Apple
MacBook Air 15" (M3)
Laptops
$1,299List price
Explore this product Your shortlist, side by side
MacBook Air 15" (M3) vs MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)
Find the differences that matter for your next decision.
Apple
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)
Laptops
$3,499List price
Explore this product What matters most to you?
Start with all rankable specifications, or focus on a particular use.
Your starting point
Buy the MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max).
- Leads 6 of 8 rankable overall specs; MacBook Air 15" (M3) takes 2.
- Memory: 36 GB unified memory vs 16GB unified
How we reached this
We compare the published specifications relevant to your priority. Each rankable specification counts once; your selected requirements can rule a product out. This is a guide to the numbers, not a laboratory performance score.
Claimed battery life: Up to 24 hours video streaming / 17 hours… vs Up to 18 hours Apple TV app movie playback
MacBook Air 15" (M3) is $2,200 cheaper. Pay the difference only if memory matters to you.
The trade-off to know
Check first: the MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) weighs over 4 lb (1.8 kg). Tick them under deal-breakers if that rules it out.
Look at the differences ↓Refine your requirements
Your other devices
What would rule one out?
Side by side
The differences, in detail.
Start with the key specs, then explore as much as you need.
| What you’re comparing | MacBook Air 15" (M3) | MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max) |
|---|---|---|
| SizeDisplay | 15.3 inches | 16.2 inches |
| PanelDisplay | Liquid Retina IPS LED | Liquid Retina XDR mini-LED (nano-texture optional) |
| ProcessorPerformance | Apple M3 (8-core CPU) | Apple M4 Max (16-core CPU: 12 performance + 4 efficiency, 16-core Neural Engine) |
| MemoryPerformance | 16GB unified | 36 GB unified memory (configurable up to 128 GB) |
| Claimed battery lifeBattery | Up to 18 hours Apple TV app movie playback | Up to 24 hours video streaming / 17 hours wireless web |
Showing 5 of 29 specifications. Missing values stay unlisted. About the sources
Both sides of the decision
What you gain. What you give up.
MacBook Air 15" (M3)
Reasons to choose it
- Completely fanless silent operation
- Slim 11.5mm aluminum design with massive battery life
- Vibrant Liquid Retina display with dual external monitor support
Worth considering
- Display limited to 60Hz without ProMotion
- Base model memory and storage are soldered and non-upgradable
MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)
Reasons to choose it
- Unrivaled M4 Max CPU/GPU sustained performance
- Liquid Retina XDR with up to 1,600 nits HDR and optional nano-texture glass
- Three high-speed Thunderbolt 5 ports (up to 120 Gb/s)
Worth considering
- Heavy at 4.7 lb (2.14 kg)
- Expensive high-end configuration
Beyond the spec sheet
Living with your choice.
Explore the ownership details available for this pair.
Is the newer model worth it?
Apple sibling models compared across generations.
Our recommendation: Compare the spec differences below to see if the price premium justifies the newer model's additions.
Know what’s behind the comparison
Published specs. Visible sources.
Clinchmark compares manufacturer specifications and other published information. We have not independently lab-tested these products. Editorial assessments and unknown values are identified in the specification details.
Catalog snapshot: September 1, 2026. Prices, availability, and provider terms can change.
Still weighing it up?
Which is cheaper, the MacBook Air 15" (M3) or the MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)?
MacBook Air 15" (M3) costs $2,200 less at list price.
What is the biggest catch with the MacBook Air 15" (M3) or MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)?
Both has this deal-breaker: no touchscreen. No pen or touch input for marking up PDFs or sketching.
Which is better for travel, the MacBook Air 15" (M3) or the MacBook Pro 16" (M4 Max)?
Tied on travel. MacBook Air 15" (M3) is cheaper. The 4 rankable travel specs split 2 to 2. Saves $2,200 at list price.
What cannot be compared from spec sheets?
Of the 29 specs tracked here, 21 are descriptive and cannot be ranked on numbers alone. Spec sheets also cannot measure subjective factors like build quality, real-world performance, or comfort.