MacBook Air M4 vs. MacBook Pro M4: Which One Should You Choose?

At first glance, the MacBook Air M4 and MacBook Pro M4 might seem like close siblings. But under the hood, they serve two very different types of users. Whether you're deciding on your first Mac or looking to upgrade, understanding these differences is key. Let’s break them down and help you pick the Mac that’s right for you.
What You’ll Learn in This Comparison:
- Design and color options
- Power and performance of the M4 chip in each Mac
- Connectivity and ports
- Key technical differences in a comparison table
MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Pro M4: Difference in Design
Both the MacBook Air M4 and MacBook Pro M4 are crafted from premium anodized aluminum in Apple’s signature unibody style, offering a solid, durable feel. But there are some notable design differences:
- MacBook Air M4: Available in MacBook Air M4 13inch and MacBook Air M4 15inch, this model is thinner, lighter, and perfect for portability.
- MacBook Pro M4: Comes in MacBook Pro 14inch M4 and MacBook Pro 16inch M4, and is slightly thicker and heavier, thanks to a built-in fan system that supports extended performance under pressure.
MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Pro M4: What are the color options?
- MacBook Air M4: Sky Blue, Silver, Star White, Midnight
- MacBook Pro M4: Space Black, Silver
MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Pro M4: Difference in Performance
Both MacBooks are powered by the new Apple M4 chip, offering incredible performance and efficiency. But the difference lies in how long that power can be sustained.
- MacBook Air M4: Fanless design, perfect for everyday tasks, think office work, browsing, and light creative work.
- MacBook Pro M4: Includes a cooling system that lets the M4 chip push harder, for longer. Ideal for professionals working on demanding tasks like:
- Video editing
- Software development
- Music production
- AI and 3D modeling
So, if you need long-lasting peak performance, the Pro model is built for you.
MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Pro M4: Difference in Ports & Connectivity
Both models offer excellent wireless capabilities with Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3. However, when it comes to physical ports, the MacBook Pro M4 takes the lead.
MacBook Air M4:
- 1x MagSafe 3 charging port
- 2x USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports
- 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
MacBook Pro M4:
- 1x MagSafe 3 charging port
- 3x USB-C Thunderbolt 4 ports
- 1x 3.5mm headphone jack
- 1x HDMI port
- 1x SDXC card reader
If you often connect external monitors, SD cards, or HDMI devices, the MacBook Pro M4 offers more flexibility out of the box.
MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Pro M4: Specs and Feature Comparison
Feature | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Pro M4 |
---|---|---|
Display Sizes | 13" or 15" | 14" or 16" |
Dimensions (13") | 30.41 × 21.5 × 1.13 cm | — |
Dimensions (15") | 34.04 × 23.76 × 1.15 cm | — |
Dimensions (14") | — | 31.26 × 22.12 × 1.55 cm |
Weight | 1.24 kg (13") / 1.51 kg (15") | 1.55 kg (14") / 2.14 kg (16") |
Chip | M4 | M4 (with active cooling) |
RAM Options | 16 GB / 24 GB / 32 GB | 16 GB / 24 GB / 32 GB |
Storage | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 TB / 2 TB | 512 GB / 1 TB / 2 TB |
Ports | MagSafe 3, 2x USB-C, headphone jack | MagSafe 3, 3x USB-C, HDMI, SDXC, headphone |
Battery Life (video) | Up to 18 hours | Up to 24 hours |
Battery Life (web) | Up to 15 hours | Up to 16 hours |
Apple Intelligence | Yes | Yes |
Wireless | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 | Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3 |
Conclusion: Which One Should You Get?
- Choose the MacBook Air M4 if you want:
- A sleek, lightweight laptop
- Great battery life for everyday use
- A more affordable price point
- Choose the MacBook Pro M4 if you want:
- Sustained performance for professional-grade tasks
- More ports and connectivity
- A brighter display and better speakers
Experience the MacBook Air M4 and MacBook Pro M4
Try out the MacBook Air M4 or MacBook Pro M4 in person at one of our iSTYLE stores, where our team will be happy to guide you based on your needs. Already made your decision? You can also order directly through our official iSTYLE website, your trusted Apple Premium Partner.
We’re here to help you get the Mac that’s just right for you.