If an M1 and M4 MacBook Air have comparable memory, storage, condition and warranty, and the M4 costs only $150 more, the M4 is usually the better buy. But the M4 is no longer Apple’s newest Air: the M5 arrived in March 2026. Compare all three prices before you commit, and don’t treat a five-year-old used M1 as equivalent to a newer, warrantied computer.
Start with the actual configurations and prices
The chip name alone doesn’t determine value. Check memory, storage, condition, battery health, warranty and the final price after tax and shipping. These are the broad generation differences; individual listings can differ.
| Model | Generation | Typical base memory | Typical base storage | What to watch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MacBook Air M1 | 2020 | 8GB; 16GB configurations also exist | 256GB | Often used, so verify battery condition, memory and return rights. |
| MacBook Air M4 | 2025 | 16GB | 256GB | Confirm the specific configuration; memory and storage cannot be upgraded later. |
| MacBook Air M5 | 2026 | 16GB | 512GB | Current generation, generally more expensive than a discounted M4. |
Apple identifies the M1 as a 2020 model and the M4 as a 2025 model in its MacBook Air identification guide. The M5 was introduced in March 2026. Apple’s U.S. launch pricing was $1,099 for the 13-inch M5 and $1,299 for the 15-inch model; the 13-inch M5 starts with 512GB storage. See Apple’s M5 announcement and its current buying page for current availability and configurations.
For context, Apple launched the 13-inch M4 at $999 and the 15-inch at $1,199 in the United States. Those are launch prices, not a promise of today’s retail price. Apple’s M4 launch announcement also listed education pricing. By 2026, M4 offers may be clearance, open-box, used or refurbished, so inspect the seller’s terms rather than assuming every listing is alike.
#1 Best Overall
- Retina display; 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology (2560x1600 native resolution)
- Apple M1 chip with 8 cores (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), a 7-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine
- 8GB memory | 128GB SSD
- Backlit Magic Keyboard | Touch ID sensor | 720p FaceTime HD camera
- 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compatible | Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
When the extra $150 is worth it
Choose the M4 when the $150 difference is truly the final price gap and its configuration and condition are at least as good as the M1’s. That premium commonly buys a newer computer, more standard memory, a better camera, more capable external-display support and a more favorable warranty situation. These can matter more over several years than the speed difference in everyday browsing.
- Same memory and storage, similar condition: The M4 is generally the better long-term purchase.
- New or Apple Certified Refurbished M4 versus a used M1: A warranty and return window can make the M4’s higher price easier to justify.
- Two external monitors or frequent video calls: The M4’s display support and camera are meaningful advantages.
- Development, creative work or heavy multitasking: The M4 offers more performance headroom, though an Air may not suit sustained professional workloads.
- M4 close in price to a new M5: Compare the M5’s current price and its 512GB base storage before buying the older generation.
Apple’s Certified Refurbished store has listed a 13-inch M4 with a 10-core CPU, 8-core GPU, 16GB memory and 256GB storage for $849 in one configuration. Inventory and price can change; check the specific refurbished listing and refurbished catalog for availability. Apple says its Certified Refurbished products receive a refurbishment process, a one-year limited warranty and 14-day returns; verify the terms attached to the product and purchase.
Rank #2
- Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
- Charge less with up to 18 hours of battery life - 13.3-inch Retina display with P3 wide color
- 8-core CPU delivers up to 3.5x faster performance to tackle projects faster than ever before
- Up to eight GPU cores with up to 5x faster graphics - FaceTime HD camera for clearer, sharper video calls
- 16-core Neural Engine for advanced machine learning - 8GB of unified memory so everything you do is fast and fluid
When the M1 still makes financial sense
The M1 is not unusable or automatically obsolete. Apple currently lists it as compatible with macOS Tahoe 26, and Tahoe’s compatibility guidance includes Apple-silicon MacBook Air models introduced in 2020 or later. See Apple’s model guide and Tahoe compatibility information. Current compatibility does not guarantee a particular number of future macOS upgrades; Apple has not announced a fixed support end date for the M1 Air.
A well-kept M1 can be sensible for documents, web browsing, streaming, schoolwork and other light tasks—especially if it has 16GB memory, a healthy or recently replaced battery, and costs substantially less than the M4. A $300–$400 saving can outweigh the newer features for someone on a strict budget or buying a temporary machine. If the M1 is only $150 less, the savings are much harder to defend against the M4’s newer hardware and lower age-related risk.
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- Apple-designed M1 chip for a giant leap in CPU, GPU, and machine learning performance
- Go longer than ever with up to 18 hours of battery life
- Up to eight GPU cores with up to 5x faster graphics for graphics-intensive apps and games
Apple’s launch pricing for the M4 was $999 for the 13-inch model, but the M4 is now a previous-generation product. Compare the actual M4 offer with the M5’s current U.S. starting price of $1,099 rather than relying on old launch prices. An M4 around $849–$949 can be compelling if its memory, storage and warranty meet your needs; one priced within about $150 of a new M5 deserves closer scrutiny, particularly if the M5’s standard 512GB would save you from buying external storage.
What changes in daily use
Speed and demanding workloads
The M1 Air has an 8-core CPU and a 7- or 8-core GPU, depending on configuration. The M4 has a 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU, plus hardware-accelerated ray tracing. Apple lists 68.25GB/s memory bandwidth for the M1 and 120GB/s for the M4. See Apple’s M1–M4 comparison and MacBook Air technical specifications.
Rank #4
- Key Features Apple M1 8-Core CPU 16GB Unified RAM | 256GB SSD
- 13.3" 2560 x 1600 Retina IPS Display 7-Core GPU | 16-Core Neural Engine
- Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) | Bluetooth 5.0 2 x Thunderbolt 3 / USB 4 Ports
- Backlit Magic Keyboard Force Touch Trackpad | Touch ID Sensor
- macOS
Apple’s launch materials make performance comparisons, but those are Apple claims, not independent benchmark results. For routine browsing, email, documents and video calls, an M1 can still feel responsive; the M4’s advantage is more likely to matter with large photo libraries, video exports, development builds, virtual machines, local AI workloads, games or demanding multitasking. For frequent sustained rendering or heavy effects, consider whether a MacBook Pro is a better fit than either fanless Air.
Memory and storage
Prioritize memory capacity before the chip label. An 8GB M1 can handle ordinary work, but many browser tabs, conferencing software and creative apps can create memory pressure. A 16GB M1 may be a better fit than an 8GB M4 for some multitasking needs, even though the M4 is newer and faster in other respects. Verify the listing: unified memory is not user-upgradable.
Best Value
- Retina display; 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit display with IPS technology (2560x1600 native resolution)
- Apple M1 chip with 8 cores (4 performance cores and 4 efficiency cores), a 7-core GPU and a 16-core Neural Engine
- 8GB memory | 128GB SSD
- Backlit Magic Keyboard | Touch ID sensor | 720p FaceTime HD camera
- 802.11ax Wi-Fi 6 wireless networking, IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac compatible | Bluetooth 5.0 wireless technology
Storage is equally permanent. A 256GB drive can fill with photos, video, games, developer tools, creative applications and device backups. The M5’s 512GB base storage improves its value for people who need local space; with an M1 or M4, weigh the price of external storage against paying more for capacity at purchase.
Camera, displays and charging
The M1 has a 720p FaceTime HD camera; the M4 has a 12MP Center Stage camera with Desk View support. That is a practical upgrade for remote work, classes and frequent video calls, but it does not mean the M4 has a higher-resolution built-in display. Apple lists the M4 as supporting up to two external displays while the built-in display remains active, subject to resolution and refresh-rate limits. The M1 natively supports one external display. Check Apple’s specifications for the setup limits relevant to your monitors; docks, adapters and display settings can affect the result.
The M4 also has MagSafe 3 charging and Thunderbolt 4/USB4 connectivity. MagSafe leaves both USB-C ports available while charging, but two ports may still be limiting at a desk. If you need HDMI, Ethernet, an SD-card reader or several peripherals, include the cost of a compatible hub or dock in your budget.
Apple Intelligence and software life
Apple lists Apple Intelligence support for Macs with M1 and later, subject to the macOS version and availability conditions. Features vary by language and region, and not every feature is available on every Mac; see Apple’s Apple Intelligence guidance. The M4 is not the only compatible generation. Its case is newer hardware and added performance headroom, not exclusive access to Apple Intelligence. Apple does not guarantee a fixed number of future macOS releases for either model.
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Inspect an M1 before handing over money
A low price can disappear quickly if the battery is worn, the Mac is locked or the sale has no recourse. If possible, inspect the computer in person and confirm its configuration and condition before paying.
Quick Recap
- Confirm the model, chip and memory: Open Apple menu → About This Mac. Match the details to the seller’s listing; do not rely on the case appearance alone.
- Check battery health: Open Apple menu → System Settings → Battery → Battery Health. On older macOS versions, use Apple menu → System Preferences → Battery → Battery Health. Look for maximum capacity and any service warning.
- Check cycle count: Open System Information → Hardware → Power. Cycle count and battery condition provide context, but there is no single remaining-runtime figure that applies to every used M1.
- Verify Activation Lock is removed: The seller should sign out of their Apple Account and turn off Find My so you can set up the Mac yourself. Do not buy a device that remains locked to someone else’s account.
- Ask about organization management: Confirm the Mac is not enrolled in a company or school management system that could restrict setup or use after purchase.
- Test the hardware: Check the display, keyboard, trackpad, Touch ID, camera, speakers, headphone jack and both USB-C ports. Inspect the charger and cable as well.
- Get the terms in writing: Confirm whether the device is used, open-box or refurbished, whether a battery was replaced, and the return period and warranty. Include tax, shipping and seller fees in the comparison.
Match the purchase to your workload
Choose the M4
- The price gap is only $150 after all costs, with comparable or better memory and storage.
- You want a newer machine for several years of use, frequent video calls or two external displays.
- You use development tools, virtual machines, photo or video software, or regularly keep many demanding apps open.
- The M4 is new or certified refurbished with coverage, while the M1 is used or its battery condition is uncertain.
Choose the M1
- It is substantially cheaper and your work is mostly browser-based, educational or office-focused.
- It has the memory you need—ideally 16GB for heavier multitasking—and a verified healthy battery.
- You need no more than one external display and can live with the older camera and connectivity.
- You are buying for a short period and accept the risks of an older, possibly used computer.
Look beyond both
- If a new M5 costs only a little more than the M4, its 512GB standard storage and newer generation may justify the difference.
- A carefully priced M2 or M3 Air can be a middle ground; compare complete configurations and condition rather than generation alone.
- If you need more memory than an Air configuration offers or routinely sustain heavy professional workloads, investigate a MacBook Pro or another suitable computer.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
