MacBook Review 2025: A Closer Look at the Air and Pro
Hey there! If you're shopping for a new laptop in 2025, Apple's latest MacBook lineup is probably on your radar. The MacBook Air M4 and MacBook Pro M4 are stealing the show this year, and I'm here to break down what makes them so special. I'll focus mostly on the MacBook Air M4 since it's the go-to for most folks, but I'll also touch on the Pro for those who need extra power. My goal is to give you a clear and practical look at what these MacBooks offer.
MacBook Air M4: Your Everyday Superstar
Let's kick things off with the MacBook Air M4. This laptop is like that reliable friend who's always ready to help out, whether you're cramming for a deadline or binge-watching your favorite show. It's powered by Apple's shiny new M4 chip, which is crazy fast for everyday stuff. Think browsing with a gazillion tabs open, editing documents, or even tweaking photos in Photoshop—it handles it all without a hiccup. And here's the kicker: it's completely silent because it doesn't have a fan. No annoying whirring, even when you're pushing it hard.
Design and Display
The design is classic MacBook Air: sleek, slim, and so light you'll forget it's in your bag. The 13-inch model is just 2.7 pounds, and the 15-inch version is only 3.3 pounds. It's less than half an inch thick, so it's perfect for tossing into a backpack or carrying around campus. Apple also added a new Sky Blue color this year, which CNET describes as a subtle silver-blue. It's not in-your-face, but it's a nice twist on the usual Silver or Midnight options.
The display is a stunner. Both the 13-inch (2560Ă—1664) and 15-inch (2880Ă—1864) models rock a Liquid Retina screen that's bright (500 nits), sharp, and super colorful. It supports sRGB and DCI-P3 color spaces, so whether you're editing photos or watching movies, everything pops. True Tone adjusts the screen's colors based on your lighting, which is a nice touch for late-night work sessions.
Performance
That M4 chip is the real MVP. According to Ars Technica, it's about 1.8x faster than the M1 for CPU tasks and 2.2x faster for graphics. In plain English, that means it can juggle multiple apps, handle light video editing, and even play some games without slowing down. Wirecutter says it can manage around 50 Chrome tabs at once—impressive, right? Plus, the fanless design keeps it cool and quiet, unlike some other laptops that sound like they're about to take off.
Battery Life
Battery life is a big win. The 13-inch model lasts about 14.3-15 hours, while the 15-inch can hit 15-18 hours, depending on what you're doing. That's enough to get you through a full day of classes or work without hunting for a charger. It also supports fast charging—50% in 30 minutes with a 67W+ charger, which is a lifesaver when you're in a rush. That said, Wirecutter notes the battery life is about an hour less than the M2 MacBook Air, but honestly, 15 hours is still plenty for most people.
Webcam and Connectivity
The webcam is a standout feature. The 12MP Center Stage webcam with Desk View is perfect for video calls, automatically keeping you in frame even if you're moving around. It can also show what's on your desk, which is great for presentations or showing off your notes. The Guardian calls it a huge improvement for anyone who lives on Zoom or FaceTime.
For ports, you get two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports, a MagSafe charging port (so you don't lose a USB-C port to charging), and a headphone jack. A cool upgrade this year is support for two external displays, which means you can set up a proper workstation with multiple monitors. That's a big deal for a laptop this portable.
Price and Value
Price-wise, the MacBook Air M4 is a steal. The 13-inch starts at $999 (often discounted to $850), and the 15-inch is $1,199 (sometimes $1,050). That's $100 less than last year's model, and you get 16GB of RAM as standard, which Tom's Hardware says makes it one of Apple's best values ever. The base storage is 256GB, which might be tight if you store a lot of videos or games, but you can upgrade to 2TB if you need more room.
User Feedback
Users and reviewers are loving the MacBook Air M4. IGN says it's what people picture when they think "laptop," thanks to its thin design and versatility. The performance, silence, and portability get high praise, and the price cut seals the deal for many. Some folks, like those at CNN Underscored, call it "perfectly boring" because it doesn't change much from the M3, but they admit it's still one of the best for everyday tasks. The main criticisms? The slightly shorter battery life compared to the M2 and the 256GB base storage, which can fill up fast.
Sustainability
Apple's also stepping up its eco game. The MacBook Air M4 uses over 55% recycled materials, including 100% recycled aluminum and 95% recycled lithium in the battery, per Apple. The packaging is all fiber-based, which aligns with Apple's push to ditch plastic by the end of 2025.
Specifications Table
| Feature | 13-inch MacBook Air M4 | 15-inch MacBook Air M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $999 (often $850) | $1,199 (often $1,050) |
| Processor | M4 chip (10-core CPU, 8-core GPU) | M4 chip (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) |
| Memory | 16GB (up to 32GB) | 16GB (up to 32GB) |
| Storage | 256GB SSD (up to 2TB) | 256GB SSD (up to 2TB) |
| Display | 13.6-inch Liquid Retina, 2560Ă—1664, 500 nits | 15.3-inch Liquid Retina, 2880Ă—1864, 500 nits |
| Webcam | 12MP Center Stage with Desk View | 12MP Center Stage with Desk View |
| Ports | 2 Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, MagSafe, headphone jack | 2 Thunderbolt 4 USB-C, MagSafe, headphone jack |
| Battery Life | 14.3-15 hours | 15-18 hours |
| Weight | 2.7 lbs | 3.3 lbs |
| Colors | Silver, Starlight, Midnight, Sky Blue | Silver, Starlight, Midnight, Sky Blue |
MacBook Pro M4: Built for Pros
Now, let's talk about the MacBook Pro M4. This one's for the folks who need serious power—think video editors, 3D artists, or developers working on complex projects. It comes in 14-inch and 16-inch sizes, with three chip options: M4, M4 Pro, and M4 Max. The M4 Max, in particular, is a beast, offering up to 2.2x faster CPU performance than the M1, according to WIRED.
Key Features
The MacBook Pro M4's display is a step above the Air's, with a Mini LED panel that hits 1000 nits in SDR and supports a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother motion. It's perfect for creative work where color accuracy and fluidity matter. Battery life is solid at 18-19 hours, slightly better than the Air in some tests.
Connectivity is a big plus. You get three Thunderbolt 4/5 ports (depending on the chip), HDMI, an SD card slot, MagSafe, and a headphone jack that supports high-impedance headphones. It can handle three external displays, making it a dream for multi-monitor setups.
Price and Use Case
The catch? The MacBook Pro M4 starts at $1,599 for the 14-inch model, and the 16-inch with an M4 Max can easily top $2,499 with upgrades. It's a premium machine, and unless you're doing heavy-duty tasks, the Air will probably do just fine. T3 notes that the Pro's extra power is overkill for most users, but it's a lifesaver for professionals.
Specifications Table
| Feature | 14-inch MacBook Pro M4 | 16-inch MacBook Pro M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $1,599+ | $2,499+ |
| Processor | M4, M4 Pro, or M4 Max | M4 Pro or M4 Max |
| Memory | 16GB (up to 64GB M4 Pro, 128GB M4 Max) | 16GB (up to 64GB M4 Pro, 128GB M4 Max) |
| Storage | 256GB-8TB | 512GB-8TB |
| Display | 14.2-inch Mini LED, 3024Ă—1964, 120Hz, 1000 nits | 16.2-inch Mini LED, 3456Ă—2234, 120Hz, 1000 nits |
| Webcam | 12MP Center Stage with Desk View | 12MP Center Stage with Desk View |
| Ports | 3 USB-C (Thunderbolt 4/5), HDMI, SD card, MagSafe, headphone jack | 3 USB-C (Thunderbolt 5), HDMI, SD card, MagSafe, headphone jack |
| Battery Life | 18-19 hours | 18-19 hours |
| Weight | 3.4 lbs | 4.7 lbs |
Choosing Between Air and Pro
So, which MacBook is right for you? It really comes down to what you need. The MacBook Air M4 is the sweet spot for most people—students, remote workers, or anyone who wants a fast, portable laptop for everyday tasks. It's affordable, lightweight, and versatile, with enough power for most workloads. The $999 starting price and 16GB RAM make it a no-brainer for budget-conscious buyers.
The MacBook Pro M4, on the other hand, is for power users. If you're editing 4K videos, rendering 3D models, or running complex software, its extra horsepower and advanced display are worth the splurge. But for casual users, it's probably more than you need.
Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Aspect | MacBook Air M4 | MacBook Pro M4 |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Everyday users, students, light creatives | Professionals, heavy creatives |
| Performance | Great for daily tasks, light editing | Ideal for demanding tasks like 3D rendering |
| Design | Slimmer, lighter (2.7-3.3 lbs) | Thicker, heavier (3.4-4.7 lbs) |
| Display | Liquid Retina, 500 nits | Mini LED, 120Hz, 1000 nits |
| Battery Life | 15-18 hours | 18-19 hours |
| Ports | 2 Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe | 3 Thunderbolt 4/5, HDMI, SD card |
| Price | $999-$1,199 | $1,599-$2,499+ |
Things to Keep in Mind
No laptop is perfect, and the MacBook Air M4 has a couple of quirks. The base 256GB storage can fill up quickly if you're storing large files, so you might want to budget for an upgrade. The battery life, while excellent, is a tad shorter than the M2 model, which some users have noticed. PCMag also points out that competitors like the Acer Swift might edge it out in raw performance for specific tasks, but the Air's overall experience is tough to beat.
The MacBook Pro M4's main drawback is its price. It's a premium investment, and unless you're using its full potential, you might not get your money's worth. Both models, though, are built with sustainability in mind, using recycled materials and eco-friendly packaging, which is a nice bonus if you care about the planet.
Wrapping It Up
The MacBook Air M4 is a phenomenal laptop that checks all the boxes for most people. It's fast, lightweight, and has a battery that'll keep up with your busiest days. The gorgeous display, upgraded webcam, and support for two external monitors make it a versatile choice for work, school, or play. At $999 with 16GB RAM, it's one of the best values Apple has ever offered.
If you need more power, the MacBook Pro M4 is a beast that won't disappoint, but its price tag makes it a niche pick for professionals. For most of us, the MacBook Air M4 is the way to go. I'd recommend starting with the 13-inch model for its portability, but if you want a bigger screen, the 15-inch is just as awesome.
Hope this helps you pick your next laptop! If you've got questions or want to dive deeper, just let me know.