M1 Max MacBook Pro vs M5 MacBook Air for music production (beginner)

[Khaleb]

Hi everyone,

I’d really appreciate your advice on choosing a MacBook for getting started with music production.

I’m currently hesitating between two options:

- A MacBook Pro 16-inch (2021, M1 Max) (used)
→ 64GB RAM / 2TB storage
→ Price: €2000

- A MacBook Air 15.7-inch (2026, M5) (brand new)
→ 32GB RAM / 1TB storage
→ Price: €2300

My goal is to start learning music production. I’m a complete beginner, so my workflow isn’t fully defined yet, but I’ll likely be using a DAW like Logic Pro with plugins and sample libraries.

Here are my main concerns:

- The MacBook Pro with M1 Max seems extremely powerful, maybe even overkill for my needs.
- Since it’s a 2021 model, I’m wondering how much longer it will be supported by Apple (macOS updates, compatibility, etc.).
- Being used, I’m also concerned about battery health and general wear.
- I’m not sure how easy it would be to resell later on.

On the other hand:

- The MacBook Air M5 is brand new, more future-proof, and should have longer software support.
- However, it has less RAM and storage, which might become limiting for music production over time.

My questions:

1. For a beginner in music production, would the M1 Max actually be useful, or just overkill?
2. Are 32GB of RAM enough for the long term?
3. Is the “new + longer support” factor of the Air worth the trade-off in specs?
4. Is there a real risk of regretting the Air choice in 2–3 years compared to the Pro?
5. What would you personally choose in my situation?

Thanks a lot in advance for your help!

 

[1BadManVan]

I don't do anything with music production but there are a number of videos out there of people testing the MacBook Air, there is one here where the guy tested it with multiple different music apps, including Logic Pro and he came away very impressed with the performance and this was just on the 16gb model of last years m4

Also another reviewer with an m4 air with 24gb of ram, also recommending it after multiple tests:

 

[Basic75]

1. For a beginner in music production, would the M1 Max actually be useful, or just overkill?

The M5 is faster than the M1 Max in single and multi core CPU performance.

The M1 Max has the higher memory bandwidth and a larger SLC.

2. Are 32GB of RAM enough for the long term?

Will you be doing professional level music production, or just for fun?

3. Is the “new + longer support” factor of the Air worth the trade-off in specs?

The Air is probably the better machine for you, and if it runs hot because no fans you can cool it from below.

4. Is there a real risk of regretting the Air choice in 2–3 years compared to the Pro?

Yes, if you do end up running out of RAM. Storage is not so problematic, it can be added externally.

5. What would you personally choose in my situation?

Probably the Air, but you should listen more to other people that actually do music production.

 

[ewu]

always latest chip and latest laptop, don't buy second hand

 

[chrono1081]

Air. Air's aren't some dumbed down computer despite what non-tech savvy YouTubers would have you believe, it's an extremely competent machine.

I had an M2 Air, top graphics card spec, 16 gigs ram and I ran the following on it constantly without any issues:

-Houdini (easily more intensive than any music/video editing app).
-Logic
-Final Cut (4k video)
-Motion
-Unity
-Xcode
-Affinity Suite
-Blender

And many many more.

The Air's are incredible machines and the M5's blow the M2 I had out of the water.