Apple MacBook Air 2020 vs Apple MacBook Air 2023
Verdict
Our overall take, at a glance
Key takeaways
- Apple MacBook Air 2020 and Apple MacBook Air 2023 are closely matched overall (within 1 point).
- Apple MacBook Air 2020 stands out on Integrated graphics model: Apple M1 GPU (8 Core), Display type: IPS.
- Apple MacBook Air 2023 counters with Display Size: 15.3 in, Display Response time: 32.9 ms, Display Screen-to-body ratio: 85.3%.
Apple MacBook Air 2020 and Apple MacBook Air 2023 are closely matched
$999 at launch
Apple MacBook Air 2020
58
Apple MacBook Air 2023
57
Where Apple MacBook Air 2020 stands out
- Integrated graphics model: Apple M1 GPU (8 Core)
- Display type: IPS
Where Apple MacBook Air 2023 stands out
- Display Size: 15.3 in
- Display Response time: 32.9 ms
- Display Screen-to-body ratio: 85.3%
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 2023
The 2023 Apple MacBook Air expands the lightweight laptop family by introducing a larger 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display while keeping a highly portable, fanless build. It is powered by the Apple M2 system-on-a-chip, designed to deliver efficient performance for everyday productivity. This model targets users who want a larger screen canvas without the premium price tag or physical bulk of the MacBook Pro series.
Best for all-day battery-powered productivity on the goBest for multitasking with side-by-side windows on a larger screenBest for silent computing in noise-sensitive environments
Pros
- Larger 15.3-inch display provides significantly more screen real estate than previous models
- Completely silent operation due to its fanless thermal design
- Highly efficient M2 silicon ensures long-lasting battery performance
- Sturdy yet impressively thin aluminum chassis
Cons
- Soldered solid-state drive and memory cannot be upgraded by the user after purchase
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 2023
Performance
Higher benchmark score = faster
Apple MacBook Air 202015,000
Apple MacBook Air 202315,400
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 202352 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 2023
Apple MacBook Air 2020 is 0.05 kg (4%) heavier than Apple MacBook Air 2023.
Review Videos
Hand-picked expert reviews for each product
Detailed Specifications
The full spec sheet, side by side