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Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5) vs Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2020)

The MacBook Pro is the stronger machine: a modern Apple M5 chip, a 120Hz 1600-nit display, up to 22 hours of video playback and a 1TB SSD. The MacBook Air 2020 is a light, quiet 2.7 lb laptop for browsing, writing and schoolwork, but its dual-core Core i3, 8GB of non-upgradable RAM and 128GB SSD limit it. Buy the Pro for creative work, coding or a long service life; buy the Air for light everyday use on a budget.

  • Choose the MacBook Pro if you edit video or photos, compile code, or want a fast screen and all-day battery that stays capable for years.
  • Choose the MacBook Air if your work is web, email, documents and streaming, and you want the lightest, simplest Mac.

Prices

  • Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5): $1,549.00 at Quick Ship Electronics (last seen Nov 9)
  • Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2020): $155.60 at elettrodomestici.shop (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2020) is $1,393.40 cheaper than the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5) at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 10)
Apple
Apple MacBook Pro

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)

Apple MacBook Pro

3.2(23 ratings)
$1,549.00at Quick Ship ElectronicsChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit Quick Ship Electronics
Pros
  • Fast M5 chip handles heavy multitasking and creative apps
  • 120Hz ProMotion display is smooth and very bright
  • Long battery life, up to 22 hours of video
  • 1TB SSD and up to 32GB RAM
  • HDMI port and fingerprint login
Cons
  • Heavier at 3.4 lb
  • Fewer configuration choices at the low end
  • Costs more than the Air
Apple
Apple MacBook Air 13.3-inch Core i3 1.1GHz 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Storage 2020 (Space Gray)

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2020)

Apple MacBook Air 13.3-inch Core i3 1.1GHz 8GB RAM 128GB SSD Storage 2020 (Space Gray)

4.8(1,749 ratings)
$155.60at elettrodomestici.shopChecked 15 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit elettrodomestici.shop
Pros
  • Light at 2.7 lb and easy to carry
  • Quiet, fanless design
  • Retina display and backlit keyboard
  • Fingerprint login
  • Refurbished units are hand-tested and backed by a 12-month warranty
Cons
  • Dual-core i3 slows under heavy loads
  • 8GB RAM cannot be upgraded
  • 128GB SSD fills quickly
  • Only USB-C ports, no HDMI or card reader

What separates them

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2020)
ProcessorApple M5 chip, hexa-coreIntel Core i3, dual-core, 1.1GHz
Display14.2-inch, 3024x1964, 120Hz, up to 1600 nits13.3-inch Retina, 2560x1600, 60Hz, standard brightness
Memory16GB, 24GB or 32GB8GB, not upgradeable
Storage1TB SSD128GB SSD
BatteryUp to 22 hours video, 14 hours webAbout 12 hours
Weight3.4 lb2.7 lb
PortsUSB-C and HDMIUSB-C only
ConditionNewCertified refurbished with a 12-month warranty

Price history

$2,349.00$154.00
Oct 29Nov 11
  • Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5): lowest $154.00 on Nov 1 at vipoutlet.com; $550.05 on Nov 11.
  • Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2020): lowest $155.60 on Nov 10 at elettrodomestici.shop.

Prices at every store

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)

  • Quick Ship ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $1,549.00Free shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Quick Ship Electronics
  • UCLA StoreNew

    In stock

    $1,699.00+ $8.95 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit UCLA Store
  • Abt Electronics & AppliancesNew

    In stock

    $1,804.00+ $20.85 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit Abt Electronics & Appliances
  • NFMNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,836.00Checked Oct 29
    Visit NFM

Also available at

  • Back MarketCheck price at Back Market
  • The Device DepotCheck price at The Device Depot
  • AdoramaCheck price at Adorama
All 10 stores and price history →

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2020)

  • elettrodomestici.shopNew

    Availability unknown

    $155.60Checked 15 h ago
    Visit elettrodomestici.shop
  • SwappaPre-owned

    Availability unknown

    $340.00Free shippingChecked 15 h ago
    Visit Swappa
  • Mobile CultureNew

    Availability unknown

    $394.99Checked 15 h ago
    Visit Mobile Culture
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknown

    $550.00+ $5.70 shippingChecked 15 h ago
    Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2020)
colorSilverSpace Gray
Resolution3024 x 19642560 x 1600
Operating SystemMac OSMac OS
Drive TypeSolid State DriveSolid State Drive
Number Of CoresHexa CoreDual Core
LanguageEnglish / North AmericaEnglish / North America
Available PortsUSB-C, HDMIUSB-C
Biometric SecurityFingerprint ScanFingerprint Scan
Weight3.4 lb2.7 lb
Screen Size14 inches13.3 inches
Battery Life24 hours battery life12 hours battery life
Processor BrandIntel CPUIntel CPU
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2020)
Graphics ProcessorIntel GPUIntel GPU
With Retina DisplayYesYes
Drive Capacity256 GB drive, 512 GB drive128 GB drive
Installed Memory8 GB RAM8 GB RAM
Processor Speed1.4 GHz CPU1.6 GHz CPU
Energy StarYesYes
With Backlit KeyboardYesYes
Max Supported RAM32 GB Supported16 GB Supported
actual_colorSilver—

What reviewers say

Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M5)

  • 3.2 / 523 ratings

Ratings on this listing average 3.2 out of 5 from 23 ratings, a mixed result for a machine usually well received. Buyers tend to praise the screen and speed while questioning value and memory.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the M5 chip stays fast and quiet under sustained workloads.
  • DisplayPraisedThe 120Hz, 1600-nit panel is called bright and sharp for editing and outdoor use.
  • BatteryPraisedReviewers report all-day runtime, close to Apple's 22-hour video claim.
  • ValueCriticisedBuyers question the price, especially once memory is upgraded.

Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (2020)

  • 4.8 / 51,749 ratings

Owners rate it highly as a light everyday laptop with a great screen and keyboard. Most criticism centers on the base i3's speed, the small 128GB drive and fan noise under load.

What people mention
  • PerformanceCriticisedThe dual-core i3 feels slow once several apps or browser tabs are open.
  • StorageCriticised128GB leaves little room after macOS and a few apps, so owners add external drives.
  • DisplayPraisedThe 2560x1600 Retina panel is sharp and bright for text and video.
  • PortabilityPraised

Questions and answers

Which is better for video editing?
The MacBook Pro. The M5 chip, 16GB or more of RAM and 1TB SSD handle 4K editing; the Air's dual-core i3 and 8GB RAM struggle with it.
Which lasts longer?
The Pro. Its newer chip and larger memory and storage keep it useful for more years, while the Air's 8GB RAM and 128GB SSD are already tight.
Is the Air enough for schoolwork?
Yes for essays, web research, slides and video calls. It is not suited to heavy design or coding work.
Is the Pro worth stepping up to?
Yes if you edit media, code or keep many apps open. The screen, chip, battery and storage are all a clear step up.
Which is easier to carry?
The Air at 2.7 lb versus 3.4 lb for the Pro. The difference is noticeable in a backpack.
Does the Air have an HDMI port?
No. It has USB-C only, so you need an adapter or hub. The Pro has HDMI built in.

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More comparisons

  • Apple MacBook Air M1 vs Apple MacBook Pro

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best MacBooks under $350
Display size
14.2-inch
—
Native resolution3024-by-1964—
Pixel density254 pixels per inch—
Refresh rateup to 120Hz—
Peak brightness1600 nits peak—
ChipApple M5 chip—
Memory16GB, 24GB, or 32GB—
Storage1TB SSD—
Battery capacity72.6-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery—
Video playbackUp to 22 hours video streaming—
Wireless webUp to 14 hours wireless web—
ram_memory16 GB—
CPUApple M5 Pro—
GPUIntegrated 16-core Apple GPU with Neural Accele…—
RAM24 (48 configurable)—
CapacityNot specified—
USB-C ports3—
ProcessorApple M1—
TouchscreenYes—
At 2.7 lb it is easy to carry all day.