hybrid vs Nectar Classic showdown

google pixel 9a and google pixel 8a in white and black side by side

The image shows the Casper Hybrid with Snow Technology pillow on the left and the Coop Cool+ pillow on the right in a side by side comparison

Sustainability Week