MacBook Air M1: Still Worth It in 2025

Posted By Ihor Kyselov | 29 Sep 2025

In this article, we will review the performance of the MacBook Air in 2025 and answer the questions: Is it still worth buying, and who will it suit best? Does the 2020 phenomenon still hold its bar high, or are there better options for its price?

MacBook Air M1 in 2025 vs. MacBook Air M2, M3 and M4: Comparison

Feature	MacBook Air M1	MacBook Air M2	MacBook Air M3	MacBook Air M4
Processor	Apple M1 chip (8-core CPU)	Apple M2 chip (8-core CPU)	Apple M3 chip (8-core CPU)	Apple M4 chip (10-core CPU: 4 performance + 6 efficiency)
GPU	Integrated 8-core GPU	Integrated 8-core/10-core GPU	Integrated 8-core/10-core GPU	Integrated 8-core/10-core GPU
RAM	8GB, configurable up to 16GB	8GB, configurable up to 24GB	8GB, configurable up to 24GB	16GB, configurable up to 32GB
SSD Storage	256GB, configurable up to 2TB	256GB, configurable up to 2TB	256GB, configurable up to 2TB	256GB, configurable up to 2TB
Display	13.3-inch Retina display	13.6-inch Liquid Retina display	13.6-inch Liquid Retina display	13.6-inch / 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display
Display Resolution	2560x1600	2560x1664	2560x1664	2560x1664 (13") / 2880x1864 (15")
Graphics	Integrated 7-core/8-core GPU	Integrated 8-core/10-core GPU	Integrated 8-core/10-core GPU	Integrated 8-core/10-core GPU
Battery Life	Up to 15 hours	Up to 18 hours	Up to 15 hours (13-inch)	Up to 18 hours
Weight	2.8 pounds (1.29 kg)	2.7 pounds (1.24 kg)	2.7 pounds (1.24 kg)	2.7 pounds (13") / 3.3 pounds (15")
Ports	2x Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C)	2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), MagSafe	2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), MagSafe	2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), MagSafe
Camera	720p FaceTime HD camera	1080p FaceTime HD camera	1080p FaceTime HD camera	12MP Center Stage camera

As we can see, the specs are pretty similar, except for the CPU. But is the difference really noticeable for a regular user? Geekbench shows nearly identical results for the M1 and M2, while the M3 is about 20–25% ahead. With the latest M4 chip powering the MacBook Air, Apple has pushed performance even further — benchmarks suggest up to a 25–30% improvement over the M3, making it the most capable Air yet, especially for multitasking and light creative work.

Also: Apple MacBook Air (15-inch): Complete Overview

MacBook Air M1 in 2025: Pros and Cons

Let's dive into the pros:

Great battery life;

Up to 14 hours of work, there is nothing else to say.

M1 performance;

The CPU is still very strong compared to Intel based Macs thanks to the new architecture.

Slick design;

The M1 MacBook Air is slightly thinner than its successors

AI adaptivity;

Apple confirmed that AI functions in newer macOS versions will only be available on Macs with Apple Silicon CPUs.

The main drawbacks of the MacBook Air M1 in 2025 are:

Performance: The M1 chip is outpaced by the newer M2 and M3 chips, particularly in handling demanding tasks.
Design: The M1's tapered design feels outdated compared to the modern, sleeker designs of the M2 and M3 models.
Camera: The 720p FaceTime HD camera is inferior to the 1080p cameras in the newer models.

Also: MacBook Air M4: The Complete Review of the New Model

For Whom Is the MacBook Air M1 Worth It in 2025

Who would really consider buying the M1 Air in 2025? Students. Being quite affordable, this laptop can run all day on a single charge without needing to stay near an outlet. I couldn’t have even dreamed of having such a laptop during my college years—back then, laptops were 10 pounds heavier, and having a spare battery was a must.

There are many people who could benefit from the advantages mentioned above. Even video editors may still find this laptop useful. While it won’t offer the same level of productivity as newer Mac laptops, it has no competition in its price range. The M1 CPU’s performance surpasses any competitor within its price range, regardless of brand or production year.

Also: How to take care of MacBook: 10 Tips to Make it Last as Long as Possible

Is M1 Macbook Air worth it in 2025

With that being said, we can confidently recommend buying the MacBook Air M1 in 2025. On our website, you can find this laptop and choose the specs that suit your needs. The one-year warranty we offer will ensure a hassle-free experience.

Genuine Apple MacBook Air 13" 2020 (Apple M1, 8GB, 7-Core GPU, 512GB) - Space Gray

Is MacBook Air M1 Still Good in 2025?

Despite the release of newer models, the MacBook Air M1 remains a relevant choice in 2025 thanks to its balanced specifications. It still provides up to 12–15 hours of battery life, runs completely silently without a fan, and confidently handles everyday tasks — from studying and working with documents to online meetings and light photo or video editing. For students and professionals who value mobility and reliability, it remains one of the most convenient laptops available.

The main reasons why people continue to buy it today are its stable performance, time-tested design, and long-term support from Apple. The M1 chip is still faster than many Intel-based solutions, and macOS will continue to be updated for this model for several more years, ensuring relevance and security. As a result, the MacBook Air M1 remains a sensible choice in 2025 for those who need a lightweight, autonomous, and reliable laptop.

FAQ

1. Is it worth buying a MacBook Air in 2025?

It’s definitely the best choice for those looking for the best performance that won’t cost a fortune.

2. Is MacBook Air M1 good for long term use?

The laptop will receive software updates for at least two more years, so there's nothing to worry about. Apple is expected to maintain a longer upgrade cycle for laptops based on Apple Silicon processors.

3. Are there any alternative laptops that offer better value than the MacBook Air M1 in 2025?

The only alternative is the MacBook Pro M1. Intel-based Macs are obviously slower than those with Apple Silicon and won’t offer native AI compatibility on newer operating systems.