MBA 13 vs 15

[outlawarth]

I am having a really hard time on deciding between the 13 or the 15 MBA. I would love to hear from people how they have come to choose then screen size that they did. I should mention my ageing eyes are leaning towards the 15 and I will be using the laptop mostly for office work that can get a little hectic at times, multiple windows, etc.

Maybe someone has used both - any pros and cons?

I know, first world problem, but I just can't seem to make up my mind.

Thank you.

 

[ShadowJamie]

I am having a really hard time on deciding between the 13 or the 15 MBA. I would love to hear from people how they have come to choose then screen size that they did. I should mention my ageing eyes are leaning towards the 15 and I will be using the laptop mostly for office work that can get a little hectic at times, multiple windows, etc.

Maybe someone has used both - any pros and cons?

I know, first world problem, but I just can't seem to make up my mind.

Thank you.

Ultimately, it depends on how much you'll use the MacBook's screen itself. If you plan to use the MacBook's display as your main screen, definitely go for the 15-inch model. However, if you'll be primarily using an external monitor, the 13-inch model is better for its smaller form factor.

 

[russell_314]

Go to the Apple Store and look at them. That is the best advice I can give you because there’s nothing that can substitute for personal hands on experience.

If that is not possible and you’re using it on a desk, go with the 15” because you mentioned multitasking and that larger screen will help you. I bought the 13” for two reasons. The first was the 15” wasn’t out yet and the second I like the smaller form factor. I use it as an actual laptop rather than on a desk.

One reason you might want to choose the smaller one is if you’re flying a lot. If you’re constantly in an economy class seat then it will be easier to deal with. If you’re in business class it probably wouldn’t matter.

 

[Flav]

I have both. I initially bought the 13" and the 15" was not out yet. I use the pixel doubled resolution for better image quality and bigger UI. That makes the screen on the 13" too small, so I bought the 15" as it was released. I couldn't be happier now, I set the resolution to 1440 x 932 and the image quality is brilliant, the scaling is just right and the fonts are sharp. I also have aging eyes so I am really happy with the 15".

13" may also be an option in case you travel a lot and appreciate the small footprint. Like others said, if possible pass by an Apple Store to check them out in person.

 

[Technerd108]

I think it depends on what you do.

Get the 13" first and test it for two weeks and return it then get the 15" and then after 2 weeks return it.

Which one do you miss most and why? Then buy what you like best.

By owning them for at least 10 days you will get a much better idea of weight and portability, screen size, etc.

That being said I have the 13" and like others got mine before the 15" was available. I don't regret having the 13".

One thing I have to say which really surprised me. I came from a 16" M1 MBP and I really thought I might have a problem with a smaller screen but that didn't happen. Maybe it is MacOS but for some reason the 13" screen has never bothered me.

I have two Windows laptops and I certainly prefer the 16" over the 14".

I am actually going to be selling my 14" because I don't use it. I won't go into my long story but this little M2 MBA has been one of the best laptops I have ever owned despite complaints from others about specs. Apple may downgrade some specs from the pros but unless side by side you won't notice a difference.

Also, once you get into mid range 15" specs on M3MBA you start creeping close to M3 MBP or M4 (coming out soon) price depending on 3rd party discounts and Apple discounts so I would also suggest you consider the 14" pro as it is pretty close to 15" and has a better screen and speakers(and m4).

Just try them out either in the store or buy them for a test period. Really the only way to know.

 

[1BadManVan]

I got a 13" m2 air and love the size and portability. But it's also not my main machine so the smaller screen size was a selling point for me being able to use it anywhere and comfortably. I have a full size desktop machine for longer sit down sessions with multiple windows open.

 

[snakes-]

Watched the 15 in the apple store, but for me this ultra big trackpad is a no go. Typing for me it's more comfortable to have the keyboard in range.
The last weeks i traveled a lot of time and was happy to have the 13 inch. But i would wait for the M4 Macbook Air.

 

[JSRinUK]

As I age, I find my eyes suffering too.

However, my rule of thumb is to go with a more portable (smaller) device and use it with a larger screen when I’m at a desk. Best of both worlds.

I do that with my current Surface Pro 6 and will do the same when I get my MacBook (currently looking favourably at the new MacBook Pro 14”).

 

[outlawarth]

Watched the 15 in the apple store, but for me this ultra big trackpad is a no go. Typing for me it's more comfortable to have the keyboard in range.
The last weeks i traveled a lot of time and was happy to have the 13 inch. But i would wait for the M4 Macbook Air.

This is a good point about having the keyboard in range. I immediately noticed it when I tried it at the store.

 

[krspkbl]

I have the 15" model.

The bigger the screen the better. If they sold a 17" Air i'd have got that. 15" is fine but I'm used to a 27" display which I sometimes connect my Air to.

If price isn't an issue then get the 15". The only reason to go with 13" is if you want to spend the least amount of money and don't mind the size. Sounds like 15" is better for you.

 

[DeepSix]

13" is far better. If you need a larger screen I just hook it up to my external monitor. Then I can have two monitors at the same time. Plus 15" makes no sense, 16" is far better size. 2.8lbs is far better than 3.5lbs. The difference is very noticeable.

 

[helloapple1]

15" because it's only 0.5lbs heavier than the 13". Only go with 13" if you travel a lot and/or you hook up to an external monitor mostly.

Good vid to watch -- 13" vs 15" M2 MacBook Air - ULTIMATE Comparison!

 

[kschendel]

I chose the 15" because my eyes are old, I can use the extra screen space, and the laptop spends most of its time on my desk. I don't have space for an extra larger monitor in my current desk setup and the 15" is large enough to get on with. The extra size and weight isn't an issue for me because I typically travel with it maybe 10x/year at most.

If I traveled with it more, or had room for an external monitor (and keyboard, and mouse) at my desk, I might choose the 13" instead.

 

[Buadhai]

I have both. I've never liked laptops, but found that as I aged it got harder and harder to spend much time at a desk. So, I bought a 13" M1 on sale to see if I could adjust to sitting on the floor with a laptop. Turns out I could and liked it very much. (No more back pain.) But, the 13" screen was a bit too small for someone used to an iMac. So, I sprang for a 15" M2 and like it even more. The 13" M1 now lives at my condo which I visit only a few days a month. I use it mainly for terminal sessions, email and a bit of web browsing. Nothing requiring a larger screen.

 

[Yaboze]

I struggled with this as well. Once I saw both in person, the 15" looked huge.

I have a Windows 11 gaming PC, large monitor, etc., so I opted for the 13" for portability. If the Air will be your only computer, then go with the 15". Due to the thin bezels and such, I find the 13" screen "large" for a small laptop. The 15" screen is only like 1.7" bigger.

 

[DeepSix]

Apple is better off releasing a 13" a 16" and a 42" Air.

 

[CalMin]

There is no right answer. Each has its pros and cons and they are deeply personal.

I use this machine primarily undocked. I found the 13 a little too cramped for side my side multitasking which I do a lot. It’s not impossible, but my eyes are getting older and the 15 just works better for me. It’s also used mostly at home because I have a 14” Pro for work that I travel with, so I don’t care that the 15 is less portable.

This doesnt make it the right for you.

The larger trackpad is actually a dream in use. As is the keyboard which just isn’t too far away at all. It’s comfortable with larger palm rest. I have average sized hand though.

 

[SnowCrocodile]

Portability vs screen estate.

Personally, I went for portability. That 13.6” screen is still large enough for most things.

 

[helloapple1]

To me I realized the decision is as simple as this:

- Not using an external monitor and it's your only screen, and travel less frequently? Go with the 15"
- Using an external monitor attached at home and frequently travel? Go with 13"

I went with the 15" because I don't hook up to an external monitor and I'm not travelling that often. If you travel often the 15" is still good as it's only 0.5lbs more than the 13", but the 13" will always be optimal for travel.

 

[Jacoblee23]

I have both. I go back and forth over which one I like the best. Honestly glad I own both so I don't have to choose.

 

[ctjack]

I have 2 displays and might go days without connecting to them - only connect to get the real work done at my day job.

For personal projects, highly value the portability of 13 inch - even sitting on a couch with 15 on your lap is no fun. 15 air feels a little bit flimsy when picking up. 13 inch is where its at with Air laptops. 13 inch is super stealthy to get it out of my backpack whenever and wherever.

 

[Technerd108]

I have 2 displays and might go days without connecting to them - only connect to get the real work done at my day job.

For personal projects, highly value the portability of 13 inch - even sitting on a couch with 15 on your lap is no fun. 15 air feels a little bit flimsy when picking up. 13 inch is where its at with Air laptops. 13 inch is super stealthy to get it out of my backpack whenever and wherever.

I tend to agree with you. I like that Apple gives people a choice and option to have a larger screen air.

However, what makes the 13" air so special are two things. The first is the size and weight. The second is no fans.

On top of that in my personal opinion the 13" screen feels bigger than it is in use? I don't know why but even using a 14" Windows laptop the 13" air screen still feels at least the same unless they are side by side.

I also feel the build quality of the 13" air is just about perfect. Solid and strong yet light enough. No matter where you grab the laptop there is little to no flex. The gauge of Aluminum is thick enough to be solid yet light enough not to feel like a brick.

I have not used the 15" but I have a 16" Samsung laptop that weighs about the same as the 15" MBA and for the size it is super light but still after a while feels heavy while the 13" MBA never feels heavy. In fact I could spend hours with my 13" MBA and barely even feel it is there. Combine that with no fans and you have just about the perfect laptop. I have had no other laptop that is as portable and fun to use and has incredible battery life.

Now that Apple has released the M2 MBA for less and added 16gb ram as base makes this the best value in laptops out there in my opinion. M2 is still very capable 2 years later.

 

[ctjack]

In fact I could spend hours with my 13" MBA and barely even feel it is there. Combine that with no fans and you have just about the perfect laptop. I have had no other laptop that is as portable and fun to use and has incredible battery life.

I have M1 Air 13 and M1 Pro MBP 14. The latter was purchased in hopes to be better at everything.

But i still use my Air 99% of the time just because 1) no fan - can work on bed/couch 2) super portable even inside the house 3) perfect screen size.

PS. I run 2 separate jobs so need 2 laptops. Otherwise i would have been a single M(whatever) Air laptop user at this point. But i am glad that i tested out the MBP 14 line up to make up my own impressions. Don't get me wrong - it is superior in everything (display, sound and performance) but the portability (size, weight), battery life (longer than power hungry 14 at 15-16h vs 10-12h), no fan design (less cleaning) keeps me coming to Air 13.

I wish apple gave us back some slick MBA11 or 12 inch size to make it the best portable laptop - M chips suit the best. If one is too deep into the work, then even 16" would not help - 17.3 laptop was a good spot to not feel cramped at least for me. Since no display size is perfect for me under 17.3", i might as well just plug-in 2 additional screens when at home.

 

[pullman]

Excellent advice, if it's possible for the OP.

I think it depends on what you do.

Get the 13" first and test it for two weeks and return it then get the 15" and then after 2 weeks return it.

Which one do you miss most and why? Then buy what you like best.

By owning them for at least 10 days you will get a much better idea of weight and portability, screen size, etc.