We understand that choosing the perfect MacBook for your needs can be overwhelming. Between all the technical specs, size, color, power, and speed, these factors can leave your head spinning (much like that cursed Mac rainbow wheel). Unsurprisingly, one of our most frequently asked questions is which laptop is better: the MacBook Pro or the MacBook Air.
The MacBook Pro: Creating Content
If you’re planning on using your MacBook for creative endeavors such as photography, videography, graphic design, or a combination of all three, the MacBook Pro should be in your bag.
The MacBook Pro features a wider color gamut, which essentially means it provides a wider range of colors. It offers the best display which is important for photographers and filmmakers alike. If color science is important to your work, then the MacBook Pro has the screen specs that you are looking for.
As far as design goes the MacBook Pro is a little larger than the MacBook Air and it doesn’t feature a tapered wedge, but instead has a flatter, more squared, classic design. But it’s still very portable at only about 3 lbs, it's just not quite as slim as the MacBook Air.
The MacBook Air: An Everyday Mac
You may not be looking for a powerhouse Mac for creating and editing large creative projects. Most people want something a little more tailored for everyday tasks such as sending emails, browsing the web, writing documents, and streaming your newest Netflix obsession. If this sounds like you, the MacBook Air is the device for you.
Weighing under 3lbs, the MacBook Air is a small, beautiful laptop that is ideal for lugging to class, work, or your favorite coffee shop but just because it’s portable doesn’t mean it isn’t capable. Coming in several stunning colors and sporting a sleek wedge design, the MacBook Air packs both performance and beauty into one incredible machine. Even though it doesn’t have quite the power of the Pro, the MacBook Air can handle itself.
The 2018 MacBook Pro vs. 2018 MacBook Air: The Breakdown
Although the MacBook Pro is the more powerful laptop, you’ll find that the MacBook Air isn’t too far behind. They feature the same RAM and storage plus the same size display.
|
Category |
MacBook Pro (2018) |
MacBook Air (2018) |
|
Model Number |
MR9Q2LL/A |
MRE92LL/A |
|
Processor |
2.3GHz Intel Core i5 |
1.6GHz Intel Core i5 |
|
Display |
13.3" Widescreen 2560x1600 "Retina" |
13.3" LED-backlit 2560x1600 "Retina" |
|
Memory |
256GB Solid State Drive (SSD) |
256GB Solid State Drive (SSD) |
|
Size |
0.59 x 11.97 x 8.36 |
0.16-0.61 x 11.97 x 8.36 |
|
Weight |
3.02 lbs |
2.75 lbs |
|
RAM |
8GB RAM Memory |
8GB RAM Memory |
|
Graphics |
Intel Iris Plus Graphics 655 |
Intel UHD Graphics 617 |
|
Ports |
Four Thunderbolt 3 ports (USB-C connector) and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. |
Two Thunderbolt 3 ports (USB-C connector) and a 3.5 mm headphone jack. |
|
Camera |
720p FaceTime HD webcam |
720p FaceTime HD webcam |
|
Connectivity |
WiFi, Bluetooth |
WiFi, Bluetooth |
|
Features |
Backlit 3rd Generation butterfly keyboard, Touch Bar, Touch ID Log in, Force Touch trackpad |
Backlit 3rd Generation butterfly keyboard, Touch Bar, Touch ID Log in, Force Touch trackpad |
But Which One Should I Buy?
Both the MacBook Pro and the MacBook Air offer tons of incredible features, so it comes down to how you plan to use it.
If you need a laptop for extensive content creation like video editing, graphic design, and photo editing then the powerful MacBook Pro is the choice for you. Generally, the MacBook Pro has a higher price tag but it’s an all-around better laptop.
However, if you’re not looking to create tons of content consider the MacBook Air. For everyday use like browsing the web and writing documents, the MacBook Air is the smarter option. Plus, it’s lightweight and easy to carry to your next class, meeting, or adventure.
Conclusion: we love them both, but it just depends on what best fits your needs.
Do you still have more questions? Contact us and we’d be more than happy to help!