MacBook Air M3 REVIEW - Watch Before You Buy... [M1 vs M2 vs M3]

Is the 2024 MacBook Air with M3 worth buying? I'm reviewing the 13 & 15" MBA M3 and comparing it to the MBA M1 & M2 to find out!
▶ MBA M3 (BestBuy): howl.me/clM6QNNs78y
▶ MA M3 (UK) amzn.to/439qwMA
#MacBook #MacBookAir #Apple
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▶ KZbin: bit.ly/2UyCBGq
▶ IG: / thetechchap
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[@Thetechchap]

Hey Chaps! What laptop do you have right now??

[@Watchandlearn91]

MacBook Air 13 w/M2 that I don't plan to upgrade any time soon and a M3 Max (16 core CPU / 40 core GPU) that I use for all my heavy tasks. Between those two devices, I can do everything I need to.

[@JGJr23]

HP Envy x360 w/ R7 4700u, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD. This laptop is just shy of 3 years old and I've already had the SSD fail amongst other issues. I'll be upgrading to the 13" M3 w/ 16GB and 512GB RAM for the processor spec bump and build quality.

[@HonorTheMallet]

Great video, I have the M1 MacBook Air. Fits my needs perfectly.

[@esoekidjo]

Lenovo legion 5 pro. Awesome game laptop but I’m looking for something smaller too. I’m really interest in the Mac air.

[@mohammedzaid5989]

Macbook Pro 15 inch intel 2018 :')

[@sweatymctwix9231]

My base spec M1 air has been the best tech item I've ever bought. 4 years old and still flies and battery lasts the entire day. Still if I was buying now I'd want 16GB RAM minimum.

[@johnhall1962]

I actually just got an M1 air and I think it'll last me a very long time. Love it!

[@MaxR.]

Same here. For my usage it's still more than plenty of power

[@WeilongYou]

Same here, 16+512 M1 Air bought on almost day 1, my most heavily used device for both work and leisure, best return on investment I guess

[@pfh777]

I’m still trying to figure out what the case is for upgrading from the M1 to the M3 Air. The issue is the single vs dual nand and internal memory speed. This is a problem in the M2 Air which makes the M2-to-M3 upgrade more compelling. For Air use cases, the dual external screen capability isn’t amazing.

[@angeluscorpius]

My M1 MBA still rocks! I won't take an M2 (overclocked M1), or M3 (expensive, and tends to overheat and that's not good in a fanless Air.). If I were to get a new laptop today, I'll either pick up a refurb M1 MBA, or a discounted M1 from an independent retailer.

[@leebeeskee]

Apple's voice isolation is insane. I was on a FaceTime call with my partner whilst I was in the middle of a noisy arcade and when I turned on the voice isolation feature, she said it was like all the machines had been turned off and she could hear me perfectly!

[@etmargallo]

the facetime ability to remove background noise is pretty impressive

[@jroscom]

I have this feature already in my M2 15" MacBook air

[@etmargallo]

@@jroscom I never even knew it had it, I have an m2 pro, assuming I have it too lol

[@marksman6803]

Yes been using that since last year on my iphone . Have been a lifesaver …

[@141290KAPIL]

The voice isolation at the train station was insane.

[@Tech-geeky]

and to think that was only once possible in standalone costly microphones.

[@MannyRataul]

8Gb Memory / 256Gb Storage base configuration in 2024 is straight up robbery.

[@swesleyc7]

Chap was right: Apple wants you to *subscribe* to iCloud. They squeeze you with piddly on-board memory and storage in order to motivate you towards dropping cash monthly for cloud storage.

[@Tech-geeky]

any memory you get from apple is robbery. Give my my 2011 macbook air back Apple maybe pushing you guys, but they ain't touching me.

[@christophergough3100]

It depends what you use it for. I've bought a 15" Air M3 as a secondary machine. I work at home on an M2 Pro Mac mini with 3 monitors most of the time. I run my business on that. I don't edit videos and only go as far as a bit of tinkering with holiday photos. The base spec Air is my 'armchair' machine - when I don't want to work at the desk all the time. The memory management of the M series chips is great - even if the Air is swopping from RAM to SSD - the only way I know is by checking Activity Monitor. But its not like the old days of separate components when data was being written to an old hard drive. For some, like me, a base spec laptop works just fine.

[@jesperhammarlund300]

RAM ain't cheap buddy

[@Tech-geeky]

@@jesperhammarlund300 If Ram ain't cheap it would be across the board, but its only Apple who charges over and above

[@CG-hy7hb]

8GB of RAM in 2024 is unacceptable!

[@guanchuwu3321]

You will come back and say the same in 2060😂

[@Colorado-Coyote]

Especialy at $1000 and you should atleast get 1 TB storage and 16 GB ram

[@GoncaloCarvalhoVlogs]

256 as well, unacceptable

[@racecarjonny8460]

I don't think 8gb in 2024 is unacceptable in general. I think people who buy Macbook Air will do fine with 8gb. But, at the price of over $1000 it is unacceptable. What's even more unacceptable is the upgrade to 16GB is $200.

[@Cactus.Scoville]

The quantity of ram doesn’t really matter if system, OS and apps are refined and optimised. 8 is plenty for most people and most usage. 4k with tons of effects or 8K video editing could be a problem with just 8gb of ram. Even there, there is detected encoding chips embedded since M1, if I’m correct. If you have those intensive need, go for a pro macs or studio In gaming too 8 is correct, but let’s be honest most games are not optimised at release and sometimes even after a year… and come on, who game hard on mac ? 8gb is enough for 99% of usages and customers. Want more, don’t buy MacBook air

[@mohamedrashid810]

I love that you speak fast and not wasting anytime

[@Widderic]

I'm still rocking my mid 2014 MBP that I've kept alive and refuse to let die. It runs Sierra and I've replaced the battery 3 times. 10 years strong baby. These M3s do look awesome though...

[@RoadmanRob8]

Iv got the same. Still going. But I have never really used it that much.

[@zacmorri]

thanks for mentioning that you can still buy the m1.. apple needs to stop releasing computers every year. id rather wait until they have a signifcant improvement in the technology. also better for the 🌎

[@chidorirasenganz]

Not at all. They’re going to be making computers every year. Why shouldn’t each year get the best silicon?

[@tf2368]

Man cares about the environment

[@manuelsoto8028]

​@@chidorirasenganzThis is stupid. We could get new computers every 3-4 y years when the technology is better. Like we used to do on gaming consoles.

[@chidorirasenganz]

@@manuelsoto8028 That would be dumb because after the first year the Macs would be outdated and. If you didn’t by them the first year you’d need to wait 3+ years to buy at the right time. Only in consoles do they wait so long between generations. All other forms of tech have a much shorter update cycle

[@manuelsoto8028]

@@chidorirasenganz Tech is not outdated after a year. Thats hyper consumerism. M1 Macbook Airs for example are not that behind from M2 or M3 Airs. Updating CONSUMER TECH (not medical tech or tech thats needed for serious reasons) every year is killing the environment. You dont really need a new M3 Air if you have an M1 Macbook just to surf the web or to do light editing tasks.

[@Zoolookuk]

16" M1 Max here with 32GB RAM and no plans to upgrade - it still feels fast and does everything I need it to very quickly.

[@emadahmed3]

You mean no plans to downgrade. Yeah nobody has plans to downgrade TBH.

[@Obikenobi93HD]

I have it for over 5+ months now close to a year and it’s an absolute beast! I only maxed out the RAM to 24gb ram with 256gb SSD cause i don’t really see a difference with the speeds and I always don’t mind the waiting on the downloads anyway since I’m doing something else to keep me busy. Overall, I’m very satisfied with it! Use multiple tabs, have photoshop open while watching a stream or KZbin, pretty much have multiple applications open and the 24gb ram REALLY helps to not wear out the SSD swap or MacBook itself, absolute powerful machine!

[@N9PPX_Chris_Rhyno]

Just bought a new MacBook Air m1 for $699 at Walmart

[@Diablomeister1]

Brilliant review, thank you!

[@VisualFrequency13]

Excellent breakdown!! Helped with my decision.

[@PawFromTheBroons]

Impressive noise isolation.

[@Thetechchap]

Very!

[@mikehenkelman2111]

@@Thetechchap Very nice job illustrating the isolation...I doubt any other reviewer will do that, but it was pretty viseral if Im honest. Great job!

[@latinreuben]

Great intel. Does M2 have noise isolation? Should I return M2 15 16/1tb 1 bought for 1500 for m3 15 16/512 at 1600? Like that I'd get 2 more years of OS support

[@arjunsuresh29]

The wedge design was supreme ngl. It just feels right.

[@carlospcpro]

I miss so much Paddington station. What a great demo!

[@damonschouw656]

Just got the 13 inch third tier up & am pleased especially hearing your recommendations.

[@kinocchio]

The voice isolation was very impressive

[@isnull_or_empty]

don't think I've seen anyone test the voice isolation like this but man, it's crazy good. didn't expect it to be THAT good.

[@user-cy5so1oc7z]

what picture/edit apps do you use on your macbook? im curious

[@RajKotecha]

Watched this video (my first on your channel) subscribed and awaiting the air vs pro face off

[@kcmac]

great review! tangible data for deciding if an upgrade is worth it.. appreciate the haircut-journey as well (:

[@glanerao1356]

Thanks for this video man

[@raitonvedan2527]

Finally a good review! Thank you!

[@Thetechchap]

Glad it was helpful!

[@c.daubz.5386]

👍👍good informative video

[@williefaber2540]

When is your review between macbook M3 pro and the macbook air 15 inch M3 going to be uploaded on KZbin will help me with deciding which to buy?

[@juliaverbij]

I have the 2020 M1 and it's so good... I just want the bigger screen now so going to upgrade to 15inc M3. Thank you for the review!

[@raymondu99]

How hot does it get under load? Like if you pulled light gaming or something semi heavy (nothing like 3d rendering or movie editing)

[@darcydiamond8645]

Thanks 4 crisp analysis. I'm viewing on my 2014 MBA 11 inch, updated, haha, to Big Sur, what, v 11.7? Use it as Kindle reader, watch YT, backup, all the usual social media stuff. Never have had to change battery. I say Amen and I'm thrilled it has kept on truckin' ...dropped by 2 inform myself on you & community's honest thoughts on the 2024 m3 MBA. 🏄🏽 I want one for desktop & professional obligations. I saw the displays @ BB recently. Cool.

[@wayne8797]

I had a m1 MBP. When the M3 came out, I upgraded immediately… to a factory refurbished M1 Max MBP with 64gb ram and 2TB storage. Came out to be the same price as a brand new M3 Pro MBP.

[@Tech-geeky]

I would upgrade, but i just cannot justify the "AI" stuff they are putting into it. The only thing i am glad is they kept the same price tag :) as the M1.

[@puntoefectivovlogz]

which one you recomend to me, im trying to buy my first apple laptop, to edit videos for youtube, which one you think i should buy to learn how yo edit my own video on capcut, davinci, filmora or any program

[@ivorysteele]

Mac Pro, not the Macbook Air

[@anonymousprime948]

As a PC user, having a lightweight, efficient, and snappy laptop that still has good performance such as my M1 Air is very nice.

[@Anondady]

You are very bless my friend with all those laptops.

[@s.mohammadmousavi4684]

Watching this video on my base model MacBook Air 2017, connected to a 4k monitor, while also hearing the fan going crazy.

[@ToothlessJustin]

First time viewer, will certainly be checking other videos following this gem though. I obtained my base M2 MBA a few weeks ago and it's my first time being back on MacOS since 2015. For this reason I stuck with the base model as I need to upgrade my own knowledge and capabilities over the next 12 months before I upgrade the machine. That being said, I have purchased a decent portable SSD, mobile hub etc so that I can carry these accessories forward and keep my internal SSD as free as possible for the limitations of the unified memory. No. Regrets. Whatsoever.

[@kingpuppet5881]

Yeah as you said I don't see the point upgrading to the M3 air from my MacBook 2 air. Feel like even my M1 iMac is still super fast. Thanks for the video.

[@franklong6269]

The voice isolation does a really great job. The portrait mode has defects around your hair - you could see areas going out of focus around the edges of your hair.

[@Porgutousja17]

I currently have mid 2014 13" MB Pro and wanna upgrade and future proof myself, as I'm not the person who changes their computers every year :D I'm doing light video editing with DaVinci and Lightroom photo editing, as well everyday causal user browsing. So far I've been looking and browsing my options for over a year, so would be happy for any suggestion on what should be a good option to go up on. I'm currently in Estonia and budget is around 1-2K€

[@slob5041]

I think they’re introducing new designs in a method that’s similar to other pc manufacturers, where they’ll just kind of let the old stock run out

[@elcharran]

Thinking about finally updating my MacBook Pro 13 from early 2015. Still going like a beast 🥹

[@JJ2023.]

I bought my M1 Air 4 years ago apart from the battery its perfect, I'm going to replace the battery and hold on to it.

[@bwoohk]

The analysis is very professional, I wish you better and better! I look forward to coming to BWOO to have a look and guidance when I have time.😀

[@dawn_28]

Can you please do a review on the new Dell XPS 16 and 14 laptops of 2024. I'd like to see how it stacks up against it's competitors this year. And especially the new improvements they have made

[@Thetechchap]

Absolutely!

[@ezralu3599]

I love my base spec M1 air. it can handle any task I need and battery still lasts the entire day. And 8G RAM just fine by me.

[@ijlalahmad9652]

can we edit 4k videos on macbook air? please guide...im not a mac user but just thinking about to get one

[@charlie_56]

Could you do a review about LG Gram Pro?

[@Ken-dm5xt]

Thanks for the video Tech Chap. May I suggest using time stamps for next time?

[@skirmantasjankauskas8656]

Dude, i'm still rocking 2013 macbook air :))))) I need that upgrade real bad:)

[@tashiyann3262]

hi can you review the lenovo yoga 9i ultra and dell xps 16 2024 ??

[@miked.8185]

I have the m2 air with 16gb memory and 512gb ssd. Absolutely love it and won’t be upgrading

[@w15792]

I want to upgrade from Macbook pro 2013. Which macbook air shall I go for M2 or M3 ? Do not have a very high graphic usage or so. Also, please let us know which colour is best? Starlight or Midnight ? Advise will be appreciated

[@funwithme1592]

I e never had, but always wanted a Mac laptop. I’m starting my new course soon and want a MacBook. I would use it for every day use. What Mac do you suggest?

[@ineslourenco2837]

I have the M1 Air 8GB ram and 512GB. Still works perfectly and does everything I need! I'm a marketing manager and I don't feel the need to have any more power or to upgrade anytime soon. Got the same model for my sister who is a college student and she feels the same way. I still believe it's the best option for it's value

[@VinnyCarwash-js8op]

its*

[@Rainbow775]

Perfectly happy with my m2 air 15” 16 GB 512 ssd. No reason for an upgrade. Thank you for calming me down 😀

[@roogrey]

As usual, Tom, a great review. I want to add a little weight to your comment about RAM. It always pays to get as much as you can afford. I’m still running a 2013 iMac which I maxed out at the time with 32GB RAM and 500GB storage. I run the latest versions of all my applications, though it’s at the limit of its OS now, but it’s still going! Only now does the processor need more cooling than before, but I can’t believe it’s eleven years old next month! These things can last you a lot longer than many tech giants would have us believe, so investing now is a huge saving later!

[@richertz]

I went from the M! air to an M2 Pro 14 inch. The screen is a seriously considerable upgrade yet alone the other features. I found the screen on the Airs to be average (for a mac) at best. Its not the size more the clarity for just desktop use. You will sacrifice a lot when it comes to this. Remember its a 4+4 core design (4 performance and 4 efficiency, and few DAWs touch efficiency cores due to reliability) , so audio software seiously suffers compared to the M2 Pro (8 performance cores) and its hard to measure this as benchmarks just burn all cores.

[@user-po9qq7gu2h]

Can the latest MacBook Air M3 be charged using the Type-C port instead of the MagSafe port? Will it damage the Mobo？

[@teleroel]

Is the M1-model camera enough for video calling (Teams in my case), or should I go for the M2-model?

[@gd-mn2yw]

Just upgraded to M2 15" with 16gb/1TB, from my 4yr old M1 MBA. Wanted a slightly larger screen, bigger ssd, and magsafe port. Not really much of an upgrade in performance (not a heavy user or developer). But I frankly could not resist the deal from best buy - $400 off and $575 tradein on my M1 (which was 16bg / 512gb, and was more than Apple offered me in trade). gonna be a little heavier in the backpack, and the midnight color is fingerprint city. Otherwise, no regrets for this upgrade.

[@ganoog]

Thanks

[@bonanzabrandon6877]

Also, is Apple launching the m4 chip this year?

[@adamburke4738]

Ordered the 15 inch with 16 gigs memory and 512 gigs storage. Honestly, coming from an intel Pro, I can’t wait.

[@latinreuben]

I wish I waited. I got still in box 15 M2 16/1tb that was on sale for 1500. M3 15 16/512 at 1600 is very tempting

[@eliasmuller05728]

I‘m thinking to buy a M3 Macbook Air with the 10 Core GPU and the 16GB RAM. I want to use it for school but also for a few games. Do you tried a few games except Death Stranding? How they are running on the system? :D

[@MadMaxx.1977]

Excellent video, as always, mate! I have a 13" M2 8GB/256GB Air that work gave me. I talked them into letting me trade it for a 13" M3 16GB/1TB Air which was delivered today. I've got my end game laptop, now.

[@scriptedpixelsltd]

Random question - how’s the benchmarks look with the M3 Air vs M1 Pro 14”?

[@AlexandruBurda]

I am going to order soon a customized 15 inches M3 Air but with a bit higher specs than you suggested. I mean 24 Gb of UM (RAM) and 1 Tb SSD. Quiet a nice configuration for my needs now and in the medium future. Adding a multiconnection hub and still keep in my pocket (not Apples) half of my dedicated budget to use for a future upgrade in say...5 to 8 years. 🙂

[@farzadjahanfard]

I really love this air 15 I wanted 16gb 512gb but i went for mbp16 18gb 512gb hope I didn’t do a mistake for design work UX specifically

[@amorylazlo9579]

How does the M3 compare to a 2013 MacBook? I’m still using mine (I write &surf). Not sure if I need a new one yet

[@dld5420041]

I was going to get the new M3 MBA and picked up apple certified refurb 14 in M3 MBP 16 GB mem and 512 ssd for $1376. I think a better deal and an upgrade.

[@cybersecurityonlineschool317]

I got my new m2 air 16/256 at 1463 USD 5 months back

[@TOMESHTI]

pf man, that's a great deal such a price in my country is for a macbook air m2 8gb/256gb i dont like it

[@abdullahal-maini1498]

Where are u from ?

[@FrankJonen]

Have you tried it with one of these wide curved displays?

[@ajeetdeginal]

Is 256GB storage in M3 air single chip like M2 or 128GB dual chip?

[@soren8811]

love my macbook m1 (16gb, 1TB), bought it used 3 years ago. Never had any problems with my music software.

[@juvycandelaria3132]

It helps me to decide what i want to buy 😁thanks

[@kyleisverykool]

as someone who is looking to buy a MacBook air for school and I don't currently have a MacBook I was wondering which MacBook air I should buy that will last me a long time through 3 more years of high school and into college as well.

[@itshorts9778]

heads up - postcode isnt blurred at 0:59...

[@rishabjoshi4685]

Can anyone tell me which software/tool is he using at 6:26 for sky replacement?

[@Saptarshi.Sarkar]

Is it a good idea to get a 16/512 M2 now instead of a 8/512 M3? I will mostly using it for PhD research (lot's of chrome tabs, programming)

[@jayferrer175]

I am a graduate student and most of the time I do tons of papers, worksheets, extensive research and some video or audio visual presentations (using Final Cut pro) and photo editing. Which RAM should I get, 16 or 24 GB? with your recommended RAM, I am hoping that the M3 MacBook Air won’t overheat or throttle with the work that I do.

[@bryans8656]

I almost bought a spec'd up M2 MBA 15, even had it in the Apple cart, but decided to shop for used devices before I pulled the trigger. I ended up getting a refurb'd M1 Pro MBP 14 (unbinned, 16GB/1TB) in like new condition for approximately the same price. For my use case it is better in every way.

[@lilwoodzey2013]

You forgot to mention one of the major differences between the 13" and the 15". The base model 13" only comes with 8-core GPU and the base model 15" comes with 10-core GPU.

[@N8_runz]

Thanks for this comparison! What would you choose from these 2 options? Shopping on the Apple refurbished store M1 air, base storage, 16gb ram M2 air, base storage, 8gb ram High ram/oldish chip OR newish chip/low ram

[@hellokiddos6653]

Thinking about getting a MacBook for the first time? Which one should I get ? Thinking about getting the 15” air M3

[@guitaripod]

Voice isolation in metro station is amazing

[@markfaulkner8597]

Hi there, I am looking to update and believe Mac book air works for me, I would look to add 24 ram and a 1 TB drive and split it to run Microsoft for work. Is this possible on the M3 and will the apple mouse work on both systems.

[@jackloganbill605]

i am considering the m3 mac book air for my home music studio work, using Logic Pro, thoughts?

[@iSowelu]

There seems to be conflicting information about which parts of the chassis are using the new anodized coating. Some reviewers are saying that the keyboard deck seems to be less prone to fingerprints now, which is in complete contrast to the idea that Apple has only applied this new coating to the lid and base, which sounds like a very inefficient (and un-Apple) way to manufacture and finish chassis parts. Does anyone have an official source to this partial coating theory?

[@nathancruz9172]

Does it come in touchscreen?

[@smittyvanjagermanjenson182]

Ive been watching a bunch of comparison videos. I want to be able to do some multilayer video edits, with light VFX and keyframe animations. Im not sure if 8gbs on a macbook air will be able to accommodate and im sorta stuck? I can buy a fairly cheap 8gb m1, or spend about double and get a 16gb M3. Gaming performance doesnt matter to me, i have a gaming pc. I want a portable workstation, so i can capture video on a hike or shooting location and get right into the editing. I understand they're an expensive brand, but i do like the continuity of their OS, but havent done edits on a mac over a decade. Im just looking to make content as a hobby

[@lukeromito]

I have a Victus gaming laptop and was looking to upgrade to a Mac for music production. I was originally thinking of getting the M3 Pro, but now that this is here, I am rethinking which one it want to get. Do you have any recommendations?

[@ElAndrewss]

Do you think this new MacBook is good for programs like premiere pro? Or should I still go for the pro?

[@Thetechchap]

It’s good for simpler 4k projects, but it’s very capable and a lot cheaper than a m3 pro MBP 14/16. So yes it’s good enough

[@bryanchin856]

I am not sure about getting the upgrade to the M3 from the M1, for what I do, I think the M1 is good enough for me to do a lot of what I do anyway. There is some good performance but honestly not compelling enough, and there is the rubber feet which means the M2 and possibly the M3 slide around whenever I simply want to open the screen. Maybe when the next generation of MacBook Air with on-board AI and better gaming support would be where I jump but what I have seen so far I will be saving up for that.

[@crumblebee6728]

I’m on an M1 Pro 16” with 16gb of ram. I use it for blender and writing and video editing - I haven’t managed to find anything to slow it down yet. No reason to upgrade as far as I can see

[@kenduejones]

Same here,I love it

[@BenetrixFTW]

Came from the Macbook air M1 Base spec with 8gb Ram and 256gb of storage and moved to macbook air 15inch M3 with 16gb ram and 512gb storage. The funny thing is I cant really tell the speed difference on everyday task between the two. Wonder whether or not I should have upgrade haha. However I definitely love the 15inch display.

[@lilymaria2681]

If I just want the laptop for general document / writing work, calls, movies, minor research and light use of iMovie, can I get away with the base “free” RAM, storage etc?

[@bmc868]

Starlight or Silver? What's the best color?

[@rainyd4293]

I just can't stand notches on a laptop or tablet screen. Can that notch disappear?

[@devildees7861]

Try heavy loadour and make a video of heating issues if any

[@krishna13554]

Just bought M1 Air last December. Might replace this after 5 years of use