When Apple first introduced the M1 MacBook Air in late 2020, it was met with an outpouring of excitement — and rightly so. The M1 chip marked the dawn of a new era in Apple’s computing history, transitioning away from Intel processors to their own custom silicon. Fast forward to 2024, and the M1 MacBook Air remains a powerful contender in the laptop market. In fact, after using it extensively over the past year, I’m convinced that the M1 MacBook Air is still the best laptop of 2024, especially when considering its performance, battery life, design, and value for money.
Here’s why I think the M1 MacBook Air deserves this title, even amidst the growing competition and the release of newer models like the M2 MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro with M2.
1. Incredible Performance Powered by the M1 Chip
One of the biggest game-changers for the MacBook Air in 2024 is the performance delivered by the Apple M1 chip. While the M2 and newer Apple silicon chips are certainly faster and offer enhanced capabilities, the M1 chip still holds up remarkably well for most everyday tasks.
When I first started using the M1 MacBook Air, I was genuinely surprised by how fast it was. Despite its slim profile, it handled everything I threw at it — from multitasking with dozens of tabs open in Safari to running more resource-intensive apps like Final Cut Pro and Logic Pro. The 8-core CPU and 7-core or 8-core GPU (depending on the model) provide an exceptional balance of speed and power efficiency, making it ideal for both work and play. The neural engine also speeds up machine learning tasks like photo editing, facial recognition, and voice commands, making the overall user experience faster and smoother.
I was particularly impressed by the seamless multitasking capabilities. On a few occasions, I had Photoshop, Safari, Microsoft Word, and Slack running simultaneously, and the MacBook Air handled it without any noticeable lag. The 8GB of RAM (expandable to 16GB) is more than enough for daily tasks, and the laptop’s performance remains snappy even under heavier loads.
In terms of gaming, the M1 MacBook Air is far from a gaming laptop, but it does handle casual games like Fortnite and The Sims 4 with ease, thanks to its integrated GPU. For creative professionals and anyone who uses high-performance software, the M1 MacBook Air offers exceptional power that rivals many mid-range laptops and even some entry-level MacBook Pro models.
2. Long-Lasting Battery Life
Battery life is often the Achilles’ heel of most laptops, but not the M1 MacBook Air. Thanks to the power-efficient M1 chip, the MacBook Air delivers astonishing battery life. I’ve used this laptop for 12-14 hour workdays, and it still has juice to spare. Whether I’m writing, attending Zoom calls, or binge-watching a few episodes of my favorite show, the MacBook Air’s battery continues to impress.
Apple claims up to 15 hours of web browsing and 18 hours of video playback. In my real-world testing, I found that the M1 MacBook Air comfortably lasts through a full day of work and beyond. This is especially valuable for frequent travelers or anyone who works from coffee shops, as the need to constantly recharge is virtually nonexistent.
It’s also worth noting that the M1 chip isn’t just powerful — it’s energy efficient. The low-power consumption contributes to extended battery life while also ensuring that the laptop stays relatively cool. During intense work sessions, I rarely felt any warmth or heat on the MacBook Air, even when editing a large video file or using demanding apps.
3. Sleek, Thin, and Lightweight Design
When it comes to laptop design, Apple continues to set the standard. The M1 MacBook Air is incredibly thin and lightweight, weighing just 2.8 pounds (1.29 kg). The aluminum unibody construction makes it feel premium without being too heavy or bulky. Whether I’m carrying it in my bag or using it on the couch, it’s super easy to bring the MacBook Air wherever I go. This makes the M1 MacBook Air the perfect travel companion for people who want a device that’s portable yet powerful.
The display is another highlight. The 13.3-inch Retina display offers sharp, vibrant visuals with a 2560 x 1600 resolution. The colors are rich, and the contrast is deep, which makes it perfect for editing photos or videos, as well as watching content. The True Tone technology adjusts the screen’s white balance based on ambient lighting, ensuring that the display looks natural in any environment.
Although the MacBook Air doesn’t offer the ProMotion display (120Hz) or the mini-LED technology found in newer MacBook Pro models, the Retina display is still gorgeous and more than sufficient for most users. It’s bright enough for outdoor use, and the 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio ensures deep blacks and crisp details.
4. Value for Money
In 2024, the M1 MacBook Air remains one of the best values in the laptop market, especially when you consider the combination of price, performance, and longevity. While Apple has since released the M2 MacBook Air and other high-end MacBook models, the M1 MacBook Air still offers incredible performance at a more affordable price point.
The base model starts at $999 with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD, which is significantly cheaper than many Windows laptops with similar or even inferior specs. Even if you decide to upgrade to 16GB of RAM or a larger storage option, the M1 MacBook Air remains a cost-effective choice in its category. The value proposition becomes even more compelling when you factor in its outstanding battery life, fast performance, and premium design.
Additionally, the M1 MacBook Air receives macOS updates for many years, making it a future-proof investment. The laptop is optimized for longevity, and it continues to run smoothly even after several years of use. If you’re looking for an ultra-portable, reliable, and powerful laptop at a reasonable price, the M1 MacBook Air stands out as one of the best options available.
5. The macOS Ecosystem
The macOS ecosystem is one of the key reasons I continue to choose MacBooks over other brands. The tight integration between macOS, iCloud, and other Apple devices makes for a seamless experience. Handoff, AirDrop, and Universal Clipboard allow you to easily move between devices without friction. The App Store and macOS software are designed to work flawlessly with the M1 chip, ensuring that apps run efficiently and are often optimized for the architecture of the MacBook Air.
Another standout feature is macOS Ventura and the integration of Apple Silicon. Apps that were previously designed for Intel-based Macs now run natively on the M1 chip, with a noticeable boost in performance. Plus, Rosetta 2 ensures that any Intel-based apps that haven’t yet been updated run smoothly, making the transition to M1 incredibly easy.
What I Didn’t Like:
While I think the M1 MacBook Air is nearly perfect, it does have a couple of small drawbacks:
- Limited Ports: The MacBook Air comes with just two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports and a headphone jack. While this is typical for ultra-portable laptops, it means you’ll likely need adapters or a hub to connect multiple peripherals.
- No Touch Bar: Some users may miss the Touch Bar, which was available in previous MacBook Pro models. While I don’t personally find it essential, it’s worth mentioning for those who liked the extra functionality.
- No Pro Features: The M1 MacBook Air is great for most tasks, but if you’re a professional who requires features like ProMotion, advanced graphics, or higher processing power, you might want to consider the MacBook Pro.
Final Verdict:
The M1 MacBook Air continues to be the best laptop of 2024 for anyone looking for a balance of power, portability, and value. Its exceptional battery life, lightweight design, and incredible performance make it perfect for students, professionals, and casual users alike. Even though Apple has since released the M2 MacBook Air and other newer models, the M1 MacBook Air remains an excellent option for those who want a premium experience without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re working from home, traveling the world, or simply watching movies on the couch, the M1 MacBook Air is a versatile, reliable, and powerful laptop that stands the test of time. If you’re in the market for a new laptop in 2024, I have no doubt that the M1 MacBook Air is one of the best choices you can make.
