MacBook Air vs MacBook Pro: What’s the Difference? 

There used to be a time when Apple would release its MacBook and follow up with a MacBook Pro, an objectively better (and more expensive) version, but for the past few generations, there has only been a MacBook Pro and the well-established MacBook Air to choose from. Neither are bad, and both are excellent devices, but they serve different needs. 

The Air has always been famed for its ultra-thin design, light weight (newer models are around 1.3kg), and great specs for casual everyday use and perhaps some more intensive uses. It naturally attracts students and working professionals who are always on the go and need something dependable for browsing the web, taking notes, or perhaps giving a presentation. 

The Pro, on the other hand, has always been aimed at an audience looking for the best of what Apple has to offer in terms of specs, performance, and technologies—both in its exterior design and its stellar hardware. Newer MacBook Pros are amongst the best laptops, hands down, for video editing, music production, graphics rendering, and many other creative professional use cases. 

Battery Life Comparison 

One of the best things about owning a MacBook, all the way from old generations to the newest models, is that their battery life is generally excellent. When weighing out MacBook Air vs Pro battery life, there are a few things to keep in mind. 

Firstly, the latest MacBook Pro models tend to have significantly more powerful batteries than the latest MacBook Air models. You may think this leads to a longer battery life, but the opposite is usually the case, i.e. the Air tends to outperform the Pro, but only marginally. 

The reason for this is that the Pro runs a more vivid display and often runs more demanding applications, has more robust hardware, and thus tends to drain the battery faster, e.g. around 17 hours for the MacBook Pro M4 (2025) compared to around 18 hours for the MacBook Air M3 (2024). 

Both offer great battery life, all things considered, but when purchasing refurbished, you may wish to consider sticking to Apple M Series (e.g. M1, M2, etc.) models rather than the older Intel Core models. The M Series system-on-a-chip is heavily optimized for MacBooks and the battery life of M Series MacBooks tends to beat out the old Intel CPU MacBooks by a noticeable margin. 

Performance: Which One Handles More? 

In terms of performance, it should come as no surprise that the MacBook Pro tends to outperform the MacBook Air. For M Series models, the Pro versions tend to come with M Pro chips, which are marginally better than the ordinary M chips which the Air comes with. 

For older Intel Core CPU MacBooks, the MacBook Air vs Pro performance debate still tends to lean more in favour of the Pro. 

The Air holds its own quite well for multitasking and everyday computing, taking notes, and watching streams, but the Pro does all of this with ease and in more vivid detail thanks to its Liquid Retina XDR display and higher resolution. 

Best MacBook for Students: Air or Pro? 

The best MacBook for students all comes down to what sort of specific tasks you intend to perform. For routine note-taking and for ease of portability, the MacBook Air is a sure bet. The slightly better battery life and more slim and quiet design also help quite a bit for students bouncing from one lecture hall to another. Moreover, the lower price point might also make it better for students on a tight budget. 

That being said, the Pro is an exceptional MacBook for students, too, although it’s a little heavier and bulkier, more expensive, and has a little less battery life. Students who require AutoCAD, video rendering, or other demanding applications might be better suited to the Pro just in terms of performance alone. 

Best MacBook for Professionals: Air or Pro? 

For working professionals, deciding between a MacBook Air or Pro for work comes down to intended use and personal preference. Again, both MacBooks are excellent for ordinary work tasks, but the Air takes the edge for its portability and is a breeze to use on the train or at an airport, whereas the Pro delivers exceptional performance for more demanding tasks. 

For everyday office use, both are excellent MacBooks. Creative professionals will likely benefit more from the Pro’s high-end specs and vivid display, whereas remote workers who may often drop by the office or take business trips may benefit more from the slim MacBook Air. 

Which MacBook is Best for Everyday Use? 

What sorts of everyday use do you intend to get out of your MacBook? If you just want a simple device for checking your email, browsing the web, watching your favourite series on Netflix and the like, then you can’t go wrong with either one. 

The Air is cheaper and can do all of these with ease, whereas the Pro can also do all of these tasks but may be easier on the eyes thanks to its ultra-high resolution display showing a wider range of colours in more vivid detail. 

Why Go Refurbished? 

Buying refurbished MacBooks is one of the only ways to get a discount on quality Apple product, and indeed there are many great deals to be had if you don’t mind going back a generation or two and getting a slightly older MacBook Air or Pro. 

Of course savings are one of the main reasons why so many are switching to refurbished MacBooks in 2025, but there are quite a few other benefits of buying refurbished rather than brand new. Buying refurbished is sustainable, as it diverts what would otherwise become electronic waste and keeps slightly older devices in circulation. Moreover, refurbished MacBooks sold by certified refurbishers such as Wisetek Market come with a one-year warranty and 30-day returns policy, which gives you peace of mind for your purchase. 

Buy Smart: Buy a Refurbished MacBook 

What’s the best MacBook for everyday use, the compact MacBook Air or the powerful MacBook Pro? Both are excellent MacBooks and neither is strictly better than the other: it all comes down to what you want to do with your MacBook. 

Choose the Air if you value portability, you plan to use it for simple tasks like streaming or taking notes, and you enjoy great prices. Choose the Pro if you need the highest performance possible from a MacBook, you’re a creative professional, and you don’t mind spending a little more for a superb device. 

Want to get your hands on great discounts on either a MacBook Air or MacBook Pro? Explore our Refurbished MacBooks and shop with confidence at Wisetek Market.