Both the MacBook Air M2 and M1 are on sale right now - which is the better buy?
It's a fantastic time to be shopping for a MacBook Air right now, thanks to a number of excellent deals to check out at Amazon this week.
We've spotted the 2020 MacBook Air M1 model and the latest 2022 MacBook Air M2 on sale today - both of which are either at their lowest ever price - or at a price that's no more than $50 off the record-low.
 Today's MacBook Air deals at Amazon
Apple MacBook Air 2020: was $999 now $799.99 at Amazon
Processor:Â Apple M1
RAM:Â 8GB
Storage:Â 256GB SSD
Apple MacBook Air 2022: was $1,199 now $1,049.99 at Amazon
Processor:Â Apple M2
RAM:Â 8GB
Storage:Â 256GB SSD
Which MacBook Air is a better buy right now?
- M2 model features an updated design
- M2 chip is better suited to professional work
- Both devices feature the same keyboard
- Both devices have 18-hour battery life
Of the two, the latest MacBook Air is undoubtedly the better laptop with its more modern design and upgraded chipset. These are the two major upgrades, but there are changes throughout the latest model that improve nearly aspect of the machine, from the display being slightly brighter to a higher resolution webcam. Side by side, it's clearly the superior laptop versus the previous model.
With all that said, the latest MacBook Air does come with a significant jump up in price versus the older version. Not only that, but we'd still rank the M1 Air as one of the best laptops you can buy. For average users, for example, the venerable M1 chip is still more than enough for everyday tasks like streaming, doing work, or browsing content. The screen and design are still great, if a little dated, and the keyboard is exactly the same as the one in the latest model. Put simply, it's a great entry point into the world of MacBooks and a model that Apple still produces for good reason.
So, to summarize, the MacBook Air M2 is the better buy if money is no object and you want a slick machine for both work and casual use. We'd recommend the MacBook Air M1, however, to those on a budget or to those who want the best value machine possible.Â
For more buying advice, head on over to our main MacBook deals page. Also don't forget to bookmark our Memorial Day sales page for our coverage of the upcoming retail event.Â
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Alex is TechRadar's retail editor, specializing in deals, buying advice, and general tips on how to save our readers as much cash as possible. He's covered events like Black Friday and Amazon in some capacity for over seven years now; both in editorial and other ecommerce adjacent roles on TechRadar, T3, GamesRadar, and other Future PLC sites. Alex's expertise touches on most areas, but he has a particular love for phones, laptops, and cameras, being an avid photographer.

