MacBook Pro versus MacBook Air - which should you choose?

Both the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air come with an Intel Core i5 or an Apple M1 8-core processor. This makes them both suitable for active computer use, such as word processing, photo editing, video editing, and gaming. Side note: only a MacBook Pro can handle video games with high graphics.

The difference between the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air becomes more noticeable when working with demanding programs like Photoshop, Premiere Pro, or Logic Pro X. The MacBook Pro has a stronger Turbo Boost, giving it a higher clock speed. This means the MacBook Pro is much faster than the MacBook Air when extra power is needed.

If your main goal is to use the MacBook for word processing, email, and internet browsing, the MacBook Air is an excellent choice. However, if you work regularly with graphic programs like Photoshop, we recommend opting for the MacBook Pro. The processor and RAM of the MacBook Pro make working within graphic programs much faster compared to the MacBook Air.

The MacBook Air is slightly lighter than the MacBook Pro and has a longer battery life. If you travel a lot, the MacBook Air is ideal for that. Of course, that doesn't mean the MacBook Pro isn't also great for on-the-go use.

Older models of both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro come with an Intel Core processor. This was the standard processor in all MacBooks for a long time. These days, Apple no longer uses these processors in new models. However, that doesn't mean the older models are no longer useful. On the contrary: these models still function very well and can easily handle all programs! 

Both the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro from 2020 onwards feature a new chip: the M1. Developed and introduced by Apple, this chip incorporates new technology that allows it to execute tasks and load programs much faster. With the introduction of this chip, the differences between the MacBook Pro and MacBook Air are becoming smaller. Still, the MacBook Pro remains significantly faster than the MacBook Air!

Newer models of the MacBook Pro, from 2016 onwards, feature a Touch Bar. If having a Touch Bar is a must for you, then you’ll need to choose a MacBook Pro! The Touch Bar can be customized with shortcuts of your choice. It also changes shortcuts when you switch to a different program! 

Newer models of the MacBook Air (from 2018 onwards) only have Touch ID. With your unique fingerprint, you can easily unlock the MacBook. It’s extremely user-friendly and highly secure!

In the past, MacBook Air models had less RAM than MacBook Pro models. Nowadays, both models offer the same amount of RAM: 8GB or 16GB. If you need to store a lot of files on your computer or always have multiple programs open, it's best to go for 16GB of RAM! 

Price is often an important factor when choosing a new MacBook. It’s a well-known fact that a MacBook Air is cheaper than a MacBook Pro. Usually, the price difference is a few hundred euros. So, if you're looking for the most affordable MacBook, choose the MacBook Air. But keep in mind that you’ll be getting lower specifications.