Laptops
Our verdict on the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)
- Buy it if
- You want a light, silent laptop with outstanding battery life.
- Skip it if
- You need Windows-only software or serious gaming.
- Best for
- Students and most people
- Key feature
- All-day battery, silent design
- Typical price
- $900–$1,200
Who should buy it, and who should skip it
A good fit if you
- Study or work on the go
- Want all-day battery
- Value a silent laptop
Skip it if you
- Need Windows-only software
- Edit long 4K videos daily
- Play demanding games
Pros and cons
Pros
- Excellent battery life
- Fanless and silent
- Light and well built
- Great speakers and screen
Cons
- Limited ports
- Upgrades are expensive at purchase
Product overview
The MacBook Air is Apple’s thin, fanless laptop and its most popular model.
Performance
It handles everyday work, photo editing and light video easily. Because it has no fan, very long heavy tasks slow down.
Configuration advice
Choose at least 16 GB of memory and 512 GB of storage if you plan to keep it for years.
Final buying considerations
Read our best laptops list to see how it compares with the alternatives.
Alternatives worth considering
Laptops
Buy
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Pros
- Very fast
- Superb mini-LED display
Cons
- Heavy price
- Heavier than the Air
Check current price Paid link
Laptops
Buy
ASUS Zenbook 14 OLED
Pros
- Vivid OLED display
- Light and portable
Cons
- Glossy screen reflects
- Speakers are average
Check current price Paid link
Frequently asked questions
Is the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4) worth it?
Yes for most students and professionals. It is fast, silent, light and lasts all day on battery. Video editors and gamers should look elsewhere.
Who should skip the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M4)?
Skip it if you need Windows-only software.