MacBook Air M5 vs M4: 2026 Comparison
The MacBook Air M5 delivers 18% faster CPU performance and 25% faster GPU capabilities compared to the M4, with improved thermal efficiency and up to 24GB unified memory, making it noticeably faster for demanding workloads while maintaining the same starting price.
MacBook Air M5
Latest generation MacBook Air with 8-core M5 chip, up to 10-core GPU, and 24GB unified memory.
Professional video editors, 3D designers, developers, machine learning practitioners, and creative professionals handling complex workloads.
MacBook Air M4
Previous generation MacBook Air with 8-core M4 chip, up to 10-core GPU, and 16GB unified memory.
Students, general business users, writers, web developers doing light work, and budget-conscious buyers who prioritize value over cutting-edge performance.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryThe MacBook Air M5 delivers 18% faster CPU performance and 25% faster GPU capabilities compared to the M4, with improved thermal efficiency and up to 24GB unified memory, making it noticeably faster for demanding workloads while maintaining the same starting price.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose the MacBook Air M5 if you run demanding applications like video editing, 3D rendering, machine learning workflows, or heavy multitasking — the 18% CPU boost and 25% GPU improvement justify the upgrade. Choose the MacBook Air M4 if you primarily use web browsing, document editing, and light creative work, as it remains highly capable and saves money on the used market.
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Choose MacBook Air M5 if
Best pickProfessional video editors, 3D designers, developers, machine learning practitioners, and creative professionals handling complex workloads.
Choose MacBook Air M4 if
Students, general business users, writers, web developers doing light work, and budget-conscious buyers who prioritize value over cutting-edge performance.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- CPU Performance:✓ MacBook Air M5 wins(8-core CPU with 18% faster single-thread performance vs 8-core CPU baseline)
- GPU Cores:✓ MacBook Air M5 wins(10-core GPU (up to 25% faster) vs 10-core GPU baseline)
- Memory Bandwidth:✓ MacBook Air M5 wins(120GB/s unified memory bandwidth vs 100GB/s unified memory bandwidth)
Key Facts & Figures
53 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | MacBook Air M5 | MacBook Air M4 | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Weight (15" model)(lbs) | 3.3 lbs | — | — |
| Starting Price (USD)(USD) | $1,199 | — | — |
| Maximum GPU Cores(cores) | 10-core (M5) | — | — |
| Maximum RAM(GB) | 32GB | — | — |
| Base Price(USD) | $1,599 | — | — |
| CPU Cores (Standard Configuration)(cores) | 8 cores | — | — |
| GPU Cores (Max Configuration)(cores) | 10 cores (integrated) | — | — |
| Battery Life (Official Rating)(hours) | 18 hours | — | — |
| Maximum Unified Memory(GB) | 24GB | 24GB | |
| Thunderbolt Ports (Standard)(ports) | 2 ports | — | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi-Core Score (Estimated)(points) | 14,800 (M5) | — | — |
| CPU Cores (Performance)(cores) | 8 cores | — | — |
| GPU Cores (Base Config)(cores) | 10 cores | — | — |
| Base Memory(GB) | 8 GB unified memory | — | — |
| Base Storage(GB) | 256 GB SSD | 256 GB | |
| Display Refresh Rate(Hz) | 60Hz | — | — |
| Weight(lbs) | 2.7 lbs | 2.7-3.0 lbs | |
| Thunderbolt Ports(ports) | 2 ports (13.6-inch) | — | — |
| CPU Cores (Maximum)(cores) | 10-core | — | — |
| GPU Cores (Maximum)(cores) | 10-core | — | — |
| Geekbench 6 Multi-Core Score(points) | 11,850 | 14,782 | |
| Starting Price(USD) | $1,199 | $1,099 | |
| Maximum RAM Configuration(GB) | 24GB | 32 GB | |
| Weight (Base Model)(lbs) | 2.7 lbs | — | — |
| CPU Core Count(cores) | 10-core | 8-core | |
| GPU Core Count(cores) | 12-core | 10-core | |
| Geekbench 6 Single-Core(points) | 3,150 | 2,650 | |
| Geekbench 6 Multi-Core(points) | 12,800 | 10,200 | |
| Battery Life (Mixed Use)(hours) | 18-20 hours | 16-18 hours | |
| Starting Price (256GB)(USD) | $1,399 | $1,199 | |
| Memory Bandwidth(GB/s) | 160 GB/s | 100GB/s | |
| GPU Cores(cores) | Up to 10 cores | Up to 10 cores | |
| Battery Life (Real-world)(hours) | 18-20 hours | 18-20 hours | |
| Video Export Time (4K 30fps, 5-min clip)(seconds) | 120 seconds | 120 seconds | |
| Operating Temperature Under Load(°C) | 65°C | 65°C | |
| CPU Cores(cores) | 10-core | 10-core | |
| GPU Cores (Standard)(cores) | 10-core | 10-core | |
| Battery Life (typical)(hours) | 19 hours avg | 19 hours avg | |
| Battery Life(hours) | Up to 16 hours | Up to 16 hours | |
| Processor Performance (Geekbench 6 Multi-Core)(score) | 10,000-12,000 (M4) | 10,000-12,000 (M4) | |
| RAM Starting Configuration(GB) | 8 GB | 8 GB | |
| Storage Starting Configuration(GB) | 256 GB SSD | 256 GB SSD | |
| Software Support Lifespan(years) | 7-10 years | 7-10 years | |
| GPU Gaming Performance (3DMark Wildlife)(score) | 2,500-3,200 (M4 GPU) | 2,500-3,200 (M4 GPU) | |
| CPU Cores (Standard Config)(cores) | 10 cores | 10 cores | |
| GPU Cores (Standard Config)(cores) | 10 cores | 10 cores | |
| Geekbench 6 Single-Core Score(points) | 3,745 | 3,745 | |
| Battery Life (EPA rated)(hours) | 18 hours | 18 hours | |
| Starting Price (13-inch)(USD) | $1,199 | $1,199 | |
| CPU Single-Thread Performance(% faster) | Baseline (M4) | Baseline (M4) | |
| GPU Performance(% faster) | Baseline (M4) | Baseline (M4) | |
| Base Unified Memory(GB) | 16GB | 16GB | |
| Starting Price (US)(USD) | $1,099 | $1,099 |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- 8-core CPU with 18% faster single-thread performance(winner)CPU Performance8-core CPU baseline
- 10-core GPU (up to 25% faster)(winner)GPU Cores10-core GPU baseline
- 120GB/s unified memory bandwidth(winner)Memory Bandwidth100GB/s unified memory bandwidth
- 24GB standard configuration(winner)Max Unified Memory16GB standard configuration
- Up to 18 hours claimed(winner)Battery LifeUp to 16 hours claimed
- $1,099 USDStarting Price$1,099 USD
- Improved efficiency, cooler operation(winner)Thermal EfficiencyStandard efficiency baseline
- CPU Performance
MacBook Air M5
8-core CPU with 18% faster single-thread performance(winner)
MacBook Air M4
8-core CPU baseline
- GPU Cores
MacBook Air M5
10-core GPU (up to 25% faster)(winner)
MacBook Air M4
10-core GPU baseline
- Memory Bandwidth
MacBook Air M5
120GB/s unified memory bandwidth(winner)
MacBook Air M4
100GB/s unified memory bandwidth
- Max Unified Memory
MacBook Air M5
24GB standard configuration(winner)
MacBook Air M4
16GB standard configuration
- Battery Life
MacBook Air M5
Up to 18 hours claimed(winner)
MacBook Air M4
Up to 16 hours claimed
- Starting Price
MacBook Air M5
$1,099 USD
MacBook Air M4
$1,099 USD
- Thermal Efficiency
MacBook Air M5
Improved efficiency, cooler operation(winner)
MacBook Air M4
Standard efficiency baseline
Full Comparison
| Attribute | MacBook Air M5 | MacBook Air M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Weight (15" model)(lbs) | 3.3 lbs | — |
| Weight(lbs) | 2.7 lbs(winner) | 2.7-3.0 lbs |
| Weight (Base Model)(lbs) | 2.7 lbs | — |
| Starting Price (USD)(USD) | $1,199 | — |
| Starting Price(USD) | $1,199 | $1,099(winner) |
| Maximum GPU Cores(cores) | 10-core (M5) | — |
| Maximum RAM(GB) | 32GB | — |
| Processor Options(null) | M5 only | — |
| Sustained Performance Under Load | Throttles performance under sustained heavy loads | — |
| CPU Cores (Standard Configuration)(cores) | 8 cores | — |
Show 20 more attributesGeekbench 6 Multi-Core Score (Estimated)(points) 14,800 (M5) — CPU Cores (Maximum)(cores) 10-core — Geekbench 6 Multi-Core Score(points) 11,850 14,782 Maximum RAM Configuration(GB) 24GB 32 GB CPU Core Count(cores) 10-core 8-core GPU Core Count(cores) 12-core 10-core Geekbench 6 Single-Core(points) 3,150 2,650 Geekbench 6 Multi-Core(points) 12,800 10,200 Memory Bandwidth(GB/s) 160 GB/s 100GB/s GPU Cores(cores) Up to 10 cores — Battery Life (Real-world)(hours) 18-20 hours — Video Export Time (4K 30fps, 5-min clip)(seconds) 120 seconds — GPU Cores (Standard)(cores) 10-core — Battery Life (typical)(hours) 19 hours avg — Processor Performance (Geekbench 6 Multi-Core)(score) 10,000-12,000 (M4) — CPU Cores (Standard Config)(cores) 10 cores — GPU Cores (Standard Config)(cores) 10 cores — Geekbench 6 Single-Core Score(points) 3,745 — CPU Single-Thread Performance(% faster) Baseline (M4) — GPU Performance(% faster) Baseline (M4) — | ||
| Cooling System(fans) | Passive (fanless) design | — |
| Operating Temperature Under Load(°C) | 65°C | — |
| Base Price(USD) | $1,599 | — |
| Starting Price (US)(USD) | $1,099 | — |
| GPU Cores (Max Configuration)(cores) | 10 cores (integrated) | — |
| Battery Life (Official Rating)(hours) | 18 hours | — |
| Battery Life (EPA rated)(hours) | 18 hours | — |
| Maximum Unified Memory(GB) | 24GB | 24GB |
| Base Unified Memory(GB) | 16GB | — |
| Thunderbolt Ports (Standard)(ports) | 2 ports | — |
| Thunderbolt Ports(ports) | 2 ports (13.6-inch) | — |
| CPU Cores (Performance)(cores) | 8 cores | — |
| GPU Cores (Base Config)(cores) | 10 cores | — |
| GPU Cores (Maximum)(cores) | 10-core | — |
| Base Memory(GB) | 8 GB unified memory | — |
| Base Storage(GB) | 256 GB SSD | 256 GB |
| Display Refresh Rate(Hz) | 60Hz | — |
| Display Resolution(pixels) | 2560x1600 | — |
| Battery Life (Mixed Use)(hours) | 18-20 hours(winner) | 16-18 hours |
| Battery Life(hours) | Up to 16 hours | — |
| Starting Price (256GB)(USD) | $1,399 | $1,199(winner) |
| Starting Price (13-inch)(USD) | $1,199 | — |
| Display | 13.6" or 15.3" Liquid Retina | 13.6" or 15.3" Liquid Retina |
| CPU Cores(cores) | 10-core | — |
| RAM Starting Configuration(GB) | 8 GB | — |
| Storage Starting Configuration(GB) | 256 GB SSD | — |
| Software Support Lifespan(years) | 7-10 years | — |
| GPU Gaming Performance (3DMark Wildlife)(score) | 2,500-3,200 (M4 GPU) | — |
Show 20 more attributes
Pros & Cons
12 pros·6 cons across both
MacBook Air M5
Pros
- 18% faster CPU performance for demanding applications
- 25% faster GPU for video editing and 3D rendering
- 120GB/s memory bandwidth vs 100GB/s on M4
- 24GB standard unified memory configuration
- Up to 18 hours battery life (2 hours longer than M4)
- Improved thermal efficiency with cooler operation under load
Cons
- Minimal real-world performance gains for everyday tasks (web, email, documents)
- Identical starting price ($1,099) means older M4 becomes budget alternative
MacBook Air M4
Pros
- Excellent everyday performance for web browsing, email, and productivity
- Strong capability for light creative work and casual content creation
- Same $1,099 starting price as M5 (or discounted on secondary market)
- Mature software optimization and driver support
- Sufficient for most students and general business users
- 16 hours battery life remains industry-leading
Cons
- 18% slower CPU limits performance in compute-intensive applications
- 25% slower GPU makes demanding video and 3D work noticeably slower
- 100GB/s memory bandwidth constrains multi-tasking performance
- 16GB base memory insufficient for some professional workflows
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
If you perform GPU-intensive work (video editing, 3D rendering, machine learning), the 25% GPU boost and improved thermal performance justify the upgrade. For everyday users (web browsing, document editing, light coding), the M4 remains perfectly capable. The same $1,099 starting price means you're paying for performance gains, not a price premium.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
Where to Buy
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Wikipedia
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