Tech head-to-head
Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)vsApple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, 2021)
Two Apple models that average 8.7 and 8.8. Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, 2021) takes Value, 8.6 to 7.8.
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.
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 Value, Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, 2021) ahead 8.6 to 7.8. They come closest on Durability, 8.8 to 8.6. Left of center is Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024), right is Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, 2021).
Which one to pick
Take the Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024)
Leads on 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
Take the Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, 2021)
Leads on Performance and Value.
- 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
Design scores identically, so that axis can't break the tie.
What each one gets wrong
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
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 13-inch (M3, 2024) | Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, 2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina (LCD) | 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR (mini-LED, ProMotion up to 120Hz) |
| Chip | Apple M3 (8-core CPU) | Apple M1 Pro (8- or 10-core CPU) |
| Memory | 8GB, 16GB, or 24GB | 16GB or 32GB |
| Ports | 2x Thunderbolt / USB 4, MagSafe 3, headphone jack | 3x Thunderbolt 4, HDMI, SDXC, MagSafe 3, headphone jack |
| Battery | Up to 18 hrs movie playback | Up to 17 hrs movie playback |
| Weight | 2.7 lb | 3.5 lb |
Rankings they both appear in
Questions
- Both are Apple. Which one do I want?
- Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) takes Durability and Ease of use; Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, 2021) takes Performance and Value. Neither leads on more axes than the other, so it comes down to which of those you care about. Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) averages 8.7 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?
- Value is the widest gap, Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, 2021) ahead 8.6 to 7.8. 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 Pro 14-inch (M1 Pro, 2021) sits at #1 in "Refurbished MacBooks: five Apple-silicon picks on eBay", Apple MacBook Air 13-inch (M3, 2024) at #2.