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Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M5) vs Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5)

Both are 2026 MacBook Airs on the M5 chip, so the real split is size and configuration. The 15-inch model carries a bigger screen, a 10-core GPU, 24GB of memory and 2TB of storage, which suits heavy multitaskers, creative work and anyone who wants to keep a machine for years. The 13-inch is the lighter, more portable pick at 2.7 lb, and its 4.9-out-of-5 rating from nearly 2,000 owners shows it satisfies most people. Buy the 15-inch for screen space and headroom; buy the 13-inch for travel and everyday work.

  • Choose the 15-inch MacBook Air if you want the larger screen, more memory and storage, and a stronger GPU for creative or AI-heavy work.
  • Choose the 13-inch MacBook Air if portability matters most and 16GB of memory with 512GB of storage covers your daily work.

Prices

  • Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M5): $2,363.00 at Walmart (checked today)
  • Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5): $1,089.00 at PC Richard & Son (checked today)
  • Difference: the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5) is $1,274.00 cheaper than the Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M5) today
Apple
Apple 15-inch MacBook Air: M5 chip w 10-core CPU - 10-core GPU, 24GB, 2TB, 40W - Z1LY000KG (2026)

Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M5)

Apple 15-inch MacBook Air: M5 chip w 10-core CPU - 10-core GPU, 24GB, 2TB, 40W - Z1LY000KG (2026)

$2,363.00at WalmartObserved at 5:23 AM
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Bigger 15.3-inch display for split-screen work and video editing
  • 24GB of memory handles many open apps and large files
  • 2TB of storage leaves room for media libraries and local AI models
  • 10-core GPU speeds up graphics and rendering tasks
  • Same 18-hour battery rating as the smaller model
Cons
  • Heavier and bulkier to carry than the 13-inch
  • 24GB is the ceiling, so no upgrade path later
  • More machine than many buyers need for email and browsing
Apple
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5)

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5)

Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5)

4.9(1,975 ratings)
$1,089.00at PC Richard & SonObserved at 5:25 AM
See all prices and details
Visit PC Richard & Son
Pros
  • 2.7 lb makes it easy to carry between classes and meetings
  • 4.9 out of 5 from 1,975 ratings shows strong owner satisfaction
  • Same M5 chip and 18-hour battery rating as the 15-inch
  • Four color choices, including Sky Blue and Midnight
  • Enough power for coursework, office apps and light editing
Cons
  • 16GB of memory limits heavy multitasking and large AI workloads
  • 512GB of storage fills quickly with video and photo libraries
  • 8-core GPU trails the 15-inch model on graphics work
  • Smaller screen is tighter for side-by-side windows

What separates them

Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M5)Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5)
Screen size15.3-inch Liquid Retina13.6-inch Liquid Retina
WeightHeavier 15-inch chassis2.7 lb, easier to carry all day
GPU cores10-core GPU8-core GPU
Memory24GB unified memory, the maximum offered16GB unified memory
Storage2TB SSD512GB SSD
Battery lifeUp to 18 hoursUp to 18 hours
PortsTwo Thunderbolt ports, MagSafe chargingTwo Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe charging
Owner feedbackNewer listing with little owner feedback yet4.9 out of 5 from 1,975 ratings

Price history

$2,475.00$1,089.00
Oct 30Nov 9
  • Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M5): lowest $2,363.00 on Nov 7 at Walmart.
  • Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5): lowest $1,089.00 on Nov 7 at PC Richard & Son; $1,089.00 on Nov 9.

Prices at every store

Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M5)

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Datavision Computer VideoReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $2,363.00Free shippingObserved at 5:23 AM
    Visit Walmart
  • WalmartNew

    In stock

    $2,363.00Observed Nov 7, 2026, 12:39 PM
    Visit Walmart
  • AppleRefurbished

    Availability unknown

    $1,269.00Observed Nov 1, 2026, 9:47 AM
    Visit Apple
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $2,475.00Observed Nov 1, 2026, 9:47 AM
    Visit Amazon
All 4 stores and price history →

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5)

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Gadget Replay

    $1,104.95+ $10.00 shippingObserved at 5:25 AM
    Visit Walmart
  • PC Richard & SonNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,089.00Observed at 5:25 AM
    Visit PC Richard & Son
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $1,099.00Free shippingObserved at 5:24 AM
    Visit Amazon
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $1,099.00Observed Nov 6, 2026, 9:48 PM
    Visit Amazon
All 18 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple 15-inch MacBook Air (M5)Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5)
ram_memory24 GB16 GB
colorBlueSilver, Sky Blue, Midnight, Starlight
BrandAppleApple
Proc. brandAppleApple
ProcessorM5 10C CPU - 10C GPUApple M5 chip with 10-core CPU and 8-core GPU
OSMac OSMac OS
Screen size15 in13 inches
HD typeSolid StateSolid State
HD capacity2 TB512 GB
Battery life18 hr18 hours battery life
Laptop typeMacBooksMacBooks
Rec. useBusinessBusiness
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple 15-inch MacBook Air (M5)Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5)
DisplayOLEDLED
Core count1010
Proc. speed1 GHz1 GHz
Max RAM24 GB16 GB
Model nameMacBook AirMacBook Air
Data storage2 TB512 GB
Solid state drive capacity2 TB512 gigabytes
Included softwaremacOSApple Intelligence
TouchscreenNN
Wireless

What reviewers say

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M5)

  • 4.9 / 51,975 ratings

Across 1,975 ratings averaging 4.9 out of 5, buyers call the M5 Air fast, light and long-lasting, and many describe it as a big step up from their Windows laptops. Complaints are minor and mostly about ports and finish.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the M5 chip keeps apps and browser tabs responsive without slowdown.
  • PortabilityPraisedBuyers highlight the 2.7 lb weight and thin body for commuting and travel.
  • BatteryPraisedReviewers report getting through a full workday on one charge.
  • PortsCriticisedTwo Thunderbolt 4 ports are called tight for monitors, drives and card readers.
Reviews
  • The best laptops of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed - ZDNET
  • These tech gifts topped our experts’ 2026 holiday wish lists - ZDNET
  • ZDNET Gift of the Year: Our editors' top picks - ZDNET
  • Best MacBooks We've Tested (October 2026)

Questions and answers

Which is better for video editing?
The 15-inch model. Its 10-core GPU, 24GB of memory and 2TB of storage handle larger timelines and render faster. The 13-inch can edit video, but 16GB and 512GB run out sooner on big projects.
Is the 13-inch easier to carry?
Yes. At 2.7 lb it is noticeably lighter than the 15-inch, which makes it the better pick for daily commutes, campus life and air travel.
Do they have the same battery life?
Apple rates both at up to 18 hours. Real-world results depend on screen brightness and workload, and the larger screen on the 15-inch can draw more power.
Which lasts longer before needing an upgrade?
The 15-inch, because 24GB of memory and 2TB of storage stay useful longer than 16GB and 512GB. Both share the M5 chip and should get macOS updates for a similar number of years.
Is the 15-inch worth stepping up to?
If you keep many apps open, edit photos or video, or want to store large files locally, yes. If your work is browsing, documents and video calls, the 13-inch covers it in a lighter body.
Do both have the same ports and camera?
Yes. Both offer two Thunderbolt ports, MagSafe charging, a 12MP Center Stage camera and a backlit keyboard. The 15-inch adds a six-speaker sound system with Spatial Audio.

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  • Apple 15-inch MacBook Air: M5 chip w 10-core CPU - 10-core GPU, 24GB, 2TB, 40W - Z1LY000KG (2026) vs Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5)
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  • Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5) vs M5 Pro MacBook Pro (16-inch, 2026)

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Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi
Operating SystemMac OSMac OS
Number Of CoresHexa CoreOcta Core
LanguageEnglish / North AmericaEnglish / North America
Available PortsUSB-C, 3.5 mm JackUSB-C
Weight3.3 lb2.7 lb
With Retina DisplayYesYes
Drive TypeSolid State DriveSolid State Drive
Biometric SecurityFingerprint ScanFingerprint Scan
hard_drive_capacity2 TB—
processor_typeM5 10C CPU - 10C GPU—
FeaturesWebcam—
Keyboard layoutBacklit Keyboard—
Installed Memory16 GB RAM, 24 GB RAM, 32 GB RAM—
Drive Capacity4 TB drive—
Resolution—2560 x 1664
Screen Resolution—2560 x 1664
Touch Screen—false
Processor Model—Apple M5