MacBook Air M2 vs MacBook Air M3
Inside the Apple catalog, the MacBook Air M2 and the MacBook Air M3 sit in different lines, which usually means different trade-offs. Think of these two as neighbors: the overlap is large and the gaps are few.
At a glance
- Display Tie
- Performance Tie
- Memory & Storage Tie
- Battery Life & Charging Tie
- Ports & Connectivity Tie
- Price MacBook Air M3 wins
- Display5.8
- Performance4.0
- Memory & Storage1.3
- Battery Life & Charging2.6
- Display5.8
- Performance4.0
- Memory & Storage1.3
- Battery Life & Charging2.6
Spec scores (0 to 10) are calculated from manufacturer specs against other models in the same class. See how the formula works. They are not reviews or user ratings.
Design & Size
- MacBook Air M2 11.97 in × 8.46 in × 0.44 in
- MacBook Air M3 11.97 in × 8.46 in × 0.44 in
The footprint is practically the same, so size is not a reason to pick one over the other. The MacBook Air M2 and the MacBook Air M3 are within a few percent of each other on weight.
Design & Build
| Spec | MacBook Air M2 | MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 11.97 in | 11.97 in |
| Depth | 8.46 in | 8.46 in |
| Thickness | 0.44 in | 0.44 in |
| Weight | 2.73 lb | 2.73 lb |
Display
Too close to call
If display matters most to you, this section won’t make the decision for you: they’re level. The takeaway: display is not where these two differ.
Performance
Too close to call
The differences on performance are small enough to ignore in daily use. Treat performance as common ground and look elsewhere for the deciding factor.
Memory & Storage
Too close to call
In the memory & storage category, the MacBook Air M2 and the MacBook Air M3 land in almost the same place. Both cover memory & storage well enough that other priorities should break the tie.
Battery Life & Charging
Too close to call
The battery life & charging section is even. Any gaps here are within the range you’d never notice. The battery life & charging verdict: no winner, and no reason to worry either way.
Ports & Connectivity
Too close to call
Neither pulls ahead on ports & connectivity; the numbers are close throughout. For ports & connectivity, pick whichever you prefer for other reasons.
Full Specifications
Display
| Spec | MacBook Air M2 | MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Screen size | 13.6 in | 13.6 in |
| Panel type | Liquid Retina IPS LCD | Liquid Retina IPS LCD |
| Resolution | 2560 x 1664 | 2560 x 1664 |
| Pixel density | 224 ppi | 224 ppi |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz | 60 Hz |
| Peak brightness (SDR) | 500 nits | 500 nits |
Performance
| Spec | MacBook Air M2 | MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Processor | Apple M2 | Apple M3 |
| CPU cores | 8 | 8 |
| Graphics | Apple M2 GPU (8-core) | Apple M3 GPU (8-core) |
| GPU cores | 8 | 8 |
| Cooling | Fanless (passive) | Fanless (passive) |
Memory & Storage
| Spec | MacBook Air M2 | MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Base memory | 8 GB | 8 GB |
| Max memory | 24 GB | 24 GB |
| Base storage | 256 GB | 256 GB |
| Max storage | 2 TB | 2 TB |
Battery Life & Charging
| Spec | MacBook Air M2 | MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 52.6 Wh | 52.6 Wh |
| Rated battery lifeManufacturer rating | 18 h | 18 h |
| Included charger | 30 W | 30 W |
Ports & Connectivity
| Spec | MacBook Air M2 | MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| USB-C / Thunderbolt ports | 2 | 2 |
| Other ports | MagSafe 3, 3.5 mm headphone jack | MagSafe 3, 3.5 mm headphone jack |
| Webcam | 1080p FaceTime HD | 1080p FaceTime HD |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) |
| Operating system | macOS Monterey | macOS Sonoma |
Design & Build
| Spec | MacBook Air M2 | MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 11.97 in | 11.97 in |
| Depth | 8.46 in | 8.46 in |
| Thickness | 0.44 in | 0.44 in |
| Weight | 2.73 lb | 2.73 lb |
Price
| Spec | MacBook Air M2 | MacBook Air M3 |
|---|---|---|
| Launch price | $1,199 Priciest in class | $1,099 (winner) |
“N/A” means the manufacturer does not specify the value or we could not confirm it. Figures marked “manufacturer rating” are the maker’s own claims, not our measurements.
Price & Value
The launch prices are close, with the MacBook Air M3 just $100 below the MacBook Air M2. The spec sheets don’t crown a clear winner, so the $100 gap may do it instead.
Prices shown are US launch prices as of March 2024. Retail prices change often, so it’s worth checking current offers.
Which One Should You Buy?
Choose the MacBook Air M2 if…
- you rarely use the areas where the newer model improves
Choose the MacBook Air M3 if…
- you’re working to a firm budget and $100 matters
- you plan to keep it for a long time and want to start from the newer generation
Also Compared
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for most people, the MacBook Air M2 or the MacBook Air M3?
The MacBook Air M2 and the MacBook Air M3 split the comparison (the things a spec sheet can’t capture for the MacBook Air M2, price for the MacBook Air M3), so pick the strength you’ll use.
Is the MacBook Air M3 worth it over the MacBook Air M2?
Only if the changes matter to you. Compared with the MacBook Air M2, the MacBook Air M3 offers a handful of small refinements, which is useful but not essential for everyone.
Which has better battery life, the MacBook Air M2 or the MacBook Air M3?
Neither has a meaningful advantage. The MacBook Air M2 and the MacBook Air M3 are rated close enough that your usage will matter more than the spec sheet.
Which is larger, the MacBook Air M2 or the MacBook Air M3?
The MacBook Air M2 and the MacBook Air M3 are so close in size that you’d struggle to tell them apart on dimensions alone.
Is the MacBook Air M2 cheaper than the MacBook Air M3?
At launch, the MacBook Air M3 undercut the MacBook Air M2 by $100. These figures are as of March 2024, and street prices can change.
Which weighs less, the MacBook Air M2 or the MacBook Air M3?
Weight won’t decide this one; the MacBook Air M2 and the MacBook Air M3 are very close.
Executive Summary
I get why people hesitate between the MacBook Air M2 and the MacBook Air M3. On the surface, they look like two versions of the same idea.
Choose by what you’d use most: the things a spec sheet can’t capture leads to the MacBook Air M2, price leads to the MacBook Air M3.
My pick: both are fair choices, with the MacBook Air M2 leaning toward the things a spec sheet can’t capture and the MacBook Air M3 toward price.
Personal opinion based on the data above. Your priorities may differ.