Apple MacBook Air 2020 vs Apple MacBook Air 2022
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple MacBook Air 2020 and Apple MacBook Air 2022 are closely matched overall (within 1 points).
- Apple MacBook Air 2020 stands out on Integrated graphics model: Apple M1 GPU (8 Core), Display type: IPS, Display Screen-to-body ratio: 84.4%.
- Apple MacBook Air 2022 counters with Display Response time: 29 ms, Display Brightness: 500 nits, Sound Number of speakers: 4.
Apple MacBook Air 2020 and Apple MacBook Air 2022 are closely matched
$999 at launch
Apple MacBook Air 2020
58
Apple MacBook Air 2022
58
Where Apple MacBook Air 2020 stands out
- Integrated graphics model: Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)
- Display type: IPS
- Display Screen-to-body ratio: 84.4%
Where Apple MacBook Air 2022 stands out
- Display Response time: 29 ms
- Display Brightness: 500 nits
- Sound Number of speakers: 4
In-depth analysisAI
AI-generated from the cited sources — may be incomplete or inaccurate; verify important details before deciding · generated Jun 2026.
Apple MacBook Air 2020
The 2020 Apple MacBook Air is a thin-and-light 13.3-inch laptop designed primarily for everyday productivity and general consumer use. This model year represents a major transition point, featuring an early-year release with 10th Gen Intel processors and a late-year version powered by Apple's custom fanless M1 system-on-a-chip. Key features include a high-resolution Retina display, a robust physical construction, and a silent internal design.
Best for working in quiet environments like libraries or officesBest for all-day battery life at moderate display brightness settingsBest for lightweight travel and everyday multi-tasking
Pros
- Completely silent operation thanks to a fanless thermal design
- Highly responsive system performance driven by the custom M1 chip
- High-quality display featuring a wide P3 color gamut and True Tone technology
- Comfortable typing experience with the updated keyboard design
Cons
- Restricted physical connectivity with only two USB-C ports
- Limited external display support, allowing only one external monitor
- Lower-resolution 720p FaceTime webcam
- Permanently soldered storage and memory that cannot be upgraded by the user
Apple MacBook Air 2022
The Apple MacBook Air 2022 is an ultraportable laptop powered by the Apple M2 system-on-a-chip. It features a completely redesigned, fanless aluminum chassis alongside an upgraded 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display. This model is built for buyers seeking a highly mobile, silent computing experience that balances performance with physical efficiency.
Best for Silent productivity in libraries, classrooms, or quiet home officesBest for Frequent travelers needing a highly packable laptop with reliable battery lifeBest for Everyday multitasking and on-the-go photo or video editing
Pros
- Powerful and highly efficient performance from the M2 processor
- Completely silent operation due to the fanless thermal design
- Extremely thin and lightweight hardware footprint
- Bright and crisp 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display with thinner borders
Cons
- Notably more expensive starting price than the previous generation
- Limited physical expansion options with only two built-in USB-C ports
- Darker color finishes are highly prone to showing fingerprints
Value for Money
Which is the better deal for the price
Pre-filled with launch prices where known — enter today's price for an up-to-date check. Use the same currency for both.
Apple MacBook Air 2020
Apple MacBook Air 2022
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple MacBook Air 202015,000
Apple MacBook Air 202215,400
Benchmark score — a measured indicator of raw performance, not a guarantee of real-world speed.
Battery capacity
Larger cell — a hardware spec, not battery life
Apple MacBook Air 202049 Wh
Apple MacBook Air 202252 Wh
Capacity is the raw battery size. Real-world battery life depends just as much on the processor, software and display.
Physical Comparison
Weigh them up, then compare real dimensions in 3D
Apple MacBook Air 2020Apple MacBook Air 2022
Apple MacBook Air 2020 is 0.05 kg (4%) heavier than Apple MacBook Air 2022.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side