Apple MacBook Air M2 vs Apple MacBook Air 2020

The MacBook Air M2 is the better laptop for most people: a newer chip, a bigger 13.6-inch screen, a sharper 1080p webcam, MagSafe charging and a modern flat design. The 2020 Air (M1) is still a capable machine and a sensible pick if you want the lowest entry into Apple silicon or a spare travel laptop. Build quality is close on both, but the M2 runs cooler and quieter under load and reviewers consistently rate its keyboard and speakers higher. Owners of the M1 praise its battery and silence; M2 owners note the base 256GB SSD is slower than the M1's in some tests.

• Choose the MacBook Air M2 if you want the newer design, a larger brighter screen, a better webcam for calls, and several years of macOS updates ahead.
• Choose the MacBook Air 2020 if you need a light, silent Mac for writing, browsing and video and want to spend as little as possible on Apple silicon.