MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4
type: Article
description: The MacBook Air M4 offers notably better CPU performance with a 10-core processor versus M3's 8-core, plus 16GB base RAM and improved efficiency, making it worth the $250-$300 premium for most users. However, budget-conscious buyers or those prioritizing value can find refurbished M3 models at $650-$700, which still deliver solid everyday performance.
language: en-US
date published: 2026-04-25T12:47:38.254Z
date created: 2026-04-25T12:47:38.254Z
date modified: 2026-07-28T09:00:15.146Z
content reference time: 2026-07-28T09:00:15.146Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
about: MacBook Air M3
about: MacBook Air M4
abstract: The MacBook Air M4 offers notably better CPU performance with a 10-core processor versus M3's 8-core, plus 16GB base RAM and improved efficiency, making it worth the $250-$300 premium for most users. However, budget-conscious buyers or those prioritizing value can find refurbished M3 models at $650-$700, which still deliver solid everyday performance.
text: Price (New). CPU Cores. Base RAM. GPU Performance. Battery Life. Multi-tasking & Apps. Design & Display. Value Proposition. GPU Cores. Memory Bandwidth. Display
conclusion text: The MacBook Air M4 is the superior choice for most users in 2026, delivering meaningfully better performance with its 10-core CPU, standard 16GB RAM, and improved efficiency at $999-$1,149. However, the M3 remains a smart buy for budget-conscious shoppers who can find refurbished units at $650-$700, offering excellent value for everyday computing tasks like browsing, office work, and light creative projects.
additional property: Starting Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: $1,199 | MacBook Air M4: $1,099
  value reference: MacBook Air M4
additional property: Weight
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 2.7 | MacBook Air M4: 2.7-3.0 lbs
  value reference: MacBook Air M3
additional property: Battery Life
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: Up to 18 | MacBook Air M4: Up to 16 hours
  value reference: MacBook Air M3
additional property: CPU Single-Core Performance
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 2,524 | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Starting Price (USD)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: $1,199 | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Processor (Base)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: Apple M3 (8-core CPU) | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Single-Core Performance (Geekbench 6)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 2,550 | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Multi-core Performance (Geekbench 6)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 10,200 | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Base Memory (RAM)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 8GB | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Display Size (Base Configuration)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 13.6-inch | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Weight (13.6-inch/14-inch)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 2.7 | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Battery Capacity
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 52.6Wh (13.6-inch) | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Real-World Battery Life
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 15-18 | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: External Display Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 1 external display | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Sustained Thermal Load (TDP)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 15W | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Price-to-Performance Ratio (Multi-Core)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 8.5 | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Warranty Coverage (Standard)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 12 | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: CPU Cores
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 8 cores | MacBook Air M4: 10 cores
  value reference: MacBook Air M4
additional property: Base RAM
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 8GB unified memory | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Maximum RAM
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 24GB | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Display Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 13.6 inches | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Display Refresh Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 60Hz | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: CPU Performance (Geekbench 6 Multi-Core)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 12,100 | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: GPU Performance (Metal Score)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 21,500 | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Sustained Thermal Design Power
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 30W | MacBook Air M4: 22W
  value reference: MacBook Air M4
additional property: Battery Life (Mixed Use)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 15-17 | MacBook Air M4: 16-18 hours
  value reference: MacBook Air M4
additional property: Starting Price (Base Configuration)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: $1,099 | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: ProRes 4K Encoding Speed vs M1
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 45% faster (with hardware encoder) | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Maximum Unified Memory
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 24GB | MacBook Air M4: 24GB
additional property: Base Model Price (USD)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: $1,199 | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: GPU Cores (Base)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 8 cores | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Memory Bandwidth
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 120 GB/s | MacBook Air M4: 192 GB/s
  value reference: MacBook Air M4
additional property: Weight (13-inch/14-inch base)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 2.8 lbs | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Native Video Output Ports
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 0 (USB-C adapters required) | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Thunderbolt Ports
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 2 | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Sustained 4K ProRes Performance
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 10-15 min (throttling) | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: GPU Cores
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: Up to 8 cores | MacBook Air M4: Up to 10 cores
  value reference: MacBook Air M4
additional property: Geekbench 6 Single-Core
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 2,400 points | MacBook Air M4: 2,650
  value reference: MacBook Air M4
additional property: Geekbench 6 Multi-Core
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 9,800 points | MacBook Air M4: 10,200
  value reference: MacBook Air M4
additional property: Battery Life (Real-World)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 15-18 hours | MacBook Air M4: 18-20 hours
  value reference: MacBook Air M4
additional property: Video Export Time (4K 30fps, 5-min clip)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 165 seconds | MacBook Air M4: 120 seconds
  value reference: MacBook Air M4
additional property: Operating Temperature Under Load
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 85°C | MacBook Air M4: 65°C
  value reference: MacBook Air M4
additional property: GPU Cores (Standard Configuration)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 10-core | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Multi-Core Performance
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 10,180 | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Battery Life (Web Browsing)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 16 hours | MacBook Air M4: 18 hours
  value reference: MacBook Air M4
additional property: Thermal Design Power (TDP)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 25W | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Starting Price (13-inch, 2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: $1,199 | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: Display Options
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 13-inch, 15-inch, 17-inch | MacBook Air M4: N/A
additional property: GPU Cores (Standard)
  type: PropertyValue
  value: MacBook Air M3: 8-core | MacBook Air M4: 10-core
  value reference: MacBook Air M4
interactivity type: active
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/macbook-air-m3
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/macbook-air-m3
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/entity/macbook-air-m4
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/alternatives/macbook-air-m4
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/answer/macbook-air-m3-vs-macbook-air-m4
significant link: https://www.aversusb.net/api/v1/schema/macbook-air-m3-vs-macbook-air-m4
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/macbook-air-vs-macbook-pro
related link: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/iphone-17-vs-samsung-s26
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teaches: How to choose between MacBook Air M3 and MacBook Air M4
genre: Products

primaryImage
type: ImageObject
width: 1200
height: 630
caption: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Side-by-side comparison on A Versus B

A Versus B
type: Organization

MacBook Air M3
type: Product
alternate name: MAM
alternate name: Macbook Air M3
language: en-US
description: Apple's mid-range MacBook with 8-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU for everyday computing.
subject of: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4

MacBook Air M4
type: Thing
alternate name: MAM
alternate name: Macbook Air M4
language: en-US
description: Apple's latest MacBook with faster 10-core CPU and up to 16-core GPU for demanding creative and AI work.
subject of: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4

MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Structured Comparison Data
type: Dataset
description: Machine-readable comparison dataset for MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4. Contains 77 attribute comparisons, 10 FAQ pairs.
language: en-US
license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
creator: A Versus B
distribution: JSON-LD knowledge graph
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json+ld
distribution: Raw comparison JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Structured FAQ pairs JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: AI Answer API (citation-ready)
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
distribution: Related comparisons JSON
  type: DataDownload
  encoding format: application/json
variable measured: Starting Price
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Price
variable measured: Weight
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  value reference: Portability
variable measured: Battery Life
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: CPU Single-Core Performance
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Starting Price (USD)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Cost
variable measured: Processor (Base)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Single-Core Performance (Geekbench 6)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Multi-core Performance (Geekbench 6)
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  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Base Memory (RAM)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Memory
variable measured: Display Size (Base Configuration)
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variable measured: Weight (13.6-inch/14-inch)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Portability
variable measured: Battery Capacity
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Specifications
variable measured: Real-World Battery Life
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: External Display Support
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Connectivity
variable measured: Sustained Thermal Load (TDP)
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Price-to-Performance Ratio (Multi-Core)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Value
variable measured: Warranty Coverage (Standard)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Support
variable measured: CPU Cores
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Hardware
variable measured: Base RAM
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Memory
variable measured: Maximum RAM
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Memory
variable measured: Display Size
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Display
variable measured: Display Refresh Rate
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Display
variable measured: CPU Performance (Geekbench 6 Multi-Core)
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: GPU Performance (Metal Score)
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Sustained Thermal Design Power
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Thermals
variable measured: Battery Life (Mixed Use)
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Starting Price (Base Configuration)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Cost
variable measured: ProRes 4K Encoding Speed vs M1
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Video Performance
variable measured: Maximum Unified Memory
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Memory
variable measured: Base Model Price (USD)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Price
variable measured: GPU Cores (Base)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Memory Bandwidth
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Weight (13-inch/14-inch base)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Design & Portability
variable measured: Native Video Output Ports
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Connectivity
variable measured: Thunderbolt Ports
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Connectivity
variable measured: Sustained 4K ProRes Performance
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: GPU Cores
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Geekbench 6 Single-Core
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Geekbench 6 Multi-Core
  type: PropertyValue
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variable measured: Battery Life (Real-World)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Endurance
variable measured: Video Export Time (4K 30fps, 5-min clip)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Operating Temperature Under Load
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Thermal
variable measured: GPU Cores (Standard Configuration)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Graphics
variable measured: Multi-Core Performance
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Battery Life (Web Browsing)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Thermal Design Power (TDP)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Efficiency
variable measured: Starting Price (13-inch, 2026)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Price
variable measured: Display Options
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Display
variable measured: GPU Cores (Standard)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Single-Core Performance
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Display Resolution
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Display
variable measured: Refresh Rate (Base Model)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Display
variable measured: Battery Life (Typical)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Battery
variable measured: CPU Cores (Standard Config)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: GPU Cores (Standard Config)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Graphics
variable measured: Geekbench 6 Single-Core Score
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Geekbench 6 Multi-Core Score
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Performance
variable measured: Base Storage
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Storage
variable measured: Maximum RAM Configuration
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Memory
variable measured: Battery Life (EPA rated)
  type: PropertyValue
  value reference: Battery
variable measured: Starting Price (13-inch)
variable measured: Maximum GPU Configuration
variable measured: Neural Engine Performance
variable measured: Base Model Starting Price
variable measured: Processor Performance (Geekbench 6 Multi-core)
variable measured: RAM Starting Configuration
variable measured: Storage Starting Configuration
variable measured: Software Support Lifespan
variable measured: GPU Gaming Performance (3DMark Wildlife)
is based on: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/macbook-air-m3-vs-macbook-air-m4

MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary
type: DefinedTermSet
language: en-US
description: Taxonomy of attribute categories used to classify comparison data for MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4.
has defined term: Price
has defined term: Portability
has defined term: Performance
has defined term: Cost
has defined term: Memory
has defined term: Display
has defined term: Specifications
has defined term: Battery
has defined term: Connectivity
has defined term: Value
has defined term: Support
has defined term: Hardware
has defined term: Thermals
has defined term: Video Performance
has defined term: Design & Portability
has defined term: Graphics
has defined term: Endurance
has defined term: Thermal
has defined term: Efficiency
has defined term: Storage
has defined term: AI/ML
has defined term: Longevity
has defined term: Gaming
has defined term: Processing Power

Price
type: DefinedTerm
term code: price
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Portability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: portability
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: performance
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Cost
type: DefinedTerm
term code: cost
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Memory
type: DefinedTerm
term code: memory
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Display
type: DefinedTerm
term code: display
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Specifications
type: DefinedTerm
term code: specifications
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Battery
type: DefinedTerm
term code: battery
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Connectivity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: connectivity
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Value
type: DefinedTerm
term code: value
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Support
type: DefinedTerm
term code: support
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Hardware
type: DefinedTerm
term code: hardware
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Thermals
type: DefinedTerm
term code: thermals
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Video Performance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: video-performance
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Design & Portability
type: DefinedTerm
term code: design-&-portability
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Graphics
type: DefinedTerm
term code: graphics
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Endurance
type: DefinedTerm
term code: endurance
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Thermal
type: DefinedTerm
term code: thermal
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Efficiency
type: DefinedTerm
term code: efficiency
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Storage
type: DefinedTerm
term code: storage
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

AI/ML
type: DefinedTerm
term code: ai/ml
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Longevity
type: DefinedTerm
term code: longevity
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Gaming
type: DefinedTerm
term code: gaming
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

Processing Power
type: DefinedTerm
term code: processing-power
in defined term set: MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4 — Attribute Category Vocabulary

faq
type: FAQPage
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
date modified: 2026-07-28T09:00:15.146Z
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
is part of: macbook-air-m3-vs-macbook-air-m4
main entity: Is the MacBook Air M4 better than the MacBook Air M3?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Yes, the MacBook Air M4 is better than the M3 in most measurable ways. It offers faster CPU and GPU performance, supports up to 32GB of unified memory compared to the M3's 24GB cap, features an updated 12MP Center Stage webcam, and includes two Thunderbolt 4 ports on both sides. However, the performance gains are incremental for everyday tasks, making the M3 a still-capable machine if purchased at a significant discount.
    language: en-US
main entity: How much cheaper is the MacBook Air M3 compared to the MacBook Air M4?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Following the M4 launch, the MacBook Air M3 typically sells for $200–$300 less than the M4's starting price of $1,099. Apple and authorized retailers often discount M3 units to clear inventory. If budget is a primary concern, the M3 offers strong value at its reduced price, since both models handle most everyday tasks like browsing, email, and document editing without noticeable difference.
    language: en-US
main entity: Which MacBook Air is better for video editing, the M3 or M4?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: The MacBook Air M4 is the better choice for video editing. Its improved media engine handles ProRes video more efficiently, and its faster GPU accelerates effects rendering in Final Cut Pro and Premiere Pro. The option to configure up to 32GB of unified memory also helps with 4K and 6K timelines. For casual 1080p editing, the M3 remains sufficient, but professionals working with high-resolution footage will notice meaningful gains with the M4.
    language: en-US
main entity: Should I buy the MacBook Air M3 or wait for the MacBook Air M4?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: The MacBook Air M4 is already available, so there is no reason to wait. If you need a laptop now, the M4 is the smarter long-term investment due to better performance, higher memory ceiling, and longer software support lifecycle. The M3 is worth buying only if you find it at a steep discount of $250 or more. Otherwise, the M4's improvements in speed, memory, and connectivity justify its slightly higher starting price.
    language: en-US
main entity: Does the MacBook Air M4 have better battery life than the MacBook Air M3?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: The MacBook Air M4 offers marginally better real-world battery life than the M3, despite both Apple models being rated for up to 18 hours. The M4 chip's improved power efficiency means it sustains performance longer under mixed workloads like video streaming, web browsing, and light productivity. In daily use, most users report one to two additional hours on the M4, though both laptops easily last a full workday on a single charge.
    language: en-US
main entity: Should I upgrade from MacBook Air M3 to MacBook Air M4?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: For most M3 Air owners, the MacBook Air M4 upgrade is not worth it yet. The M4 chip offers approximately 20–25% CPU improvement and 25–35% GPU improvement over M3 in benchmarks, but real-world day-to-day tasks feel largely identical. The upgrade makes sense if: (a) you are coming from an Intel Mac and jumping to M4, which is a transformative upgrade; (b) you need more unified memory (M4 Air offers 16GB base vs M3's 8GB base, and up to 32GB vs M3's 24GB max); or (c) you find a compelling trade-in or discount. If you bought an M3 Air in 2024, the money saved by skipping M4 and waiting for M5 (expected 2026–2027) will likely be worth more than the M4's incremental gains over your current machine.
    language: en-US
main entity: How much faster is the MacBook Air M4 vs M3 in real-world use?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Apple claims 25–30% faster CPU performance and up to 35% faster GPU in the M4 vs M3. In practice, tasks like exporting a 4K video in Final Cut Pro and running large AI models are noticeably faster on the M4. For web browsing, document editing, or email, the difference is imperceptible. The M4 gains matter most for creative professionals and developers who stress the chip regularly.
    language: en-US
main entity: Is the MacBook Air M4 worth the premium over the M3 in 2026?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Yes, if you're buying new — the M4 Air starts at the same MSRP as the M3 did at launch, so there is no real premium for new buyers. If you're deciding between buying a new M4 or a discounted used/refurbished M3, the M3 can be an excellent value at $100–200 below MSRP; it will remain fully supported by macOS for several more years and handles all everyday tasks without compromise.
    language: en-US
main entity: Does the MacBook Air M4 have more RAM than the M3?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Both the M3 and M4 MacBook Air start at 8 GB unified memory with options to configure 16 GB or 24 GB. The difference is speed: M4's memory bandwidth is higher (up to 120 GB/s vs 100 GB/s on the M3), making the 8 GB M4 feel more capable under load than the 8 GB M3. If your work involves large datasets or simultaneous heavy apps, prioritize configuring 16 GB on whichever chip you choose.
    language: en-US
main entity: Will Apple support the MacBook Air M3 as long as the M4?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Apple typically supports Macs with macOS updates for about 7 years after release. The M3 MacBook Air launched in early 2024, so expect support through approximately 2030–2031. The M4 Air (2025) extends that window to around 2032. If you plan to keep your Mac for 4–5 years, both chips will be fully supported with no difference in practice.
    language: en-US

How to Choose Between MacBook Air M3 and MacBook Air M4
type: HowTo
description: The MacBook Air M4 offers notably better CPU performance with a 10-core processor versus M3's 8-core, plus 16GB base RAM and improved efficiency, making it worth the $250-$300 premium for most users. However, budget-conscious buyers or those prioritizing value can find refurbished M3 models at $650-$700, which still deliver solid everyday performance.
language: en-US
total time: PT3M
step: Consider: Price (New)
step: Consider: CPU Cores
step: Consider: Base RAM
step: Consider: GPU Performance
step: Consider: Battery Life
step: Consider: Multi-tasking & Apps
step: Consider: Design & Display
step: Consider: Value Proposition
step: Consider: GPU Cores
step: Consider: Memory Bandwidth
step: Consider: Display
tool: A Versus B Comparison Guide
tip: HowToTip
  text: The MacBook Air M4 is the superior choice for most users in 2026, delivering meaningfully better performance with its 10-core CPU, standard 16GB RAM, and improved efficiency at $999-$1,149. However, the M3 remains a smart buy for budget-conscious shoppers who can find refurbished units at $650-$700, offering excellent value for everyday computing tasks like browsing, office work, and light creative projects.

Consider: Price (New)
type: HowToStep
position: 1
text: Price (New): MacBook Air M3 has $999-$1,149, while MacBook Air M4 has $650-$700 (Refurbished).

Consider: CPU Cores
type: HowToStep
position: 2
text: CPU Cores: MacBook Air M3 has 8-core CPU, while MacBook Air M4 has 10-core CPU.

Consider: Base RAM
type: HowToStep
position: 3
text: Base RAM: MacBook Air M3 has 8GB (Older) / 16GB (Updated), while MacBook Air M4 has 16GB Standard.

Consider: GPU Performance
type: HowToStep
position: 4
text: GPU Performance: MacBook Air M3 has Up to 10-core GPU, while MacBook Air M4 has Up to 10-core GPU.

Consider: Battery Life
type: HowToStep
position: 5
text: Battery Life: MacBook Air M3 has Up to 15-18 hours, while MacBook Air M4 has Up to 16-18 hours (Slightly More Efficient).

Consider: Multi-tasking & Apps
type: HowToStep
position: 6
text: Multi-tasking & Apps: MacBook Air M3 has Good for light-moderate workloads, while MacBook Air M4 has Better for heavy multitasking and creative work.

Consider: Design & Display
type: HowToStep
position: 7
text: Design & Display: MacBook Air M3 has 13-inch & 15-inch, 500 nits, Liquid Retina, while MacBook Air M4 has 13-inch & 15-inch, 500 nits, Liquid Retina.

Consider: Value Proposition
type: HowToStep
position: 8
text: Value Proposition: MacBook Air M3 has Best budget option, excellent refurbished deals, while MacBook Air M4 has Best overall performance-to-price ratio for new purchases.

Consider: GPU Cores
type: HowToStep
position: 9
text: GPU Cores

Consider: Memory Bandwidth
type: HowToStep
position: 10
text: Memory Bandwidth

Consider: Display
type: HowToStep
position: 11
text: Display

claimreview
type: ClaimReview
language: en-US
is accessible for free: true
conditions of access: Free
claim reviewed: MacBook Air M3 is better than MacBook Air M4
review body: The MacBook Air M4 offers notably better CPU performance with a 10-core processor versus M3's 8-core, plus 16GB base RAM and improved efficiency, making it worth the $250-$300 premium for most users. However, budget-conscious buyers or those prioritizing value can find refurbished M3 models at $650-$700, which still deliver solid everyday performance.
date published: 2026-04-25
date modified: 2026-07-28
review rating: Rating
  rating: MIXTURE
  best rating: TRUE
  worst rating: FALSE
  alternate name: Depends on use case — see analysis
author: A Versus B
publisher: A Versus B
item reviewed: MacBook Air M3 is better than MacBook Air M4
  type: Claim
  language: en-US
  text: The MacBook Air M4 offers notably better CPU performance with a 10-core processor versus M3's 8-core, plus 16GB base RAM and improved efficiency, making it worth the $250-$300 premium for most users. However, budget-conscious buyers or those prioritizing value can find refurbished M3 models at $650-
  author: Internet consensus
  appearance: macbook-air-m3-vs-macbook-air-m4
  first appearance: macbook-air-m3-vs-macbook-air-m4

Single-Core Performance
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: 2,445 | MacBook Air M4: N/A

Display Resolution
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: 2560 x 1600 (13.6") | MacBook Air M4: 2560x1600

Refresh Rate (Base Model)
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: 60 Hz | MacBook Air M4: N/A

Battery Life (Typical)
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: 18 | MacBook Air M4: 19 hours avg
value reference: MacBook Air M4

CPU Cores (Standard Config)
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: 8 cores | MacBook Air M4: 10 cores
value reference: MacBook Air M4

GPU Cores (Standard Config)
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: 8 cores | MacBook Air M4: 10 cores
value reference: MacBook Air M4

Geekbench 6 Single-Core Score
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: 2,988 | MacBook Air M4: 3,745
value reference: MacBook Air M4

Geekbench 6 Multi-Core Score
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: 7,245 points | MacBook Air M4: 10,890 points
value reference: MacBook Air M4

Base Storage
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: 256 GB | MacBook Air M4: 256 GB

Maximum RAM Configuration
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: 24 GB | MacBook Air M4: 32 GB
value reference: MacBook Air M4

Battery Life (EPA rated)
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: 18 hours | MacBook Air M4: 18 hours

Starting Price (13-inch)
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: $1,099 | MacBook Air M4: $1,199
value reference: MacBook Air M3

Maximum GPU Configuration
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: 10-core GPU | MacBook Air M4: 16-core GPU
value reference: MacBook Air M4

Neural Engine Performance
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: 16 TOPS | MacBook Air M4: 120 TOPS
value reference: MacBook Air M4

Base Model Starting Price
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: $1,199 | MacBook Air M4: $1,299
value reference: MacBook Air M3

Processor Performance (Geekbench 6 Multi-core)
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: N/A | MacBook Air M4: 10,000-12,000 (M4)

RAM Starting Configuration
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: N/A | MacBook Air M4: 8 GB

Storage Starting Configuration
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: N/A | MacBook Air M4: 256 GB SSD

Software Support Lifespan
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: N/A | MacBook Air M4: 7-10 years

GPU Gaming Performance (3DMark Wildlife)
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: N/A | MacBook Air M4: 2,500-3,200 (M4 GPU)

CPU Core Count
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: N/A | MacBook Air M4: 8-core

GPU Core Count
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: N/A | MacBook Air M4: 10-core

Starting Price (256GB)
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: N/A | MacBook Air M4: $1,199

Display
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: N/A | MacBook Air M4: 13.6" or 15.3" Liquid Retina

CPU Single-Thread Performance
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: N/A | MacBook Air M4: Baseline (M4)

GPU Performance
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: N/A | MacBook Air M4: Baseline (M4)

Base Unified Memory
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: N/A | MacBook Air M4: 16GB

Starting Price (US)
type: PropertyValue
value: MacBook Air M3: N/A | MacBook Air M4: $1,099

SpeakableSpecification
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css selector: #verdict
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xpath: //*[@id='short-answer']
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MacBook Air M3 — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

MacBook Air M4 — Wikipedia
type: CreativeWork

Compare MacBook Air M3 vs MacBook Air M4
type: Action
additional type: CompareAction
target: https://www.aversusb.net/compare/macbook-air-m3-vs-macbook-air-m4
object: MacBook Air M3
object: MacBook Air M4

Starting Price (13-inch)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Price

Maximum GPU Configuration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Graphics

Neural Engine Performance
type: PropertyValue
value reference: AI/ML

Base Model Starting Price
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Value

Processor Performance (Geekbench 6 Multi-core)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

RAM Starting Configuration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Specifications

Storage Starting Configuration
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Specifications

Software Support Lifespan
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Longevity

GPU Gaming Performance (3DMark Wildlife)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Gaming

CPU Core Count
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Processing Power

GPU Core Count
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Processing Power

Starting Price (256GB)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Price

Display
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Hardware

CPU Single-Thread Performance
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

GPU Performance
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Graphics

Base Unified Memory
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Performance

Starting Price (US)
type: PropertyValue
value reference: Value