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Deal.ai › Compare

Apple MacBook Air M5 vs Apple MacBook Air 15 M2

Buy the MacBook Air M5 if you want the newest chip, a smaller 13- or 14-inch body, and the longest battery life Apple puts in an Air. Buy the MacBook Air 15 M2 if screen size matters more than speed: the 15.3-inch panel is much roomier for split-screen work, and the M2 still handles browsing, Office and video fine. The M5 wins on performance, ports and longevity; the 15 M2 wins on display area and has a large, satisfied owner base.

  • Choose the MacBook Air M5 if you want the fastest Air, the longest battery life and a lighter machine that fits in a small bag.
  • Choose the MacBook Air 15 M2 if you work in split-screen windows all day and would rather have a bigger screen than the newest chip.

Prices

  • Apple MacBook Air M5: $1,089.00 at PC Richard & Son (last seen Nov 11)
  • Apple MacBook Air 15 M2: $685.00 at Walmart (last seen Nov 7)
  • Difference: the Apple MacBook Air 15 M2 is $404.00 cheaper than the Apple MacBook Air M5 at the latest prices (Nov 7 and Nov 11)
Apple
Apple MacBook Air M5

Apple MacBook Air M5

4.9(617 ratings)
$1,089.00at PC Richard & SonChecked Nov 11
See all prices and details
Visit PC Richard & Son
Pros
  • Fastest chip in the Air line, strong for AI and multitasking
  • Longest battery life of any Air
  • 512GB storage and 16GB memory at the base
  • Wi-Fi 7 and newer Bluetooth
  • Light enough to carry all day
Cons
  • Smaller screen than the 15-inch
  • Runs warmer under sustained load than the fanless M2 in light tasks
  • Fewer years of use before it feels dated? No — the opposite; skip
Apple
Apple MacBook Air 15 M2

Apple MacBook Air 15 M2

4.7(1,200 ratings)
$685.00at WalmartChecked Nov 7
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Big 15.3-inch display for split-screen work
  • Silent fanless design
  • M2 is plenty for web, Office, streaming and light editing
  • Large, well-reviewed owner base
  • MagSafe charging frees a USB-C port
Cons
  • 256GB base storage fills fast
  • Older Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth
  • Shorter remaining macOS support window
  • Heavier footprint on a desk or in a bag

What separates them

Apple MacBook Air M5Apple MacBook Air 15 M2
ChipApple M5, hexa-core CPU up to 4.6 GHz, 8-core GPU, 16-core Neural EngineApple M2, 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, 16-core Neural Engine
Screen size13.6-inch Liquid Retina, 2560 x 166415.3-inch Liquid Retina, 500 nits, P3
WeightAbout 3.4 lbAbout 3.3 lb for the 15-inch, so roughly even
BatteryRated up to 18-24 hours depending on configurationUp to 18 hours, 66.5 Wh
PortsTwo Thunderbolt 4, headphone jack; HDMI listed on some listingsTwo Thunderbolt/USB-C, headphone jack, MagSafe charging
Base storage512GB SSD standard256GB SSD standard
WirelessWi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6, ThreadWi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.3
Software support2026 release, longest remaining macOS update runway2022 design, still supported but with fewer years ahead

Price history

$1,849.00$685.00
Oct 28Nov 12
  • Apple MacBook Air M5: lowest $1,089.00 on Nov 9 at PC Richard & Son; $1,089.00 on Nov 11.
  • Apple MacBook Air 15 M2: lowest $685.00 on Nov 7 at Walmart; $819.95 on Nov 12.

Prices at every store

Apple MacBook Air M5

  • PC Richard & SonNew

    In stock

    $1,089.00Free shippingChecked Nov 11
    Visit PC Richard & Son
  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Gadget Replay

    $1,104.95+ $10.00 shippingChecked Nov 11
    Visit Walmart
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

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

    $1,099.00Free shippingChecked Nov 11
    Visit Amazon
  • PC Richard & SonNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,138.00Checked Nov 2
    Visit PC Richard & Son

Also available at

  • Abt ElectronicsCheck price at Abt Electronics
  • eBayCheck price at eBay
  • ExpercomCheck price at Expercom

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 21 stores and price history →

Apple MacBook Air 15 M2

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Wombat Reserve

    $685.00Checked Nov 7
    Visit Walmart
  • eBayNew

    In stock

    $1,275.00+ $16.30 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • WalmartNew

    Availability unknownSold by Reebelo

    $819.95Free shippingChecked Nov 12
    Visit Walmart
  • 6 Ave ElectronicsNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,214.95Checked Nov 7
    Visit 6 Ave Electronics

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 18 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple MacBook Air M5Apple MacBook Air 15 M2
Battery Life24 hours battery lifeUp to 18 hours
Storage TypeSSDSSD
Processor BrandAppleApple
Resolution3024 x 1964—
Operating SystemMac OS—
TouchscreenYes—
Drive TypeSolid State Drive—
Number Of CoresHexa Core—
ColorSilver, Space Black—
LanguageEnglish / North America—
Available PortsUSB-C, HDMI—
Biometric SecurityFingerprint Scan—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple MacBook Air M5Apple MacBook Air 15 M2
Weight3.4 lb—
Screen Size14 inches—
With Retina DisplayYes—
Drive Capacity512 GB drive, 1 TB drive—
Installed Memory16 GB RAM, 24 GB RAM, 32 GB RAM—
Processor Speed4.6 GHz CPU—
OriginChina—
Screen Resolution2560 x 1664—
Touch Screenfalse—
Processor Model

What reviewers say

Apple MacBook Air M5

  • 4.9 / 5617 ratings

Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 617 ratings, the Air M5 is received as a fast, long-lasting laptop. Owners single out battery life and the built-in ports. The main complaints are the higher cost than older Airs and the Neo, and the extra weight next to the 13-inch models.

What people mention
  • PortsPraisedReviewers like having HDMI and USB-C built in, so monitors and projectors connect without an adapter.
  • DisplayPraisedThe 3024 x 1964 Retina screen is called sharp and high-resolution.
  • WeightCriticisedAt 3.4 lb it is heavier than the 13-inch Air models.
  • PriceCriticisedReviewers say it costs nearly double the MacBook Neo and more than the M1 and M2 Airs.

Apple MacBook Air 15 M2

  • 4.7 / 51,200 ratings

Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 1,200 ratings. Owners like the big screen in a light body, the silent operation and the long battery life. Complaints center on the small 256GB storage and the limited port selection.

What people mention
  • Fanless silencePraisedOwners say it stays silent even during long video calls and heavy browser sessions.
  • Battery lifePraisedReviewers report getting through a full workday on one charge, close to Apple's 18-hour claim.
  • DisplayPraisedThe 15.3-inch 500-nit screen is called bright and color-accurate for the size and weight.
  • StorageCriticised
Reviews
  • Best Laptops of 2026: Top Picks Tested by CNET
  • The best laptops of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed - ZDNET
  • MacBook Air M5 review: Same but faster - Engadget

Questions and answers

Which is better for video editing?
The M5. Its faster CPU and GPU export and scrub timelines quicker, and the 512GB base drive leaves more room for footage. The 15 M2 can edit 1080p and light 4K, but 256GB fills quickly.
Which has the better screen?
The 15 M2 gives you far more workspace at 15.3 inches. The M5's 13.6-inch panel is sharper per inch and supports the same wide color, so it looks better up close but shows less at once.
Which lasts longer?
The M5. It has a newer battery rating, newer wireless and a 2026 release date, so it will get macOS updates for more years. The M2 is still supported but is closer to the end of its update runway.
Is the M5 worth stepping up to from the 15 M2?
Yes if you want speed, battery life and a longer software life in a smaller body. Stay with the 15 M2 if a large screen is your main reason for buying.
Does either have a touchscreen?
No. Both use a standard Liquid Retina display without touch. The M5 listing's touchscreen line is inconsistent with Apple's Air design.
Which is quieter?
Both are fanless, so neither has a fan noise. The M5 may warm more under long sustained loads because it packs a faster chip into the same passive cooling approach.

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Apple M5
—
Total Storage Capacity512 gigabytes—
System Memory (RAM)16 gigabytes—
GraphicsApple M5 8-core—
Display Connector(s)2 x Thunderbolt 4—
Battery ChemistryLithium-polymer—
Backlit Keyboardtrue—
BrandApple—
Model NumberMDHH4LL/A—
Year of Release2026—
Processor Model NumberApple M5—
Number of CPU Cores10-core—
Solid State Drive Capacity512 gigabytes—
Type of Memory (RAM)Not provided—
Graphics TypeIntegrated—
GPU BrandApple—
Number of Thunderbolt Ports (Total)2—
OS Version—macOS 13.0, Ventura
Main Storage—SSD 256GB, 256GB SSD
The 256GB SSD is described as filling up quickly, with no way to upgrade it later.