Overview
- MacMegasite now recommends the 14‑inch MacBook Pro with M5, introduced in October 2025, as the top pick for most users thanks to its upgraded GPU with stronger AI capability and overall value.
- Pricing sets a clear tier: the 14‑inch M5 model starts at $1,599, which is typically $200–$400 more than comparably equipped M4 MacBook Air configurations with 512GB storage.
- Pro models deliver a mini‑LED Liquid Retina XDR display with 1,000‑nit sustained brightness and ProMotion up to 120Hz, whereas the Air uses a 500‑nit 60Hz Liquid Retina panel; a nano‑texture glass option exists only on Pro.
- Battery and thermals favor the Pro, with Apple rating the 14‑inch M5 at up to 24 hours of video streaming versus 18 hours on the Air, and active cooling helps the Pro sustain performance under heavy workloads.
- Ports and headroom differ markedly: the M5 Pro adds HDMI, SDXC and a third Thunderbolt port plus up to 4TB SSD, while M4 Pro/Max variants serve demanding pros with Thunderbolt 5, higher GPU core counts and up to 128GB unified memory; the Air remains the lighter, lower‑cost choice and is expected to move to M5 in spring 2026.