MacBook Air 15-inch vs 13-inch models: Here's how Apple's most popular laptops stack up

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Apple's MacBook Air lineup now includes three models for buyers to choose from: The 2020 13-inch MacBook Air with M1, 2022 13-inch MacBook Air with M2, and the brand-new 2023 15-inch MacBook Air with M2.

The 2020 model is starting to show its age in a few areas, but still delivers good value as Apple's entry-level offering. Meanwhile, the 2022 13-inch and 2023 15-inch models feature a few key design upgrades, along with Apple's more powerful M2 chip. Even better, the 2022 13-inch model just got a $100 price reduction.

To help you decide which MacBook Air is right for your needs, we put together a full comparison of specs and features, including everything we know about the 2023 model so far. You can also check out our full 2020 MacBook Air and 2022 MacBook Air reviews for detailed thoughts on those models.

MacBook Air 15-inch vs. 13-inch: Specs

MacBook Air 15-inch vs. 13-inch: Performance

Apple's 2020 13-inch MacBook Air uses the company's M1 processor, while the 2022 13-inch and 2023 15-inch models both use the more powerful M2 processor. Apple says the M2 is up to 1.4 times faster than the M1.

The 2022 and 2023 models are also configurable with up to 24GB of RAM rather than the 16GB max on the 2020 MacBook Air. The only notable processing difference between the 2022 and 2023 models is that the 2023 model's GPU has 10 cores by default, while the 2022 model lets you choose between a cheaper 8-core edition and more expensive 10-core option.

The more advanced chip and bigger RAM options should make the M2 MacBook Air models a better fit for power users who need a little extra speed for demanding tasks like video editing.

MacBook Air 15-inch vs. 13-inch: Design

Other than screen size, the 2022 13-inch and 2023 15-inch MacBook Air models both share the same overall design with a flat build when closed rather than the tapered, wedge-shaped look of the 2020 13-inch MacBook Air.

This means that the 2020 model is technically slimmer at its thinnest point, measuring just 0.16 inches, but expands to a thicker 0.63 inches where it rises up. The 2022 and 2023 models are uniformly flat, measuring just 0.44 and 0.45 inches thick, respectively.

Weight is nearly identical between the 2020 and 2022 13-inch models, at 2.8 and 2.7 pounds, respectively. To account for its bigger size, the new 2023 15-inch model weighs a bit more at 3.3 pounds.

MacBook Air 15-inch vs. 13-inch: Display and camera

The 2020 MacBook Air has a 13.3-inch Retina display and a resolution of 2560x1600. The 2022 model has a slightly larger screen size of 13.6 inches and upgrades to a Liquid Retina display with a resolution of 2560x1664. The 2023 edition has the biggest screen, with a 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display and a resolution of 2880x1864. 2022 and 2023 models are also a bit brighter than the 2020 MacBook Air, with a peak of 500 nits versus 400 nits.

All three models feature a built-in FaceTime HD camera, but the 2022 and 2023 editions make the jump from 720p to 1080p for higher resolution video capture. The 2022 and 2023 models also incorporate a notch in their displays to house their cameras, which enables them to have thinner borders on their screens.

MacBook Air 15-inch vs. 13-inch: Which should you buy?

Which MacBook Air is right for you really comes down to your budget and size preferences. If you're looking for a 13-inch model, both options remain strong performers, but the 2020 model is slightly less appealing now that the 2022 MacBook Air's starting price has been reduced by $100.

We only noticed a subtle step up in performance from the M1 to the M2 chip when we reviewed the 2022 MacBook Air, but we were impressed by its improved screen and its newer processor does make it a bit more future proof than the M1 model. The 2020 MacBook Air with M1 is still the best option on a budget, however, especially since it's often on sale for around $800.

Meanwhile, the brand-new 15-inch MacBook Air will appeal to people who want a larger screen. We haven't tested it just yet, but it's expected to offer the same overall performance as the 13-inch M2 model, just with a 10-core GPU as the default option, a bigger display, and six speakers versus four.