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Apple MacBook Air 15" M5 vs Apple 13" MacBook Air (M5)

Both are M5 MacBook Airs with 16GB and 512GB, so the real split is size and graphics. The 15-inch gives you a bigger screen, a 10-core GPU and more room for sustained work; the 13-inch is lighter and easier to carry all day. Reviewers and owners rate both highly, with the 13-inch drawing slightly more ratings and the 15-inch slightly higher marks. Buy the 15-inch for screen space and graphics headroom; buy the 13-inch for portability.

  • Choose the 15-inch MacBook Air if you work with large spreadsheets, video timelines or side-by-side windows and want the extra GPU core and screen area.
  • Choose the 13-inch MacBook Air if you carry your laptop daily and want the same M5 performance in a smaller, lighter body.

Prices

  • Apple MacBook Air 15" M5: $1,199.99 at PayMore West Long Branch (checked today)
  • Apple 13" MacBook Air (M5): $1,089.00 at PC Richard & Son (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Apple 13" MacBook Air (M5) is $110.99 cheaper than the Apple MacBook Air 15" M5 at the latest prices (Nov 8 and Nov 10)
Apple
Apple 15" MacBook Air with M5 chip, 10 core CPU / 10 core GPU, 16GB Memory, 512GB SSD

Apple MacBook Air 15" M5

Apple 15" MacBook Air with M5 chip, 10 core CPU / 10 core GPU, 16GB Memory, 512GB SSD

4.7(113 ratings)
$1,199.99at PayMore West Long BranchChecked 2 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit PayMore West Long Branch
Pros
  • Bigger 15-inch screen with higher resolution
  • 10-core GPU handles graphics and video better
  • Same 18-hour battery as the smaller model
  • Strong 4.7 owner rating
Cons
  • Heavier and bulkier to carry
  • Takes more desk and bag space
  • Costs more than the 13-inch for the same chip and memory
Apple
Apple 13" MacBook Air with M5 chip, 10 core CPU / 8 core GPU, 16GB Memory, 512GB SSD

Apple 13" MacBook Air (M5)

Apple 13" MacBook Air with M5 chip, 10 core CPU / 8 core GPU, 16GB Memory, 512GB SSD

4.6(177 ratings)
$1,089.00at PC Richard & SonChecked Nov 8
See all prices and details
Visit PC Richard & Son
Pros
  • Light and compact at 0.4 inches thick
  • Same M5 CPU, 16GB and 512GB as the larger model
  • Supports up to two external displays
  • Most-rated of the pair at 4.6 from 177 ratings
Cons
  • 8-core GPU is weaker for graphics work
  • Smaller 13.6-inch screen
  • Less room for side-by-side windows

What separates them

Apple MacBook Air 15" M5Apple 13" MacBook Air (M5)
Screen size15-inch Liquid Retina, 2880 x 186413.6-inch Liquid Retina, 2560 x 1664
GPU cores10-core GPU8-core GPU
Weight and footprintLarger and heavier; takes more bag space12.0 x 8.5 x 0.4 inches; easier to pack
Battery lifeUp to 18 hoursUp to 18 hours
Memory and storage16GB unified memory, 512GB SSD16GB unified memory, 512GB SSD
PortsTwo Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe, headphone jackTwo Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe, headphone jack
External displaysSupports external displays over ThunderboltSupports up to two external displays
Owner ratings4.7 out of 5 from 113 ratings4.6 out of 5 from 177 ratings

Price history

$1,499.00$1,089.00
Nov 4Nov 10
  • Apple MacBook Air 15" M5: lowest $1,299.00 on Nov 7 at Best Buy; $1,499.00 on Nov 10.
  • Apple 13" MacBook Air (M5): lowest $1,089.00 on Nov 4 at PC Richard & Son; $1,149.00 on Nov 10.

Prices at every store

Apple MacBook Air 15" M5

  • PayMore West Long BranchNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $1,199.99Checked 2 h ago
    Visit PayMore West Long Branch
  • WalmartNew

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

    $1,419.00+ $35.00 shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Walmart
  • Best BuyNew

    In stock

    $1,499.00Free shippingChecked 2 h ago
    Visit Best Buy
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by savaydeals (99.9% positive, 22,900 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $1,425.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

All 5 stores and price history →

Apple 13" MacBook Air (M5)

  • PC Richard & SonNew

    In stock

    $1,089.00Free shippingChecked Nov 8
    Visit PC Richard & Son
  • PC Richard & SonNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,089.00Checked Nov 4
    Visit PC Richard & Son
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $1,099.00Free shippingChecked 20 h ago
    Visit Amazon
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $1,099.00Checked Nov 4
    Visit Amazon
All 15 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple MacBook Air 15" M5Apple 13" MacBook Air (M5)
hard_drive_capacity512 GB512 GB
colorBlueBlue
actual_colorSky BlueSky Blue
ram_memory16 GB16 GB
TouchscreenYesNo
ConnectionsThunderboltThunderbolt
ProcessorApple M5Apple M5
Manufacturer ColorSky BlueSky Blue
SSD Size512 GB512 GB
Hard Drive TypeSSDSSD
Screen Size (")15.013.6 inches
Graphics Card AppleApple M5 10CApple M5 10C
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple MacBook Air 15" M5Apple 13" MacBook Air (M5)
Processor Cores1010
SeriesApple Macbook Air 15”Apple Macbook Air 13”
Release Year20262026
Battery Life (h)18.018.0
RAM16 GB16 GB
LanguageSwedish, Finnish—
size—13-inch
Bluetooth—Yes
Refresh Rate—60Hz
Depth (")—8.5

What reviewers say

Apple MacBook Air 15" M5

  • 4.7 / 5113 ratings

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 113 ratings, the 15-inch M5 Air is received as a fast, quiet large-screen laptop. Owners single out the display, battery life and speakers, while the fixed memory and storage draw the most complaints.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners describe the M5 as fast and smooth across apps and multitasking.
  • BatteryPraisedReviewers say the rated 18 hours holds up for a full day of work or class.
  • DisplayPraisedThe 15.3-inch Liquid Retina screen is called bright and sharp with rich color.
  • MemoryCriticisedBuyers complain that 16GB is soldered and cannot be raised later.

Apple 13" MacBook Air (M5)

  • 4.6 / 5177 ratings

Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 177 ratings. Buyers like the light, silent design and the long battery life, and most find the M5 fast enough for daily work. The most common complaints are the 60Hz screen and the price.

What people mention
  • BatteryPraisedOwners report getting through a full workday on one charge.
  • PortabilityPraisedBuyers call it light and easy to carry, with no fan noise.
  • PerformancePraisedThe M5 handles everyday apps and photo editing smoothly.
  • DisplayMixed

Questions and answers

Which is better for video editing?
The 15-inch. Its 10-core GPU and larger screen make timeline work and previews easier, though both handle 4K editing in common apps.
Which lasts longer on a charge?
They are rated the same at up to 18 hours. Real-world results depend on screen brightness and workload, and the larger screen can draw more power.
Is the 15-inch worth stepping up to?
If you work in split-screen windows or do graphics work, yes. If you mostly write, browse and take calls, the 13-inch covers it in a lighter package.
Do both run the same apps?
Yes. Both use the M5 chip, macOS, 16GB unified memory and a 512GB SSD, so software compatibility is identical.
Can both drive external monitors?
Yes. Both have two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and the 13-inch is listed as supporting up to two external displays.
Which is easier to carry every day?
The 13-inch. It is 12.0 inches wide and 0.4 inches thick, so it fits smaller bags and weighs less in a backpack.

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More comparisons

  • Apple 15" MacBook Air with M5 chip, 10 core CPU / 10 core GPU, 16GB Memory, 512GB SSD vs Apple MacBook Air 13-Inch (2026, M5)

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best MacBook Air laptops
Fingerprint Reader—Yes
Height (")—0.4
Operating System—macOS
Screen Resolution—2560x1664
Webcam Resolution—1080p (Full HD)
Aspect Ratio—16:10
Width (")—12.0
Bluetooth Version—6.0
Thunderbolt Version—Thunderbolt 4
Wi-Fi Standard—Wi-Fi 7 (802.11be)
Screen Type—IPS, Retina
Weight (lb)—2.7
Touch Screen—false
Processor Model—Apple M5
Storage Type—SSD
Total Storage Capacity—512 gigabytes
System Memory (RAM)—16 gigabytes
Graphics—Apple M5 8-core
The screen is sharp and bright, but the 60Hz refresh rate draws complaints.