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For most buyers, choose the MacBook Air (M1, 2020) if the price difference is reasonable. Its newer Apple-silicon platform, longer stated battery life and longer practical support runway make it the better general-purpose laptop. The 2018 Retina MacBook Air is sensible only when it is substantially cheaper, you need Intel-only software or hardware, or you have verified an unusually healthy used unit with strong return protection.
Portability and screen quality do not decide this comparison: both models have a 13.3-inch 2560-by-1600 Retina display and weigh about 2.8 pounds (1.29 kg). The meaningful differences are processor architecture, battery age, software compatibility, configuration and total cost after accessories or a possible battery replacement.
Quick comparison: 2018 Intel Air vs M1 Air
| Feature | MacBook Air (Retina, 13-inch, 2018) | MacBook Air (M1, 2020) |
|---|---|---|
| Processor platform | 1.6GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 in Apple’s tested configuration | Apple M1 system-on-chip with an 8-core CPU; base model has a 7-core GPU |
| Base memory and storage | 8GB memory, 256GB SSD in the tested configuration | 8GB unified memory, 256GB SSD base configuration |
| Display | 13.3-inch, 2560-by-1600 Retina display | 13.3-inch, 2560-by-1600 Retina display |
| Battery capacity | 49.9-watt-hour integrated battery | 49.9-watt-hour integrated battery |
| Apple wireless-web claim | Up to 12 hours under Apple’s stated test conditions | Up to 15 hours under Apple’s stated test conditions |
| Ports | Two Thunderbolt 3/USB-C ports | Two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports |
| Weight | About 2.8 pounds (1.29 kg) | About 2.8 pounds (1.29 kg) |
Apple cautions that battery results vary with use and configuration. These are official laboratory-style claims, not a promise for a particular used computer. A 2018 machine may also have several years of battery wear, so its real runtime depends heavily on condition.
What actually changes between the two generations?
Intel versus Apple silicon
The 2018 Air uses a low-power dual-core Intel Core i5. The 2020 model replaces that architecture with Apple’s M1 system-on-chip, whose specification includes an eight-core CPU and unified memory. This is a platform change rather than a cosmetic refresh: the operating system, applications and accessories interact with different processor architectures.
#1 Best Overall
- Massive Expansion: Expand your MacBook's 2 USB-C ports into 1 multi-function USB-C port, 1 USB-C data port, 2 USB-A ports, 1 HDMI port, 1 SD card slot, and 1 microSD card slot—all from one ultra-compact hub.
- High-Speed, High-Def: A multi-function USB-C port supports huge charging power up to 100W, data transfer up to an astounding 40 Gb/s, and media display at resolutions up to 5K.
- Multi-Monitor Display: The HDMI port supports a resolution of 4K@60Hz while the multi-function port supports 5K@60Hz. Connect to both simultaneously to enjoy crystal-clear streaming or mirroring across 2 displays. Note: M1, M2 and M3 MacBooks do not support dual external display.
- Designed for the Latest MacBooks: Works with the latest MacBook Air and MacBook Pro, and is designed specially to avoid obstructing your MacBook's MagSafe port. Note: this hub is not compatible with MacBook Neo.
- What You Get: Anker 547 USB-C Hub (7-in-2, for MacBook), welcome guide, worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
No independent benchmark is established here, so it would be misleading to promise a specific percentage speed increase. In practical buying terms, the M1 is the safer default for current productivity, study, coding and photo workflows because it is the newer platform and is supported by software built for Apple silicon. The 2018 model’s advantage is not speed; it is native Intel compatibility.
Why architecture matters more than the model year
An Intel-dependent workflow can outweigh the M1’s general advantages. Examples include an older plug-in, an x86-specific development tool, a virtualization setup built around Intel guests, or a peripheral utility that has never been updated for Apple silicon. Treat this as a compatibility decision, not a benchmark claim: identify every critical application, plug-in, driver and virtual machine before buying.
Performance by workload
Web, documents and video calls
Both machines can handle ordinary browser tabs, email, documents, spreadsheets and video meetings. For a used 2018 listing, responsiveness depends on battery condition, storage health, memory pressure and the number of demanding browser tabs more than on the chassis. The M1 is the better choice when you want more headroom for simultaneous applications and several years of additional software compatibility.
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Coding and development
Choose the M1 when your editor, language toolchain, containers and dependencies support Apple silicon. Choose the 2018 Intel model when an essential compiler, binary, plug-in or virtual machine is tied to x86 and cannot be replaced. Check the exact versions you use; “coding” is not a single compatibility category.
Photo and creative work
Light photo editing and everyday creative applications are reasonable use cases for either configuration, but 8GB of memory and a 256GB SSD are entry-level specifications. Large photo libraries, raw files, video projects and multiple creative applications can exhaust storage or memory quickly. A 16GB or 512GB configuration is preferable when the price premium is justified.
Rank #2
- 5-in-1 Connectivity: Equipped with a 4K HDMI port, a 5 Gbps USB-C data port, two 5 Gbps USB-A ports, and a USB C 100W PD-IN port. Note: The USB C 100W PD-IN port supports only charging and does not support data transfer devices such as headphones or speakers.
- Powerful Pass-Through Charging: Supports up to 85W pass-through charging so you can power up your laptop while you use the hub. Note: Pass-through charging requires a charger (not included). Note: To achieve full power for iPad, we recommend using a 45W wall charger.
- Transfer Files in Seconds: Move files to and from your laptop at speeds of up to 5 Gbps via the USB-C and USB-A data ports. Note: The USB C 5Gbps Data port does not support video output.
- HD Display: Connect to the HDMI port to stream or mirror content to an external monitor in resolutions of up to 4K@30Hz. Note: The USB-C ports do not support video output.
- What You Get: Anker 332 USB-C Hub (5-in-1), welcome guide, our worry-free 18-month warranty, and friendly customer service.
Heavy sustained workloads
Neither machine should be selected solely as a long-term workstation for sustained professional rendering, large data processing or extensive virtual machines. The M1 is the stronger of these two options for general performance and efficiency, while the 2018 Air is best reserved for lighter work or a specific Intel requirement.
Battery life: the official claims and the used-device reality
Apple’s specifications list up to 12 hours of wireless web use for the 2018 model and up to 15 hours for the M1 model. Both figures come from Apple’s stated test conditions, and Apple explicitly says battery life varies by use and configuration. Brightness, browser workload, video playback, wireless conditions and background processes can all reduce runtime.
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What to verify before buying used
- Ask for a screenshot of macOS battery-health information and the cycle count, or have the seller state both in writing.
- Check whether the system reports normal battery condition or a service recommendation.
- Ask how long the seller’s test unit lasts in ordinary web use; treat an anecdotal number as an estimate, not a guarantee.
- Confirm the return window before assuming a battery replacement will be affordable.
A replacement battery is a potential ownership cost, but the available evidence does not establish one universal price. It varies by service provider, region, parts availability and the condition of the machine. Include that uncertainty in your budget rather than treating a low purchase price as the complete cost.
Software compatibility and operating-system support
When Intel is the right choice
Buy the 2018 Air when a required application or device utility is documented as Intel-only, when an older plug-in has no Apple-silicon release, or when your virtualization workflow depends on x86 behavior. Confirm compatibility with the software publisher and with every plug-in or driver you use; a main application can run while an essential extension does not.
Rank #3
- Sleek 7-in-1 USB-C Hub: Features an HDMI port, two USB-A 3.0 ports, and a USB-C data port, each providing 5Gbps transfer speeds. It also includes a USB-C PD input port for charging up to 100W and dual SD and TF card slots, all in a compact design.
- Flawless 4K@60Hz Video with HDMI: Delivers exceptional clarity and smoothness with its 4K@60Hz HDMI port, making it ideal for high-definition presentations and entertainment. (Note: Only the HDMI port supports video projection; the USB-C port is for data transfer only.)
- Double Up on Efficiency: The two USB-A 3.0 ports and a USB-C port support a fast 5Gbps data rate, significantly boosting your transfer speeds and improving productivity.
- Fast and Reliable 85W Charging: Offers high-capacity, speedy charging for laptops up to 85W, so you spend less time tethered to an outlet and more time being productive.
- What You Get: Anker USB-C Hub (7-in-1), welcome guide, 18-month warranty, and our friendly customer service.
When M1 is the right choice
The M1 is the safer purchase for a new owner who wants current mainstream applications, modern development tools and a longer expected useful life. Apple’s M1 technical documentation also notes Apple Intelligence availability in beta on M1-and-later Mac models when Siri and the device language are set to US English, delivered through a macOS Sequoia update. That statement is tied to Apple’s Sequoia-era requirements and may change with later releases, so verify current language, region and operating-system conditions before treating it as a buying requirement.
Compatibility checklist
- List your five most important applications and every plug-in, driver or hardware utility they require.
- Check each publisher’s current support statement for Apple silicon and the macOS version you intend to run.
- Identify any virtual machines, developer dependencies or command-line binaries that require x86.
- Decide whether replacing one incompatible component would cost more time or money than buying the Intel model.
Display, keyboard and portability
Screen and carrying convenience are effectively a tie on paper. Both have a 13.3-inch 2560-by-1600 display and a chassis weight of about 2.8 pounds (1.29 kg). If a listing’s display looks different, inspect it for damage, dead pixels, uneven backlighting and coating wear rather than assuming the model year explains the difference.
Used-condition checks matter more than the shared specification. Test every key, the trackpad, Touch ID, webcam, speakers, Wi-Fi, charging behavior and automatic sleep/wake. A clean keyboard and reliable trackpad can be worth more than a small difference in advertised storage.
Ports and the accessory budget
Each model has two USB-C-family ports, so neither provides built-in USB-A, HDMI or an SD-card slot. The 2018 machine identifies its ports as Thunderbolt 3/USB-C; the M1 identifies them as Thunderbolt/USB 4. The number of ports is the same, but the connector and protocol details still matter for your monitor, storage and dock.
When you need a USB-C hub
Plan for a USB-C hub if you connect an HDMI display, USB-A accessories, an SD card, wired networking or several peripherals at once. A hub is especially useful because charging consumes one of the two ports. Check the hub’s stated video output, power-delivery rating and data speeds against your devices; a generic adapter may not support every display resolution or storage speed.
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- One Hub for Work, Meetings & Daily Use: Expand your MacBook or USB-C laptop with HDMI, USB 3.0, PD charging, and SD/TF card slots — ideal for office work, online meetings, presentations and multitasking setups.
- 4K HDMI for Clear Presentations & Home Viewing: Connect to monitors, projectors or TVs with 4K@30Hz output for smooth video, making it perfect for conferences, teaching, design review and family entertainment.
- 100W USB-C PD Pass-Through Charging: Power your laptop while using multiple devices without losing performance — stable for long meetings, work sessions and business travel.
- High-Speed Data Transfer & Card Reading: USB 3.0 ports deliver up to 5Gbps transfer speed; SD/TF card readers support quick access to photos, videos and files — great for content creators and photographers.
- Compact, Travel-Ready & MacBook-Optimized: Aluminum build enhances heat dissipation. Lightweight design fits easily into bags for work, home, school or travel — optimized for MacBook,Dell,HP,Lenovo,Microsoft,Asus and more.
Port-related buying checks
- Bring or test the exact monitor cable and dock you intend to use.
- Confirm that both USB-C ports charge and recognize a data device.
- Inspect for looseness, intermittent charging or physical damage around the ports.
- Include the hub or dock in the total purchase cost rather than comparing laptop prices alone.
Memory and storage: avoid the entry-configuration trap
Both reference configurations start at 8GB of memory and a 256GB SSD. Those capacities can work for browser-based productivity, schoolwork and modest development, but they leave less room for large applications, local media and virtual machines.
Choose more memory when
- You keep many browser tabs and several desktop applications open together.
- You edit large photos or video, run development tools and databases, or use virtual machines.
- You expect to keep the computer for several years and cannot upgrade memory later.
Choose more storage when
- Your files, photo library or project folders must remain local.
- You regularly work offline or do not want to depend on external drives.
- The price difference for a 512GB configuration is reasonable relative to buying external storage later.
Neither model should be purchased on the assumption that memory or storage can be upgraded casually after the fact. Treat the installed configuration as a long-term decision and verify the exact capacity in the listing, system information and purchase receipt.
How to compare prices and total ownership cost
No live seller prices or warranty statistics are established for this comparison, so a single “fair price” would be unreliable. Instead, compare the complete cost of each candidate.
| Cost factor | Questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Purchase price | How much cheaper is the 2018 unit after accounting for its age and condition? |
| Battery risk | Is health and cycle-count evidence available, and could a replacement be needed soon? |
| Memory and storage | Are you comparing identical capacities, or is one listing a 16GB/512GB configuration? |
| Accessories | Will you need a USB-C hub, display adapter, dock or external storage? |
| Warranty and returns | Is there a written return period or warranty that lets you test the machine? |
| Compatibility cost | Would replacing an Intel-only tool, plug-in or virtual-machine workflow cost more than the price difference? |
The 2018 model becomes attractive only when its discount is large enough to compensate for battery age, shorter expected support runway and any accessories or service you will need. A slightly cheaper listing with no return protection can be a worse value than a better-documented M1 unit.
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- Confirm the exact model. Ask for the serial number and verify that the listing describes a 2018 Retina Air or a 2020 M1 Air, not a different year or screen size.
- Verify the configuration. In macOS system information, check processor, memory and SSD capacity against the seller’s description.
- Inspect battery data. Record battery health and cycle count, and save the seller’s written response if the purchase is remote.
- Test input and security hardware. Type on every key, click across the trackpad, test Touch ID and confirm the webcam and microphone work.
- Test both ports. Charge through each port and connect a known-good data device or display adapter.
- Check the display and enclosure. Look for dead pixels, pressure marks, dents, hinge looseness and liquid-damage indicators where visible.
- Confirm account status. The seller should sign out of their Apple account and erase the Mac so Activation Lock does not prevent setup.
- Read the return and warranty terms. Make sure the written policy covers undisclosed defects and gives you enough time to test battery runtime and accessories.
Common buying mistakes and how to avoid them
Choosing the cheapest 2018 listing automatically
A low price does not reveal battery health, keyboard wear, SSD capacity or return protection. Compare documented condition and total cost, not only the headline number.
Best Value
- [Macbook USB-C Adapter 8 IN 2 ] This MacBook Air USB adapter is specially designed for 13''-16'' MacBook Pro (2016-2026) and MacBook Air (2018-2026).Expand your MacBook into 1 HDMI port(4K@60Hz), Thunderbolt 3 port, 2*USB 3.0 ports/USB-C port/USB 2.0, SD Micro and SD card readers. Note: The piece will not fit if there is a case at the bottom of the MacBook.
- [MacBook HDMI Adapter] This Macbook Pro Air USB C hub HDMI port supports the resolution of 4K @60Hz, Thunderbolt 3 port supports 5K @60Hz. Supports dual monitor display to mirror or extend the display of your laptop to TV, monitor or projector. Note: For MacBook M1 chips do not support the display of 2 external monitors. One of them will show a blackout screen.
- [Fast Power Delivery] The 100W PD charging Mac adapter for MacBook Air features a versatile Thunderbolt 3 port. Supports not only 5K@60Hz display and 40Gbps data transfer, but also 100W PD charging, allowing the MacBook to charge quickly and efficiently, with an input of 100W and an output of 85W to ensure charging performance. This makes it an all-in-one accessory for both power and connectivity needs.
- [High Speed File Data Transfer ] The MacBook USB C Hub offers Thunderbolt 3 data transfer up to 40Gbps, USB 2.0 up to 480Mbps, and USB 3.0/USB-C up to 5Gbps.You can easily connect a USB keyboard, mouse, drive, and hard disk to your laptop using this MacBook Air adapter. Note: For stable connection, avoid using this MacBook adapter with high-power devices. It supports one hard drive and is not compatible with the Apple USB SuperDrive.
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Assuming the identical screen means identical experience
The display and weight are similar, but the processor platform and software compatibility are not. Decide architecture first, then use screen and portability as tie-breakers.
Ignoring the two-port limit
Budget for a hub or dock if your workflow uses HDMI, USB-A, SD cards or multiple peripherals. Remember that charging can occupy one port.
Buying 8GB/256GB without considering retention
Entry capacity may be fine for light work but restrictive for large files, creative applications or virtual machines. Pay for more capacity when it is cheaper than replacing the computer later.
Treating Apple’s battery claim as a used-device guarantee
The quoted figures are maximums under Apple’s test conditions. A several-year-old battery will not necessarily match them, even if the laptop is otherwise functional.
Which MacBook Air should you buy?
Choose the M1 MacBook Air when
- You want the best all-around option for productivity, study, coding or photo work.
- The M1 price is reasonably close to the 2018 listing.
- You value longer expected usefulness and current Apple-silicon application support.
- You do not depend on an Intel-only plug-in, driver or virtualization workflow.
- You can find a 16GB or 512GB configuration within your budget.
Choose the 2018 MacBook Air when
- It is substantially cheaper after including a hub, storage and possible battery service.
- You have a verified Intel-specific software or hardware requirement.
- The seller provides battery-health evidence, serial verification and meaningful return protection.
- You mainly perform light work and accept a shorter support runway.
Walk away from either listing when
- The seller will not provide the serial number or configuration details.
- Battery condition, keyboard function or account lock status is unclear.
- The SSD or memory is too small for your workload and the price leaves no room for alternatives.
- There is no practical return path for a remote purchase.
Final recommendation
For a normal buyer choosing between comparable used listings, the M1 MacBook Air is the better purchase. It combines the newer eight-core Apple-silicon platform with Apple’s longer stated wireless-web claim while matching the 2018 model’s screen size, weight, battery capacity and two-port layout. Buy the 2018 Intel Air only for a clear financial advantage or a genuine Intel-compatibility requirement, and make battery condition and return protection non-negotiable.
Quick Recap
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.
