Laptops · Review
Apple MacBook Air 13 (M5, 16GB/512GB)
Still the default laptop recommendation for most people, as long as you buy it at or near $1,099.
Our verdict
The M5 MacBook Air keeps the thin, fanless aluminum design Apple has used since 2022 and adds a faster chip, with reviewers measuring roughly 30-40 percent higher CPU scores than the M3 generation. The base model now ships with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage, which removes the old 256GB bottleneck. Battery life is a standout: Engadget's video-loop test matched Apple's 18-hour claim, and mixed daily use lands around 10 hours. The weak points are familiar: a 60Hz display, only two USB-C ports on one side, and a list price that rose to $1,299 in June 2026, so it is worth buying when retailers discount it back to its $1,099 launch price.
What's good
- Fast M5 performance with no fan noise
- Long battery life in review testing
- 16GB memory and 512GB storage as standard
- Excellent keyboard and trackpad
What's not
- 60Hz display when rivals offer 120Hz
- Only two USB-C ports, both on the left side
- Base model has the 8-core GPU, not the 10-core
- Apple list price rose to $1,299 in June 2026
How it scores
How we rate →Specifications
- Processor
- Apple M5, 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU
- Memory
- 16GB unified memory
- Storage
- 512GB SSD
- Display
- 13.6-inch Liquid Retina IPS, 2560 x 1664, 500 nits, 60Hz
- Battery (Apple rating)
- Up to 18 hours video, 15 hours web (53.8Wh)
- Ports
- 2x Thunderbolt 4 (USB-C), MagSafe 3, 3.5mm headphone jack
- Weight
- 2.7 lb (1.23 kg)
- Cooling
- Fanless