Tech head-to-head
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M2, 2022)vsApple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Two Apple models that average 8.6 and 8.7. Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) takes Performance, 8.8 to 8.4.
The redesigned Air with MagSafe, a better camera, and a bigger screen. Check the base SSD speed.
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 newest fanless Air you'll find used in numbers, and the first that drives two external displays.
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 Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) ahead 8.8 to 8.4. They come closest on Durability, 8.8 to 8.6. Left of center is Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M2, 2022), right is Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024).
Which one to pick
Take the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M2, 2022)
Leads on Value.
- You want the current Air design without paying for the M3
- Video calls are frequent; the 1080p camera is a visible step up from the M1's
- A cord someone trips over pops off MagSafe instead of dragging the laptop down
Take the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Leads on Performance, Durability and Ease of use.
- A desk with two monitors that you dock the laptop into, lid closed
- Silence; there is no fan to spin up
- You want the most years of macOS updates on this list
Design scores identically, so that axis can't break the tie.
What each one gets wrong
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M2, 2022)
- The listing is the 256GB base model and you move large files; its SSD is slower
- You need two external displays; this supports one
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
- A listing shows 8GB; earlier M3 Airs shipped with it and it's the tier to avoid
- Sustained video exports are a regular job; without a fan it slows under long loads
Specs, side by side
| Spec | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M2, 2022) | Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina (LCD) | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina (LCD) |
| Chip | Apple M2 (8-core CPU) | Apple M3 (8-core CPU) |
| Memory | 8GB, 16GB, or 24GB | 8GB, 16GB, or 24GB |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4, MagSafe 3, headphone jack | 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4, MagSafe 3, headphone jack |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD | — |
| Battery | Up to 18 hrs movie playback | Up to 18 hrs movie playback |
| Weight | 2.7 lb | 2.7 lb |
Rankings they both appear in
Questions
- Both are Apple. Which one do I want?
- Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) leads on Performance, Durability and Ease of use. If Value matters more to you, take the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M2, 2022) instead. Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M2, 2022) averages 8.6 and Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) averages 8.7, over the 5 axes Tech is scored on.
- Where do the two Apple models actually differ?
- Performance is the widest gap, Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) ahead 8.8 to 8.4. Design comes out level, so it won't help you choose.
- Which one ranks higher in "Refurbished MacBooks: five Apple-silicon picks on eBay"?
- Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) sits at #2 in "Refurbished MacBooks: five Apple-silicon picks on eBay", Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M2, 2022) at #3.