M1 MacBook Air vs M2 MacBook Air - Best Everyday MacBook?

This is a comparison video of the M1 MacBook Air for $999 and M2 MacBook Air for $1199. Which one of these laptops are best for everyday use? That's what this video is made for!
The M2 MacBook Air has been released, but is it the only student laptop you should consider? Both build qualities are almost identical in the all-aluminum finish. I compare the M2 vs M1 and I'll keep it short and boil it down to this. If you have an existing M1 laptop, forget M2. The design changes alone aren't worth the upgrade. If you do NOT have a M machine AND you want value for your money, get M1. If you do NOT have a M machine AND you want the latest and greatest, get M2. You can't go wrong with either.
M1 MacBook Air: amzn.to/3yY62b4
M2 MacBook Air: amzn.to/3zpjKFm
Social Accounts & Amazon Store: linktr.ee/DayoAworunse
Recorded on: An unreleased iPhone
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DISCLAIMER: This article contains an affiliate link, meaning that if you click on the product above, I’ll receive a small commission at no extra cost to you!
#macbook #macbookair #m2

[@Oceansta]

"let's talk about our sponsor... absolutely no one " Me: Subbed immediately 😅

[@gilead2854]

I just got the M1 instead. 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD. I would always have gotten 16GB for either the M2 or the M1, but the M2 gets too expensive to justify it, particularly considering the hard drive speed if I stuck with 256GB. I don't transfer large files that often, but that slower drive would also have an effect every time the Macbook uses swap when it starts to run out of RAM. No third-parties here (UK) are selling more than the base models of either Air, so no discounts on the 16GB versions of those. And if I got 16GB and 512GB for the M2 from Apple, it would actually work out more expensive here than just buying a discounted Macbook Pro 14 from Amazon.

[@rishabh_k0599]

I went with the midnight color as well! I think the M2 will be more than fast enough to even notice the SSD issues as an upcoming computer science student! Great comparison by the way!

[@DayoAworunse]

You made the right choice

[@Mimiiche]

I used both, and I couldn't tell the difference with the SSD

[@omasundbeamte]

i don't know whats wrong with me, everytime i stand in front of both machines in stores, i think the m1 is more sharp, stimulating, i miss this more firmer picking clicking sound, it animates and stimulates, even if it can't hide my concern, it filters and forms what i want to say more nicely, it's more funny to write. the keyboard is present and pushes more. but it can't be true, many people do not see any difference. i'll be glad when i'm done with the comparisons. it's a disease. they're terrible in the long run. ps: love your videos, you are my winter highlight!

[@DayoAworunse]

This was the most poetic description of any product I’ve read online.

[@clblanchard08]

My man just flexed with a midnight and a starlight lol. Starlight looks better than I thought it would; it just might be a contender in a few months. Also, I'd take the notch with smaller bezels over the M1 air design.

[@Ile-des-Soeurs_Verdun]

The efficiency cores on M2 chip are also worth mentioning. I run mine on efficiency cores to avoid thermal throttle. You get 15% less performance for 70% less power usage. The M2 chip's efficiency cores have been noticeably improved. So, that low power mode is a must activate feature.

[@riccardogavanelli1076]

Excellent content Dayo! Your channel is among the best and I really like the mood in your reviews. Its not all about the specs but about the experience. Many channels aren't like this and watching your videos is a breath of fresh air. Hi from Italy!

[@DayoAworunse]

Yessir. Glad the KZbin is showing me love in Italy :D

[@sasanmanprinceofpersia1233]

The M1 air with 16gb ram and 512 gb ssd costs me around 1500 Euros, the M2 Air with the same config costs almost 2000 Euros just the same as the 14 M1 pro. I have started video editing as a hobby and currently use my desktop pc (R5 5600x, 3080, 32gb ram) for that but I want something as well for the go since I am often on the go. Which model would you recommend me? I want to keep the device at least for 5 yrs.

[@lupusrexstudio7327]

I got a 512 ssd, 24 gb ram for 1700 with the student discount. It’s been a pretty good laptop so far.

[@sasanmanprinceofpersia1233]

@@lupusrexstudio7327 that's an awesome price man! Unfortunately this laptop costs way more here in Europe even with the student discount. Do you do video editing ?

[@lupusrexstudio7327]

@@sasanmanprinceofpersia1233 no in my off time I work in Unity for a 2D game that I’m making. Nothing too heavy. I do see a lot of people trying to do some heavy lifting with it or “pro things”, but still it’s a perfect laptop for who and what it was intended for. Sorry to hear it’s so expensive out there. That really sucks

[@gerald9113]

My biggest reason to opt for MagSafe is the magnetic snap. So satisfying.

[@henryd4331]

Thanks for keeping the bloopers in Dayo, your video is all the more genuine 👍🏻

[@Number_006]

Thanks for the comparison - excellent observations. The Midnight and fingerprints, just can't do it! I went with the Space Gray. A little boring at this point, but no regrets. :)

[@DayoAworunse]

Respectable. Space gray is still a solid choice.

[@bennyhb]

Space grey also always had noticeable issues with fingerprints, so you could’ve went with the midnight too. If you’re sensitive about this your choice would be starlight or silver.

[@sammyjammy6647]

@@bennyhb I have an M1 MacBook Pro that’s space gray. Watchu talkin about Willis ? Mine doesn’t get fingerprints

[@loving_dad_explorer]

@@bennyhb have space grey - no fingerprints.

[@biggestchinenfan]

@@bennyhb Silver is the way

[@markholle3450]

I like almost everything about my M1 MBA. The screen, sound, webcam, and performance is excellent. While I appreciate the gains on the M2, they are incremental instead of revolutionary (like when I updated from Windows). If I update, I'll go with the 14" MBP.

[@jirikocman]

Same here, rocking M1 MBA for 1,5yr I have base 256GB storage, 7gpu cores and 16GB RAM as I had to try 8GB model and I seen 1-3GB swap usage often. My wife get M1 MBA on Valentine day as gift, base model, but she using it just for web browsing

[@yearsago-bu7rw]

How's the speakers compare to mbp

[@Oceansta]

Suggestion: have a wallpaper that says M1 and M2 on the screens for easier comprehension

[@macalienx]

The camera colors of the m2 may be compromised because is recording against the light. But great video, thanks for the comparison.

[@lifeofvishnu.]

True

[@reign9771]

i love how you put them side by side to compare it. and the suggestion is true for me. macbook air are for people who are mainly doing simple tasks. if you're not then better go for the pros.

[@bibasik7]

If you buy an M1 MacBook Air refurbished or used, you can get one with an 8-core GPU. Apple stopped selling the 8-core model new to make the M2 look better on the spec sheet.

[@gumerzambrano]

VizMedia should be your sponsor 😉 I bought my M1 for $899 and thought it was a great value. Keep up the great work man 🤙🏻

[@DayoAworunse]

Them or aniplex

[@Inspectergadget69]

Good review. Thanks. I'm sticking with my M1 it is that good and I always buy the base model. I hate giving Apple money that I don't need to but they make great products.

[@info2311]

hello. I am using MacBook Pro early 2012 ( bought in 2012 December ) and have upgraded to 8gb ram and 512 SSD ( in 2019 ). works smooth but display is about to die as I can see yellow patch which is spreading slowly. I am confused between MacBook Pro M1, MacBook Pro M2 and Macbook air M2.. my usage is microsoft excel, outlook and words. also ill install parallel windows 10 to use windows software for my work. please suggest what ram, storage and which MacBook I should get.

[@THEONE954319]

For someone who is just coming into the apple universe. Thank you for the simplicity, thank you for Being direct. the M2 MacBook Air is what I'm going for base model. And my purpose for purchasing is for school.

[@saxsonsertang1374]

Great video, but still does not relate to the majority of user who uses MBA. The title to this video does very little to answer the question. I am more interested in seeing a comparison between a 16GB/256 vs 8GB/512 with the SSD full to almost 256, multiple google chrome tabs open, couple apps open, to make the best comparison whether its better to make a choice to upgrade between 16GB or 512 SSD for the everyday user who rarely uses coding, graphics, etc. I actually just got my new M2 Macbook Air and used apple migration from my M1 to my M2. My original M1 had 8gb/256 with 176gb used and 80gb free but once transferred using migration my new M2 had 2500gb of used memory which mean if I got the M2 16/256 I would have no room to add addition storage. Do you think its better to upgrade to 512gb memory first if on a budget than the 16GB ram?

[@tejasagarwalmusic]

still absolutely nobody 😂🤣 - amazing bro!

[@DayoAworunse]

Still nobody

[@omarmendoza7150]

yea don't waste your money on the M2, a 512gb M1 works pretty good. its the same cost as a base model M2

[@JaJah.h]

You look better on The M1 camera bc the natural light from the window hit you on that side which is M2 does not get it. Love you video Thx.

[@lifeofvishnu.]

Exactly

[@elizacataria539]

video quality comparison was not fair, when you shot video on the M1, more light from the window fell on your face

[@User-du7kf]

How do you get these macs to review? Do you buy or contact Apple?

[@DayoAworunse]

Buy

[@25sazzadhossain73]

I am a student and i will use it mostly for student stuff People are suggesting to go for 16/256 , but i am afraid of running out of space and headace for that Special mention i am new to computer world, can’t figure it out which specs I should go for 16/256 or 8/512

[@DayoAworunse]

16/256

[@crispybat1]

16/256. Just buy an external ssd OR believe me, with your mac you’ll have the chance to go online and use e.g. google drive The storage will never be an issue.

[@MrBaciudad]

I suscribed to your channel thanks to your "Today's sponsor". You killed me.

[@DayoAworunse]

It's nobody though

[@MrBaciudad]

​@@DayoAworunse The way to bring that up was funny

[@colbucky]

You are absolutely right on that. I have the pro 14 to do serious work. I bought the M2 silver basic model and it’s very happy with it. It does exactly what I needed to do but nothing more.

[@DayoAworunse]

Dynamic Wallpaper from the macOS AppStore.

[@TheProsirius]

late thanks, a good review of the m2. upgrade my old 12 inch Macbook from 2016 to it, very happy with it. (wanted SG with 16gb uram and 256gb ssd. I dont mind the benchmarks as well, the SSd is faster then my old book where the storage was already insanly fast) For harder tasks i will use my desktop PC anyway.

[@raeyon725]

why do u get the laptop if u have a heavy desktop pc if i may ask?

[@TheProsirius]

@@raeyon725 i use it at my daily job outside, and for serato sometimes. (edith for typos)

[@RealJoseph123]

Midnight is the best color. Don’t change my mind.

[@sammyjammy6647]

Starlight 💫, starbright ⭐️! First star I see tonight! Madonna knew back in the 80s which color to get!

[@lambertj.2892]

for you maybe, but not for others.

[@D37fit]

I love silver because it’s timeless and scratches don’t show up as much

[@jonrutherford6852]

Best comparison I've seen yet -- and you have one more enthusiastic subscriber. Thanks!

[@DayoAworunse]

Prepare for more content this year

[@Abitous]

I just bought the Base M2 Macbook air for 750EUR (retails for about 1700EUR in Greece), great choice, since the 14" MBP Retails for around 2600EUR, the M2 was a no-brainer for my light-ish needs. What I'm wondering however, how did you get your wallpapers to animate like that? I know of an app on the app store but it has watermarks on its wallpapers.

[@DayoAworunse]

That’s a steal! How did you get it for so low. The app is called dynamic wallpaper engine in the App Store. It’s $1.99 or $2.99

[@Abitous]

@@DayoAworunse thanks for the quick reply, and thanks for the info about the wallpapers, certainly look to buy them! The company I was buying the MacBook from was having a partnership with a bank here in Greece, wherein if you collect more than 300.000 points (by using their credit card throughout the year) they would remove 600€ from your next purchase from that store, I had these points collected, and remove the 21% VAT which I can write off as a business expense, it comes up with about 760€. Honestly, I could’ve bought the MBP 14”, like everyone else on the internet was SCREAMING I do, but the extra money wasn’t worth the upgrades that don’t really effect me.

[@THEONE954319]

What size screen is your M2?

[@Silent_poet]

I am from Bangladesh, M1 is 94kbdt,(870$), wheres m2 is 130k(1200$), I am still considering whether to go with m2 just because I fell in love with midnight black .. My love is gonna cost me a lot😂

[@calimur9680]

absolutely nobody 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@DayoAworunse]

ABSOLUTELY! NO-BODY

[@markfoltz-n5d]

Hi where do you get your dynamic desktop wallpaper?

[@TJ74su]

Dayo, are you sticking with your m1 air? Curious and trying to figure out what I’m going to purchase with all these great options

[@DayoAworunse]

I’ll take my own advice. I already own a M machine so I won’t be upgrading. If I didn’t have one though, I’d get m2

[@TJ74su]

@@DayoAworunse makes sense, I know sometimes its different when you make videos. I’m having a hard time bc there are such great deals on open box m1 airs on eBay. The m2 looks great though. I feel like I made a mistake and got an iPad Pro back when the m1s were coming out and think I would have been served much better with an m1 air. iPad os improvements have been a bit of a let down and now most are m1 exclusive kind of put a bad taste in my mouth.

[@alfredomora5555]

Save some sponsors for the rest of us!!

[@DayoAworunse]

Hey, nobody can have my nobody sponsor.

[@Salty_Biscuitz88]

yes if buying M1, buy used or refurbished or apple education store. If buying new, go for the newer M2.

[@21Something.]

Congratulations, we have the same sponsor. Glad to see they reached out to you as well. I see you are doing great… “you cant see it with the midnight, oh wait, let me grab the starlight” my hero. 😂😅

[@mdarks4117]

I was considering the very classic silver to replace my silver iPad Pro 11. Does Starlight look more gold or silver in person? The M1 gold was very rose goldy. Some say its kinda feminine

[@DayoAworunse]

More gold. Imagine silver with hints of gold in the light, but not overbearing. The old gold, I would honestly say is bronze. Don't know how Apple got away with naming that color gold.

[@theonlyxem]

Able to share the animated wallpaper app?

[@harshbardhanshah]

Is the color scuffing???

[@harshbardhanshah]

I mean midnight. Around the ports

[@DayoAworunse]

Not really.

[@jayvasani150]

What a deep comparison & loving your opinion sir 💗😍

[@belacaio9639]

I am a college student and i am planning to buy m2 512gb variant. I would be using it for coding and programming. Would it throttle that much and get that hot while compiling and executing code? Please give a legit answer i am really confused.

[@productivitymodeon]

@Bela Caio I advise going for the 16gb ram version, you don't need the 512gb of storage, for that you can have an external drive.

[@albertgalan2483]

Love your comparison!

[@DayoAworunse]

Love your comment!

[@gardas6653]

Good video, but please take the time to make some time stamps

[@mosesidenyih5650]

Which laptop do you use for your KZbin videos?

[@DayoAworunse]

Surprisingly the m1 MacBook air

[@foskr4]

I dont know what colour to getttt

[@Kyeorii]

I'd be interested hearing your experience with buying BB's used and Apple's refurbed products or what to check for would be great. I know I should check for scratches and do a factory reset, but stuff like checking the battery charge cycles is unknown to me.

[@DayoAworunse]

Check out my 16” MacBook refurbished video. I go into detail there

[@rayleverkunst]

I agree with you on the hard drive (non) issue. The targeted audience for this machine would not notice or care. I'm concerned about longevity though.

[@DayoAworunse]

Debating on whether to make a rant on this ssd issue

[@Alekobeats]

Great channel!

[@DayoAworunse]

Great content!

[@Alekobeats]

@@DayoAworunse real talk, I love tech channels but some are just too bias. Your perspective is honest and it’s refreshing. Glad you popped up in my recommendations. I’ve clicked that Bell Notification button 🙏🏾

[@Silent_poet]

8:10 Wallpaper??

[@citizentex5720]

Nice comparison. The m2 speakers sound terrible.

[@sammyjammy6647]

Agreed. The placement is terrible. Should’ve kept the vents on the side like last generation

[@D37fit]

Great video

[@timgordon4995]

Great advice cheers!

[@romedion1536]

Still absolutely nobody😂🤧

[@DayoAworunse]

It’s been years but we’re still staying strong

[@bryans8656]

I'm part of that "most people" crowd.

[@DayoAworunse]

I think most people are in that “most people” crowd 😂

[@saulramirez727]

Great video man

[@keijiazum9282]

still think m1 refurbished is only 850 and I can use the 350 difference to get a apple watch or air pods

[@DayoAworunse]

Recommendation, AirPods over Apple Watch.

[@leigha3873]

if you have a costco membership you can get the air m1 new for the same price. it’s 850 on the site rn. I also agree with his recommendation for airpods over watch, I have both and i barely use the watch, even forget i have it sometimes. Unless you’re like very active in sports or health then i really don’t recommend it over airpods.

[@sammyjammy6647]

@@DayoAworunse just curious. why AirPods over watch ?

[@Matt-ki6tw]

I saw the same deal but couldn't pull the trigger on the m1 at costco. I basically want an ipad with a keyboard as the most intense thing I will do is watch youtube and a very basic excel spreadsheet and word documents. Anyhow, get the watch for sure. One of the best things I have ever purchased. I do exercise and all that though and use that stuff most everyday. But you can also leave your big phone and listen to music from your watch or read and respond to text when your phone is elsewhere in your house or office. And you need BOTH. Cheers!

[@chrishalle1982]

Where do i get the live wallpapers?

[@DayoAworunse]

Dynamic Wallpaper Engine in the macOS app store

[@CAboy]

I am so glad I found your channel! Midnight is beautiful but fingerprints and scratches will be the downfall. Space Gray is for me!

[@DayoAworunse]

Midnight all day

[@Yeaaaah_z]

Where did you buy the skin on m1? It’s gorgeous

[@DayoAworunse]

dbrand.com limited edition leather skin

[@Yeaaaah_z]

@@DayoAworunse thank you so much!

[@DayoAworunse]

@@Yeaaaah_z Tan leather by the way. They have non-real leather for much cheaper but with fewer color choices.

[@Yeaaaah_z]

@@DayoAworunse purchased! You sold me on it. Thank you 😊

[@brucechandler9484]

excellent presentation Dayo! I subscribed. I have the 14 inch MacBook Pro base model and it's everything I need in a laptop....I was looking for a second MacBook to use as a carryaround basic handy computer and found the M1 base model for $899 brand new sealed in the box at a well known website and went with that. Anyone on a budget would do well to find the base M1 Air at a discount...pretty easy to find if you do a little searching. Knowing now that the base model M1 has 2 128GB units inside instead of the 1 256GB unit that the M2 has, making the M1 a better base model performer, I think if you're gonna stick with a base model, the M1 is a far better value.

[@CAboy]

When the midnight color gets scratched it will leave the silver color under it. That is why I want silver or space gray.