MacBook Air M2 vs MacBook Pro 14 - Watch BEFORE You Buy... 

Hey Chaps! Would you go MBA or MBP?? Correction: at 8:50 I mixed up my Pros/Maxs/Ultras 😅. The M1 Ultra is 2x Max’s together

Hey Tom, look into installing a "mini split ac unit" for your studio. It's extremely efficient, quiet, and it doubles as a heating system when it's winter. You could do a video on buying and installing it - they're actually really easy to install yourself!

I went from a base model 15 inch MacBook Pro from 2016 to a 14 inch MacBook Pro with upgrades across the board! Such an incredible computer

Excellent video! I have the 14 inch MacBook Pro with M1 Max and I was wondering the same thing. I kind of wish I would have went with the M1 Pro for the possible better battery life, as the M1 Max seems to be overkill for my typical use. I do like the mini LED display with the 120 hz refresh rate though and it would be hard to give up at this point. I have mostly had MacBook Airs since 2011 and appreciate the better portability.

I was upgrading from a late 2013 15" MacBook Pro, and was choosing between the same models you feature here. I did want 16GB RAM, and also 1TB SSD. By the time I added those options to the Air M2 I was around £150 away (education store prices as I work at a university) from the base MacBook Pro 14" with an upgraded 1TB SSD. When I factored in the better performance, slightly larger screen, better quality screen, better speakers, extra ports etc the decision was easy. The lightness of the Air is nice but all of the other advantages made the 14" Pro the choice for me. It's a very nice laptop. Still getting used to having a MacBook that isn't also a portable heater like my old Intel-based model!

Great comparison. And thanks for making an actual recommendation. MBP 14 base is a terrific machine. Love mine.

Gotta love how the most replayed part of the video is people skipping your integrated ad. Beautiful

For my very basic needs (Mail, Safari, RU-vid, iMessage, Pages/Numbers/Keynote) the Air M2 is even too powerful, but from the other side I really like the idea to have a mini led 120hz display...

I gotta be honest, the M1 Air crushes everything I need from it in terms of performance, and best of all -- stays perfectly quiet because it has no fans. So choose wisely. The old intel MacBook Air I used to use sounded like a jet engine, I really value this no-noise thing.

Interesting comparison, I asked myself exactly that question ! Thanks for the video 👍🏻😊

Exactly! Why aren't there more of these comparisons! It was the exact question I had while trying to choose.

This was exactly the review I needed! Was thinking about swapping my MBPM1Pro14' for MBAM2 just for the form factor, but as the speakers, screen, and performance wouldn't be and updgrade, I decided against the swap. Thanks!

I have the Pro 14 and I have been happy with it from day 1! I did a 'after d hype' video on my channel on the Pro 14 some days back, I think I'll skip even testing out the M2 Air. Thanks for this comparson! I

Dreaming about the 14 pro, putting money aside and selling my main desktop to go full mobile for video editing - Time will come! Thanks for the precious infos!

Great video; you through all the numbers on these. I was having trouble deciding and this made the choice really clear for me. Thanks for this!

Just bought an M1 Pro 14’ MacBook Pro. This computer is beautiful and it’s a beast. I had pre-ordered the M2 MacBook Air but I didn’t want to wait and upon seeing the Midnight color in store I wasn’t convinced. It was beautiful but I feel like it wouldn’t look good for long.

I'm not a laptop user but for interest - Max Tech has done some extensive testing on the various models and the results do highlight some performance comparison issues as you mentioned.

Thank you for this video. You broke down all the differences I was wondering about and helped me figure out which Macbook I should get. Now I just need to decide if I should wait to see what the new Macbook Pro 14s with the new M2 Pro will have or if I should just pull the trigger and get the Macbook Pro 14 now.

Thanks for good comparison video...I bought 14 inch M1 pro 4months back... bit anxious when i saw M2 came to the market... i thought that i should have waited...My laptop is extremely good for photo editing with amazing display... yes battery life is negative compared to M2. But no regrets after seeing your video...

Excellent comparison and exactly what I was looking for. As much as I would have preferred the portability of the Air, with just an £86 difference between the 16/512 version and the base 14” Pro (current sale pricing at various UK retailers), it can only be the Pro.

MBA, not having a fan is a game changer. Silent compilation of a huge Rust project is great

My decision was based on a few points. Firstly, weight was a serious issue to consider for reasons I won’t go into. However, comparing in store the difference is detectable but not really noticeable. By that I mean the 14MBP is heavier when you think about it but when not specifically thinking about it then it doesn’t feel heavy. The screen on the 14MBP is beautiful. The Air ports are bearable but I run a business and the HDMI slot is perfect for getting to meetings to find they have a HDMI projector. I do have the dongle from a iPad but how many times would you forget it. I’ve seen it a lot and having to delay a meeting by 20 Mind while someone runs around for a connector is a pain. At home I have. A dell 27” monitor (one of the nice ones) and I would consider another so two screens is a good possibility in the future. Another MBP +. Insurance was paying so I chose on spec and useable features. If I was using my own cash I would buy the MBP14 or the MBA M1 but only because I have a webcam already. The 720p webcam in the M1 air is poor. It is the same as my intel MBP that is now gone and I bought a logo 1080p webcam for that reason. So if you have no tech the MBP14 is the do it all laptop but the MBA M2 would also be good. However consider the finer points of use. Eg do you then need to use 2 monitors or do you then need to buy a dongle for HDMI or SD card reader etc and then where is the weight saving etc etc. or if you already have tech like webcams etc then would those paired with the M1 MBA be the same but a lot cheaper. I think if I’d bought MBA M2 I’d be wondering if I had made the right decision. But having bought the MBP14 I have no doubts that it is the right decision.

I was veering towards the 14" M1 Pro for SketchUp and V-Ray rendering. Your video confirmed that I was right. Thank you!

Appreciated and glad to watch this youtube! Thanks for the details comparison and totally agreed with you that better performance on MBP 14" should be my choice! Thanks!

Was waiting for M2 air vs 14 pro ...thank you you are the best ❤️❤️

Just purchased the Vivid HDR app for my M1Pro 16" - thanks! 👍🏽 I'd suggest most people get the M1 Air unless they can comfortably flash the cash and get the M2 Air. I would advise them not to send more than £1,500 on the M2 Air i.e. just get the 8core with 8GB and 512GB storage. Not 10 core and not 16GB as you're unlikely to se much of a real world performance gain for these very expensive upgrades due to the thermal & other constraints. For any higher performance needs than that, get the base model M1 Pro 14" just as you suggest.

Thank you for your video review. Just got the MacBook Pro 14 inch with 16 and 512 as you specified. Love love this computer except well the boring color (I'll get over it - all my stuff is grey) BUT the body casing can be very sharp around the edges. Does this lessen with time OR do you think the one I got has some manufacturing defect?

I almost fell for the M2 Air. It was the Midnight colour that almost did it. But I’ve fallen for Apple’s designs before and purchased based on style rather than substance. (Damn you Apple.) In the end I went for the base level M1 Pro 14 and I absolutely love it. The screen is gorgeous, the speakers are good for a laptop, but the main thing was the extra ports. These days I like to store as much as I can off the device itself and having an SD slot makes it much more usable for me. Also, the dedicated HDMI port is a big plus. This is definitely the best device I’ve yet owned.

I was really waiting for this comparison. Awesome!

I would say the make or break case for the 14" Pro is following: - You edit HDR video - You use SD Cards - You regularly connect to multiple displays - You make or play AAA games

Love your final honest thoughts. Thanks!

It’s all the incremental differences that add up to a lot more than the price difference on the 14” pro. Great breakdown and to me it’s obvious if I’m not moving around a lot.

Just bought my first ever MacBook, 14" base model. screen and speakers sold it for me.

Thanks. I had ordered the M2 air on launch day but as reviews came in I cancelled order and purchased the MBP. That's arriving next week. Definitely better choice.

This was the video we were all looking forward to!

Thank you for your very helpful analysis and conclusions, which helped me decide to purchase the 14" MacBook today. Greatly appreciated.

I went through exactly this thought process: spec up the M2 Air or just go for the Pro? In the end, I went for the Pro because it was available sooner and with an English keyboard, which was a plus for me.

This is exactly the kind of comparison I’ve been looking for! You answered all my questions, a big thank you! Now, time to get myself a 14 M1 Pro!! ✌🏼

Finally someone making sense only two choices are smart: get MBA M2 base model or get MBP 14’

I’m going back to grad school this fall and I currently have a 2020(?) iMac. I’d like to downsize to something portable or at least a minimal setup, so I’m thinking about the MacBook 14 inch (i do some photo and video editing) but also will carry around my iPad (with keyboard case) for everyday, class notes, quick draft sessions, etc.

Nice video thank you, i've changed my mind to the MBP 14'

2 Notes: 1. The SSD speed . The 14 MBP is double because its PCI gen4. This is where the differance comes from. The bandwith for storage is much bigger on the M1 Pro 2. The RAM. You can spec the air to 16 as the base 14in but the ram is still slower. Because its 200GBs comapred to 100 GBs. Also from tharedowns , the 14 inch have better ram chips.

I was in best buy comparing these two on Sunday. I basically concluded the same thing. I wanted the thinner profile of the MBA but the power of the MBP14 is future proof for me. This channel has become my go to tech channel. If Tom says it and Marques confirms it then I spend on it. 🤣

I'd go for the 14" MacBook Pro M1 Pro! Greetings, hope you're keeping well. Thanks for the much detailed content you keep putting out. It gives us viewers much insight in tech world. Small request, could you send me the wallpaper that's on the 14" MacBook Pro M1 Pro. I'd like to have it on my PC and phone as well. Thanks! PS: You've got a fan in Tanzania, East Africa.

Done! I was fighting with exactly this decision, and I have now decided that I need to get the 14" Pro - thanks for this!

That's it, one thing that I also consider is the screen, coming from the Macbook Air 2018 Intel, upgrading to Macbook Pro 14 is really a jump in performance as well as the quality of life! I'm planning to purchase, but I think I can still wait for the M2 version! But i'm pretty much locked on to the Pro 14! I'm a casual user, but I recently explore the creative writing hobby, though, I'll be honest that I think it won't be needing a pro laptop to accomplish it, though the boost in overall quality of life is a fair trade off for the premium price.

I just got the MBP 14" base model for $1803 out the door and feel better about my decision after watching your video.

I'm still using the base model M1 Air everyday for creating content and other creative stuff. It's still really good

This is the best tech video out there in terms of helpfulness in decision-making with respect to whether to go for M2 Air or not...Thanks Tech Chap !!!

Thank you for the thorough comparison, will decide which on to get once I am a the apple store...

Best tech video on RU-vid for me for a long long time. Please keep the work going, you deserve it. My pal.

I've been thinking about which Mac to upgrade my MacBook Pro from late 2013. Your video has helped me confirm my decision. I'm still wondering if I should get the MAX instead of the PRO. Is there much additional benefit of one over the other apart from price? I am a reasonable heavy user and will also require to use Parallels as I need to run some Windows based software. I also need to ask you something regarding VPNs. I noticed you mentioned SurfShark. How does that compare with ExpressVPN?

Thank you for your review. Which one do you think would be more long lasting? I had the first generation macbook air that didn't last long, I had problems from day one. I now have my Macbook pro from 2013 but it will soon need retirement (have been using it intensely for 9 years and have changed many parts). Which one would you recommend for the long run, and are the computer hardware changeable?

Well done !!! Great review, detailed and to the point information . You also covered important aspects like the portability-size comparison . Thank you ! Keep up the good work !

I feel a lot of people down the display on the M2 Air. For reference, the M2 Air supports 98.4% of the DCI-P3 gamut where as the MacBook Pro 14 is slightly higher at 99.3%. As a designer I feel the color accuracy is nearly identical on the 2 models. But if you're a professional movie producer and need something like Dolby Vision, you're slightly better with the MacBook Pro, but I wouldn't knock the M2 Air display at all.

I got the MBP14.2" on sale and the difference was less GBP 25! Was an easy choice!

Loved the video comparison. Just what I was looking for. But I think I will wait for M2 Macbook Pro 14".

Had M2 Air for a few months and loved it, my first Apple Silicon laptop. Decided as I wanted a better screen to trade my Intel i9 MacBook Pro for a 16” M1 Max model and its amazing. Screen and sound is superb. Love both its a bit like choosing your favourite child.

I have the base Pro, my 1st Mac. And now my only working computer. I only use the Pro power for a little gaming but I like so much about it now.

M1 MBA is still probably the best value device and the 14 M1 Pro (base model) if you are doing video editing or intensive photo/video exports.

Glad to see you giving decisive conclusion

Brilliant review. Very informative, and answered all the questions and concerns I had. Now without question, the 14 Pro is coming to my house, over the M2 Air. Thank You.

At home, a 16’’ MBPro M1max w/ external 10-bit 2k screen; on the go & abroad, fanless M2 MBAir, w/ its 10-bit display. Both for photography, w/ calibrated screens, everywhere. Voilà.

Finally I found a review straight to the point

This video has me torn but comments helped me feel more confident with my choice. I did the MBA M2 with higher specs. I do voice over work and it seems the no fan option makes a difference to many people. Plus I travel often so I’m sure the small difference in weight may be felt on my shoulders more than I realize over time. Definitely still loved the video. 😂 still giving me buyers remorse, but I was using a MBA 2015 for all these years so I think regardless if I made the “best” choice I still should be fine with my video and editing abilities on the new laptop.

Great video, just what was needed. If the cost factor is same, will you recommend M2 Air (24 GB) or 14 inch M1 pro (16 GB)? Mainly for Xcode purpose. And can M2 heat more due to long usage for coding activities? Planning for a long term use - 5 years or so.

Hey Chap, you did a excellent job here, fantastic comparison, I will go for MBP 14.

In New Zealand the 14" M2 MacBook Pro starts at around $3,800. I picked up a base model M2 MacBook Air for $1,900. It does everything I need it to.

Was choosing between MBA M1 and MBP 14. My ego wanted the 14 so much but I went with the MBA M1 with 8 core GPU, 512SSD and 16GB ram - bought used from a friend. Couldn’t be happier. It’s a dream to use.

Great review this is my first time buying a Mac and you explained it very well thank you 👍🏼

I actually completely agree with the conclusion. If you are a student/on a budget just get the 13" Air M2 base, if you can afford to upgrade the ram and ssd (in which case, I imagine you are going to use it for more professional level work) get the 14" Pro. If you get the base Air make sure to take advantage of Apple's education discount + gift card :)

I'm so happy with my 16 inch and M1 Pro, I would go definitely with the 14 Pro.

Just picked up the 2023 M2 14” base model, (had the 2019 13” pro), and it’s pretty amazing actually. 3.5 lbs is a little bit heavy but it’s fine in my backpack. The speakers are pretty amazing for a laptop, actually has some richness to sound and actually noticeable sound separation. When I lift the lid, the monitor pops on simultaneously, it’s fast, smooth, slick, the monitor is really great with insanely high nits, and the forward facing cam is very significantly improved as well. I can plug in an HDMi directly into the computer for my home monitor so I don’t have to get dongles or a docking station. I got it on sale at Best Buy and more off for being a tech member so almost $300 off! I’ve gotten a new computer in the past and 2nd guessed myself but I can safely say that I have not experienced that with the 14” pro M2 at all. The ooo-nly thing is that I actually do miss the Touch Bar I had in my prior 13” pro

Thanks for the video. Really great info.. Still torn as I'd love a sleek laptop and had been looking at the xps 13 plus. Not an apple guy but they seem to be the best right now and run soo much cooler.. The screen is main thing grabbing me on the pro.. Love 120hz on my pc and don't have any HDR screens so that would be nice, plus it has the extra resolution which it can actually run without losing even more battery. Gonna go feel in a shop as I normally walk past the apple section :P

great review! one question - is upgrading the SSD an increase in read and write speeds with each increment? e.g. 2TB > 1TB > 512GB > 256GB ?

Since the move to apple silicon, the Air has evolved into the must-have beginner media creation tool and is no longer just "the average user's mac". The Air has become powerful and flexible enough to give amateur hobbyists/enthusiasts/students a glimpse how it is to work with different types of media whether it be coding, video editing, photo editing, 3D modelling, etc. If these users find that they want to take their work to another level, they can move on to more powerful Macs. If not, they will still end up with a wonderful machine that will get them through almost anything.

This was a really good review that I need thanks!

Wow what a great comparison, thank you!

Your channel always has something interesting, even if one isn't in the market! Your opinion holds a lot of weight for me, especially as the production values of each video say loud and clear that you're a man who knows what he's doing. Without exception, the best visual quality on RU-vid!

As a Teacher i love to work with macOS. I surely dont Need the Performance of the M1 pro but the Display is so much nicer and the Ports can come in handy without needing a dongle. On the other hand the Battery Life of the M2 is better and its overall lighter. Which Modell would you guys buy? I could need some help to decide.

Great video - followed your advice and went MBP 14. It’s just Midnight…😁

I know there are many content creators making these types of videos, but I wanted to drop a comment to let you know I enjoy your presentation and comparison of these products and always look forward to watching your videos. Cheers mate. Thanks for sharing!💯

How are the scores of M1 processor devices compared to their first scores when they were released? Did they slow down with the software updates?

Great video. I would have liked the M2 MBA much more if it had 16GB ram and 512GB ssd and was the base price.The M2 MBA seems bit hamstrung and not the fantastic deal of the M1 MBA. But as you say if you spec up the M2 you get close to the M1 Pro MBP which is a fantastic laptop. Very interesting that the even the 512GB in the M2 is SLOWER than the ssd in the 14 inch pro! I don't really cart my laptop about and certainly not to a coffee shop (I prefer coffee and conversation) so I'd go for the 14 Mac Pro MBP.

Great video! Thanks for sharing details. I am using 6-8 MS office files on Mac and Parallel desktop Windows simultaneously. How much RAM is convenient for these type of user? And do I need for a MacBook Pro?

Funny that the price difference isn't that big in the UK. Here in Germany (and France also I was told), the M2 Air with 16GB RAM and 512 GB SSD costs the same as the Macbook PRO M1 14 with the same specs, namely € 1,959.00.

Ive just bought the Mac Book pro 14" with the m1 max and 64gb of ram and i just love this thing ^^

Hi, thanks for the great Video, did you used the 10core or the 8core M1 Pro Version for the benchmarking test?

3:17 I just noticed the keys on the Air are actually blue, haha.

I plan on getting the MacBook Pro 14 next month for my 59th birthday. I have a Macboo Air from 2017 that I got off of a home shopping channel, and it only has 36Gigs. I need more RAM & Storage!!

I really wanna buy the base 14 inch mbp for my graphic design major, but really really anxious about the screen durability, especially that there’s no apple care in my country

Excellent review, cleared a lot of confusions for me

The 120Hz display is something that you don't really notice when you upgrade, but you notice immediately if you ever try to go back. After having a 144Hz desktop monitor, the Pro became the obvious choice.

I have the MB pro 13" M1. Perfectly good and I like the Touch Bar a lot.

thanks a lot! So, I’ve decided to buy the Pro 14, but as for now, when we wait for the apple event September 7, should I wait for some upgrade?

Moving parts are my issue with the pro M2 Air is all solid state Lost a lot to a dead fan on my first MacBook years ago

Great comparison!👌🏼 I‘m not doing any video/photo editing. I‘m an engineer and programmer and the only time I might need some GPU performance is when visualizing simulations. So what should I go for, when I program most of the time?

MBP 14 all the way. The design of the M2 Air is amazing, but the pricing is out of whack with the lineup.

Funny how the webcams are the same for you. I tested them in a shop a few days ago and the 14" MBP was super sharp while the M2 Air was... blobby, for a lack of a better word.

Great breakdown 🔥 Today only i was comparing these two models and i decided to go with pro 14inch. For me bulkiness is not an issue because mostly the laptop is just seat on table and nowadays with wfh dual monitors are quite useful so spending few extra bucks is an absolute deal.