Looking Beyond the Apple Late 2020 MacBook Air? 6 Alternatives Worth a Look
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The Apple Late 2020 MacBook Air remains a popular choice for users seeking efficient performance and long battery life. Its M1 chip delivers strong CPU and GPU speeds for everyday tasks, while the 13.3-inch Retina display offers sharp visuals. However, you might look for apple late macbook air alternatives if you need a larger screen, a different processor brand, or updated connectivity options. Some buyers prefer Windows systems for specific software compatibility, while others want more storage or a heavier build for stationary use.
We selected 6 alternatives that share key specifications with the original model to ensure a fair comparison. These laptops feature similar memory and storage capacities, such as 8GB RAM and 256GB SSDs, making them viable replacements for general productivity and light work. The list includes options with 15-inch displays for those who need more screen real estate, as well as Intel and Ryzen processors for users who do not require Apple Silicon. Each option balances portability and performance, allowing you to choose based on your specific size, weight, and operating system preferences.
Our top pick: Apple M1 MacBook Air 13.3-inch.
How each alternative compares
Apple MacBook Air 13.3-Inch M1 Chip
This model shares the same M1 processor, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD as the original. The main difference is the color option, which is Space Gray instead of Silver. It weighs 3.75 pounds, which is heavier than the original's 2.8 pounds. You get the same efficient performance and battery life. This option fits users who prefer a darker chassis or find Space Gray more suitable for their workspace. It remains a solid choice for portable everyday computing without significant spec changes.
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M2
The MacBook Air 15-inch M2 upgrades the screen size to 15.6 inches from 13.3 inches. It uses the newer M2 chip, offering better performance than the M1. The device weighs 3.3 pounds, making it slightly heavier than the original. You gain more screen real estate for productivity tasks while retaining the thin design. This model is ideal if you need a larger display for creative work or multitasking. It sacrifices some portability for a bigger canvas, providing a more spacious experience for professionals who value screen space over the smallest footprint.
Lenovo ThinkBook 15.6" Ryzen 5 Laptop
This Lenovo ThinkBook switches to Windows 11 Pro and a Ryzen 5 processor. It features a 15.6-inch display and 8GB RAM with 256GB SSD storage. The weight jumps to 5 pounds, significantly heavier than the MacBook Air. You trade macOS for Windows and a larger, bulkier form factor. This laptop suits users who prioritize a full-sized keyboard and office productivity over portability. It is a budget-friendly option for those who need more screen space and prefer the Windows ecosystem for their daily tasks.
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M3
The MacBook Air 13-inch M3 retains the 13.3-inch screen size but upgrades to the M3 chip. It keeps 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage. The weight is 2.73 pounds, slightly lighter than the original. You get improved performance and efficiency from the newer processor. This model fits users who want the latest technology in a familiar form factor. It offers better speed for everyday tasks while maintaining excellent battery life and portability. It is a strong choice for those who prioritize mobility and macOS integration with modern hardware capabilities.
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M3
This MacBook Air 15-inch M3 combines the M3 chip with a 15.3-inch display. It includes 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage. The weight is 3.33 pounds, making it heavier than the original. You gain a larger, brighter screen for productivity tasks. This model is suitable for users who need more display space without sacrificing the efficiency of Apple Silicon. It offers a balance of performance and portability. It is a solid choice for students and casual creators who value a large canvas for daily tasks and creative work.
Dell Latitude 14-Inch Core i5 Laptop
The Dell Latitude 14-inch uses an Intel Core i5 processor and Windows 11 Pro. It features a 14-inch display, 8GB RAM, and 256GB SSD. The weight is 1.48 kilograms, roughly 3.26 pounds. You trade macOS for Windows and Apple Silicon for Intel. This laptop is designed for business users who need security tools and reliable performance. It offers a standard 14-inch display suitable for professional environments. It is a good choice for those who prioritize business features and Windows compatibility over the portability and battery life of the MacBook Air.
Quick picks
Our 7 picks
Apple M1 MacBook Air 13.3-inch
Best for: portable everyday computing and light work
- Processor
- Apple M1 chip
- Memory
- 8GB
- Storage Capacity
- 256GB SSD
- Screen Size
- 13.3-inch
- Dimensions
- 12 × 10 × 10 inches
- Weight
- 2.8 pounds
View on Amazon: Apple M1 MacBook Air 13.3-inch Affiliate link
This renewed Apple MacBook Air features the M1 chip, an 8-core CPU, and an 8-core GPU. It includes 8GB of unified memory and a 256GB SSD. The 13.3-inch Retina display supports P3 wide color. You get up to 18 hours of battery life. It weighs 2.8 pounds. This model suits users who need reliable performance for everyday tasks and light creative work without paying for the latest hardware.
Pros
- Apple M1 chip with 8-core CPU
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
- 13.3-inch Retina display with P3 wide color
- 8GB unified memory for fluid multitasking
Cons
- 256GB SSD storage is smaller than newer M3 models
- 13.3-inch screen is smaller than the 15-inch option
- Renewed condition means it is not brand new
Good fit if
- You want strong CPU performance for daily tasks
- You need long battery life for mobile use
- You prefer a lightweight 13.3-inch form factor
Skip if
- You require a 15-inch display for more screen space
- You need more than 256GB of internal storage
- You want the latest M3 chip technology
Verdict: Apple M1 MacBook Air 13.3-inch delivers efficient performance and excellent battery life for users who prioritize portability and value over the newest specifications.
Apple MacBook Air 13.3-Inch M1 Chip
Best for: portable everyday computing
- Processor
- Apple M1
- Memory
- 8GB RAM
- Storage Capacity
- 256GB SSD
- Screen Size
- 13.3 inch
- Dimensions
- 12 × 10 × 10 inches
- Weight
- 3.75 pounds
View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Air 13.3-Inch M1 Chip Affiliate link
This renewed Apple MacBook Air features the M1 chip, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The 13.3-inch display offers a compact form factor. It delivers strong CPU and GPU performance for everyday tasks. The device weighs 3.75 pounds. It suits users seeking a reliable, portable laptop with efficient battery life for general computing needs.
Pros
- Apple M1 chip for enhanced CPU and GPU performance
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
- 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD storage
- Lightweight 3.75-pound design
Cons
- Only 256GB of SSD storage capacity
- 8GB RAM may limit heavy multitasking
- Renewed condition rather than new
Good fit if
- You need a portable laptop for daily tasks
- You prefer the macOS ecosystem
- You want long battery life for travel
Skip if
- You require high-end gaming performance
- You need more than 256GB of storage
- You prefer a larger 15-inch screen
Verdict: Apple M1 MacBook Air 13.3 provides solid performance for students and casual users. It fits those who value portability and efficiency over raw power or large storage.
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M2
Best for: users needing a large screen for productivity
- Graphics Card
- 10-Core GPU
- Processor
- Apple M2
- Memory
- 8GB RAM
- Storage Capacity
- 256GB SSD
- Screen Size
- 15.3-inch
- Dimensions
- 13.4 × 0.45 × 9.34 inches
View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M2 Affiliate link
This 15-inch MacBook Air uses the Apple M2 chip with an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU. It includes 8GB of unified memory and 256GB of SSD storage. The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display offers 500 nits of brightness and P3 wide color. The fanless design ensures silent operation. It weighs 3.3 pounds and measures 0.45 inches thick. This model suits users who need a larger screen for productivity.
Pros
- 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display with 500 nits brightness
- Apple M2 chip with 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU
- Fanless design for silent operation
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
Cons
- 8GB RAM limits heavy multitasking compared to 16GB or 24GB options
- 256GB SSD storage is modest for large media libraries
- No Touch ID sensor listed in specifications
Good fit if
- You want a larger 15-inch screen for better productivity
- You prioritize silent, fanless operation during work
- You need long battery life for all-day use
Skip if
- You require more than 8GB of RAM for professional workloads
- You need extensive local storage beyond 256GB
- You prefer a 13-inch portable form factor
Verdict: Apple M2 15-inch MacBook Air delivers a spacious display and efficient performance for users who value screen real estate and silent operation. It fits professionals who need a larger canvas for creative or productivity tasks without the bulk of a desktop replacement.
Lenovo ThinkBook 15.6" Ryzen 5 Laptop
Best for: Productivity and office tasks on a larger screen
- Graphics Card
- AMD Radeon Graphics
- Processor
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500U
- Memory
- 8GB DDR4
- Storage Capacity
- 256GB SSD
- Screen Size
- 15.6"
- Display Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
View on Amazon: Lenovo ThinkBook 15.6" Ryzen 5 Laptop Affiliate link
This 15.6-inch laptop features an AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor and 8GB of DDR4 RAM. It includes a 1920 x 1080 IPS display and 256GB of SSD storage. The device runs Windows 11 Pro and offers Wi-Fi 6 connectivity. It suits users who need a larger screen for productivity tasks and reliable performance for everyday computing.
Pros
- 15.6-inch FHD IPS display
- AMD Ryzen 5 5500U processor
- Backlit keyboard
- Wi-Fi 6 support
- Windows 11 Pro
Cons
- Integrated AMD Radeon Graphics
- 8GB RAM is not upgradeable in some configurations
- 5-pound weight is heavier than 13-inch models
Good fit if
- You need a larger 15.6-inch screen for multitasking
- You prefer Windows 11 Pro for business features
- You want a backlit keyboard for low-light use
Skip if
- You require dedicated graphics for gaming
- You need more than 8GB of RAM for heavy workloads
- You prioritize a lightweight portable design under 4 pounds
Verdict: Lenovo ThinkBook 15 Ryzen 5 provides a solid balance of processing power and screen real estate for office work. It fits users who value a full-sized keyboard and Windows 11 Pro over portability.
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M3
Best for: portable everyday computing and travel
- Processor
- Apple M3 chip
- Memory
- 8GB RAM
- Storage Capacity
- 256GB SSD
- Screen Size
- 13.6-inch
- Dimensions
- 13 × 11 × 1.23 inches
- Weight
- 2.73 pounds
View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M3 Affiliate link
This 13.6-inch laptop uses the Apple M3 chip with an 8-core CPU and 8-core GPU. It includes 8GB of RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. The device weighs 2.73 pounds and measures 0.44 inches thick. You get up to 18 hours of battery life. The Liquid Retina display supports 1 billion colors. It suits those wanting portability and efficiency.
Pros
- Apple M3 chip with 8-core CPU and GPU
- Up to 18 hours of battery life
- 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with 1 billion colors
- Lightweight at 2.73 pounds
Cons
- Only 8GB RAM limits heavy multitasking
- 256GB SSD fills up quickly
- Midnight color shows fingerprints easily
Good fit if
- You need a lightweight laptop for travel
- You want long battery life for all-day use
- You prefer macOS and Apple Silicon efficiency
Skip if
- You require more than 8GB RAM for professional work
- You need large local storage beyond 256GB
- You want a larger 15-inch screen
Verdict: Apple MacBook Air M3 13-inch delivers strong portability and efficiency for everyday tasks. It fits users who value thin design and battery life over raw power or large storage. Choose this if you prioritize mobility and macOS integration.
Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M3
Best for: Users needing a large 15-inch display for productivity
- Graphics Card
- 10-Core GPU
- Processor
- Apple M3
- Memory
- 8GB Unified RAM
- Storage Capacity
- 256GB SSD
- Screen Size
- 15.3"
- Display Resolution
- 2880 x 1864
View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M3 Affiliate link
This renewed 15-inch MacBook Air features the Apple M3 chip with an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU. It includes 8GB of unified RAM and 256GB of SSD storage. The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display offers 2880 x 1864 resolution. It weighs 3.33 pounds and supports Wi-Fi 6E. You get a reliable machine for everyday tasks and light creative work.
Pros
- 15.3-inch 2880 x 1864 Liquid Retina display
- Apple M3 chip with 10-core GPU
- Wi-Fi 6E connectivity
- 3.33-pound portable weight
Cons
- Only 8GB of unified RAM
- 256GB SSD storage capacity
- Renewed condition
Good fit if
- You want a larger 15-inch screen for productivity
- You need strong performance from the M3 chip
- You prefer the Midnight color option
Skip if
- You require more than 8GB of RAM for heavy multitasking
- You need more than 256GB of storage
- You prefer a brand-new device with full warranty
Verdict: Apple 2024 M3 15-inch MacBook Air fits users who need a large, bright display and efficient M3 performance for daily tasks. It is a solid choice for students and casual creators who value portability and screen real estate.
Dell Latitude 14-Inch Core i5 Laptop
Best for: Business users needing Windows 11 Pro security
- Processor
- Intel Core i5-10210U
- Memory
- 8GB DDR4
- Storage Capacity
- 256GB SSD
- Screen Size
- 14"
- Display Resolution
- 1920 x 1080
- Use
- Business
View on Amazon: Dell Latitude 14-Inch Core i5 Laptop Affiliate link
The Dell Latitude 5410 is a 14-inch business laptop featuring an Intel Core i5-10210U processor. It includes 8GB of DDR4 RAM and a 256GB SSD for responsive multitasking. The 1920 x 1080 display offers clear visuals for office work. Pre-installed Windows 11 Pro adds enterprise security tools. This model suits users seeking a reliable Intel-based alternative to Apple Silicon options.
Pros
- Intel Core i5-10210U quad-core processor up to 4.2GHz
- 14-inch Full HD (1920 x 1080) anti-glare display
- 8GB DDR4 RAM and 256GB SSD for fast boot times
- Windows 11 Pro with BitLocker encryption and remote desktop
Cons
- 8GB RAM may limit heavy multitasking compared to modern standards
- 256GB storage capacity is modest for large media libraries
- Older 10th-gen Intel processor lacks latest efficiency gains
Good fit if
- You need Windows 11 Pro for enterprise security features
- You prefer Intel Core i5 performance over Apple Silicon
- You require a 14-inch screen for portable office work
Skip if
- You require maximum portability with a lightweight build
- You need high-end graphics for gaming or video editing
- You want the latest generation processor for future-proofing
Verdict: Dell Latitude 5410 14" i5 Laptop is a solid choice for business users who need Windows 11 Pro and reliable Intel performance. It fits professionals who prioritize security tools and a standard 14-inch display over cutting-edge speed.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Apple M1 MacBook Air 13.3-inch | Apple MacBook Air 13.3-Inch M1 Chip | Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M2 | Lenovo ThinkBook 15.6" Ryzen 5 Laptop | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M3 | Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M3 | Dell Latitude 14-Inch Core i5 Laptop |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graphics Card | not specified | not specified | 10-Core GPU | AMD Radeon Graphics | not specified | 10-Core GPU | not specified |
| Processor | Apple M1 chip | Apple M1 | Apple M2 | AMD Ryzen 5 5500U | Apple M3 chip | Apple M3 | Intel Core i5-10210U |
| Memory | 8GB | 8GB RAM | 8GB RAM | 8GB DDR4 | 8GB RAM | 8GB Unified RAM | 8GB DDR4 |
| Storage Capacity | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD |
| Screen Size | 13.3-inch | 13.3 inch | 15.3-inch | 15.6" | 13.6-inch | 15.3" | 14" |
| Display Resolution | not specified | not specified | not specified | 1920 x 1080 | not specified | 2880 x 1864 | 1920 x 1080 |
| Storage | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD | 256GB SSD |
| Use | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | not specified | Business |
| Dimensions | 12 × 10 × 10 inches | 12 × 10 × 10 inches | 13.4 × 0.45 × 9.34 inches | 9.3 × 14.1 × 0.74 inches | 13 × 11 × 1.23 inches | 9.35 × 13.4 × 0.45 inches | 12.7 × 8.5 × 0.83 inches |
| Weight | 2.8 pounds | 3.75 pounds | 3.3 pounds | 5 pounds | 2.73 pounds | 3.33 pounds | 1.48 kilograms |
| Size | 256GB | 8GB RAM / 256GB SSD Storage | 8GB RAM - 256GB SSD Storage | 8 GB RAM | 256 GB SSD | 8GB RAM/256GB SSD Storage | 8GB RAM | 256GB SSD | not specified |
| Color | Silver | Space Gray | Starlight | Mineral Gray | Midnight | Midnight | black or silver |
| Model | MGN93LL/A-cr | Macbook Air | MQKU3LL/A | not specified | MRXV3LL/A | MRYU3LL/A | Latitude 5410 |
Frequently asked questions
Is there a Windows alternative to the MacBook Air?
Yes, the Lenovo ThinkBook 15.6-inch Ryzen 5 offers a Windows 11 Pro experience with a 15.6-inch screen. It includes 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD. This model weighs 5 pounds and features a full-sized keyboard, making it suitable for office work where portability is less critical than screen size.
Can I get a larger screen than 13.3 inches?
The Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M2 and M3 models provide a larger display for productivity tasks. The M2 version weighs 3.3 pounds and comes in Starlight. The M3 version weighs 3.33 pounds and is available in Midnight. Both offer efficient performance and silent operation for creative work.
Which option is best for business security?
The Dell Latitude 14-inch Core i5 Laptop is designed for business users needing Windows 11 Pro security tools. It features an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. The device weighs 1.48 kilograms and includes a standard 14-inch display for reliable daily performance.
Is the M3 MacBook Air significantly lighter than older models?
The Apple MacBook Air 13-inch M3 weighs 2.73 pounds, making it one of the lightest options listed. It maintains the 8GB RAM and 256GB SSD configuration. This thin design prioritizes mobility and battery life, fitting users who travel frequently and value macOS integration over raw processing power.
Does the M1 MacBook Air still offer good value?
The Apple M1 MacBook Air 13.3-inch delivers efficient performance and excellent battery life. It includes 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD in a Silver finish. Weighing 2.8 pounds, it prioritizes portability and value, making it a strong choice for users who do not need the newest specifications.
What is the heaviest laptop on this list?
The Lenovo ThinkBook 15.6-inch Ryzen 5 Laptop is the heaviest option at 5 pounds. It provides a larger 15.6-inch screen and 8GB of RAM with a 256GB SSD. This weight reflects its focus on desktop replacement utility and office productivity rather than easy portability for frequent travelers.