Recommended Free Tools
iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
The 2024 13-inch MacBook Air with M3 is a strong everyday laptop, with a sharp 13.6-inch display, quiet operation and a reviewer-praised mix of battery life, keyboard, trackpad and audio. Its fit depends on your workload and setup: Apple’s two-external-display support requires the laptop lid to be closed for the second display, and buyers should compare the exact memory and storage configuration with current alternatives.
What this review covers
Apple announced the M3 MacBook Air on March 4, 2024, in 13- and 15-inch sizes. This review is about the smaller model, whose display measures 13.6 inches diagonally. It is a prior-generation product, so current prices, stock and software support can change; the available evidence does not establish live pricing or inventory.
How good is the 13-inch M3 MacBook Air?
The Guardian’s April 8, 2024 review praised the laptop’s speed, quiet and cool operation, battery life, display, keyboard, trackpad, MagSafe charging, speakers, microphones, webcam and Touch ID. Those are that reviewer’s qualitative assessments, not results from new testing for this article. The Guardian used “the laptop to beat” in its headline; that is its verdict, not an objective ranking across every workload or competing model.
TechRadar also awarded the 13-inch M3 model five stars in its 2024 review. Taken together, the reviews make a persuasive case for the Air as a portable computer for everyday work, but they do not establish how it performs in every demanding or sustained workload.
#1 Best Overall
- LEAN. MEAN. M3 MACHINE — With a powerful 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, the blazing-fast MacBook Air with M3 chip is a superportable laptop that sails through work and play.
- BUILT FOR APPLE INTELLIGENCE — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly. It draws on your personal context while setting a brand-new standard for privacy in AI. Coming in beta this fall.
- PORTABLE DESIGN — Lightweight and under half an inch thin, so you can take MacBook Air anywhere you go.
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Amazing, all-day battery life so you can leave the power adapter at home.
- A BRILLIANT DISPLAY — The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display supports 1 billion colors.
Display and everyday features
Apple describes the panel as a Liquid Retina display. TechRadar lists a 13.6-inch screen with a 2560 × 1664 resolution, P3 wide color and True Tone. The Guardian reviewer praised its screen quality, along with the keyboard and trackpad. These features suit general productivity and media use, though people who want a larger workspace may prefer the 15-inch Air or a Pro model.
The Guardian also highlighted MagSafe charging, audio, microphones, webcam and Touch ID. Treat these as reported strengths of that review rather than a guarantee that every user’s experience will be identical.
Rank #2
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 13.6-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
How long does the battery last?
Apple advertised “up to 18 hours of battery life” for the M3 Air. That is a manufacturer maximum under Apple’s specified test conditions, not a promise of 18 hours in every use pattern. Consult Apple’s technical specifications for the test details.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchPC Slower Than It Used to Be?
A free scan shows the junk files, broken settings and background clutter dragging Windows down - then fixes them in one click.Free scan · Windows 10 & 11Consumer Reports’ result extract gives two workload-specific figures for an M3 MacBook Air with a 10-core GPU and 16GB of memory. The extract does not state a publication year.
Rank #3
- LEAN. MEAN. M3 MACHINE — The blazing-fast MacBook Air with the M3 chip is a superportable laptop that sails through work and play.
- PORTABLE DESIGN — Lightweight and under half an inch thin, so you can take MacBook Air anywhere you go.
- GET MORE DONE FASTER — The powerful 8-core CPU 8-core GPU of the Apple M3 chip keep things running smoothly.
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — Amazing, all-day battery life so you can leave the power adapter at home.
- A BRILLIANT DISPLAY — The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display supports 1 billion colors.
| Test | Reported result | Source and configuration |
|---|---|---|
| Light web browsing | 14 hours | Consumer Reports; M3, 10-core GPU, 16GB; year not stated in the retrieved extract |
| 4K video playback | 12.25 hours | Consumer Reports; M3, 10-core GPU, 16GB; year not stated in the retrieved extract |
These Consumer Reports results and Apple’s advertised maximum come from different methods, so they should not be treated as a head-to-head comparison. Your own battery life will depend on workload and settings; compare independent results only when the test and configuration are alike.
Can it run two external displays?
Apple announced support for up to two external displays, with the second display available while the MacBook Air’s lid is closed. If you need two monitors, check Apple’s required configuration and workflow before buying: the second display is not supported in the same open-lid arrangement.
Rank #4
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 13.6-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
Also account for connections and ports in your desk setup. RTINGS identifies the MacBook Pro’s broader port selection as one comparison point; the Air may require a different connection arrangement depending on the devices you use.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesWho should choose the Air, and who should consider a Pro?
The 13-inch Air suits portability and everyday work
Consider it if you value a relatively compact laptop and your work resembles the general-use strengths described by reviewers. The 13.6-inch display is smaller than the 15-inch Air’s, so weigh portability against how much screen space you want when working away from an external monitor.
Best Value
- BUILT FOR COLLEGE. AND BEYOND — MacBook Air with the M5 chip packs blazing speed and powerful AI capabilities into an incredibly portable design. And with up to 18 hours of battery life,* this thin and light powerhouse is ready to take on almost any major, just about anywhere.
- TEAR THROUGH TOUGH ASSIGNMENTS — With its faster CPU and unified memory, the M5 chip delivers even more performance and fluidity across apps, making multitasking and creative workflows smooth and responsive. A powerful Neural Engine and next-generation GPU with Neural Accelerators give you a powerful platform for AI.
- MAKE QUICK WORK OF YOUR TO-DO LIST — Apple Intelligence helps you write, express yourself, and get things done effortlessly — whether it’s for school or everyday life. With groundbreaking privacy protections, it gives you peace of mind that no one else can access your data — not even Apple.*
- UP TO 18 HOURS OF BATTERY LIFE — MacBook Air delivers incredible battery life with amazing performance, so you can power through a full day of classes without worrying about plugging in.
- A BRILLIANT 13.6-INCH DISPLAY* — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display on MacBook Air supports 1 billion colors, making photos and videos pop with rich contrast and sharp detail, and text appears supercrisp. So everything — from class presentations to movies to games — looks truly stunning.
Look at a Pro for specific display or connection needs
RTINGS points to the MacBook Pro’s 120Hz Mini-LED display and broader port selection as distinctions. Those differences may matter for users who prioritize that display or need more built-in connection options. The Air should not be assumed to replace every Pro workflow, particularly where sustained demanding work is central; the reviewed evidence here does not establish performance across all such workloads.
Quick Recap
What to check before buying
- Configuration: Compare memory, storage and GPU configuration, not just the M3 name. The Consumer Reports battery figures above apply to a 10-core GPU, 16GB configuration.
- Workload: Decide whether your regular tasks are everyday productivity or sustained, demanding work; available review evidence supports general-use praise, not a universal performance conclusion.
- Screen size: Choose between the 13.6-inch model, the larger 15-inch Air and a Pro display based on how much workspace you need.
- Monitors and ports: Confirm the closed-lid requirement for the second external display and check that your connections fit your setup.
- Price and availability: Compare current offers for equivalent configurations. Live pricing and stock are not established here.
- Battery comparisons: Match workload, configuration and test method before using one result to judge another.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
