Tech head-to-head
Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)vsApple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, 2021)
Two Apple models that average 8.4 and 8.8. Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, 2021) takes Performance, 9.2 to 8.0.
8.4
The used laptop most likely to be all a student or writer needs, for less than any other Mac here.
Price and availability change constantly, so we don't quote them here — the link opens current listings on eBay. eBay listings come from individual sellers: condition, battery health, and what's in the box differ from one to the next, so read the listing and the return terms before you buy.
The used Mac that gives the most for the money. Its mini-LED screen and ports still feel current.
Price and availability change constantly, so we don't quote them here — the link opens current listings on eBay. eBay listings come from individual sellers: condition, battery health, and what's in the box differ from one to the next, so read the listing and the return terms before you buy.
Where they diverge
The widest gap is Performance, Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, 2021) ahead 9.2 to 8.0. They come closest on Ease of use, 8.8 to 8.6. Left of center is Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020), right is Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, 2021).
Which one to pick
Take the Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
Leads on Value.
- Writing, browsing, schoolwork, and light photo editing on a tight budget
- A silent laptop; there's no fan at all
- A first Mac for someone switching from Windows
Take the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, 2021)
Leads on Performance, Durability, Ease of use and Design.
- Photo and video editing, where the XDR panel and 16GB floor both pay off
- You plug into an SD card, HDMI, or two external displays without a dongle
- You want a laptop that stays fast for many more years
What each one gets wrong
Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020)
- You'll be on video calls every day; the 720p camera looks soft
- You need more than one external display without a DisplayLink adapter
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, 2021)
- You carry it all day; it's the heaviest here by close to a pound
- The notch in the menu bar would bother you every time you open it
Specs, side by side
| Spec | Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) | Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 13.3-inch Retina (LCD) | 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR (mini-LED, ProMotion up to 120Hz) |
| Chip | Apple M1 (8-core CPU) | Apple M1 Pro (8- or 10-core CPU) |
| Memory | 8GB or 16GB | 16GB or 32GB |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4, headphone jack | 3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3, headphone jack |
| Camera | 720p FaceTime HD | — |
| Battery | Up to 18 hrs movie playback | Up to 17 hrs movie playback |
| Weight | 2.8 lb | 3.5 lb |
Rankings they both appear in
Questions
- Both are Apple. Which one do I want?
- Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, 2021) leads on Performance, Durability, Ease of use and Design. If Value matters more to you, take the Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) instead. Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) averages 8.4 and Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, 2021) averages 8.8, over the 5 axes Tech is scored on.
- Where do the two Apple models actually differ?
- Performance is the widest gap, Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, 2021) ahead 9.2 to 8.0. Every axis lands somewhere different, so the profile shapes differ as much as the totals.
- Which one ranks higher in "Refurbished MacBooks: five Apple-silicon picks on eBay"?
- Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, 2021) sits at #1 in "Refurbished MacBooks: five Apple-silicon picks on eBay", Apple MacBook Air (M1, 2020) at #4.