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Apple MacBook Air 13" M1 vs Apple MacBook Air M2

The M2 Air is the better laptop for most people: a larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina screen, a sharper 1080p webcam, MagSafe charging that frees up both Thunderbolt ports, and a newer M2 chip. The M1 Air is still a strong, silent fanless machine with the classic wedge shape, and owners rate it very highly. Buy the M1 if you want the proven original at the lowest entry into Apple silicon; buy the M2 if you keep a laptop for years and want the better screen, camera and ports.

  • Choose the MacBook Air M1 if you want the proven fanless Apple silicon laptop and the wedge design, and you mostly do browsing, writing, email and light photo work.
  • Choose the MacBook Air M2 if you want the bigger, brighter screen, a sharper webcam for video calls, MagSafe charging and a newer chip that will stay current longer.

Prices

  • Apple MacBook Air 13" M1: $499.00 at Peachtree Computers (last seen Nov 2)
  • Apple MacBook Air M2: $685.00 at Walmart (last seen Nov 8)
  • Difference: the Apple MacBook Air 13" M1 is $186.00 cheaper than the Apple MacBook Air M2 at the latest prices (Nov 2 and Nov 8)
Apple
MacBook Air 13'' Laptop - Apple M1 chip - 8GB Memory - 256GB SSD

Apple MacBook Air 13" M1

MacBook Air 13'' Laptop - Apple M1 chip - 8GB Memory - 256GB SSD

4.9(12,559 ratings)
$499.00at Peachtree ComputersObserved Nov 2, 2026, 5:15 AM
See all prices and details
Visit Peachtree Computers
Pros
  • Silent fanless design with no moving parts
  • Very high owner rating across thousands of reviews
  • Proven M1 performance for everyday work
  • Classic wedge shape many people prefer
  • Two Thunderbolt ports for accessories
Cons
  • Older 720p webcam looks soft on video calls
  • Charging takes one of only two ports
  • Smaller, dimmer screen than the M2
  • 2020 design with less headroom for future software
Apple
Apple MacBook Air M2

Apple MacBook Air M2

4.8(3,500 ratings)
$685.00at WalmartObserved Nov 8, 2026, 8:45 AM
See all prices and details
Visit Walmart
Pros
  • Bigger, brighter 13.6-inch screen
  • Sharper 1080p webcam for calls
  • MagSafe charging keeps both Thunderbolt ports free
  • Newer M2 chip with stronger graphics
  • Slightly lighter at 2.7 lb
Cons
  • Notch in the top of the display
  • Squarer body some find less comfortable on the lap
  • Base model still starts at 8GB memory and 256GB storage
  • Some listings are refurbished units, so check condition

What separates them

Apple MacBook Air 13" M1Apple MacBook Air M2
Display13.3-inch Retina, 2560x1600, 400 nits13.6-inch Liquid Retina, 2560x1664, 500 nits
ChipApple M1, 8-core CPU, 7- or 8-core GPUApple M2, 8-core CPU, up to 10-core GPU
Webcam720p FaceTime HD1080p FaceTime HD
ChargingTwo Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports, charging uses oneTwo Thunderbolt ports plus MagSafe, so both stay free
DesignClassic tapered wedge, 2.8 lbSquarer uniform body, 2.7 lb
Battery49.9 Wh, up to 18 hours movie playback66.5 Wh, up to 18 hours rated
CoolingFanless, silentFanless, silent
Longevity2020 release, still supported but older2022 release, newer design and chip

Price history

$1,699.00$419.99
Oct 28Nov 8
  • Apple MacBook Air 13" M1: lowest $419.99 on Nov 1 at Walmart; $499.00 on Nov 2.
  • Apple MacBook Air M2: lowest $669.00 on Oct 29 at Walmart; $685.00 on Nov 8.

Prices at every store

Apple MacBook Air 13" M1

  • Peachtree ComputersNew

    Availability unknown

    $499.00Observed Nov 2, 2026, 5:15 AM
    Visit Peachtree Computers
  • WalmartNew

    Availability unknown

    $544.95Observed Nov 2, 2026, 5:15 AM
    Visit Walmart
  • TalkShopLiveNew

    Availability unknown

    $599.00Observed Nov 2, 2026, 5:15 AM
    Visit TalkShopLive
  • Best BuyNew

    Availability unknown

    $779.95Observed Nov 2, 2026, 5:15 AM
    Visit Best Buy

Also available at

  • South Carolina State University BookstoreCheck price at South Carolina State University Bookstore
All 8 stores and price history →

Apple MacBook Air M2

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Wombat Reserve

    $685.00+ $19.99 shippingObserved Nov 8, 2026, 8:45 AM
    Visit Walmart
  • eBayNew

    In stock

    $1,200.00+ $16.95 shippingObserved Nov 8, 2026, 8:45 AM
    Visit eBay
  • 6 Ave ElectronicsNew

    In stock

    $1,324.95Free shippingObserved Nov 8, 2026, 8:45 AM
    Visit 6 Ave Electronics
  • Microless.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $1,466.58Observed Nov 7, 2026, 7:47 PM
    Visit Microless.com

Also available at

  • GameStopCheck price at GameStop
  • utshob.comCheck price at utshob.com
  • Newegg.comCheck price at Newegg.com

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 5 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecApple MacBook Air 13" M1Apple MacBook Air M2
Display size13.3-inch15-inch
Battery capacity49.9‑watt‑hour66.5 Wh
Screen Size13.3 inches13 inches
Storage TypeSSDSSD
ColorSpace GrayBlack
Processor BrandAppleApple
Native resolution2560x1600—
Brightness400 nits—
ChipApple M1 chip—
CPU cores8-core CPU—
GPU cores7-core GPU, 8-core GPU—
Wireless web batteryUp to 15 hours—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecApple MacBook Air 13" M1Apple MacBook Air M2
Movie playback batteryUp to 18 hours—
Power adapter30W USB‑C Power Adapter—
Memory8GB unified memory—
Storage256GB SSD—
Screen Resolution2560 x 1600 (Retina)—
Touch Screenfalse—
Processor ModelApple M1—
Total Storage Capacity256 gigabytes—
System Memory (RAM)8 gigabytes—
Graphics

What reviewers say

Apple MacBook Air 13" M1

  • 4.9 / 512,559 ratings

Owners rate it very highly, with 4.9 out of 5 from 12,559 ratings. Most praise the speed for daily tasks, the silent fanless build and the battery life. Complaints center on the 8GB memory and 256GB storage limits.

What people mention
  • PerformancePraisedOwners say the M1 chip keeps everyday apps and light photo editing smooth.
  • Fanless designPraisedReviewers note the Air stays silent because it has no fan.
  • Battery lifePraisedUsers report a full day of work or study on one charge.
  • MemoryCriticisedThe fixed 8GB of unified memory is the most common complaint from heavier users.

Apple MacBook Air M2

  • 4.8 / 53,500 ratings

Owners rate it highly, with 4.8 out of 5 from about 3,500 ratings. Most praise the light, silent design and battery life; complaints center on the 8 GB base memory and 256 GB storage.

What people mention
  • Fanless designPraisedOwners note the Air stays silent because it has no fan.
  • Battery lifePraisedMost report a full day of mixed use on one charge.
  • MemoryCriticisedThe 8 GB base configuration struggles with heavy multitasking.
  • StorageCriticisedThe 256 GB SSD is seen as small for the price.
Reviews
  • The best MacBooks of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed - ZDNET
  • The best laptops under $1,000 of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed - ZDNET
  • The best laptops for graphic designers in 2026: Expert tested and reviewed - ZDNET

Questions and answers

Which is better for video calls and schoolwork?
The M2 Air. Its 1080p webcam is clearly sharper than the M1's 720p camera, and the larger, brighter screen is easier on the eyes for long documents. Both handle writing, browsing and video classes without strain.
Is the M2 worth stepping up to over the M1?
Yes if you plan to keep the laptop four or more years. You get a better screen, better camera, MagSafe and a newer chip. If you mostly browse and write and want to spend less, the M1 still does that well.
Which lasts longer?
Both are rated around 18 hours of movie playback, and both are fanless with no moving parts to wear out. The M2 has a larger battery, but real-world runtime is close. Battery health after several years depends more on charging habits than on the model.
Do both run the same apps?
Yes. Both run macOS and Apple silicon apps, including the same versions of Safari, Office, Adobe apps and most games that support Mac. The M2 runs them somewhat faster, especially graphics work.
Which is better for photo and video editing?
The M2, mainly for its brighter screen and stronger GPU. The M1 Air handles photo editing and light video work fine, but the M2 gives more headroom for 4K timelines and heavier filters.
Is the M2 heavier or bigger to carry?
It is slightly lighter at 2.7 lb versus 2.8 lb, and its footprint is close. The M2 screen is a bit taller, which some people notice in a bag, but both are easy to carry daily.

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Apple M1 7-core
—
Display Connector(s)2 x Thunderbolt 3—
Battery Life (up to)18 hours—
Battery ChemistryLithium-polymer—
Backlit Keyboardtrue—
BrandApple—
Model NumberMGN63LL/A—
Year of Release2020—
Display TypeLED—
Processor Model NumberApple M1—
Number of CPU Cores8-core—
Solid State Drive Capacity256 gigabytes—
Type of Memory (RAM)LPDDR4X—
Graphics TypeIntegrated—
GPU BrandApple—
Resolution—2560 x 1664
Operating System—Mac OS
Touchscreen—Yes
With Retina Display—Yes