6 Best Alternatives to the Apple MacBook Air 13.6-inch M5 (2026)

Comparing Alternatives to the Air

Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M5 24GB RAM 1TB SSD

The 15-inch M5 model keeps the same 24GB unified memory and 1TB SSD storage as the original. It swaps the 13.6-inch screen for a larger 15-inch display, which helps with multitasking. You gain 0.1 inches of width and nearly an inch in height, making the chassis slightly deeper. The device also weighs 0.62 pounds more, reaching 3.33 pounds total. This added mass is the trade-off for the extra screen real estate. If you carry your laptop to class but need more room for spreadsheets or video editing, this larger size suits you. It maintains the same port selection and AI capabilities while offering a bigger canvas for your work.

Apple MacBook Pro 14.2-inch M5

The 14.2-inch Pro model reduces your unified memory to 16GB, which is 8GB less than the Air. It retains the 1TB SSD storage but increases the weight to 3.42 pounds. The chassis is thicker at 0.61 inches compared to the Air’s 0.44 inches. You get a larger display and likely a more powerful GPU, which benefits creative professionals. The screen is wider at 8.71 inches. This model fits users who prioritize display quality and graphics processing over maximum memory capacity. If you need pro-level performance for video editing or 3D work, this device offers better visual output, even if it has less unified memory than the Air.

The 16-inch M5 Pro model significantly increases unified memory to 48GB, double that of the original Air. It keeps the 1TB SSD storage but adds substantial weight, reaching 4.72 pounds. The chassis is much thicker at 0.66 inches and heavier overall. You gain a much larger display area, which is ideal for complex professional workflows. This device is built for users managing heavy data or running multiple virtual machines. It sacrifices the portability and thin profile of the Air for raw processing power and memory bandwidth. If your work involves large datasets or intensive rendering, this premium option provides the headroom the standard Air cannot match.

Apple MacBook Air 13.3-inch M1 1TB

The 13.3-inch M1 model offers 16GB of RAM, which is 8GB less than the new M5 Air. It keeps the 1TB SSD storage but uses an older processor generation. The device is slightly thicker at 0.63 inches and weighs 2.8 pounds. The screen is smaller at 13.3 inches compared to the 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display. This option fits buyers who prioritize capacity and budget over the latest AI features and unified memory speed. It provides solid performance for everyday tasks and students who need ample storage without paying for the newest chip. You give up some processing power and display quality for a more affordable entry point into the Apple ecosystem.

Apple MacBook Air 13.3-Inch M1 1TB

The 13.3-inch M1 model with 8GB RAM offers half the unified memory of the original Air. It retains the 1TB SSD storage but uses an older processor. The chassis is thicker at 0.63 inches and weighs 3.75 pounds in this specific configuration. The screen is smaller at 13.3 inches. This device suits users who prioritize large storage capacity and portability over maximum memory. It is a budget-friendly option for students and casual users who do not need heavy multitasking capabilities. You sacrifice significant processing power and memory bandwidth for a lower cost and familiar form factor. It is a practical choice if your workflow is light and storage space is your primary concern.

Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch M1 Pro

The 16-inch M1 Pro model provides 16GB of RAM, which is 8GB less than the M5 Air. It keeps the 1TB SSD storage but uses an older processor. The device is thicker at 0.66 inches and weighs 4.63 pounds. You gain a much larger 16-inch display, which is ideal for creative professionals. This model fits users who prioritize screen size and graphics power over the latest processor generation. It sacrifices portability and modern AI features for a larger canvas and strong legacy performance. If you need a big screen for video editing or design work and do not require the newest chip, this option delivers solid pro-level specs in a heavier, thicker package.

Quick picks

Our 7 picks

1 Best overall

Apple MacBook Air 13.6-inch M5

Best for: portable AI performance and battery life

Processor

Apple M5

Memory

24GB Unified Memory

Storage Capacity

1TB SSD

Screen Size

13.6-inch

Dimensions

8.46 × 0.44 × 12 inches

Weight

2.71 pounds

View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Air 13.6-inch M5 Affiliate link

This 13.6-inch laptop features the Apple M5 chip and 24GB of unified memory. It includes 1TB of SSD storage and weighs 2.71 pounds. The device offers up to 18 hours of battery life and a Liquid Retina display. It suits users needing strong AI performance and portability for college or daily tasks.

Pros

• 24GB Unified Memory for smooth multitasking
• Apple M5 chip with Neural Engine
• 1TB SSD storage capacity
• Up to 18 hours of battery life
• 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display

Cons

• Only two Thunderbolt 4 ports available
• No dedicated numeric keypad
• 2.71 pounds weight adds up for travel

Good fit if

• You need strong AI performance for school
• You want 24GB of unified memory
• You prefer a lightweight 13-inch laptop

Skip if

• You require more than two external displays
• You need a dedicated numeric keypad
• You prefer a 15-inch screen size

Verdict: Apple 2026 MacBook Air 13-inch M5 delivers high performance in a portable package. It fits students and professionals who prioritize memory and battery life over port expansion.

2 Best premium

Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M5 24GB RAM 1TB SSD

Best for: Users needing more screen space and memory

Processor

Apple M5

Memory

24GB Unified Memory

Storage Capacity

1TB SSD

Screen Size

15.3-inch

Dimensions

9.35 × 0.45 × 13.4 inches

Weight

3.33 pounds

View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Air 15-inch M5 24GB RAM 1TB SSD Affiliate link

This 15.3-inch MacBook Air features the M5 chip and 24GB of unified memory. It offers 1TB of SSD storage and weighs 3.33 pounds. The Liquid Retina display supports 1 billion colors. You get up to 18 hours of battery life. It includes Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6. This model suits students who need more screen real estate than the 13-inch version.

Pros

• 24GB Unified Memory for smooth multitasking
• 15.3-inch Liquid Retina Display with 1 billion colors
• Up to 18 hours of battery life
• Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 connectivity
• 1TB SSD Storage capacity

Cons

• Heavier at 3.33 pounds than the 13-inch model
• Only two Thunderbolt 4 ports available
• No dedicated numeric keypad on the keyboard

Good fit if

• You need a larger 15.3-inch screen for work
• You require 24GB of unified memory for heavy tasks
• You want the latest Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 6 standards

Skip if

• You prefer the ultra-portable 13-inch form factor
• You need more than two USB-C connections without a hub
• You are strictly limited to 16GB of memory

Verdict: Apple 2026 MacBook Air 15-inch M5 provides a larger display and more memory for users who prioritize screen space and performance over the smallest possible size. It fits students and professionals who carry their laptop to class but need extra room for multitasking.

3 Also great

Apple MacBook Pro 14.2-inch M5

Best for: Creative pros needing pro display and GPU power

Graphics Card

10-core GPU

Processor

Apple M5

Memory

16GB Unified Memory

Storage Capacity

1TB SSD

Screen Size

14.2-inch

Dimensions

12.3 × 8.71 × 0.61 inches

View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Pro 14.2-inch M5 Affiliate link

This 14.2-inch MacBook Pro with the M5 chip offers 16GB of unified memory and a 1TB SSD. It features a Liquid Retina XDR display with high peak brightness and a 10-core GPU. The device weighs 3.42 pounds and includes advanced camera and audio hardware. It suits users needing strong on-device AI performance and all-day battery life for creative tasks.

Pros

• 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display with 1600 nits peak brightness
• Apple M5 chip with 10-core CPU and 10-core GPU
• 16GB Unified Memory for efficient multitasking
• 1TB SSD storage capacity
• 12MP Center Stage camera with three studio-quality mics

Cons

• Heavier than the 13-inch MacBook Air alternatives at 3.42 pounds
• Thicker chassis at 0.61 inches compared to Air models
• Only includes two USB-C ports in this configuration

Good fit if

• You need a larger 14.2-inch screen for detailed work
• You require strong GPU performance for creative applications
• You want a device with all-day battery life

Skip if

• You prioritize the lightest possible portable weight
• You prefer a thinner profile under 0.5 inches
• You only need basic web browsing and email

Verdict: Apple 14.2-inch MacBook Pro M5 delivers pro-level performance in a portable form factor. It fits users who need more screen real estate and GPU power than the Air offers, while maintaining Apple ecosystem integration.

4 Best budget

Apple MacBook Air 13.3-inch M1 1TB

Best for: high RAM and storage on a budget

Processor

Apple M1 Chip

Memory

16GB RAM

Storage Capacity

1TB SSD

Screen Size

13.3-inch

Dimensions

12 × 0.63 × 8.36 inches

Weight

2.8 pounds

View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Air 13.3-inch M1 1TB Affiliate link

This renewed Apple MacBook Air features a 13.3-inch display and an Apple M1 chip. It includes 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. The device weighs 2.8 pounds and measures 0.63 inches thick. It serves as a budget alternative to newer M5 models. You get solid performance for everyday tasks. The battery retains over 80% capacity. This option suits those needing more storage and memory than the base M1 model.

Pros

• 16GB RAM for multitasking
• 1TB SSD storage capacity
• Apple M1 chip performance
• 13.3-inch screen size

Cons

• Renewed condition with generic accessories
• Older M1 chip vs M5 in list
• No Apple certification

Good fit if

• You need 16GB RAM and 1TB storage
• You prefer a 13.3-inch screen
• You want a lower-cost M1 option

Skip if

• You require the latest M5 chip
• You need Apple certified products
• You want original accessories

Verdict: Apple M1 MacBook Air 13.3 Gold offers high RAM and storage for budget buyers. It fits those prioritizing capacity over the newest processor generation.

5 Also great

Apple 2022 MacBook Air M2 16GB 1TB

Best for: Users needing 1TB storage and 16GB RAM

Processor

Apple M2

Memory

16GB RAM

Storage Capacity

1TB SSD

Screen Size

13.6-inch

Dimensions

12.8 × 0.63 × 9 inches

Weight

5.04 pounds

View on Amazon: Apple 2022 MacBook Air M2 16GB 1TB Affiliate link

This 13.6-inch Apple laptop uses the M2 chip with an 8-core CPU and up to 10-core GPU. It includes 16GB of unified memory and 1TB of SSD storage. The Starlight model weighs 5.04 pounds and measures 0.63 inches thick. You get a portable machine with ample storage for large files. It suits users who want strong performance in a compact frame without paying for the latest M5 generation.

Pros

• 16GB RAM for smooth multitasking
• 1TB SSD storage capacity
• 13.6-inch display size
• Lightweight 5.04-pound build

Cons

• Older M2 chip instead of M5
• 13.6-inch screen smaller than 15.3-inch option
• Heavier than 8GB RAM models

Good fit if

• You need 1TB of storage space
• You prefer 16GB of RAM for heavy workloads
• You want a 13-inch portable laptop

Skip if

• You require the latest M5 chip
• You need a 15.3-inch display
• You want a 16-inch screen size

Verdict: Apple 2022 MacBook Air M2 16GB 1TB offers solid performance for users who prioritize storage and memory over the newest processor generation. It fits those who want a reliable 13-inch machine with high capacity.

6 Best 8gb ram

Apple MacBook Air 13.3-Inch M1 1TB

Best for: users needing 1TB storage and portability

Processor

Apple M1 Chip

Memory

8GB

Storage Capacity

1TB SSD

Screen Size

13.3 inch

Dimensions

12.8 × 0.63 × 9 inches

Weight

3.75 pounds

View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Air 13.3-Inch M1 1TB Affiliate link

This Late 2020 MacBook Air features a 13.3-inch display and an Apple M1 chip. It includes 8GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. The device is pre-owned and professionally inspected. It retains a battery capacity above 80%. The Space Gray model measures 0.63 inches thick and weighs 3.75 pounds. It suits users seeking a compact laptop with ample storage for everyday tasks.

Pros

• Apple M1 chip for efficient performance
• 1TB SSD storage capacity
• Compact 13.3-inch screen size
• Lightweight 3.75-pound build

Cons

• Only 8GB of RAM
• Pre-owned condition with non-original accessories
• Older Late 2020 model year

Good fit if

• You need a portable laptop with large storage
• You prefer a compact 13.3-inch display
• You want a reliable machine for basic computing

Skip if

• You require 16GB or more of RAM
• You need a brand-new device
• You want the latest M5 chip technology

Verdict: Late 2020 MacBook Air 13.3-inch M1 8GB 1TB offers solid storage and portability for budget-conscious buyers. It fits students and casual users who prioritize screen size and storage over maximum memory.

7 Best 16"

Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch M1 Pro

Best for: Creative pros needing large 16-inch display

Processor

Apple M1 Pro

Memory

16GB RAM

Storage Capacity

1TB SSD

Screen Size

16-inch

Dimensions

14 × 9.77 × 0.66 inches

Weight

4.63 pounds

View on Amazon: Apple MacBook Pro 16-inch M1 Pro Affiliate link

This 16-inch laptop uses the Apple M1 Pro chip with a 10-core CPU and up to 32-core GPU. It includes 16GB of RAM and 1TB of SSD storage. The display is large enough for detailed work, and the device weighs 4.63 pounds. You get up to 17 hours of battery life and a 1080p FaceTime HD camera. This model suits users who need more screen real estate than the 13-inch Air offers.

Pros

• 16-inch screen size for better workspace
• Apple M1 Pro chip with 10-core CPU
• Up to 32-core GPU for graphics tasks
• 16GB RAM and 1TB SSD storage
• Up to 17-hour battery life

Cons

• Heavier at 4.63 pounds than 13-inch models
• Older M1 Pro chip instead of latest M5
• Sold as a renewed unit

Good fit if

• You need a larger 16-inch display
• You want strong GPU performance for creative work
• You prefer a longer battery life for travel

Skip if

• You require the newest M5 chip generation
• You need a lightweight laptop under 3 pounds
• You prefer a brand-new device over renewed

Verdict: Apple 16-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro offers a large display and strong specs for creative professionals who prioritize screen size and graphics power over portability and the latest processor generation.

Specifications side by side

Frequently asked questions

See also

• zinus 13 inch queen cool alternatives
• victoria 13 inch cast iron skillet alternatives