MacBook Air 13 M4
M4 · 13.6″ Liquid Retina · 1.24 kg
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD
M4 Max · 32GB · 2024 · 512GB SSD
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD takes it — here’s why.
In our weighted Specdex score, MacBook Air 13 M4 lands at 91 and MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD at 96. That puts MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD ahead by 5 points — a decisive margin driven mostly by its strengths in the categories below.
Pick MacBook Air 13 M4 if…
- ✓$999 starting at 16 GB / 256 GB
- ✓Best perf-per-watt 13″ laptop
- ✓24-hour battery on light loads
Pick MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD if…
- ✓Current-gen silicon
- ✓Competitive spec-for-dollar
- ✓Manufacturer warranty
Winner by scenario
Derived from the sub-score breakdown · not a separate testPerformance
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSDCPU + GPU muscle for demanding work
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD leads on gpu (91 vs 86).
Battery life
MacBook Air 13 M4Unplugged endurance for travel and campus
MacBook Air 13 M4 leads on battery (96 vs 86).
Display
MacBook Air 13 M4Panel quality for creative and media work
MacBook Air 13 M4 leads on display (88 vs 86).
Value for money
MacBook Air 13 M4Specdex score per dollar at MSRP
MacBook Air 13 M4 more score per dollar ($999 vs $3,499).
Score breakdown
Specs side-by-side
| Spec | MacBook Air 13 M4 | MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 13.6″ Liquid Retina, 60Hz | — |
| CPU | Apple M4 (10-core) | M4 Max |
| GPU | 8 / 10-core integrated | — |
| RAM | 16 / 24 / 32 GB unified | ▲ 32GB |
| Storage | 256 GB / 512 GB / 1 / 2 TB | ▲ 512GB SSD |
| Battery | 52.6 Wh | — |
| Weight | 1.24 kg | — |
| Release year | — | 2024 |
MacBook Air 13 M4
- +$999 starting at 16 GB / 256 GB
- +Best perf-per-watt 13″ laptop
- +24-hour battery on light loads
- −No ProMotion 120Hz
- −Single external display on base SKU
- −Notch in display
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD
- +Current-gen silicon
- +Competitive spec-for-dollar
- +Manufacturer warranty
- −Battery varies by config
- −Some SKUs heavy
- −RAM often soldered
FAQ: MacBook Air 13 M4 vs MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD
Which is better, MacBook Air 13 M4 or MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD? +
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD scores 96 on our weighted rubric — ahead by 5. Your best pick depends on the sub-scores above.
Is MacBook Air 13 M4 worth the price? +
At $999, MacBook Air 13 M4 delivers a Specdex score of 91 — strongest in battery.
Is MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD worth the price? +
At $3,499, MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD delivers a Specdex score of 96 — strongest in cpu.
Does MacBook Air 13 M4 or MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD last longer? +
Based on our long-term update and support ratings, both ship with multi-year support. Battery and reliability scores are visible in the breakdown above.
Which is better for performance, MacBook Air 13 M4 or MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD? +
MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD — leads on gpu (91 vs 86). CPU + GPU muscle for demanding work.
Which is better for battery life, MacBook Air 13 M4 or MacBook Pro 14 M4 Max · 32GB · 512GB SSD? +
MacBook Air 13 M4 — leads on battery (96 vs 86). Unplugged endurance for travel and campus.