HEAD-TO-HEAD COMPARISON
Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/256GB) vs Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/512GB)
We compare the Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/256GB) and Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/512GB) head-to-head on performance, features, value, and more. Here's which one wins.
Best Overall
Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/256GB)
Best MacBook for most people — faster than any Windows ultrabook at this price
Overall:9.5/10
Check price on Amazon Best for Most Buyers
Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/512GB)
Same M4 Air with 512GB — the sweet spot for users who keep projects on device
Overall:9.5/10
Check price on Amazon Score Breakdown
| Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/256GB) | Category | Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/512GB) |
|---|---|---|
| 9.3/10 | Performance | 9.3/10 |
| 9/10 | Features | 9/10 |
| 9.8/10 | Ease of Use | 9.8/10 |
| 9.5/10 ✓ | Value | 9.3/10 |
| 9.5/10 | Overall | 9.5/10 |
Specs Comparison
| Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/256GB) | Spec | Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/512GB) |
|---|---|---|
| Apple M4 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) | Chip | Apple M4 (10-core CPU, 10-core GPU) |
| 16GB unified memory | Memory | 16GB unified memory |
| 256GB SSD | Storage | 512GB SSD |
| 13.6" Liquid Retina, 500 nits | Display | 13.6" Liquid Retina, 500 nits |
| Up to 18 hours | Battery | Up to 18 hours |
Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/256GB)
Pros
- + M4 chip outperforms all Windows ultrabooks at this price
- + 16GB base memory — finally adequate for modern use
- + 18-hour real-world battery life
- + Silent fanless design
Cons
- − 256GB storage is tight for heavy users — upgrade to 512GB
- − No ProMotion 120Hz display
- − Throttles under sustained extended workloads
Apple MacBook Air 13" M4 (16GB/512GB)
Pros
- + 512GB removes the storage anxiety of the base model
- + Same blazing M4 chip and 18-hour battery
- + Still exceptional value vs Windows competition
- + 4 color options
Cons
- − No 120Hz display
- − Still fanless — not for sustained extreme workloads
Read the full Best MacBooks 2026 guide for complete reviews of all 10 products.