The MacBook Air M4 is the better buy for anyone purchasing new, thanks to its lower $999 starting price, doubled base RAM (16 GB vs 8 GB), faster 10-core CPU, and improved 12MP webcam. But the MacBook Air M3 is now available refurbished from $699, often $300 or more below the new M4 price, making it one of the best refurbished laptop values in 2026. The right answer depends on whether you are buying new or refurbished, and how much Apple Intelligence matters to your workflow.
Quick Comparison: MacBook Air M3 vs M4
Here are the key differences at a glance.
| Feature | MacBook Air M3 (2024) | MacBook Air M4 (2025) |
|---|---|---|
| Chip | M3 (8-core CPU, 10-core GPU) | M4 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) |
| Process node | 3nm | Enhanced 3nm (2nd gen) |
| Base RAM | 8 GB | 16 GB |
| Max RAM | 24 GB | 32 GB |
| Memory bandwidth | 100 GB/s | 120 GB/s |
| Neural Engine | 18 TOPS | 38 TOPS |
| Camera | 1080p FaceTime HD | 12MP Center Stage |
| External displays | 2 (lid closed only) | 2 (lid open or closed) |
| Thunderbolt | Thunderbolt 3 | Thunderbolt 4 |
| Launch price | $1,099 (13") | $999 (13") |
| Refurbished from | $699 (8 GB/256 GB) | $1,019 (Apple Certified) |
Sources: MacBook Air (13-inch, M3, 2024) Tech Specs, MacBook Air (13-inch, M4, 2025) Tech Specs.
Performance: How Much Faster Is the M4?
The M4 chip delivers a meaningful step up over the M3. In Geekbench 6 benchmarks, the M4 Air scores approximately 3,692 in single-core tests compared to 3,043 for the M3, a gain of roughly 20 to 25 percent. Multi-core scores tell a similar story: around 14,819 for the M4 versus 11,687 for the M3, a 25 to 30 percent improvement.
In everyday tasks, that gap is rarely felt. Both chips handle web browsing, office work, photo editing, and video streaming without hesitation. The difference becomes noticeable in longer video exports, running machine learning models locally, and sustained workloads that push the chip for minutes at a time.
One caveat applies to both models: neither has a fan. Under sustained heavy load, thermal throttling narrows the performance gap between the two chips. For short bursts of demanding work, the M4 is clearly faster. For prolonged rendering sessions, the gap shrinks considerably. The M4 also ships with 120 GB/s memory bandwidth versus 100 GB/s on the M3, a 20 percent improvement that benefits GPU-heavy tasks and large data operations.
| Geekbench 6 | MacBook Air M3 | MacBook Air M4 | M4 gain |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-core | ~3,043 | ~3,692 | +21% |
| Multi-core | ~11,687 | ~14,819 | +27% |
Apple Intelligence: The RAM Factor
This is the section no competitor covers, and it matters more than any benchmark number.
Both the MacBook Air M3 and M4 technically support Apple Intelligence, Apple's on-device AI system introduced with macOS Sequoia and expanded in macOS Tahoe. But the base configurations tell very different stories.
The base M3 Air ships with 8 GB of unified memory. The base M4 Air ships with 16 GB. Apple Intelligence features run their models directly in RAM alongside your open apps. On an 8 GB Mac running macOS Tahoe, users report memory pressure warnings appearing during normal multitasking sessions once AI features are active. The experience degrades in ways that are noticeable: slower Writing Tools responses, lag when switching apps, and more frequent page-outs to storage.
The M4's Neural Engine also runs Apple Intelligence tasks far faster. The M3's Neural Engine delivers 18 TOPS (trillion operations per second). The M4's Neural Engine delivers 38 TOPS, more than double the M3, which translates to quicker Writing Tools responses, faster image generation in Image Playground, and snappier Siri interactions.
The stakes rose at WWDC in June 2026. macOS 27 Golden Gate, arriving in September, reserves the full new Siri AI experience for Macs with an M3 or later chip and at least 12 GB of RAM. That puts the 16 GB M3 and every M4 configuration inside the cutoff, while 8 GB machines stay on standard Apple Intelligence.
If Apple Intelligence is central to why you want a new Mac, the M4's 16 GB base configuration is the minimum you should consider. If you are buying a refurbished M3 and plan to use AI features, prioritize the 16 GB configuration. Refurbished M3 at 16 GB starts at $839, roughly $140 more than the 8 GB base but a significant quality-of-life improvement for AI workloads.
Design, Display, and Build Quality
Here is where the two laptops converge almost completely. The M3 and M4 MacBook Air share an identical chassis. Both weigh 2.7 pounds (13-inch) and 3.3 pounds (15-inch), with the same dimensions and the same aluminum construction. You cannot tell them apart by looking or holding them.
The display is also the same: a Liquid Retina panel at 13.6 inches or 15.3 inches, 60Hz, 500 nits peak brightness, P3 wide color, True Tone. Neither model offers ProMotion or a higher refresh rate. For buyers weighing the Air against the Pro lines, the display difference is covered in the MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Pro M4 comparison.
Three practical differences stand out between the M3 and M4.
First, the camera. The M3 Air has a 1080p FaceTime HD webcam. The M4 Air upgrades to a 12MP camera with Center Stage, which automatically keeps you framed as you move around during calls. For anyone on frequent video calls for work, this is a genuine daily improvement.
Second, Thunderbolt. The M3 Air has Thunderbolt 3 ports. The M4 Air has Thunderbolt 4. In practice, both support 40Gb/s transfer speeds, but Thunderbolt 4 offers better compatibility with newer docks, external storage, and peripherals.
Third, external display support. The M3 Air can drive two external monitors, but only when the laptop lid is closed. The M4 Air drives two external monitors with the lid open or closed, a meaningful difference for anyone running a two-monitor desktop setup.
Refurbished Pricing: Where the M3 Shines
This is the angle no other comparison site covers, and it is the most important consideration for a significant portion of buyers in 2026.
Apple's M5 MacBook Air launched in March 2026, pushing both the M3 and M4 models deeper into the refurbished market. The supply of lightly used M3 Airs has grown as owners upgrade to M4 and M5 models.
Here is what you can find today on RefurbMe, based on live pricing:
| Configuration | Refurbished Price | Condition | Seller |
|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air 13" M3, 8 GB/256 GB | from $699 | Good | Amazon Renewed |
| MacBook Air 13" M3, 8 GB/512 GB | from $783 | Good | Back Market |
| MacBook Air 13" M3, 16 GB/256 GB | from $839 | Good | Back Market |
| MacBook Air 15" M3, 16 GB/256 GB | from $777 | Good | Back Market |
| MacBook Air 13" M3, 16 GB/512 GB | from $859 | Good | Back Market |
| MacBook Air M4, 16 GB/512 GB (Apple Certified) | from $1,019 | Certified | Apple Store |
The cheapest refurbished M3 is $300 below the new M4 starting price. The 16 GB M3 at $839 sits $160 below the entry Apple Certified M4 refurbished price of $1,019. For buyers who do not need the M4's webcam, Thunderbolt 4, or dual-monitor-with-lid-open support, that gap represents real savings.
The standout value here is the refurbished 16 GB M3 at $839. You get full Apple Silicon performance, enough RAM for comfortable Apple Intelligence use, and a saving of roughly $160 compared to the cheapest certified refurbished M4. Compare all current refurbished MacBook Air prices on RefurbMe to see the full picture across sellers.
Future-Proofing: How Long Will Each Last?
Based on Apple's historical support patterns, the M3 Air (released in 2024) should receive major macOS updates through approximately 2031 to 2032. The M4 Air (released in 2025) extends that window by roughly one year, to approximately 2032 to 2033. Both are confirmed for macOS 27, which drops every Intel Mac but supports all Apple silicon models.
The more consequential future-proofing question is RAM. Software requirements grow over time. The 16 GB base on the M4 gives it a meaningful advantage in the second half of its support lifecycle. An 8 GB M3 Air bought today may feel adequate in 2026 but constrained by 2029 as browsers, AI tools, and operating system footprints expand. For a detailed look at how long these machines last in practice, see the guide on how long MacBooks last.
The M4's Neural Engine advantage also matters for AI-driven software that has not yet shipped. Apple and third-party developers are building features that leverage the Neural Engine directly. A 38 TOPS engine handles those tasks more gracefully than an 18 TOPS engine, extending the M4's capable lifespan in that area.
Who Should Buy the MacBook Air M3?
The refurbished M3 is the right choice for a specific buyer profile, and that profile is larger than most reviews acknowledge.
Budget-conscious buyers. If spending $999 on a new laptop is uncomfortable, a refurbished M3 Air starting at $699 delivers the vast majority of the M4's capability at a meaningful discount.
Everyday task users. Browsing, email, documents, video calls, streaming: the M3 handles all of it without hesitation. The 20 to 25 percent CPU gap is irrelevant for these workloads.
Students. The MacBook Air is one of the best laptops for college, and the refurbished M3 is the most affordable path into Apple Silicon for students who want reliability without the new-device price.
Users buying the 16 GB configuration refurbished. A refurbished M3 with 16 GB of RAM sidesteps the main Apple Intelligence concern and lands at a price point where the upgrade math clearly favors the M3 over a new M4.
Who Should Buy the MacBook Air M4?
New buyers prioritizing current value. At $999, the M4 Air is cheaper than the M3 was at launch while doubling the base RAM. If you are buying new, the M4 is the obvious choice.
Apple Intelligence power users. If Writing Tools, Image Playground, and the new Siri AI arriving with macOS 27 are central to your workflow, the M4's 16 GB base and 38 TOPS Neural Engine give you the headroom to run them without memory pressure, and every M4 configuration qualifies for the full Siri AI tier.
Remote workers on frequent video calls. The 12MP Center Stage camera is a genuine upgrade over the M3's 1080p webcam. If you spend significant time on Zoom, Teams, or FaceTime, the improvement is immediately noticeable.
Dual-monitor desktop users. The M4's ability to drive two external displays with the lid open is a practical advantage for anyone running a two-monitor setup. The M3 requires the lid to be closed for the same configuration.
Long-term ownership plans. If you intend to keep this laptop for five or more years, the M4's 16 GB base RAM, Thunderbolt 4, and extended software support lifecycle make it the stronger long-term investment.
The Bottom Line
The straightforward answer is this: if you are buying new, get the M4. Apple made it cheaper, more capable, and better configured for the AI era than the M3 was at launch. There is no reason to buy a new M3 Air today.
If you are open to refurbished, the M3 Air at 16 GB ($839) is one of the best laptop values available right now. You give up the 12MP camera, Thunderbolt 4, and the dual-monitor-with-lid-open feature. You keep fast Apple Silicon performance, 16 GB of RAM for comfortable AI use, and macOS support through the early 2030s, at a price that is $160 less than the cheapest certified refurbished M4.
The M5 Air's existence is good news for M3 buyers. Two generations of owners are trading in M3 units, creating a larger pool of quality refurbished stock at competitive prices.
For guidance on where to buy with the best warranty and return policies, see the best places to buy a refurbished MacBook and the refurbisher comparison tool. If you are still deciding between the Air and Pro lines, the MacBook Air M4 vs MacBook Pro M4 comparison covers that question in depth.
FAQ
Last updated: Jun 11, 2026 · First published: May 27, 2026